apprentice handbook...apprentice handbook professional golfers’ association of south africa page 4...

THE PROFESSIONAL GOLFERS’ ASSOCIATION

OF SOUTH AFRICA

APPRENTICE HANDBOOK

2020

Official Patron of the PGA Apprentice Programme

Apprentice Handbook

Professional Golfers’ Association of South Africa

Contents Page

PGA OF SOUTH AFRICA DETAILS................................................................................................... 3

INTRODUCTION ............................................................................................................................... 4

JOINING THE PGA OF SA AND BECOMING A REGISTERED APPRENTICE ................................. 4

REQUIREMENTS TO FULFIL IN ORDER TO QUALIFY AS A MEMBER OF THE PGA OF SA ............ 5

THE FIELDS INTO WHICH YOU CAN GROW .................................................................................. 5

TOURNAMENTS WHICH YOU QUALIFY TO PLAY IN ..................................................................... 5

CHANGE OF EMPLOYMENT PROCEDURE.................................................................................... 6

PGA’S CODE OF ETHICS ................................................................................................................ 6

GENERAL RULES .............................................................................................................................. 7

THE PGA OF SA TRAINING PROGRAMME .................................................................................... 7

THE PGA NATIONAL TRAINING ACADEMY MISSION STATEMENT .............................................. 8

SOURCES OF ADVICE, HELP AND SUPPORT ................................................................................ 8

THE PEOPLE RESPONSIBLE FOR YOUR DEVELOPMENT………………………………………………8

PGA TUTORS AND MENTORS ......................................................................................................... 9

TEACHING ABILITY TESTS AND TEACHING PRACTICALS ............................................................. 9

EDUCATION DEPARTMENT REQUIREMENTS ............................................................................... 10

THE PROGRAMME ........................................................................................................................ 10

WORK BASED LEARNING ............................................................................................................. 10

LEARNING MATERIAL.................................................................................................................... 11

RESIDENTIAL COURSES ................................................................................................................. 12

ASSIGNMENTS ............................................................................................................................... 13

EXAMINATIONS ............................................................................................................................. 15

GRADING OF ASSESSMENTS ........................................................................................................ 16

GRADES ......................................................................................................................................... 17

RULES REGARDING PASSING, FAILING, RE-WRITING AND CARRYING SUBJECTS ............... 198

SUSPENSION .................................................................................................................................. 19

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF RECEIPT OF PGA OF SA 2019 APPRENTICE HANDBOOK ............ 20

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PGA OF SOUTH AFRICA DETAILS

Contact Details

Physical address Postal Address

The Professional Golfers’ Association PO Box 949

Royal Jhb & Kensington Golf Club Bedfordview

No 1 Fairway Ave 2008

Linksfield

Johannesburg

2192

Telephone No : (011) 485 1370

E-mail : [email protected]

Web Site : www.pga.co.za

Staff Members

Ivano Ficalbi Chief Executive [email protected]

Lauren Nel Digital Communications & Marketing Man. [email protected]

Andrew Gunn Education and Training Manager [email protected]

Charmaine Arthur Education and Training Administrator [email protected]

Karen Fourie Accounts Department [email protected]

Tracey Marais Events and Membership Manager [email protected]

Cathrine Nzimande Commercial Manager Administrator [email protected]

Yolandi Ficalbi Membership Relationship Man. (G’teng) [email protected]

Byron Nel Membership Relationship Man. (G’teng-N) [email protected]

Loraine Miller Membership Relationship Man. (KZN) [email protected]

Adrienne Thorne Membership Relationship Man. (W-Cape) [email protected]

Lindy Murray Membership Relationship Man. (S&E-Cape) [email protected]

Dietrich Uys Commercial Manager [email protected]

Board of Directors

Louis Destroo (Chairman) Stellenbosch Golf Club

Jason Bird KZN Regional Chairman

Neil Walsh-Tucker (S/E Cape) Fancourt Estate

Dave Usendorff Four Seasons Golf Resort – Mauritius

Joseph Phiri Zwartkop Country Club

Gavin Woodroffe Zimbali Country Club

David Riddle Koro Creek Golf Estate

Ignis Van Der Merwe Gauteng Regional Chairman

Roy Braxton Independent Director

Monde Nlovu Independent Director

Ethel Neymbe Independent Director

http://www.pga.co.za/

mailto:[email protected]





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.

INTRODUCTION

Welcome to the PGA of SA. You are

embarking upon a course that will grant

you entry into one of the oldest and

most respected sporting organisations in

the world. Entry cannot be bought, it

must be earned, and therefore being a

Member of the PGA is indeed exclusive.

You have entered a special family and

we hope you will grow in your chosen

career.

This handbook is intended to give you an overview of the general requirements to

qualify as a full member of the PGA of SA, the rules and regulations that you must

adhere to while you are doing so and the requirements of the PGA Education

Programme.

JOINING THE PGA OF SA AND BECOMING A REGISTERED APPRENTICE

In order to qualify to register with the PGA you must submit:

Copy of ID, Passport or Driver’s License

Proof of a handicap of 4 or less for men and 7 or less for ladies

Have completed two Playing Ability Tests of 6 over par Men / 10 over par Ladies

Certification of Grade 12 / A-Levels

A position working under a fully qualified PGA member at a green grass

environment with Contract of Employment

A comprehensive Curriculum Vitae

You have to be interviewed by a PGA of SA staff or Board member and be

accepted onto the programme. Even if you have been employed by a PGA of

SA member it does not mean that you will gain automatic acceptance as a

Registered Apprentice.

Completion of the Indemnity form and passing of criminal check

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Required PGA documentation to be filled in, signed by parities and submitted

Payment of fees – please contact the PGA Accounts Department.

REQUIREMENTS TO FULFIL IN ORDER TO QUALIFY AS A MEMBER OF THE PGA OF SA

During your apprenticeship you will be required to:

Complete 3 years apprenticeship working at a green grass environment (golf club or

driving range) under the mentorship of a fully qualified PGA member.

The apprenticeship must be unbroken i.e. you may not be unattached for more than 3

months (and this will only be permitted once) and you may not stop working before

the apprenticeship has been completed. If these conditions are violated your

apprenticeship will be terminated. See change of employment procedure below.

Work a minimum of 40 hours a week.

Attend the annual residential and write exams. These are non-negotiable. If you

cannot attend you will have to resume your apprenticeship the following year.

Achieve the playing ability criteria. See the Playing Ability regulations on Page 9.

Complete all requirements of the distance learning programme and be declared

competent in assignments, practical’s and exams.

THE FIELDS INTO WHICH YOU CAN GROW

The golf industry has many and various fields. Generally PGA pros fit into one of the

following categories: Coach, Retailer, Golf Director, Club Manager. However many people

have found other niches within the golf industry such as golf journalist, rules official, event

manager, tournament director, golf course designer, equipment repair specialist,

administrator, master of ceremonies, television commentator, editor etc.

TOURNAMENTS IN WHICH YOU ARE ELIGIBLE TO PLAY

Apprentice Pro Ams

Each region runs its own apprentice pro ams. As part of your tournament organization

module in your second year you will be required to run one of these tournaments

which the other apprentices may play in. In regions with fewer members you may be

required to run a Regional pro-am.

Apprentice Championships

The apprentice championships are a 36 hole event held around the residentials every

year.

Playing ability qualifiers

Each region will hold events specifically for the purpose of apprentices obtaining their

required scores.

Regional Pro Ams

Each region (Gauteng Central; Gauteng North; KZN, Free State and Northern Cape;

Southern & Eastern Cape; Western Cape) runs its own pro ams. Apprentices are

allowed to play as per each region’s qualifying criteria.

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Corporate Pro Ams

There are pro ams throughout the country where corporates use PGA of SA members

to entertain their guests.

Sun International Club Pro-Ams

Every year Sun International hosts 4 tournaments: two at The Wild Coast and one each

at Lost City and The Gary Player Country Club. Each pro is required to take a team of 3

amateurs and the cost for a pro is in the region of R1 000 per event. Preferential

booking goes to full members of the PGA but usually a certain number of apprentices

are taken from the waiting list.

CHANGE OF EMPLOYMENT PROCEDURE AND UNATTACHMENT

Should you wish to change your place of employment,

or the professional by whom you are employed leaves

the club, the following procedure must take place:

Before accepting a new position find out if it

meets

the criteria for apprenticeship

Notify the PGA in writing.

Send a letter outlining the reason behind the

change of employment.

Completion of the Roles and Responsibilities

form with your new employer.

Being unattached

Should you leave employment or be left without employment, you are to notify the PGA

immediately. You will be declared ‘unattached’ for a maximum period of three months

during which time you must make every possible attempt to secure full time employment

or find a mentor professional. At the conclusion of this period, if you have failed to find

employment at an approved establishment, your apprenticeship and academic studies

will be put on hold. Any application to re-join the programme at a subsequent point will

be considered on its merits.

PGA’S CODE OF ETHICS

As a PGA Apprentice Professional, you are bound to the Code of Ethics and Regulations of

the Association. It is important that you make yourself aware of the obligations that are

required of you as a Golf Professional. The PGA Code of Ethics and Regulations can be

found in the Apprentice section of the PGA website.

Please read this section in conjunction with the Association Regulations.

The PGA of South Africa’s motto is TOUCHING LIVES THROUGH THE GAME OF GOLF.

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This means that each of our members represents the PGA brand. The way that the golfing

public perceives our brand is only as good as the way that they perceive each individual

member

As a guide, please be sure to:

Be appropriately dressed at work, on the golf course, attending examinations and

during residential sessions.

Refrain from bad language and exhibitions of temper on the golf course.

Ensure that your actions are in no way likely to bring discredit upon the association or

Members.

Familiarise yourself with the PGA Code of Ethics and regulations regarding social

media (it is posted on the PGA of SA website) and be conversant with all Regulations

relating to professional conduct.

The Regulations which govern the Association are there for the protection of the

Association and the membership. To ensure a professional image is maintained it is vital

that all Members and Apprentices adhere to them and are supportive of them. Please be

sure to ask a Member or member of staff should you ever be in any doubt.

Fines and/ or Disciplinary action will be issued to members and Apprentices who do not

adhere to these requirements.

GENERAL RULES

Playing at another course

When you play at another course you are required to contact the PGA of SA member who

is the resident pro, introduce yourself and get permission to play there. Most clubs have a

policy of allowing visiting PGA members to play at members’ rates. Some may let you play

for free.

Remember that this is a courtesy and not a right. Do not abuse this privilege by playing at

one course too often. If you do not phone ahead don’t be surprised if you are charged

visitors’ fees.

Use of the PGA of SA Logo

Only qualified professionals/full members of the PGA may use the “PGA member”

crest/logo. Apprentices may refer to themselves on business cards etc. as “PGA

Apprentice” but may not use any of the PGA logos or use the words “PGA Professional”.

THE PGA OF SA TRAINING PROGRAMME

The PGA of SA’s education programme is accredited to the gold standard of the PGA’s of

Europe. This accreditation and the PGA of SA’s membership of the PGA’s of Europe means

that when you qualify as a full member your qualification will be recognized in Europe.

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The PGA of SA Training programme is primarily delivered through distance learning material

but also involves on the job training, intensive residential courses and study support. In order

to make good progress on your programme, you will have to manage your time effectively

and balance the demands of work, study, home and leisure. One of the lessons to be

learned from the course is coping with deadlines.

THE PGA EDUCATION DEPARTMENT MISSION STATEMENT

The PGA Education Department exists to provide all members and potential members with

the skills and knowledge they require to optimise their position in the game of golf. This will

also have the effect of increasing the PGA’s brand value.

SOURCES OF ADVICE, HELP AND SUPPORT

Whilst you are studying for your qualification, there may be times when you will need

advice, help and support on a range of issues. The good news is that plenty of help is

available and it is better for you to ask than to ‘suffer in silence’.

THE PEOPLE RESPONSIBLE FOR YOUR DEVELOPMENT

In this section the roles of the people who share the responsibility for your development are

outlined.

Your Professional is more than just your employer. He or she is an experienced

practitioner who can both help you with the realities of being a golf professional and

act as your mentor throughout your training. To become a PGA Golf Professional

requires you to develop your knowledge of all aspects of golf as well as

management and communication skills. There is also an expectation that you will

continue the high standards of behaviour expected of a PGA Professional. These

skills are best learned on a day to day basis and it is your PGA Professional who is best

placed to guide you.

The PGA tutors are experts in their fields whose contribution to the programme is

invaluable. They provide the technical expertise during your residential course and

have also contributed widely to the development of the study support material. If

you have problems with the subject area, the subject tutors are prepared to offer

advice over the telephone. Please be sensitive to the fact that the tutors may be

busy when you contact them.

The PGA Education Department staff are full-time employees of the PGA whose job is

to design, develop, manage and monitor the training provided by the PGA. They

are also responsible for the residential programme, Teaching Ability Tests (TAT’s) and

Playing Ability Tests (PAT’s)

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If you have any queries regarding the administration of your course e.g. contracts,

residential bookings, examination dates, please do not hesitate to contact Andrew Gunn.

PGA TUTORS AND MENTORS:

Scott Gillespie Business Lecturer and practical examiner (GP) 074123 9133

Kimy Swanepoel Retailing and managing a golf business 083 552 7741

Greg Smith Equipment Technology & Custom Fitting 082 372 0541

Murray Smit Custom Fitting Assessor 079 385 5507

Brendon Timm Practical examiner coaching (Port Elizabeth) 072 623 3259

Roelof Roelofze Practical examiner coaching (George) 082 875 4385

Craig Lewthwaite Practical examiner coaching (Cape Town) 082 688 7457

Wayne Bradley Practical examiner coaching (Cape Town) 082 990 7243

Ben Fouche Practical examiner coaching (Cape Town) 082 499 2448

James Wade Practical examiner coaching (Cape Town) 082 435 5831

John Dickson Practical examiner coaching (G’teng) 082 990 7201

Thomas Raatgever Practical examiner coaching (KZN) 072 151 8723

Adriaan van Pletzen Practical examiner coaching (G’teng) 082 216 6978

Ian Corbett Sports Science 082 455 7139

Pedro Barata Business Law 084 581 1579

Tracey Marais Tournament Organization 011 485 1370

TEACHING ABILITY TESTS AND TEACHING PRACTICALS

An apprentice starting the programme must do and pass a teaching ability test within 6

months of joining. The apprentice must book a lesson with one of the Practical examiners

above. You are required to be able to give a basic lesson without using video analysis or

having an in-depth knowledge of the laws and principles.

At the end of the 3 year programme there is a second teaching assessment where you

have to give a video lesson using the laws, principles and preferences. You will also be

required to demonstrate and explain a specific type of golf shot as part of your playing

ability test. You will also have to complete and pass a Custom Fitting Practical.

Playing Ability Tests

During the course of the apprenticeship you must score 4 scores of 6 over

par or better for men and 10 over par or better for woman medal score in

a recognized PGA event.

A maximum of two of these scores can be achieved in pro ams.

There must be a minimum of 2 scores from the medal qualifying rounds

that are held specifically for the purposes of qualifying.

An apprentice must participate in not less than 4 tournaments per

annum subject to regional criteria.

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The 4 scores must be obtained during the 3 years of study. If these scores are not achieved

you will not be allowed to qualify and will continue to pay apprentice subs. When you

eventually qualify you will be invoiced the backdated full members subscriptions i.e. the

same amount that your peers who did qualify on time were invoiced.

Should you not obtain your 4 scores within the 3 year apprenticeship you may be granted

1(one) additional year after the Gauteng Graduation ceremony, during this period you will

be invoiced three times the apprentice membership fee. If you have not obtained your

scores within the extension period your apprenticeship will be declared null & void.

EDUCATION DEPARTMENT REQUIREMENTS

As an apprentice you must:

Respond within seven (7) days to all correspondence that the Education Department

requires you to attend to.

Notify the Education Department immediately of any change of employment, home

address, telephone numbers and e-mail address. Much of the correspondence is via

e-mail and sms so it is important to notify us of a change in these details.

In addition to personal correspondence, the education newsletter is sent out once a

month and important information is communicated.

Be aware of all assignment deadlines and submit all assignments in accordance with

the procedure relating to these.

Check all dates of examinations, venues and times and be present for such.

Discuss with and inform your employer of all information (e.g. Dates of exams,

workshops) as it arises.

Complete all assignments and examinations as required.

Ensure that all money due to the PGA of SA is paid by the due date.

Commit to the payment plans provided by signing a debit order. Contact PGA

Accounts Dept.

THE PROGRAMME

The 3 Year Distance learning programme is both a vocational and an academic

qualification and involves learning in a variety of ways, each with its own characteristics.

These are outlined below.

WORK BASED LEARNING

The day-to-day realities of the life of a golf professional can only be learned through

practical experience. There will be times when the job will be very hectic and you may

have little time to absorb what is going on but this is all part of the learning process. Try to

spend some time at the end of the day or week reflecting on what you have done and

learned. A journal or diary may help with this process. If you do this, you will find it really

illuminating to read back on your early experiences at the end of the course. Your

workload with your employer cannot be used as a reason for non-completion and

submission of your academic requirements.

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LEARNING MATERIAL

This mainly consists of your Study Guides. These include reading and questions that are

designed to help you to understand and apply the information. Some of the questions will

require you to obtain further information from a variety of sources such as books,

magazines, the internet and your professional. It is important that you read as widely as

possible and develop the skill of finding out information using a range of sources. On

average, you should expect to spend 7-10 hours per week studying.

You should download (from the PGA website) &

read through your Study Guides before the

residential so that you can come prepared and

then work steadily through them during the year.

They are designed to help you understand the

topics and, in effect, fulfil the function of lessons on

a non-distance learning course. Therefore, not

completing your Study Guides is like not attending

lessons – you cannot expect to learn fully if you do

this.

All study guides and where applicable, portfolio of

evidence must be completed. You can seek the

help of fellow Assistants, your Professional, other

Professionals, PGA Tutors and PGA Training

Academy staff. The completed study guide is

evidence that you have covered the work and may

be required by the Education Department to satisfy

the external examiner.

If you have a problem understanding any aspect of the course there are a number of

options you can take:

Consult the Study Guide carefully. The information you require may be there.

Think carefully about the problem. The answer may not be immediately obvious

but with patience may come to you. If necessary sleep on it, answers sometimes

come when you are more relaxed.

Broaden your reading. Consult books, journals, the Internet. Talk to other

Assistants. At times, two heads are better than one.

Talk to your Professional. He or she will have a wealth of experience and may be

able to help you solve your problem.

Phone your tutor.

Contact the PGA Head Office

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RESIDENTIAL COURSES

Compulsory residential courses are held for Apprentices in each year of training.

The Residential dates for 2020 are:

1st and 2nd years - 18 to 22 May 2020

3rd years - 27 to 29 May 2020

Apprentice Champs - 25 & 26 May 2020

Please note that these dates are subject to

change

The residential course provides the opportunity for

you to work directly with specialist trainers on key

parts of the programme content. However, you

should be aware that the residentials are

designed to build on the knowledge you gain

through your Study Guides. It is not possible to

cover the whole of the course during a

residential.

Lectures will be in all subject areas; Sports Science, Golf Coaching: Theory & Practice,

Equipment Technology, Business Management, Business Law and Rules & Tournaments. The

focus is on the Apprentice Professional as a coach/business manager and not as a player.

The playing aspect should be covered in day to day practice with your coach / employer.

All Apprentice Professionals are required to attend the residential courses and all sessions

during the week and to be punctual for all sessions. Non-attendance at a residential course

or residential session(s) must be supported by evidence to prove that there was a valid

reason e.g. medical certificate. If it is deemed that the student had a valid reason for non-

attendance, efforts will be made to make an alternative arrangement. (Although there are

no guarantees that this will be possible) Non-attendance without a valid reason will be

deemed a serious offence and a decision on the penalty (which could involve deferring

training for a year) will be taken by the Training Manager. Any appeals against such

decisions must be made to the Education and Training Manager in writing.

With reference to PGA Regulations, jeans and training shoes are not acceptable dress for a

Member of the Association. Members must also comply with the etiquette and dress

requirements in the Regulations for tournaments. You should dress as ‘smart work’ during

the day sessions

Accommodation and Travel These arrangements must be made by the apprentices.

Discipline You should be aware that high standards are expected from you whilst on the residential.

Failure to meet these standards could result in disciplinary action being taken against you in

line with the Association’s regulations.

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ASSIGNMENTS

Procedures for Submitting Assignments

All assignments must be received no later than the published date.

Assignments must be e-mailed to [email protected] & your mentor pro MUST be

copied in on the email. Assignments will be printed as they are received and the

correct formatting and page layouts are the responsibility of the apprentice.

Late assignments will not be accepted. If an assignment is not handed in or late the

student will not be allowed to write an exam in that subject and will not qualify for a

rewrite. The subject will have to be carried through to the next year.

It is your responsibility to keep back-up copies of your work together with all dispatch

documentation in the event that assignments are lost in the post or not received by e

mail.

You should also back up your work onto a flash drive. The excuse that you did your

assignment on your ex-girlfriend’s computer or that your laptop is stolen is like the one

about the dog eating your homework – it is not acceptable!

Please ensure you submit assignments for different subjects in separate files as each

subject has its own specialist markers.

All assignments should be typed with a ‘double line spacing’ layout. E-mail in Word

Format. Refer to document Essays & Reports & Referencing your assignments in the

General Folder on you flash that you received at Residentials.

Make use of a cover sheet indicating your name, surname, year ? , member nr

& name of the assignment.

Feedback Sheets

When your marked assignment is returned, you

will be given your grade and feedback sheets.

This is designed to show your strengths and

weaknesses, to enable you to improve for the

future. Your professional will also be e mailed a

copy of your feedback sheet.


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Re-submitting of assignments

Students are not permitted to resubmit any assignments that have reached at least a

pass i.e. you cannot resubmit an assignment in order to increase your grade from a

Pass to a Merit or Merit to Distinction.

You are only required to resubmit a failed assignment when notified by the Exam

Board.

There is a charge of R500 incl. VAT payable to PGA of South Africa for all second (re-

submitted) assignments.

Plagiarism Plagiarism is letting your readers assume that words and ideas are your own, when in fact

they are someone else’s. So, with plagiarism comes a strong implication of dishonest

conduct.

It should come as no surprise therefore to learn that the PGA regard deliberate plagiarism

as a disciplinary offence and all plagiarism as a serious breach of the norms of good

practice. In serious cases plagiarism can lead to termination of membership with the PGA.

Copying material or downloading it off the

internet does not show that you have gained

knowledge, nor does handing in someone else’s

work. The learning process involves sourcing and

reading the material, digesting it, forming an

opinion and then being able to express it in your

own words.

Unintentional plagiarism can be avoided by acknowledging, in a proper academic way,

the contribution that others have made to the development of your ideas and to the

quality of your answers.

The presumption is that the plagiarism is a result of academic incompetence. The

submission will be marked to recognise the student’s own contribution. Exceptionally this

may result in a Pass mark. If the work fails, the student will be offered a chance to resubmit,

except when the work is already a resubmission of an earlier Fail. This is to be seen as a

learning opportunity and is to be supported by tutorial advice.

In certain circumstances the presumption of academic incompetence can’t be made.

These circumstances include:

When the student already has a first degree.

Where there is very little evidence of the student’s own writing (i.e. the work is

substantially identified as having a different author, e.g. if text is downloaded from the

Internet); or if

The student has been advised on a number of comment sheets that ‘attention should

be paid to referencing’, ‘use of texts/sources is not appropriate’, that the tutor ‘has

reservations about the authorship of the work’ etc.

In such cases the Tutor/Examiner will not recommend the resubmission opportunity to the

Examination Board and further disciplinary action (which could be as extreme as being

expelled from the course) may be taken.

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Portfolio of evidence During your apprenticeship you are required to maintain a portfolio of evidence of your

progress. This should include:

The Portfolio of evidence section in your workbook where it exists

The workbooks from the study material completed by you.

A list of books that you have read.

A diary of valuable learning experiences that you have had.

Other courses/seminars you have attended.

Playing record.

Completion of log books as required.

EXAMINATIONS

Examinations are held in a number of modules and attendance at all examinations is

compulsory.

Year 1, 2 & 3 examinations will be held regionally in February/March. You will need to

spend some time prior to the examinations preparing through revision of the topics. It is

recommended that you begin this revision at least one month before the exam date.

Should you experience accident, illness or misadventure prior to the examinations which

would affect your ability to complete examinations, a suitable medical certificate or other

documentation to support your case is required as soon as possible at the Training

Academy and no later than 7 days after the date of the incident.

The Education Department will assess each application on a case by case basis and

advise the Assistant of the outcome of the application.

Cheating in Examinations

An Assistant Professional is deemed to be cheating when found:

Using a mobile phone to communicate during the examination & will be

confiscated.

Copying from the examination script of another candidate.

Obtaining assistance from another candidate.

Providing information to other candidates during the examination.

Using unauthorized materials in the examination (either written or electronic).

Impersonating or allowing him/her to be impersonated.

Please note: this list only provides examples and is not exhaustive.

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Absence from Examinations Students are responsible for making sure that they know the time and location of their

Examinations. Notice is given at the beginning of each academic year of the dates of the

Examination periods and students are expected to be available. The PGA will not accept

any planned event (e.g. a holiday or a wedding) as a valid reason for absence during any

examination period. Non-attendance will result in a Fail being recorded, with whatever

consequences ensue.

If you cannot attend your examination for health or other personal reasons, you must let

the PGA know immediately and produce a medical certificate or other written evidence

as soon as possible. The Mitigations Committee will consider the evidence you submit and,

if it is viable, will recommend to the Examination Board that a first sit should be allowed. If

the evidence you submit is not considered valid, or if you fail to submit it in time, you will be

recorded as failing the exam.

If you are delayed you may still enter the examination room up to 15 minutes after the

commencement of the examination. No extra time will be granted to you.

Extra Time in Examinations for Students with valid medical Certification – e.g.

Dyslexia or Dyspraxia Students who have registered with the PGA as having a pre-existing medical condition will

be given special dispensation for examinations in accordance with the recommendations

of the Educational Psychologist who carries out the assessments. This will range from extra

time to an amanuensis (a scribe). Arrangements will be made for such students to sit

exams separately, but these must always be undertaken at the PGA Head Offices, as there

are no facilities at other exam centres.

GRADING OF ASSESSMENTS

The work that you submit for assessment in a module is the evidence of your achievement

of the Learning Outcomes for that module. The Markers will make a judgement on the

grade you are to be awarded based on a number of factors and in the following pages

you will find some guidance on the general principles and expectations.

Knowledge and Understanding

To make a judgement about this element of your

work, tutors will be looking for accuracy and detail

in your knowledge of theories, concepts, texts and

authors. They will have expectations about the

range of sources you should be using, the initiative

you show in your research and will evaluate your

understanding of the nature and origins of

knowledge.

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Analysis and Application To make a judgement about this element of your work, tutors will be looking for an ability to

interpret and evaluate evidence and to sustain a critical argument which compares

theoretical perspectives. They will look for evidence that you can relate theory to practice,

extend this to novel situations and to reflect on and synthesise your personal approach.

Communication and Presentation Skills To make a judgement about this element of your work, tutors will be looking for clarity in

structure and articulation, and an appropriate use of the medium. You are expected to be

fluent in your academic writing style and to be confident in your use of conventions for

referencing and bibliography.

Module Specific Learning Outcomes For the most part, tutors will assess the evidence you give of your learning according to the

descriptors for the above elements. In some cases modules will have specific learning

outcomes that will be assessed according to criteria which you will be given in the module

information.

Tutors will always look for evidence that you have paid attention to the module information

and to the Learning Outcomes in preparing your work. It is essential, for instance, that

assignments are written to the title that you are given.

GRADES

All assessments will be graded into one of four categories, based on the following generic

grading criteria:

All Assignments – Pass Mark : 40%

Pass (40-59%)

The work will demonstrate a basic understanding of the key concepts and most of the main

issues will be identified and adequately covered, although there will be scope for

improvement.

There will be evidence of background reading and research, where appropriate, although

there will be few, if any references. The work should be neatly presented, logically

structured and coherent, although there may be room for improvement in these respects.

Overall, there should be as more strengths as weaknesses but there will be room for

improvement in the content and/or structure.

Apprentice Handbook


Merit (60-79%) The work will demonstrate a sound

understanding of the key concepts with most

of the main issues covered effectively. There

will be evidence of background reading and

research, where appropriate, and some

references will be provided although there

may be room for improvement in this area.

The work will be neatly presented, logically

structured and coherently written.

Overall, there should be more strengths than weaknesses with some scope for improvement

in content and/or structure.

Distinction (80 %+) The work will demonstrate an excellent understanding of the key concepts and the

requirements of the task. It will show high levels of insight and awareness of the relevant

issues. There will be evidence of detailed background reading and research, where

appropriate, which will be effectively referenced. The research will be used to justify and

substantiate opinions expressed in the assignment.

The work will be professionally presented, effectively structured and well-written.

Overall, the work will show many more strengths than weaknesses.

Fail (0-39%) There are errors and omissions and a lack of understanding of the relevant issues. There is

inadequate coverage of issues and/or irrelevant work. There is a lack of application and

poor commitment to the task. Overall, there are more weaknesses than strengths. The

implications of failing an assessment are explained below.

For Golf Rules Exam & Assignment - the pass mark is 70%.

For Rules the Grades are as follows:

Pass (70-79%)

Merit (80-89%)

Distinction (90 %+)

RULES REGARDING PASSING, FAILING, RE-WRITING AND CARRYING SUBJECTS

If a student fails an assignment he may be asked to rewrite it before being allowed to write

the exams.

If an assignment is not submitted by the deadline or extension date, the Apprentice will not

be allowed to write the relevant exam. If more than 2 assignments are not handed in the

apprentice will not be allowed to write the exams and will have to repeat the year in its

entirety.

Apprentice Handbook


In the case of an apprentice not being competent in more than 2 assignments, the exam

board reserves the right to prevent him from writing exams and to require that he redoes the

year in its entirety.

If a student gets an aggregate mark (for exams and assignments) that is a fail (less than 40%)

but more than 30% he may qualify for a rewrite exam as long as he does not fail more than

two subjects.

If he then fails the rewrite he will have to carry the subjects into his next year. All rewrites and

carried over subjects will be charged for.

Even if the aggregate mark for a subject is a pass but the exam mark is less than 30% the

exam must be rewritten.

If a student fails more than 2 subjects he must redo the year at full cost.

SUSPENSION

Suspension can come about under the following circumstances:

1) Voluntary suspension – where an apprentice requests for their education to be placed

on hold due to valid personal reasons

2) Involuntary suspension

By moving away from the current professional

and not being under the mentorship of a PGA

professional for a period in excess of 3 (three)

months

Due to non-payment (Default) of the account

with the PGA

Due to not fulfilling education criteria

Due to disciplinary reasons

In the event of suspension, please note that the following loss of benefits will take place:

The apprentice will no longer be permitted to refer to themselves as an apprentice

member of the PGA of South Africa on their business cards, business premises,

motor vehicle, promotional advertising, etc.

The apprentice may not play in PGA sanctioned tournaments.

The apprentice loses the privileged rate pertaining to PGA members when playing

at other golf courses.

The apprentice cannot coach under the banner of the PGA of South Africa.

With regards to your education the credits you have achieved will not be forfeited

i.e. should you re-instate with the PGA your educational credits will be recognized.

You will be liable for a re-instatement fee of R 2 500.00 should you wish to re-join the PGA.

.

Apprentice Handbook


ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF RECEIPT OF PGA OF SOUTH AFRICA

2020 APPRENTICE HANDBOOK

I _________________________________________the undersigned have read and understand the contents of the PGA of South Africa 2020 Apprentice Handbook.

I hereby confirm my acceptance of the terms and conditions of the PGA of South Africa apprentice rules and regulations as laid out in the Apprentice Handbook & Code of Conduct as per the most recent edition on the PGA of SA website.

Signed _______________________ Date_________________________ Witness______________________

Please sign this page and return to the PGA Education and Training Department.

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