Golf manager shoots his way to elite PGA status

  • Published
  • By Airman Adawn Kelsey
  • 82nd Training Wing Public Affiars
SHEPPARD AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  Ever wonder what it would be like to be part of the best of the best? Maybe even being part of a group that represents 0.15 percent of an organization.

James Wright, Sheppard's golf course manager, has done just that. He's one individual that has reached class A status in the Professional Golf Association of America's six certification areas: general management, golf operations, retail, instruction, ownership and leasing and executive management. The PGA has 25,000 class A members. Only 38 have the class A achievements in all six areas.

"I have worked my butt off over the last three years," Mr. Wright said. "It takes more than 100 hours of intense study. After one feels proficient in the course material, you schedule yourself for a rigorous three-hour exam that covers a multitude of subjects, along with the subject you are becoming certified in. It is a grueling experience, to say the least."

As members, there is a high commitment level and also a level of responsibility. Beyond the commitment aspect it is difficult becoming a class A PGA member because of the intense dedication and hard work.

Prior to attaining class A membership, there are several classes, studying and exams that a person must endure and pass.

"Since we are a professional organization, we must adhere to a strict code of ethics," Mr. Wright said. "We are required to obtain 52 member service requirements that include 36 hours of continuing education and 18 service hours of meetings, conferences, etcetera, in a three-year period. If a member does not achieve the number of continuing hours, he is put in class F and suspended until all requirements are met."

These requirements are to ensure that the members of the PGA are working to improve in their area of expertise.

"We are entrusted to provide expertise in the game of golf and to operate golf facilities as general managers, directors of golf, head golf professionals and qualified assistant golf professionals," Mr. Wright said.

This is a long process and takes about five years in the PGA Apprentice Program to achieve class A membership. There is currently a 75 percent dropout rate in the program.

Although it sounds like a grueling process, there is another step in the PGA ladder. Mr. Wright said he has worked hard for his accomplishments but he is not quite done. He said he plans to become a PGA Master Professional.

"You have to be certified in one of the six areas before working on your master professional. I plan on working on that, I haven't decided which area I will do my work in. Needless to say, that is the pinnacle of the organization," Mr. Wright said.

After retiring from the Air Force, Mr. Wright became an apprentice at a golf club and began working to obtain a class A level. He said that it took a lot of hard work and extra time out of his regular schedule to achieve his goal.