International PGA Terms & Conditions
Effective Date: August 17, 2023
Welcome to the International PGA (“IPGA,” “we,” “us,” or “our”). These Terms & Conditions govern applications for, and participation in, International PGA membership and related golf teaching certification programs.
By applying for membership, enrolling in a certification program, or maintaining an International PGA membership, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agreed to these Terms & Conditions.
1. About the International PGA
The International PGA is a worldwide professional organization dedicated to supporting the development, education, training, and teaching of the game of golf.
Our membership community is composed of golf instructors, teaching professionals, coaches, and qualified individuals who demonstrate the knowledge, skills, and qualifications necessary to teach the game of golf.
The International PGA welcomes qualified applicants from all countries and backgrounds. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, ethnicity, religion, gender, disability, age, or other legally protected characteristics.
Membership eligibility is based solely on an applicant’s qualifications, experience, demonstrated ability, and suitability to teach the game of golf, subject to applicable laws and these Terms & Conditions.
Membership in the International PGA does not represent employment by the IPGA and does not constitute membership in, affiliation with, or licensure by any national PGA organization unless expressly stated otherwise.
2. Membership Eligibility
The International PGA is intended primarily for individuals who are qualified to teach and instruct the game of golf.
Applicants may demonstrate their qualifications through:
- Current or previous golf teaching certifications;
- Membership or professional credentials from recognized golf teaching organizations;
- Professional golf qualifications;
- Formal golf education or training;
- Documented teaching experience;
- Other credentials or qualifications demonstrating the applicant’s ability to teach golf; or
- Successful completion of an International PGA certification pathway.
The International PGA reserves the right to review, verify, and evaluate submitted credentials before approving an application.
Possession of a membership card or credential from another organization does not automatically guarantee International PGA membership. All applications remain subject to review and approval by the International PGA.
3. Recognition of Existing Qualifications
Applicants who already hold teaching qualifications from another recognized golf organization may submit those credentials for review.
The International PGA may recognize past or current qualifications, certifications, training, memberships, or professional experience from other institutions when determining eligibility for membership.
Applicants may be asked to provide copies of certificates, membership cards, licenses, diplomas, letters of recommendation, instructional videos, or other documentation necessary to verify their qualifications.
The International PGA reserves the right to request additional documentation or clarification when necessary to determine whether an applicant meets our membership standards.
4. International PGA Golf Teaching License
Individuals who do not possess existing qualifications sufficient for membership may pursue an International PGA Golf Teaching License through an available IPGA certification pathway.
Depending upon the program selected, applicants may be required to complete educational coursework, examinations, practical assessments, and demonstrations of teaching ability.
The International PGA may offer certification and training programs through authorized training partners and facilities in different countries around the world.
Availability of in-person training may vary by country and location.
5. Online Certification Program
The International PGA may offer an online pathway for applicants seeking to obtain an International PGA Golf Teaching License.
The online certification process may include the following requirements:
Written Examination
Applicants must successfully complete an online examination consisting of multiple-choice and true/false questions addressing fundamental knowledge of:
- The game of golf;
- Rules of golf;
- Golf fundamentals;
- Teaching methodology; and
- Golf instruction.
Playing Ability Tests
Applicants must complete two Playing Ability Tests (“PATs”), with each test being verified or signed off by a qualified club professional.
Unless otherwise specified by the applicable certification program, applicants must achieve a score of 84 or better for each required PAT.
Teaching Demonstration
Applicants must provide a short video demonstrating their ability to properly teach fundamental aspects of golf.
The demonstration may include areas such as:
- Proper grip;
- Stance and setup;
- Alignment;
- Ball position;
- Swing mechanics;
- Drills;
- Instructional communication; and
- Other fundamental teaching techniques.
Where permitted by the applicable certification program, an applicant may satisfy the teaching demonstration requirement by submitting a longer video of an actual instructional session demonstrating their ability to teach a student.
The International PGA reserves the right to request additional information, documentation, testing, or demonstrations when necessary to verify an applicant’s qualifications.
6. Membership Approval
Completion of an application or payment of a membership fee does not necessarily guarantee membership approval.
The International PGA reserves the right to review applications and qualifications before, during, or after registration.
If an applicant does not meet the applicable membership requirements, the International PGA may decline the application or request additional information before approving membership.
7. Membership Term
International PGA membership is not based on a calendar year, fiscal year, or membership season.
Membership is valid for one full year beginning on the date the membership is registered and activated.
For example, if a member registers and activates membership on August 20, 2026, the membership term will generally run through August 19, 2027, subject to the applicable membership terms.
Membership will renew annually on or around the anniversary of the original registration date unless cancelled prior to the applicable renewal date.
8. Automatic Renewal
By selecting an automatic-renewal membership option and providing a valid payment method, the member authorizes the International PGA and its payment processor to automatically charge the applicable membership fee at the beginning of each subsequent membership term unless the membership is cancelled before the renewal date.
The applicable renewal price will be the membership fee then in effect at the time of renewal.
Membership fees may change from time to time. Any applicable renewal price will be disclosed through the membership and renewal process.
Members are responsible for maintaining accurate billing information and ensuring that their payment method remains valid.
A failed payment does not automatically constitute cancellation of membership. The International PGA may notify the member and provide an opportunity to update their payment information and complete the renewal.
9. Cancellation
Members may cancel their automatic renewal at any time before the next scheduled renewal date.
Cancellation of automatic renewal prevents the membership from renewing for the next membership term but does not necessarily terminate the member’s current membership immediately.
Unless otherwise agreed by the International PGA or required by applicable law, membership remains active through the end of the current paid membership term.
Cancellation requests should be submitted through the available membership account or cancellation process provided by the International PGA.
Members are responsible for confirming that their cancellation request has been successfully submitted.
10. Membership Fees and Refund Policy
Membership fees are paid for a defined annual membership term and include access to the International PGA membership community, membership credentials, and applicable member benefits available during that term.
Because membership credentials and physical membership cards are issued specifically to individual members, membership fees are generally non-refundable once the member’s physical membership card has been produced and mailed.
Once a membership card has been mailed, the membership term is considered fulfilled for purposes of the membership fee, and the member is generally not entitled to a refund simply because they later decide they no longer wish to participate.
This policy does not limit any rights or remedies that cannot legally be waived under applicable federal, state, or international law.
Refund requests submitted before a membership card has been produced or mailed may be considered by the International PGA on a case-by-case basis.
Where a refund is approved, the refund will generally be issued to the original payment method.
11. Automatic Renewal and Refund Requests
A member who allows their membership to automatically renew is responsible for the renewal charge unless the membership was cancelled before the applicable renewal date or the charge was otherwise unauthorized or improperly processed.
A member who wishes to prevent a renewal should cancel the membership before the scheduled renewal date.
Simply choosing not to use the membership, failing to access the website, or allowing a membership card to remain unused does not automatically cancel a membership or recurring payment.
Members should retain confirmation of any cancellation request.
The International PGA encourages members to contact us directly regarding billing questions or concerns so that we can investigate and resolve the matter where appropriate.
12. Payment Disputes and Chargebacks
Members agree to contact the International PGA regarding any billing question, duplicate charge, unauthorized charge, renewal concern, or other payment issue before initiating a payment dispute whenever reasonably possible.
Nothing in these Terms & Conditions prohibits a member from exercising any rights available under applicable law or the rules of the applicable payment network.
Where a chargeback or payment dispute is initiated, the International PGA may provide the payment processor or financial institution with documentation relating to the membership transaction, including the member’s registration information, acceptance of these Terms & Conditions, payment authorization, renewal information, cancellation records, and membership fulfillment records.
If a payment dispute results in a reversal of a legitimate membership payment, the International PGA reserves the right to suspend or terminate the associated membership pending resolution of the dispute.
13. Membership Card
The International PGA provides members with a physical membership identification card as evidence of current membership.
Membership cards are issued specifically to the individual member and may contain the member’s name, membership information, photograph, membership number, and other identifying information.
Members are responsible for providing accurate information and an acceptable photograph during registration.
Because member photographs may be printed directly onto physical membership cards, the International PGA may require a forward-facing, shoulders-up photograph without hats, headwear, sunglasses, or other items that substantially obscure the member’s face.
If a member provides an unacceptable photograph or inaccurate mailing information, additional time or costs may be required to produce and deliver a replacement card.
14. Mailing and Delivery
Membership cards and other physical membership materials may be shipped using standard postal or delivery services.
The International PGA is not responsible for delays caused by postal services, customs authorities, incorrect addresses supplied by members, international shipping restrictions, lost mail, or circumstances outside of our reasonable control.
Members are responsible for providing a complete and accurate mailing address.
Where a replacement card is requested because of an incorrect address, repeated delivery failure, or other circumstance attributable to the member, additional shipping or replacement fees may apply.
15. Membership Benefits
Membership benefits may include access to educational resources, professional networking opportunities, newsletters, member communications, discounts, partnerships, training resources, events, and other programs offered by the International PGA.
Benefits may change, be added, or be discontinued from time to time.
The International PGA does not guarantee employment, teaching opportunities, increased income, professional recognition by any particular golf association, eligibility to teach in any particular country, or acceptance of an IPGA membership by a third party.
Members are responsible for determining whether additional licenses, registrations, certifications, permits, insurance, or governmental or professional approvals are required in the jurisdiction where they intend to teach golf.
16. Third-Party Organizations and Partnerships
The International PGA may maintain relationships with golf organizations, training facilities, instructors, businesses, and other third parties around the world.
A partnership or relationship with a third party does not necessarily mean that the International PGA guarantees the services, conduct, representations, qualifications, or performance of that third party.
Likewise, membership in the International PGA does not automatically create membership in or affiliation with another organization.
17. Professional Conduct
Members are expected to conduct themselves professionally and responsibly and to uphold the reputation and standards of the International PGA.
The International PGA reserves the right to suspend or terminate membership where a member engages in conduct that materially damages the reputation or integrity of the organization or violates applicable membership policies.
18. Changes to These Terms
The International PGA reserves the right to modify these Terms & Conditions from time to time.
Updated Terms & Conditions will be posted on the International PGA website with an updated effective date.
Changes to material membership, pricing, or automatic-renewal terms will be communicated in accordance with applicable law.
19. Limitation of Liability
To the maximum extent permitted by applicable law, the International PGA shall not be responsible for indirect, incidental, consequential, special, or punitive damages arising from membership, certification programs, training programs, third-party services, inability to access membership benefits, postal delays, or other circumstances beyond the reasonable control of the organization.
Nothing in these Terms & Conditions is intended to exclude or limit liability that cannot legally be excluded or limited.
20. International Membership and Local Laws
The International PGA operates as an international membership organization and welcomes qualified professionals from around the world.
However, laws and regulations governing golf instruction, professional practice, employment, licensing, business operations, and professional recognition vary by country and jurisdiction.
Membership in the International PGA does not by itself authorize a member to teach golf in a jurisdiction where a separate governmental, professional, educational, or regulatory authorization is required.
Members are responsible for complying with all laws and regulations applicable to their activities.
21. Governing Law
These Terms & Conditions shall be interpreted and enforced in accordance with applicable laws of the State of Florida and the United States, except to the extent that applicable law requires otherwise.
Nothing in these Terms & Conditions is intended to deprive a member of mandatory consumer protections provided by the laws of the jurisdiction in which the member resides.
22. Contact Information
Questions regarding membership, certification, billing, cancellation, or these Terms & Conditions may be directed to:
International PGA
Email: info@internationalpga.com
Website: www.InternationalPGA.com