In Singapore, the land of rules and honey, to play on a golf course you need a certificate to prove you are worthy…
In my land this is not a requirement, but in my land there are more golf courses than smart businessmen obviously… because the PC is used more as a selling point to get customers than to really want to train those customers correctly…
The PC (or Proficiency Certificate) as it is known is a bane to golfers in this region.
It is also a “bargaining chip” for the Instructors looking for a bit of leverage when it comes to attracting customers. There are two types of PC, the Beginner PC and the SGA (Singapore Golf Association) recognized PC.
The first is usually issued at the end of the package of beginner lessons, it is accepted by the “beginner courses” in Singapore: – They are…
Mandai Executive
Champions Golf
It is not however, recognized by any “big” or 18 hole Club in Singapore, (unless it is issued by their own Academy).
The second is a SGA (Singapore Golf Association) recognized and maintained PC, for this one the beginner course is usually not enough as there is classroom time and on course checks to achieve before this is issued, plus there is a fee to pay to the SGA to maintain, it is not cheap and I doubt is “given” away at the end of a series of beginner lessons.
As to the “bargaining chip” I mentioned, it is frustrating that there are Instructors in Singapore… that promise a PC at the end of the beginner lessons.
Will it be recognized at a top Golf Club, the answer is no, is it recognized overseas? No.. they probably have never heard of a PC!
But some Instructor’s will tell you yes, and of course on completion, it is not, but it is too late by then.
I issue an SGA recognized PC, with Golf Insurance, it costs a little more but it is welcome at all Clubs.
Is the Handicap recognized? Absolutely, recognized all over the World…
If you do a Beginner Course properly, you can go to the short courses and train, then you do an Intermediate course and you go straight for your Handicap, no confusion, no scams, no muss no fuss…
Do your research before you pay for golf lessons, one of the questions if it arises should be “where will my PC be recognized”?
There are many other questions you should ask, but sadly $$$$$$ are the driving force, and doubly sadly you get what you pay for…
For a Fact Sheet and information how to get a PC or Handicap please email allen@singaporegolfservices.com