ABOUT PTGS
I’m Jim Banister. I’m enrolled in the PGA of America’s Associates programme while building a commercial practice that serves golf organisations across four lines of business through PTGS.
The Associates path is deliberate: I’m investing in the credentials, craft, and community that the PGA programme demands. My intention is the grow the game through my day to day interactions, as well as my commercial contributions, large and small. That means treating this chapter as both education and enterprise — not one or the other.
I believe in walking the talk. Three years ago I was compelled to pick up the game. I can’t tell you exactly why; I just know it was an irresistible clarion call that struck me on physical, psychological, mental and emotional levels. Still does. On the first day I woke up with a clear North Star objective — shoot one round of par golf. Along the way, I set other objectives and crafted key results that I felt would build to that North Star.
The key objective I set for 2026 was attaining PGA professional accreditation, and the key results for 2026 were to complete all Qualifying Level requirements, the most difficult of which was to pass the PAT (PGA Playing Ability Test).
In September 2026, I achieved my original North Star; I shot an 18-hole round of even par at Pursell FarmLinks in Alabama. A week later, I passed the PAT in Fort Myers, Florida. Old school—a single 36-hole day. That was the final piece of the Qualifying Level Requirements, unlocking my official move into the Associate’s programme.
PTGS is set up for project-based and part-time contract work with clubs, operators, brands, and other golf entities where I can do my programme "practicals" -- engage in for-pay work where I can add value to my employer, and from which I can get the applied learning that the Associate's programme requires. The public face of that work comprises four value lanes: Player Development, Tournament Programming, Media Production, and Product Management. All realms where I have related experience in different contexts.
I’m open about where I am. Some engagements I hope will be character-building, engagements that stretch my physicality and endurance. As long as I'm learning within any facet of the golf industry, I'm good with the grunt work. Honestly.
Others may consider employing my past experience working in media, software and product management in both hands-on and leadership roles to help them at the strategic or systemic operational level. More on my experience — http://linkedin.com/in/jimbanister
I welcome both! Let's go!
Jim
Say which onramp you’re aiming for — or ask for a blend. I’ll be straight about what I can own.
I’m not only available for knowledge-work. I’ll embed with an agronomy crew for a week, change cups on greens, marshal a competition field, or take the unglamorous customer-facing shift — while learning the craft the PGA Associates path demands and still be useful to your team.
When the job needs more strategy, creativity, team leadership or critical judgment — programmes, speciality events, media production & packaging, product and offer decisions — I’ll put prior experience to work at that level. Same person; different altitude.
Email works best. Mention whether you’re thinking character-building, experience-led, or both.
Tell me a little about what you need. I’ll reply personally, usually within one working day.
Your message has been sent. I’ll be in touch shortly.
