What is Deferred Compensation?
Deferred Compensation is a valuable financial incentive program offered by the PGA of America, enabling PGA Members to build retirement savings through their professional contributions and engagement. By participating in qualifying activities, members earn points that convert into financial rewards, which are deposited into a deferred compensation plan, such as a retirement plan, pension plan, or stock-option plan. These funds grow over time through compounding interest and become accessible at age 65. Upon reaching this milestone, members receive monthly payments over a 10-year period, providing supplemental retirement income.
Why Participate in Deferred Compensation?
Deferred Compensation is an excellent opportunity for PGA Members to build retirement savings while benefiting from activities they may already be engaged in. Many PGA Section programs offer Deferred Compensation opportunities, allowing members to earn retirement benefits through their existing contributions. This program is the PGA of America’s way of giving back to its members, recognizing their efforts in growing the game while helping them achieve long-term financial stability.
Key Benefits of Deferred Compensation:
- Retirement Security – Provides a long-term financial cushion for the future.
- Recognition of Contributions – Rewards members for their leadership, philanthropy, and dedication to growing the game.
- Career Growth – Encourages professional development and active participation in key PGA programs and educational growth of the game.
By participating in Deferred Compensation, PGA Members can strengthen their financial future while continuing to make meaningful contributions to the golf industry.
How to log Deferred Compensation points
Step 1: Verify Your Eligibility
Ensure you meet the criteria for participation in the Deferred Compensation program. If you have any questions regarding eligibility, consult the North Florida PGA Section office.
- All PGA Members, in good standing, are working in the U.S.A.
- Class F Members will not be eligible to earn points while in Class F status.
- PGA Associates/University Students are not eligible for the plan
Step 2: Participate in Qualifying Activities to earn you Deferred Compensation
The PGA of America has sanctioned specific programs, activities and committees to be able to earn Deferred Compensation points. To view the list of eligible activities please click here or visit your membership account on pga.org and search deferred compensation activities. Some of those eligible activities are (PGA Jr. League, PGA Family Golf, PGA of America Sanctioned Section Tournaments, DEI programs, PGA HOPE, Drive, Chip and Putt, etc.)
Step 3: Submit Your Points for Approval
At the end of the activity, ensure all participation records are submitted for review through your PGA.org membership account. PGA Members must submit eligible activities within 60 days of completion and have them approved by another PGA Member in order to receive the Deferred Compensation points. The PGA Section office or national body will verify activities and allocate points accordingly.
Step 4: Monitor Your Deferred Compensation Account
Once points are converted into financial contributions (normally takes 90 days), members can track their Deferred Compensation account through the designated platform. Financial planning resources may be available to help members maximize the benefits. Members can only acquire up to $1,500 a year in Deferred Compensation according to the IRS and must reach a minimum of 200 points yearly in deferred compensation yearly to receive a deferred compensation deposited into their account. The Deferred Compensation calendar runs from April 1 – March 31 every year.
Your Path to Deferred Compensation
North Florida PGA Members can earn Deferred Compensation through several avenues. Many of which initiatives you could already be participating in.
- PGA HOPE
PGA HOPE (Helping Our Patriots Everywhere) is the flagship military program of PGA REACH, the charitable foundation of the PGA of America. PGA HOPE introduces golf to Veterans and Active Duty Military to enhance their physical, mental, social and emotional well-being. The program introduces the game of golf through a developmental 6-8 week curriculum, led by PGA Professionals trained in adaptive golf and military cultural competency.
- Lead Instructor will receive 200 points of Deferred Compensation (per 6-8 week program)
- Additional Instructors will receive 50 points of Deferred Compensation (per 6-8 week program)
- Drive, Chip & Putt
A joint initiative founded in 2013 by the Masters Tournament, United States Golf Association and The PGA of America, Drive, Chip and Putt is a free nationwide junior golf development competition aimed at growing the game by focusing on the three fundamental skills employed in golf.
- Host Professionals will receive 25 points of Deferred Compensation
- PGA Professionals volunteering will receive 25 points of Deferred Compensation
- NFPGA Tournaments, PGA TOUR Qualifiers, and Player Ability Tests (PAT)
The North Florida PGA (NFPGA) hosts over 15 Section events for our PGA professionals and 6 PGA TOUR Qualifiers throughout the year. As a volunteer, you’ll have the opportunity to be an integral part of the team, assisting in key roles such as Golf Referee (Rules Official), tournament starter, shuttle driver, live scoring (primarily for PGA TOUR Qualifiers), and water supply management.
- Lead Host Professionals will receive 75 points of Deferred Compensation
- Must be at least a 36 hole event
- Support Lead Host Professionals will receive 37.5 points of Deferred Compensation
- Must be at least a 36 hole event
- Tournament Rules Official/Referee will receive 150 points of Deferred Compensation
- Must be at least a 36 holes event
- PGA Jr. League
PGA Jr. League is the flagship youth pillar program of the PGA of America’s 501 (c)(3) foundation, PGA REACH. We envision a world in which PGA Jr. League is accessible to every child, everywhere, regardless of background or circumstance. We believe that golf is for the collective, and everyone deserves to feel a deep sense of belonging to healthy and caring communities.
- Coaches of a Full League will receive 250 points of Deferred Compensation
- Additional Coaches will receive 75 points of Deferred Compensation
To view a full list of the Deferred Compensation approved activities click here
To view Deferred Compensation program’s eligible activities by career path click here