i think Jay Sigel was big in insurance and was a usga nat. am. champion and then joined the senior tour. that's another option i should have had i guess.
#1 for sure, especially if I were a PGA Tour cardholder that could stay on tour for many, many years. I don't see any reason to "work" at a normal job, if my alternative is to be on the "Big Tour".
However - I would NOT want to be a "journeyman" pro that barely struggles to keep his card and lives very sparingly, with the risk of losing it all, worrying about making cuts. That would be an incredible experience, but I couldn't live with the pressures of losing my card.
Gotta go number one. The inspiration of winning a tournament would force me to practice more. Just the thought of that chance would drive me to improve.
Guess I'd pick the second choice: financial security plus a great amateur career. With no money pressures, I'd enjoy the golf more, I think. Also, I'd get to participate in the tradition of great amateur golf in the US. A Minnesotan who had such a career (before turning pro in 2002 to compete on the Champions Tour) is John Harris. From some website:
Quote:
Harris excelled throughout his distinguished amateur career. He won four Minnesota State Amateurs, two Minnesota State Opens, and earned the distinction of being named "Minnesota Player of the Year" an overwhelming ten times. In addition, Harris was a USGA Amateur Champion, a four-time member of the USGA Walker Cup Team, and a member of the USGA World Amateur Championship Team.
Not a bad way to spend your time when you're not in the office.
If I could be one of the top PGA Tour players (say, top 30 each year), it would be a tough decision. I think I favor #2 because I know I would rather have that life rather than being a grinder fighting for my Tour card each year.
I suppose when you're young the possibility of being a star on the PGA Tour would be more attractive than the second choice. For me it would have to be number 2 because I couldn't and wouldn't be away from my wife and son that much during the long PGA Tour season. I started my family later than most and I wouldn't do anything that would keep us apart.
#1 for sure, especially if I were a PGA Tour cardholder that could stay on tour for many, many years. I don't see any reason to "work" at a normal job, if my alternative is to be on the "Big Tour".
However - I would NOT want to be a "journeyman" pro that barely struggles to keep his card and lives very sparingly, with the risk of losing it all, worrying about making cuts. That would be an incredible experience, but I couldn't live with the pressures of losing my card.
The journeyman pro who exists on the bubble earns about $500,000 a year or more. Nationwide players can earn well over $250K. I'd settle for a good few years at that level. The key to making that work for you long term is to have a good financial adviser.
December 7th, 2004, 05:53 PM
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