Nike is right. There are multiple paths to the PGA Tour but mostly it IS a closed shop unless you are lucky enough to have a lot of money or good connections. There are many players that could make a decent living on the PGA Tour that NEVER get the chance to play (50-125 in the world).
First of all you gotta have GAME. By that I mean can you shoot consistently in the 60's. And if you are really on your game can you shoot in the low 60's. If not forget it you'll end of struggling or starving as a pro. Also mentally can you deal with the adversity of missing cuts, the travel, and the lean times? If think there are a lot of talented golfers out there but mentally some of the these guys just can't make it through the hardships of playing the mini-tours in order to make it the major tours.
This sounds like all the other wannabes in other sports that claim, "The coach held me back...I never got a break...I just had a bad day or I would've made it" etc. etc. etc. You make it sound like a player can buy his way on tour if he has "a lot of money or good connections." We all know that's not true. My advice to all those that complain....shoot better scores.
Any player that shoots low enough scores will eventually find his way to the PGA Tour. Those that aren't good enough can claim it's a "closed shop" all they want but I just watched a Q-School tournament that handed out 40 PGA Tour cards to players that shot low enough scores to qualify. I know better.
o wiseman , fill us in on how much Q-school cost again....
Like it or not, he had a point. If you don't have money, in the form of rich parents, investers, or sponsers your not going to be able to get in as easy. Now you could go living in your car, making your wife leave you and then you Might make it.
Money can almost buy your way on the tour. With the help of a top caddy, and say a years lesson with butch harmon, I am sure you would be a lot closer to making it then your average person , wouldn't you say? Now what do you think paid for that? Talent? hmm, No I think it was money.
This sounds like all the other wannabes in other sports that claim, "The coach held me back...I never got a break...I just had a bad day or I would've made it" etc. etc. etc. You make it sound like a player can buy his way on tour if he has "a lot of money or good connections." We all know that's not true. My advice to all those that complain....shoot better scores.
Any player that shoots low enough scores will eventually find his way to the PGA Tour. Those that aren't good enough can claim it's a "closed shop" all they want but I just watched a Q-School tournament that handed out 40 PGA Tour cards to players that shot low enough scores to qualify. I know better.
Sorry league but in this case you are DEAD WRONG. I have NEVER gotten to say that because it usually isn't true. You are right about shooting better scores to get on Tour. However, notice I was talking about positions 50-125 in the world.
I know of several players around here that are good enough to play on the Tour, yet haven't been able to get more than a few weeks sponsor money so they don't get the chance. One of them swept the HHIPGA Tournaments with his highest score being 66 on 7000+ yd courses and he has won several other large events. His only fault: he is employed at the stingiest club in the area in terms of sponsoring players and maybe he doesn't know how to quite market himself to find the money but he DEFINITELY has the game.
The other player has won on the Tarheel Tour and a couple other minor tours but when qualifying for Doral and the Honda shot 64 and 65 to finish as an alternate and one out respectively. If he had the money and connections around here, he could get into the field at Harbour Town and I've been with him when he has shot 65 on media day (course was setup for Sunday).
Then there is the player that has a $200,000 sponsorship for two years because he was lucky enough to work at Long Cove and someone needed a tax write-off. Guess what he has won...diddly. Shows one of your statements is true...need more talent than money. But missing either part of the equation leads away from the tour.
My whole point of my post was to point out that there are many guys that could play in the Top 50-125 positions interchanged with "whats-his-name" that is currently there and no one would notice.
Anyone can comment on this?
Any easier ways, if the player already has BA degree?
How to Become a PGA Professional
By eHow Careers & Work Editor
Graduate from high school or be at least 18 years of age with a high-school education. Document that you are a U.S. citizen or a registered alien.
Work in one of the positions designated by the PGA as meeting the Eligible Employment requirement. This requirement must be met in order to register for the PGA/PGM program. The PGA has a classification of acceptable positions. An applicant must have worked a 6-month period out of the 12 months prior to application.
Pass the 36-hole Playing Ability Test (PAT). There is a rather complicated formula that determines the exact scores that must be equaled or bettered, but a generally, an applicant must play 36 holes 15 strokes over par or better.
Complete an apprentice registration form. This verifies employment and documents that an applicant has reviewed the details of the Professional Readiness Orientation (PRO). At this time an applicant also pays an apprentice fee for the national and sectional PGA. An applicant then earns the title of PGA apprentice.
Work a three-year period as a PGA apprentice in a position that is sanctioned by the PGA. During this three-year period, an applicant must also pass checkpoints for three different levels. These checkpoints are a demonstration of proficiency in golf instruction and principles of business and management.
it costs around $3,000 for the Q school. some people pay it with their own money. for example ben curtis had a bunch of his friends pool in money so he can play in the british open that he won. some people get it from sponsorship. if you have the skills and the mentality you need then i'm sure you can get into the tour.
December 13th, 2006, 06:45 AM
How to become player of PGATour or AsianTour?
You make it sound like a player can buy his way on tour if he has "a lot of money or good connections." We all know that's not true. My advice to all those that complain....shoot better scores.
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