Have you ever watched a golfer on TV and thought, ‘I can do better than that’? It’s not uncommon for people to look at professional athletes and believe they can at least compete at their level.
In most cases, this is either delusion or outright ignorance. Yet if you do have a natural ability for golf, the drive to improve, and are of the right age, it is certainly not impossible for you to one day be fighting it out for a Masters Green Jacket against the likes of Rory McIlroy and Dustin Johnson.
If you’re unsure if this is the right path to take in life, this article will help answer the question: Should you pursue a professional golf career?
The right age
In general, you should have started playing golf as early as possible and gained experience in junior tournaments. Okay, there are a small number of exceptions to the rule. Larry Nelson, a three-time major winner, was 21-years-old when he took up the sport. Y.E. Yang, who defeated Tiger Woods to claim the 2009 PGA Championship, started golfing at age 19.
Yet, the aforementioned golf legend Phil Mickelson, along with Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy, started hitting golf balls as toddlers. Phil Mickelson, known for his incredible career and numerous accomplishments in the world of golf, began honing his skills at a very young age. His dedication and early start in the sport have undoubtedly played a significant role in his success.
Practice, practice, practice
To become a professional, you will have to be willing to donate the necessary time and money to make it a reality. This is because you will have to dedicate a large amount of time learning every facet of the game.
Your practice routine should include a sufficient amount of time for putting and your overall short game. Hitting fairways and greens is one of the easier aspects of the game, and those who are proficient less than 100 yards from the hole tend to have more success.
Golf scholarship eligibility
Did you know that Tiger Woods and Jordan Spieth utilized the American college system to prepare for the PGA tour? As asmscholarships.com demonstrates, it makes a lot of sense to go into further education with a golf scholarship. You get to participate in plenty of amateur tournaments at local, regional, and national level, playing on quality fields that serve as a great training ground.
Plus, if the golfing career does not pan out as you hoped, you will still have a college education to fall back on.
Fight for your place
When you feel you are at the point where you can fight for a place on a pro golfing tour, you need to go to Q-School – also known as the PGA Tour Qualifying Tournament. This demanding series of tournaments, conducted across four stages, determine if you can participate on the Nationwide Tour or even the PGA Tour.
Play in professional tournaments
Even if you’re not successful in your initial attempt at Q-School, don’t give up hope. There are many professional golf tournaments available across minor-league tours. By playing in these tournaments, you can gain the necessary experience and land prize money that can keep your golfing dream alive.
