So, you want to turn pro?
16 Dec 2009
by Pete Wlodkowski of AmateurGolf.com
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CARLSBAD, California (December 16, 2009) -- Being the top amateur tournament website has been tremendous for our business, and believe me, we have earned our Google ranking. As the founder of amateurgolf.com, I'm proud to say our website has a "real" contact page with a real phone number, that is frequently answered by me. I try to return all of my phone calls and emails.
One of the most common requests I get is from people who are new to the game from other sports, or are starting to play well and think of turning pro. I always respond with the same basic email, and I thought I would share it with you. Here goes - this email was sent in response to a person who said they played some high school and junior college golf and wanted to get serious:
Dear xxxxxx:
Without knowing where you live or how much you are playing now, I can only give you these general pieces of advice, not necessarily in order:
1.) Get a handicap (your local men's club, golf course, or even amateurgolf.com can help)
2.) Play in a group like a local men's club, until you get comfortable with "informal" but still heated competition. In San Diego, I really enjoy the Torrey Pines Men's Club.
3.) Graduate to state amateur qualifiers, city championships, and the like, using www.amateurgolf.com as a resource to find out the where, when, and how-to-enter info you need.
4.) Join www.amateurgolf.com - info is at www.amateurgolf.com/membership.asp
(It's the best $45 you'll spend.)
5.) Understand that the PGA or any professional tour is a great thing to aspire to, but is filled with former Division I college golfers that competed with full scholarships, on 7300 yard courses with under par scoring averages. They had access to the best teachers and training. Until you can regularly shoot in the 60's at the TOUGHEST courses you can find, or start winning tournaments like a State Amateur, don't even think of turning pro.
Those of you who have tried the to "make it" and have become reinstated amateurs can attest to the difficulty of making it on Tour. I would love to hear any stories you have - just call me at 760-929-9297 or send email to me at amateurgolf1 (at sign) yahoo.com. I promise I'll get back to you!