PGA Here I Come

Today I got quite a sobering email from a site visitor (who is also a master club maker)…

“Your problem is not a lack of money, it’s a lack of tournament experience.

Even if someone stepped up and paid ALL of your expenses for the next year you wouldn’t get any closer to getting your card because you have no tournament experience.

You need to join a course (or club), get your SCGA handicap card, start posting ALL of your rounds and playing in local tournaments. You’ll soon realize that if you can’t break par at the Long Beach Open or Inland Valley Amateur (they have pro flights), there’s no way you’ll get -10 at Q-School (which is probably what you’ll need).

95% of Tour players worked at golf courses while they were trying to get their card (the other 5% went straight from college). They played in local and regional mini-tours , and local tournaments that offered some sort of prize $$, and any big skins game they could find. Ask around at Shorecliffs or Roger Dunn Santa Ana and you’ll find where the big skins games are every day of the week.

You need to work at a golf course so you can play often. Just tell them your plans, I’m sure you won’t be the first guy they’ve hired trying to get his card, they’ll work with you on your schedule.

You cannot skip over playing local tournaments and getting experience posting under par numbers on pro-length courses under pressure. If you think you can just practice a lot and show up at Q-School and shoot -10, you’re fooling yourself.

While I’m sure all the attention this blog gets gives you encouragement, I’ve read all your posts, seen your swing clips, listened to your descriptions of your rounds, and what I can definitely tell you is this: You’re not as good as you think you are. I hope that doesn’t come off as harsh, but it’s the truth.

You’re not going to get your card any way other than what I just described above, so start applying at courses, and ONLY at pro-length courses. Getting good at 6400 yard tracks will only set you up for a shock when you play 7200 yard beasts in tournaments.

Good luck !

Carl”

So I wrote Carl back, first thanking him for the reality check, but more importantly, I asked if he plays much himself, and would be interested in a match…

His Response:

“I like it. I’ve played Shorecliffs a few times so we can play there, that way I won’t have to listen to you cry about not being familiar with the course

We’re probably about the same handicaps, so we can play straight up. I’ll offer you a prize: if you win, I’ll set the lofts and lies on your irons for free.”

So Carl and I are scheduled to play Tuesday. Cant wait to get those clubs lofted my man!