game improvment

Question
Hello,

A few years ago I worked at a golf course outside of Houston and was able to get to a 5 handicap with little practice (but I played at least 18 every day). However, life came calling and I had to go find a "real" job to pay bills. I feel that I am very knowledgable about proper fundamentals and with a little practice could get down to a single digit golfer pretty easily.. currently I shoot mid 80s(but its a bad 2 or 3 hole stretch that costs me now from getting into the 70s). I tried to take the playing-ability test several times years ago and failed by less than 5 shots each time. I am about to be 29, am in good shape, the tee box is definitely the strength of my game and the short game is my weakness (though I am working 70% of short game now). I was wondering if I could get one of those practice sheets I have read about others getting. Also, in your honest opinion, how long would it take a person like myself to get where they could pass the PAT on the first try, or even attempt to take a run at the tour. I work nights now, 4 days on, 4 days off and have a driving range membership where I can hit unlimited range balls per month.

Thanks in advance,

David

Answer
Hello David:  You need to send me your personal email address so I can send you the practice sheets.  Passing the PAT (with the PGA of America) is something you should be able to do within one year.  You need to work hard on your short game, because that is where low scores come from.  As far as the Tour, you have little to no chance.  Here is what it would take to take a run at the Tour.  You would need approximately $100K per year for minimum of 5-7 years.  Reason:  you cannot have a "job" and think for one second you can compete.  You need to make sure your financial obligations of life at home are taken care of without you having to have a job.  Your "job" needs to be golf.  Then you would need to practice 5-8 hours per day, 6 days per week for 2-3 years before you might be able to start to break par.  You then would need to start playing in tournaments locally and be beating most everyone on a regular basis in your area.  Then you would need to try to qualify for some national events and Mini Tours to see how you stack up against the thousands of other "guys" who have played competitive golf since they were 7 years old.  Once you get a taste of that, you then see how you stack up against the guys who have never been good enough to play the Tour.  And if you can financially support yourself through those 5-7 years, and if you become a consistent top earner or winner on any of the Mini Tours you might get on, then you could give it a go to see if you are good enough to play the Tour.  I don't mean to paint such a dim picture but you asked me to be honest.  Since I missed my PGA Tour card by 2 shots when I tried, I know what it takes to make it.  Please send me your personal email address and I'll shoot them over to you David.  Best of luck to you.  Let me know if I can help.  

Eddie Kilthau
PGA Member