becoming a professional

Question
Ia m 29 years old and have been playing golf since I was 10.  I shoot in the upper 70's and low 80's on most courses.  I would love to know what I need to do other than lowering my scores (which will come with more practice and coaching) that I could do to become a player on the nationwide tour or another tour in the US?  I love the game and fell as though I am a season away of seady play to becoming good / consistant enough to try to go on tour.  I though do not know the process?  No one in my family or imediate friends have any experience with this.

Answer
Eric:

If you were my student Eric, here is what I would say to you.  Right now you shoot in the high 70's and low 80's on most courses.  Those are also rounds of golf that are not in a competitive environment in a tournament that counts.  You would need to add at least 5 shots on average per round to those scores.  You would need 3-5 years of doing nothing but playing, practicing, eating and breathing golf.  No job, no nothing.  6-10 hours per day minimum.  That would at least give you a chance to learn how to play golf competitively.  You would need to start playing in as many tournaments as possible to gain experience under pressure.  Then you would start playing in mini tour events, like the Gateway Tour or the Hooters Tour.  After a couple seasons of that, then you can give the PGA Tour School a try.  Basically speaking, you'll need about $80K per year so you don't have to have a job.  Your golf would be your job.  You're looking at 5-7 years of competitive experience before you think about trying to play the Nationwide or Tour.  You need to be beating everyone around you on a regular, oonsistent basis to have a chance to compete.  Your chances of making it are about 1%, however, I never discount anyone because I have no idea what you're made of...what's inside.  Do you have the guts and the discipline to try.  Do you have the funding to just play golf for the next 10 years.  I wish you well and I commend you for your efforts.  

Eddie Kilthau
PGA Member