dream of becoming a pro golfer !

Question
hi john , it has always been my dream to be a pro. be it realistic or not , its just a dream...sigh !
how do one embark on a quest towards this goal?
bad news is that i'm already 32 years,no formal lessons on golf , my best was a 84 finish.i practice @ 180-300 balls almost everyday.
i'm asian and help like this is hard to get back here!
i play everyday and work in no hindrance to me .
please advice, thank you

Answer
Dear Webster:  You didn't specify if you'd like to become a club or touring professional.  Although membership in the PGA is not required of a club professional, membership gives you much more credibility in the profession.  A description of what that entails can be found at www.pga.com.

Entry to all but the PGA, Nationwide European and Senior European tours merely require joining and paying whatever dues and entry fees are required.  The four mentioned above all require its members go through a certain number of qualifying stages.

Because you said help is hard to get back here, I'm assuming you reside in one of the Asian countries.  I'm not familiar with professional tournaments in Asia and would suggest searching same via the internet or by asking at a golf club.  I'm sure there is an Asian tour, I just don't know the particulars.

With no formal lessons in golf and the fact you say you play and/or practice every day, I would think that if you've been at it for, say, a year and your best score is 84, something is fundamentally wrong with your game.  Without sound fundamentals you'll slow down your progress and will always be faced with making compensating moves in your swing.  The idea is to make it as simple as possible with as few moving parts as possible.  

Without the benefit of lessons, copy the pros.  A good place to start is going to www.golfdigest.com, become a Golf Insider (it's free)and study the pros.  A good one would be K.J. Choi.  

The fundamentals you want to perfect are Grip, Aim, Posture and Set-up.  All are equally important and tend to influence one-another.  For an explanation of what to look for and address, go to www.golfnutts.com, then apply what you read there and you'll be on your way to a simplified swing that will hold up under pressure.  And that is something you'll find plenty of if you play professionally.

Well Webster, I've given you alot to do and think about.  If you need any more questions answered, please don't hesitate in contacting me again.

Until then, good luck and

Fairways and Greens,

John