Turning Pro - UK

Question
Hi Rob

I am 24 and currently play of a handicap of 1. I work on a small course as a greenkeeper but play regular competitions at least 4 times a week. I also play most nights during the summer.

In 2008 I played in the International Pairs at Carnoustie Scotland. Me and my partner won the title British Champions and went onto the next round which we played at the end of last year against different countries. Unfortunately we didn't win but had a great experience.

I just wondered if you had any advice on how to turn pro? I understand it might be different for the UK. Are there any options for someone my age? I was offered sponsorship when i was 16 but wasn't confident enough to take it then. I know I have mised a great opportunity but am hoping I can have another chance.

Regards
Stephen

Answer
Hello Stephen;

Thanks for contacting me through All Experts.  I hope I can answer your questions for you.

My apologies for the delay in getting back to you.  I never received the email notifying me of your question.  Onward and upward to your answer!

For all intensive purposes turning professional is actually very easy.  So easy your going to laugh at the process.  Are you ready?

1. Simply send a letter to the R&A and The USGA  declaring your status as professional.
2. Enter into a professional tournament and give it your best.

Yes it really is that easy.  But from a rules perspective that's all you need to do.

Small downside here, once you declare yourself professional.  If you find out it is not for you, there is a two year waiting period and non participation in ANY events be it professional or amateur.  DO NOT let this deter you.  It is a hurdle and very small one.  That rule was put into place to keep honor and integrity in the game.

You always have the opportunity to try and qualify for any event as an amateur.  This is recommended for the first few events to test the waters and see how well you fair against the field.

Now from a perspective of at least courteous acknowledgment.  You contacting any of the professional tours including the European PGA and European Tour will serve you well.  They will see this as a respectful gesture on your behalf in you seeing them as the administrative body.
They will give you guidelines for participation in any events.

On a side note, you may take your best shot and attempt to qualify for any tour even on any given Monday of an event (at least here in the states)(excluding any majors).  These are called Monday qualifiers.  I am pretty sure that you may do the same at any European PGA Tour Event, thought it has been quite some time since I participated in any euro events.  I do have some information on this that I will have to dig up.  I would love to discuss this at length if you would like. so you may reach me through my website http://www.robbnunn.com .


In the mean time you should go look at the following sites for more information.
http://www.jamegatour.co.uk/   (Developmental mini tour site for UK/Europe)

http://www.europrotour.com/    (Challenege Tour Information)

http://www.europrotour.com/files/2010_Europro_QSchool.pdf  (Interesting information for you)

http://www.europeantour.com/   (PGA European Tour)(contact them for more information on Monday qualifying events)(commonly called open quailifiers)

Again please contact me so we can discuss this at greater length if you'd like.

I do have a question for you though.  One simple question.

You said you had a chance to get sponsored when you were younger.
Is there any chance or opportunity to go back that same original sponsor for assistance now?
If they believed in you then, there is probably a chance they still do, and if you show proper attitude towards this as a business venture then they might in fact be willing.

With that note I say this.  Never Ever Ever give up your dream, it is yours and yours alone, no one should ever steal that from you.  More so you should never allow anyone to try and take it.  If they do it is only out of there selfishness at not wanting you to do two things.
1. Leave them behind
2. Become more successful then them.

Live your dream Stephen.  It's yours, so go out there and own it.
I will support you any way I can with the best advice I can give.

One last thing Stephen.  I know what your feeling on this...been there done that.  I hope you avoid the mistakes and pitfalls that I went through in believing what others told me.  Keep your friends close and your enemies closer.  At least you will be able to see what everyone is doing to either assist or thwart your efforts.  Surround yourself with a GREAT team of people that will give to you the assistance needed and the support you deserve.  

Make sure who ever they are, their heart is into seeing you succeed just because they want to see you succeed and nothing else.  You already know there are many out there in the world who  just want to throw a saddle on your back and ride you like a horse just to get somewhere.  I have had that one happen too.

That last paragraph may be indeed the most critical for you.    

Good luck out there.  Please keep in touch and contact me through my website.

Robb Nunn
PGA Professional