become pro

Question
DEAR SIR,
THIS IS GHOLAM HOSEIN SHEKARI,A NEW GOLFER ,LIVING IN IRAN.AS I AM A VERY SERIOUS AND HARD PRACTICE PLAYER AND PLAYING NOT JUST FOR FUN BUT ALSO FOR MONEY,FOR THIS REASON I HAVE A QUESTION,
SIR, WOULD YOU TELL ME THE WAY TROUGH TO BECOME A PROFESSIONAL GOLFER?
I MEAN FOR EXAMPLE IF I WANT TO JOIN THE QUALIFICATION RIGHT NOW WHAT IS THE PROCESS? AND HOW MUCH IT WILL COST ME.
YOUR QUICK RESPOND WILL BE HIGHLY APPRECIATED.
GH H SHEKARI
TEL: 989163539026
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Answer
Dear Gholam Hosein,

I have answered this question for several people before so you might want to look at my previous answers at All Experts.

In brief, the process of become a "pro" is simple.  You may simply declare yourself a professional.  If you enter a tournament restricted to professionals only, compete for prize money or take a job in the industry that the USGA has deemed qualifying as professional...you will have lost your amateur status and be di facto, "professional".

Gaining a position on the PGA Tour is quite another process.  In order to be allowed to enter the Tour Qualifying process, you will need to prove to the PGA Tour that you are good enough.  The best way to do that is to win a number of amateur events.  In the USA that would mean becoming one of the best players in your state.  You would compete in city championships and win.  You would compete in state amateur tournaments and win.  If you can't beat the people in your own state, you cannot expect to compete with the best players in the world.

Your USGA handicap will need to be verified at approximately plus 4.  You have no hope of getting to the tour with a higher handicap rating of that.

It is very difficult...but always possible.

Most of the guys that are accepted for stage one qualifying have played on mini tours, are on college golf teams and have distinguished themselves or are one of the top amateurs in their state.  Mini tours are located in the sun belt of the USA.  You can buy your way onto these tours.  The entry fee includes a schedule of tournaments, not one at a time.  The amount varies widely depending on the number of events and the prize money offered.  You would do best to visit the websites for details.  Just "google" golf mini tours.

I wish you well and hope my answer has helped you.

Sincerely,

Paul Dolman