Sponsorships

Question
Hi Skip,

I looking for some financial assistance to play in some of the many mini-tours and Monday Qualifiers. I have been playing for a long time now and would love to have a chance to play with the pros. I have tried the USGA qualifiers and became succesfull in a lot of times, but never made it to the end. So my question to you is there any advice or direction that you can help me with to get some sponserships for a no-namer like myself?

Thanks,
Mark

Answer
Dear Mark, thanks for the question. My suggestion would be to work at a local level.  I would make myself and my intentions around the area as known as possible.  Family and friends of family are likely going to be your best bet.  What many hopefuls will do is save their own money or borrow here and there to get to Q-school.  If they qualify for some status on one of the tours, then, and only then do they worry about sponsorship.  In other words, let me go qualify and I can worry about the money later.  At least this way, you have the instant credibility.  Heck, at that point, you could literally put an ad in the paper and someone would likely jump on board.  But honestly, asking around for sponsorships without a resume with actually WINs on it, is very difficult, to get someone, other than family to back you.  I've included below the PGA National phone number...perhaps they can suggest a network of possible sponsors.  The greatest thing you can do right now is play...play in everything...and only play as a single, no team events.  The more individual play you get, the better resume you'll be building.  The word gets around on strong players...if you become a well-known name in your area...money will find you.  Good luck and remember...


Love the game
skipper
(904)285-3700