Is this good golfing? Or a pipe dream?

Question
"Hi there,
Im trying to understand this golf addiction.. My boyfriend of 5 years just discovered golf 14 months ago, on a average he plays 36 holes a week and sometimes 72 holes!! in the first few weeks he was playing in the high 90's. for the last 6 months or so he has been playing in the mid 80's the best game ever was 83. He plays from the blues & something about not registering a handicap yet? And he has never had any professional instruction. I find myself griping that he plays too much, because every free moment is either spent at the course, on the range or watching golf on T.V.
He seems to think he is a natural & says he is working towards something like going pro? I on the other hand think he is just obsessed!
Does he play more than the average golfer?
Or is this normal behavior for a new golfer?
Am I right in telling him to tone it down some? Or just go along with his dream of going pro?
He is 38 & is a blue collar construction worker. Do you think this "pro" thing is a pipe dream or you think he maybe could eventually make some money at it & I should go along with it & stop complaing about all the time & money he spends on golf? How would your wife react if all you wanted to do is play with the dream of becoming the next Tiger?   What Im getting at is "what are the odds after 14 months of play" does he shoot a extra good game for the amount of time he has played?    ";  

Answer
Hi, and thanks for your question.  This is a pretty interesting scenario you present, so let's start with part 1, and work our way down.

First, he is playing 2-4 rounds per week.  According to the National Golf Foundation, he would be classified as an "avid" golfer.  Dangerous?  No, he seems to be really into the game!  Is he skipping out on work to play?  Is it interfering with family, etc?  If this is going on, maybe a priority check is needed.

For playing only for a little more than a year, playing in the mid-80s is great.  Is he pretty athletic?  Good strenght and flexibility?  If he wants to keep improving, I would recommend him going to see a local PGA Professional for some instruction.

He should maintain a U.S.G.A. handicap index so he can track his progress.  An index is a decent way to compare his playing ability against a particular golf course and to other players.  

If you are supportive of his golfing, hey...nothing is stopping him from developing as a player.  Only you and your boyfriend can make a decision on where to go next.  The game is wonderful, and yes, can be addictive.  Maybe you will find an interest in golf, as well.

If someone learns to play well in competition, there is money to be made.  There are plenty of "mini-tours" out there in Florida, the Southwest, California and the mid-Atlantic area.  Lots of web sites to check out.  Nothing is stopping him from trying, except his playing ability and will to succeed.

Let me know what happens.  Be it far from me to stomp on someone's dreams!

Sincerely,

Rick Williams
PGA Head Professional
Bucks County Country Club