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Question
I'm looking for the most honest opinion about wanting to play professional golf. I'm 34, with a 9-12 hdkp. With the right coach and a lot of practice, am I too old to even consider wanting to play on the PGA or Nationwide Tours?

Answer
Sean:

Your chances are slim to none.  With a good coach and a lot of practice, you could become a scratch golfer (0-3 hcp) within 3-5 years.  That is, of course, playing in as many tournaments as you possibly can in between your job (I assume you have one) and your life.  You would need to be able to beat just about everybody around your neck of the woods (in sanctioned tournaments, not games at your club) on a consistent basis before ever entertaining the thought of turning professional.  If you did that, then turned professional, then you have to up what it is you do on a daily basis.  You would have to practice and/or play 6-8 hours per day (6 days per week) and then be able to beat most everyone at the mini tour level on a consistent basis for a couple of years.  At that point, you'd be about 40-43 years old.  Do you honestly think you could compete with the thousands and thousands of kids who are weened on golf since they 8 years old?  Those kids have played more tournaments before they get to college than most golfers ever play in their life?  They eat, breathe and sleep golf.  They're in the weight room, they're being coached by the best, they play top competitive tournaments on a consistent basis and IF they have some success, then they might think about turning Pro.  But here is the kicker I leave in the tank Sean:  I have no idea what is inside your heart.  I have no idea what you are made of.  I have no idea how much desire, motivation and money you have behind you to give itve it a go.  To do it right, it would take about $80K per year to meet your bills and expenses.  But, anything is possible if you are prepared to pay the price to achieve it.  So, my honest opinion:  you have about a 5% chance to ever play professional golf......and I am not talking about the Tour.  

Eddie Kilthau
PGA Member