taking a chance

Question
Mr. Kilthau,

I am a 32 year old retired college soccer player that got a late start in golf.  I carry between a 2 and 3 GHIN handicap but only play once a week if I'm lucky.  I have never had a lesson, but I have very good work ethic.  Am I too old to take a chance and commit too the game 100%.  I I have a seriously competitive and aggressive attitude, but I also have a level head.  I understand that the percent of golfers that actually make it is very low, but I had to work like hell to play Div.I College soccer and the odds were against me in that sport also.  I do believe that with some coaching, I could become a much better player.  Please advise.  Thank you for your time!  

Answer
Hello Sean:

I commend your attitude.  You need a killer instinct to even try.  Being realistic, you would need to give yourself 5-7 years of doing nothing but practicing and playing and I mean playing competitively.  You need to get really good instruction (Tiger's swing coach Hank Haney was with him 120 days last year!), do nothing else but eat, breathe and sleep golf, and be financially committed for that time.  To do it right (and this is only a guess), you would need close to $100K per year and that is not counting your daily, household, everyday life expenses.  I get asked this question often, and I am the first one to say "If you honestly believe in your gut you have a chance, AND ARE HONESTLY COMMITTED TO DOING WHAT IT TAKES TO GET THERE, in this country, ANYTHING IS POSSIBLE!"  However, I also am quick to point out how hard it is.  There are countless people like you who have a dream and some talent.  But golf is like no other sport, because it's just you.  No teammates.  At the same token, without question, it's the hardest sport to learn how to play at a very high level.  BUT SEAN, WHAT YOU WILL BECOME IN YOUR PURSUIT OF IT IS UNBELIEVABLE.  Go for it........and good luck.  

Eddie Kilthau
PGA Member