Am I Just Dreaming

Question
Hi,
I'm 26, married with a baby.
I'm an improving golfer ( now shooting low 70's/high60's )
I try and play every day (i work for myself so find the time), practising and now also take lessons. I started with a 20 handicap last year and am now down to 3.5.
I haven't told anyone my dream yet, which is to play professional golf,
I know i won't ever get to the ability of the westwoods/woods of this world but i have a drive to see how good i can get, and play in the British open one day.
My family/friends would laugh if i told them i wanted to be a golfer, but its all i can think about achieving one day. Morning noon and night i think about golf (sad i know).
I know to become a professional takes alot more commitment than 2-3hours playing every day. But at what stage should my playing ability be to commit fully to my goal, as i don't want to simply dream about this and never give it a shot. Also any tips as to how i should gear up to commiting to golf if i improve enough.

Thanks
Dan

Answer
Dear Dan,

I'm not sure I can answer your question with any sense of confidence.  I don't know enough about you and I can't see you play.  About the best I can do is to say I think you will know when or if you should make a decision to commit yourself to golf as a profession.

Your love of the game is shared by many of us.  I wouldn't to look back on my life and wondered "what if" I had decided to be a golf professional.

I never felt I had enough talent to play for a living so I became a club pro and a teacher.  Your road is harder and the competition for a spot among the few that play the game for a living is fierce.

Since you have a young family to consider, your decision will require careful consideration.

One course of action you can take is to play in as many events as possible.  Obviously, if you cannot win in the local events you play in, there is no reason to believe you can play at a higher level.  On the other hand, if you are able to win at the local level, look for stiffer competition.  If you can really play...you'll know it fairly soon.

You've made great progress already.  I applaud you on your accomplishments.  I hope you are able to fulfill your dream.

Respectfully,

Paul Dolman
PGA Golf Professional