nationwide tour

Question
so when i was a kid i was number 2 in my state and 11 in the nation in the jpga. I even used to play with Clint and Noda Begay as a child at valle grande gc, NM. Anyway my question to you is, I just started to play golf again after 12yrs and am  a scratch golfer again already. What steps do I need to take to get sponsership or exemption to the nationwide or hooters tour from a small town?

Answer
Hi Rett,

Regarding the precise steps needed to gain status on the tours you mentioned, I think you should write to those tour headquarters and ask your question.  They have the best and most up to date information.  Over the past several years it has gotten tougher and tougher to qualify for these premier tours.  There was a time when anyone with the money could join, but that practice led to some problems from players that really didn't belong out there.  Now they take great care to make sure you have the game to compete.  

I think you'll find that your strong resume will help.  Any more recent good finishes you have will also help you gain status on these tours.  Also, there are a number of other "mini" tours where you can gain experience, make some money and work your way up to the big show.

That brings me to sponsorships...  There are always some guys with extra money who get a kick out of sponsoring a good young player.  You just have to get their attention.  One usually does that by winning local and state amateur events or NCAA events if you were in school.  I would imagine my answer is not news to you.  In the current economy, it is not easy to find those guys but they are at many golf clubs around the country.  Ask local PGA pros in your area.  Get set up to play with these guys so you can make a good impression.  Enter all the events you can and win!  If you are beating everyone in your area, you're going to make the newspapers and you will find that the sponsorship guys will find YOU.

But just be careful.  Lots of guys talk big.  Check everything out and get a lawyer to help you when it comes time to sign a sponsorship agreement.  Try to find a lawyer who's done these kinds of deals before.

Good luck to you.  I hope something in my answer is helpful to you.

Kind regards,

Paul Dolman