which one is better??
#32
RE: which one is better??
NY Bowhunter, no disrespect, Im not following, you said your were a PGA pro, yet you have not made the PGA Tour?? I know nothing about golf, how do you do that?? Please don't think Im being an *ss, I really don't understand how it works. Can you be a pro without doing the tour??
The PGA of America is a separate entity from the PGA TOUR. The PGA TOUR players are Professional Golfers. Members of the PGA of America are Golf Professionals. There's a difference.
The TOUR players make their living PLAYING golf. Memeres of the PGA of America make their livings teaching, merchandising, operating golf facilities, managing clinics, etc..., etc,... etc... .
Now it gets a little cloudy.....because, now....ALL members of the PGA TOUR are PGA of America members (or will be, in short order). That's due to the PGA of America's reign of controlling the Ryder Cup. To play on the Ryder Cup team.....you MUST be a member of the PGA of America.
So....Members of the PGA of America (to which I was elected, in 1994, and NYBow is a member) DO NOT (except under VERY, VERY limited circumstances) make their livings PLAYING golf.
Think of it as the GM's/Owners/Management/League executives of MLB v. the players (for a crude correlation). Lots will refer to what NY and I did/do as "Club" pros.
I've known a few "Club" pros who have padded their livings with their playing winnings....but I've never known one to make a living at it. I won a few sectional tournaments......and the 1st place purse, for those, was typically under $500. We did it to remain cometitive with our games......and for the camaraderie. I know guys who wtill make in the teens of thousands of dollars in our section playing those events.....but even today....they are the elite within our section. What they probably give up in regular club earnings (the best players play a LOT.....and usually don't have the better club positions) probably doesn't balance it out in the long run.
Hope this clears this up a little better.
#34
RE: which one is better??
Shooting without a doubt. I'm fortunate enough that I can become very competitive at something if I desire, but also can pursue certain things casually without having to take it to that extreme level. For me golf has always been something to do with buddies while drinking beer and telling dirty jokes. It's a good time, but I always have known that I wouldn't have the time to really pursue it, so I have always left it as a casual past time. I'm a terrible golfer but do enjoy it when I go.
#36
RE: which one is better??
So the PGA Tour is where the best of the PGA members play??? and the PGA members are basically golf pros at courses all over??
I once heard Lanny Wadkins say......unless you're a +6 on your home course....don't think for a MINUTE you could play out on the PGA TOUR.
I think the average person can't fathom how good those guys really are (PGA TOUR players). Your average golfer can't, either. He has no concept.But.... that's not a derogatory statement. It's just a fact.
#37
Boone & Crockett
Join Date: Nov 2003
Location:
Posts: 11,472
RE: which one is better??
You PLAY for a living.....or own/operate/teach?
Been to Q-School 3 times. I made it to the final stage my first attempt and folded like a cheap lawn chair there. The next time I made it to stage 2. My final attempt (so far)I didn't make it past the 1st stage. A wife and kid later and running out of money. I gave up hopes of making the PGA tour and wasn't making enough on mini tours.
I've done the Monday qualifier thing.....and that kinda reminds me of the caddy swim day on Caddyshack. I think they shut the pool down for the caddies for fifteen minutes. Last Monday Q'er I did had 154 players for 2 spots.
This whole thing is starting to depress me I'm going to the driving range.
#38
Boone & Crockett
Join Date: Nov 2003
Location:
Posts: 11,472
RE: which one is better??
NY Bowhunter, no disrespect, Im not following, you said your were a PGA pro, yet you have not made the PGA Tour?? I know nothing about golf, how do you do that?? Please don't think Im being an *ss, I really don't understand how it works. Can you be a pro without doing the tour??
#39
Boone & Crockett
Join Date: Nov 2003
Location:
Posts: 11,472
RE: which one is better??
I once heard Lanny Wadkins say......unless you're a +6 on your home course....don't think for a MINUTE you could play out on the PGA TOUR.
I think the average person can't fathom how good those guys really are (PGA TOUR players). Your average golfer can't, either. He has no concept.But.... that's not a derogatory statement. It's just a fact.