Musings of a Failed Golfer: Appreciating the Excellence Level of Professional Players

Calling myself a failed professional golfer might be an overstatement. I went on a rigorous training camp but the week before Qualifying (Q) school I pulled out. various reasons have contributed to the choice of pulling out of Q school but the major one was that I got a scholarship to study for free. In South Africa (at that time), college golf is non-existent. So we do not have university golf as in the states or other parts of the world. So I hung up the clubs and left the dreams of being a professional golfer (for now). I still play regularly and when the game is hot, I can still rip the course apart. But the more I left the professional game, and the more I see friends who went to play on tour struggle, the more I began to appreciate the level of excellence the tour professionals play at. Yes, I knew from the start that they are at the peak of their game, and I was there too 10 odd years ago. I competed against some of the guys playing tour now, and some of them I beat, but playing on that level takes some commitment that people don't always know of.

To play on tour is not cheap. That is one of the other main reasons that I did not go forward with my decision. I did not have a sponsorship, I did not have a rich family member or friend that thought I'd make it on tour. That obviously should not affect the level and talent you present, but a lot of things affect a player other than his or her game. Take for example playing a Monday qualifier to make the weeks tournament. If a player needs to make the cut because he or she has money to pay or rent that is due, an extra layer of pressure is added onto him or her. In the back of your mind will be the thoughts "I need to make this qualifier" or "I need to make this cut". Rather than focus on your game, you will start to focus on a need beyond that of playing good golf. This will work on you while you play and every bad shot will feel ten times worse. You will try harder to make up for the bad shot, which will lead to more bad shots. Golf is unfortunately more mental than physical.

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This takes me back to the guys who have made it on tour. There is a level of peak performance under these players that lead you to stand there and question your own aspirations to land on the tour. Yes, you have won an odd tournament here and there, and yes you consistently play under par. But to do that with the added stress and anxiety to not miss a cut or to make a qualifying round is next level. When I play a good round, I always question my decision of leaving the game (or the quest to turn professional). But then I sit and drink a beer and think to myself that the stress and pressure these guys (and girls) face to stay on tour and to make enough money to pay rent and their beneficiaries are not for everyone. To play good golf under immense pressure, being from the gaze of the crowd or your band knocking on your door for their payment, takes talent and even more talent. Playing good and consistent golf is not easy, to do that under pressure is not in everyone's arsenal. That is also a reason I left: I did not have the self-confidence that I could perform under pressure. I knew my game was there, but under that pressure, it is not easy.

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For now, I am sitting on the sideline, drinking a beer and appreciating the level of excellence these players are playing at. And I console those who did not make it. It is not easy, but what a lovely sport this is.



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6 comments
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Amazing to hear your opinions and perspectives from inside the ropes.

You will try harder to make up for the bad shot, which will lead to more bad shots. Golf is unfortunately more mental than physical.

Never were truer words spoken! This really sums it up. The level these guys are at and their mental strength is amazing. Zalatoris looks a special talent doesnt he. I don't think he'll have to wait long for a maiden major win. He is very precocious isn't he and obviously talented.

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Thank you! And yes, I really did not expect such a clutch performance from him! Year after year, you see these rookie players peak on Thursday and Friday to only stagnate over the weekend. He is truly one of those few who will perform exceptionally well in the future! P.S. I really enjoyed that Meme of Dustin Johnson in your post! Made me lol.

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Ha ha that was a good laugh alright! I believe they're bringing out a new movie too, a sequel, when they are on the Senior tour.. should be a good laugh. The sequels are never as good as the originals, but hopefully this is the exception...

Ya, Zalatoris looks a pretty unique talent, the kind of guy that will have a green jacket within 5 years and I wouldnt rule him out of US Open or PGA... i wouldnt back him for the Open Championship though. Too much of a lottery with the weather.

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I hope for the exception too! Will keep an eye on it.

Yes, I am with you on both of those! Maybe he is a wildcard that makes a stellar performance at the open, but like you said the weather plays a crucial role. I am going out on a limb here, but I am not a fan of his and someone like Justin Rose's putting grips. It just screams inconsistency especially when you are experiencing tension and stress from leading the field and adrenaline pumping. I am with Gary Player, if I remember correctly, that the reverse grip is one of the best. But that is just my own opinion and to each their own.

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Very true as this is pressure we are not used to. Many golfers who make it have wealthy parents who support them which makes like a different ball game. Friends of mine went on scholarships to the States and they never made it either.

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It is truly a hard life out there. And if you compete against someone who has that backing of rich parents or a solid sponsorship, you (or I always) feel like you are competing even more. Or I felt I could never perform at my peak because I will always worry and stress about money and where that money will come from.

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