Did you know that most talented players
do not make enough money in their first few years
on the pro circuit to balance the budget? Serious players
usually get some traction in three to five years to fully
pursue golf as a career. For this reason, young players
look for early support from their home club, sponsors
and
networks of family, friends and associates.
The expenses
to play golf are the biggest obstacle for a new player.
These can amount to upwards of $40,000.00 to $100,000.00
annually! Expenses include tour fees (all funded by the
players
on developmental tours), legal fees such as a P-1 visa
to play in the United States, medical and car insurance,
travel, living costs, coaching support and fitness services.
Dave Mills, father of successful Canadian golfer Jon Mills,
told my parents that the first thing they should do for
me
is
to plan a silent auction event. In 2001,
Jon’s family held one in association with his
home club so he could play on the Canadian and Nationwide
Tours.
That was enough to get him rolling. In late 2005, because
of his track record on the Nationwide Tour (fifth on the
money list), Jon earned his PGA Tour card at the age of
27. Mike Weir received his at about the same age. According
to Dave Mills, who heads up the Golf Association of Ontario,
a silent auction combined with a mix of direct financial
support by friends, family and interested businesses, is
common practice for a lot of aspiring young golfers.
Personally, I’m looking forward to the silent auction
because of one big advantage—it will bring together
people from my home club and community to cheer me on and
give
me a boost. Pro golf can be a solitary career, especially
before a player settles down with a family. When I’m
out on the golf course week after week in the years ahead,
I will know I have my "silent auction” community
looking out for me.
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