Life Changing Decision

Mulligan26 · March 7, 2012

Hey guys,

I started playing a bit late (14) but got bit by the bug quickly. I ended up playing in high school but didn't put 110% effort in, largely in part because I took the game for granted. My father was very, very successful during my early and middle teens so I wanted for nothing. The bag in my sig, all paid for by the ol' man. My last year playing full time, my index was an ok 8.9 but that was before my senior year of high school.

Due to academic reasons, I couldn't play my senior year and also the housing market was starting to s**t the bed so my dad couldn't afford to pay for my golf. So I gave up the game but I knew I'd be back. I gave up the game but never lost the love for it.

Between my last year of high school (2009) and now, I haven't really done anything with my life of any significance. I work at Verizon wireless and provide sound reinforcement on the side. But I need a career and one that makes me happy to boot. I despise the thought of working in retail or a 9-5 office gig, hence why I play in a band and run sound.

I've decided to pursue teaching golf for a living. One of the schools I looked at is PGCC aka Professional Golfers Career College. Due to my income (basically nothing)I believe FAFSA will pay most, if not all of my tuition. Am I nuts for wanting to do this? Is a career teaching golf and being a pro a viable option? I'm not in it for money, just a modest living and the opportunity to do something that makes an impact but also makes me and others happy.

Thanks for reading,

Trav.

CallawayLefty · March 7, 2012

I wish you the best in your pursuit. I would second doing something that makes you happy without regard for money. The only thing I'll note, and I'm sure you understand this but just phrased it wrong...FAFSA doesn't pay for anything. They loan you the money and then get every nickel of it back out of you.

Trust me, I know... :russian_roulette:

Only reason I bring that up is that if I had one thing to do over again it would be to definitely live like A STUDENT when you are taking that money. It's so easy to borrow and spend when you're not working for it at the moment, but keep the bills as light as possible, work a part time job if you can...don't graduate from a golf program with much, if any, debt, if at all possible.

Mulligan26 · March 7, 2012

Right I did know that about FAFSA :fool: phrasing fail on my part. Part of my plan is to have a part time job, hopefully at a course shagging balls or washing carts.

bnied8 · March 7, 2012

step away from pgcc, for the love of god don't go through with that. if you want to go to school for golf, look at a pgm school, or look at getting a job at your local track. more than likely the pro will be willing to mentor you. it's not an easy lifestyle, and takes a while to move up and really start to make money. I would suggest testing out the waters by working at a course first.

ps I am in the business, if you have any questions pm me or email.
I have a few friends that went to pgcc and,they really regret it, in their eyes it was a waste of money

Mulligan26 · March 7, 2012

I also plan on going to a couple local courses and see if I can buy an unlimited range ball type deal. Its been a couple years but I have no doubt that not only can I get my game back but improve. Working at Verizon I make enough to save some coin for a "nest egg" for the move to SC

Mulligan26 · March 7, 2012

[quote name='bnied8' timestamp='1331159003' post='4457397']
step away from pgcc, for the love of god don't go through with that. if you want to go to school for golf, look at a pgm school, or look at getting a job at your local track. more than likely the pro will be willing to mentor you. it's not an easy lifestyle, and takes a while to move up and really start to make money. I would suggest testing out the waters by working at a course first. ps I am in the business, if you have any questions pm me or email. I have a few friends that went to pgcc and,they really regret it, in their eyes it was a waste of money
[/quote]

Any specific reasons to stay away from PGCC? Not that I don't want to pay my dues, but what I'm looking to do is have a job in the business that actually pays and on the surface it seems as though that school offers a somewhat easy transition into the industry. I've done numerous internships in the music industry and really don't want to do another one with golf. I'm sick of retail and other crappy jobs. Will be sending you a PM soon sir.