There is a question that many college golfers have to ask themselves eventually if they’re really good at the game and want to make a career of playing golf. Should I stay in school or go pro? It’s not an easy decision to make. There are plenty of arguments on both sides and for most, it just comes down to talent and future goals.

 

For many golfers, college golf teams have a lot to offer. There can be travel, experience playing in tournaments and of course, getting a college degree. As TCU sophomore Julien Brun, winner of the European Challenge Tour has said about his decision to stay in school, “When you line up the pros and cons, it was not really a tough choice. I came to school to get a degree.”

 

But not all college players feel that way. Many college golfers choose to leave school and become pros. Jordan Spieth, who at 19 won The Masters in 2015 left school to pursue a professional career, and is doing rather well. Like many golfer’s before him, it was the right choice for him and in alignment with his future goals.

 

According to Hank Haney of Golf Digest, for those who would like to make golf their career, choosing to go to college rather than focussing on golf full time takes away from how successful many golfer could be. It’s not easy to juggle a full course load while putting the time needed into the game. In the end, it just takes the focus off the game.

 

There is no question that golf is a hard game to play, despite the fact that there are so many great golfers who make it look so easy. Watch Phil Mickelson or Rory McIlroy and you’ll know what I mean.

 

The game takes a lot more than just hitting a ball. There are weather conditions that you need to deal with, course conditions, knowing the best club to use for certain shots, knowing which shot is best and a variety of other details that if all done well, make a talented player.

 

So what is the best route to becoming a professional golfer? The answer is that there is no one right way. Talent is needed, and respect for the game, but most importantly, having a passion for the game is a must, because the reality is that it takes a lot of time playing to become good, and to become a pro it takes so much more.