A new user be gentle
Nov 9th 2010, 8:31 am
#62
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Thread Starter
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 39
Re: A new user be gentle
I've got a young friend who has recently gone pro on the US golf circuit. He did not go to an Academy, he played his azz off every day and got a caddy job at his local golf course (it doesn't hurt that he's living in N Carolina/golf heaven) and got himself promoted to junior pro or somesuch title.
His father supported him financially, as far as he could. He recently secured the sponsorship of a wealthy member of the club, who is helping him cover the tournament costs (they are staggering) and cover his cost of living (I think the grant was something like $50K/year). The young friend has had to gamble everything on this (quit his job, has had no other higher education).
Whatever happens to him, he's pretty much committed to a career in the industry, either as a winner on the circuit or as a resort pro. He has been playing daily since at least age 10.
You have a lot of famous golf on your side of the Atlantic, so I think it's important for you to separate out what your real goals with this are.
His father supported him financially, as far as he could. He recently secured the sponsorship of a wealthy member of the club, who is helping him cover the tournament costs (they are staggering) and cover his cost of living (I think the grant was something like $50K/year). The young friend has had to gamble everything on this (quit his job, has had no other higher education).
Whatever happens to him, he's pretty much committed to a career in the industry, either as a winner on the circuit or as a resort pro. He has been playing daily since at least age 10.
You have a lot of famous golf on your side of the Atlantic, so I think it's important for you to separate out what your real goals with this are.
Nov 9th 2010, 8:36 am
#63
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 35,082
Re: A new user be gentle
My son has been swinging this golf club since he was 6....he is progressing very well...HIS goal is to go to the States, he knows this is where the opportunities are, his words not mine...I and his mother just do not want to let him down bt saying no to him wanting to go to the states...but he is a very young fifteen year old and just cannot see him leaving us at this age...
You (parents) aren't letting him down, you're making choices that he is not mature enough to make (by your statement). You can certainly put the options out in front of him and see what you can make happen; I know they have to start young.
But now you're dickering with me over emotional stuff, like disappointing your child, when I am unclear on your motives. If you want to relocate your family for whatever reasons, I'm simply suggesting you look for a route other than a 5 month golf program.
Nov 9th 2010, 8:43 am
#64
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Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 2
Re: A new user be gentle
That's fair.. so find him some local options until he's mature enough for boarding school (tho lots of kids his age do go away to school, don't they?).
You (parents) aren't letting him down, you're making choices that he is not mature enough to make (by your statement). You can certainly put the options out in front of him and see what you can make happen; I know they have to start young.
But now you're dickering with me over emotional stuff, like disappointing your child, when I am unclear on your motives. If you want to relocate your family for whatever reasons, I'm simply suggesting you look for a route other than a 5 month golf program.
You (parents) aren't letting him down, you're making choices that he is not mature enough to make (by your statement). You can certainly put the options out in front of him and see what you can make happen; I know they have to start young.
But now you're dickering with me over emotional stuff, like disappointing your child, when I am unclear on your motives. If you want to relocate your family for whatever reasons, I'm simply suggesting you look for a route other than a 5 month golf program.
Nov 9th 2010, 8:44 am
#65
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Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 4,059
Re: A new user be gentle
My son has been swinging this golf club since he was 6....he is progressing very well...HIS goal is to go to the States, he knows this is where the opportunities are, his words not mine...I and his mother just do not want to let him down bt saying no to him wanting to go to the states...but he is a very young fifteen year old and just cannot see him leaving us at this age...
If a visa is a no-go, has he considered a US university with a golf program? Is he good enough to get a scholarship? Of course, that would be a few years down the road as well.
Nov 9th 2010, 9:16 am
#66
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Posts: 39
Re: A new user be gentle
I'm still not convinced he can easily get a visa for this place. If he can, it will still be there in a few years. I don't see any way for you to be able to accompany him without completely turning your lives upside down.
If a visa is a no-go, has he considered a US university with a golf program? Is he good enough to get a scholarship? Of course, that would be a few years down the road as well.
If a visa is a no-go, has he considered a US university with a golf program? Is he good enough to get a scholarship? Of course, that would be a few years down the road as well.
Nov 10th 2010, 7:31 am
#68
Instigator of the Post
Joined: May 2008
Location: Nashville, TN
Posts: 501
Re: A new user be gentle
Probably not, I have already got serious negative vibes about how we are going to do this...probably, after talking with them, and if there is any positive outcomes then we move on, but right now I have serious reservations...shame really...
However, I cannot just say no, based on a few posts on an internet forum can I..
However, I cannot just say no, based on a few posts on an internet forum can I..
