Not sure how many of you out of staters heard of the guy, but he lives here in Northridge, CA. 42 years of age. The guy just lights up City Championship tournaments. He won the pasadena city with a 277 and is well on his way to winning another LA City with his first two rounds in the 60's. The guy has also won multiple amateur and pub links titles.

He obviously has some major game and can perform under pressure. Why wouldn't a guy like this turn pro and try making some real coin? I figure given his stats, he should have little or no problem getting a few sponsors to back him if money is really an issue.

Being a great amateur and being a great touring pro are very different. I play golf with guys who win all kinds of stuff in the PGA northwest section, several of them have tried to turn pro and almost all of them go back to being amateurs and these are guys who are +2 to +4.

I could likely write a book on this as the vast majority of my time as a caddie was spent "in-between"... have had the pleasure of a couple of PGA bags but most of it was with guys like Tim as Ams and Canadian tour level guys... I retired to be a caddie and have No complaints and not a ton of real insight... but I've listened carefully to the stories....the travel doesn't agree with a lot of guys and family comes into play for many...was talking a couple of days ago with a fella who has won stuff like Tim and then a little and while there is not much between the talent of say a journeyman PGA pro and an absolute top Am, their is an "edge" as he called it.. think I recall the difference in scores between the Big Show and the nationwide tour as being less than 3/4 of a stroke... course the majors and their cousins (winner single digit under/Invitationals) are different... But my friend's point is that there is a Gear.. we see Tiger find it regularly on Sunday afternoon...an Edge.. One Q-school bag I had was classic.. we could shoot 66,68,74.69...the 74 is a day when the train runs you over... you just can't do that... You know it and the pressure is very different.. there is a lot to believe in out there and that in my mind is where the magic and the Gear/Edge is... the answer is in Tim's head and there are a number of well-to-do Ams in this country who like to play golf... correct that...Love to play golf, on their schedule without the grind of another tour stop to make sure the mortgage is paid next month... the dream of course starts early but talent is not enough... for most it's a 6-10 hour day.. and that becomes a grind for many....I've known and have played with 10 guys/gals who played on tours... they all have their stories to tell... That's for sure.. and man are they good...short game prowess with all of them is really something...

The guy probably has a good job and a family. Don't be suprised if he turns pro when he gets close to 50 like Allen Doyle, David Eger, John Harris, Mike Goodes....

He did turn pro for a little bit.

http://brookside.lagolfclubs.com/clubs/ima...ter/07Jul08.pdf

I don't remember for sure but I seem to recall that he had a family business and enjoyed amateur golf.

I watched him last year attempt sectional US Open qualifying at Lake Merced. Kevin Sutherland and Stanford All-American Zack Miller were in his group. Not a big guy, slightly built and a very impressive player. All were a shot or two over par for the 36 holes in cool, breezy conditions and none of them made it.

I was gonna suggest something like this. If you dont' REALLY REALLY REALLY want to be a professional, it's really too much hard work and sacrifice, especially in terms of family life, and there's a good chance he'd never even make the PGA tour. The nationwide tour is full of very, VERY good players.

I'm pretty sure that he is planing on trying to qualify for the champions tour when he turns 50. He has played in a couple of masters and he played in the Buick last year I think.

you guys are all correct. i found out today he used to be a pro, but felt he just couldn't compete in the pga so got his amateur status back.

Thanks. Great link. I suggest those who posted immediately above me click through and have a read. Answers all the questions I think.