Pat, just curious as to what your athletic history was when you were growing up? What sports did you play, at what ages, when did you start playing golf, how much work did you do and how long did it take you to become an expert?
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Padraig,
Let's be careful on the "expert" thing!
My mother and father were club professionals, as was my grandfather (and his 3 brothers). Obviously, we were a grumpy family.
I grew up in New Jersey, USA. Really started playing golf around age 7 in the summers. At around 13 or 14, pretty much played most summer days after caddying.
I actually started playing ice hockey when I was 7 too. Spent a greater part of my time playing hockey than golf. By the time I was in high school, ice hockey was two teams, and 8-9 months. Even played summer leagues at times..
Injuries and a severe case of being really short, led me to going to college on a golf scholarship. I won the state championship my senior year in high school, but really never played full time until I went to college.
Quit school to go to work in California at 19 years old. Played a little, but was not really that serious about it. Quit playing at 20 years old for a year as I re entered school and was working full time.
Started playing for my junior college team, and won conference. Transferred to CS Dominguez Hills at age 21/22. Played 2 years and worked full time as an asst superintendent at Friendly Hills CC.
Was transferring to Cal Poly Pomona when I found out my major was impacted. When told I wasn't going to get my classes for at least a year, I turned professional and played mini tours. Played for 1 1/2 years on Golden State Tour, then quit working and started playing full time at age 26. Less than a year later, I qualified for the PGA Tour. Just your normal path to the tour!