My decision to go to Japan

For the last year or so, I've been very wishy-washy about going to Japan to pursue a career in golf. With anything in life, you're faced with obstacles that test your character and the limits of your will. In the grand scheme, saying "I want to play golf for a living" is quite simple. But here's where it becomes difficult and it separates those who will from those who won't:

1. Money. I'm not a rich person. My family isn't all that wealthy. All four stages to attain a Japan Tour card will cost $7000. This does NOT include food, rooms, airfare, clothing, golf balls, practice rounds, caddy fees, liability and medical insurance, and transportation. Would you be willing to fork out close to $15000 of money to pursue a dream? It's tough when $15000 is, in my world, a LOT of money. Especially if passing doesn't necessarily mean you get any of it back.

2. Living situation. Oh the culture shock...living in smaller confined spaces of Japan will take getting used to, improving on my language skills, and just culturally having to learn their norms. The cost of living is much higher than the US. Take gas for example...you're complaining about $3.75 for gas now? Its about $5~$6 a gallon in Japan, not to mention you also have to pay for their toll roads. No "free"ways out there.

3. Friends/family. All you people close to me live in the US. Trust in character is extremely hard to find, especially from what I've been through. Imma be lonely man.

4. Weather/earthquakes. It's pits hot in the summer, damn cold in the winter, typhoons, hurricanes, frequent earthquakes. It's what you get when you have an island on the Ring of Fire.

5. Time. I'd basically be wasting time if I don't pass. Now some of you will say, "we'll its a great experience, and you'll get it out of your system knowing you tried." I could be using this time to get a job and start building more experience. I'm 29 now and I have very little to show for my life since graduating college. And besides, I've golfed competitively my whole life...since I was 7. The urge and drive to compete will never escape me no matter what I try. This isn't a urge satisfier. This is a serious, money-making, prove what I've got mission.


So why bother? It's just my time. No more holding it off. There are many who know me who think I have the talent to be great. Many of the same people also believe that I may have the talent within but it has yet to surface or that it may never surface. Some just flat out think I don't have what it takes.

But my decision is simple. I'm going because I know I can make it. If I don't, I'll be sorely disappointed. What more can I say? Believe what you want. I don't have a second chance...I don't have money to do this just for fun. I'm going with the confidence and desire to make their tour and make a lot of money...period.