COMMUNITY

It never ceases amazing me when people who possess extraordinary skill (like Cantlay) choose college instead of a professional career worth millions. Instead of listening to the losers and never-has-beens in their circle of family/friends, these people need to understand that every minute you're alive is a blessing....take advantage of it. Stop wasting time.

I like it. Shows there's actually some upcoming American talent. I hope he does it because it'd be a nice story, and it'd motivate me. The guy's going to be a sophomore right? That means he's only 4 years older than me. I don't consider myself to be a bad golfer at all since I'm on the verge of shooting 79 or better, but I can use this to help push myself to scores around 65-70 in 4 years time.

I understand his loyalty thing to college but if he were to win he needs to take a long hard look at what he is passing up. He would get an automatic spot on the tour, Invite to the Masters, tour exemption for years and all the other extras that go along. Who knows what could happen to him in a few years, take advantage of the opportunity if it presents itself. There are players out there that have never won a PGA event and there is no guarantee he would do it down the road.

I think he has the game to win ten majors and maybe break Jack's record.

I think there's an overemphasis on college in the US. I think it's good for most people in general, but not very important for elite athletes (except maybe for football). Many of the best NBA players didn't go to college (James, Nowitski, Garnett, Howard, etc.), as well as many baseball players, and many foreign based golfers, such as Rory McIlroy, also didn't attend college and have gone on to have successful professional careers. I say, "If his game is pro ready, then go pro!"

I don't know how his nerves will hold up over the weekend, but if he were to capture the Travelers, he'll earn a two year PGA exemption. I think you gotta pounce on that opportunity if it presents itself.

Add Paula Creamer to that list. At 24 she's made $13 million between sponsors and earnings on the course. You would also have to think Alexis Thompson will skip college, and at my age she's nearly made $360K from on course earnings. Not including sponsors which I'm sure are hefty.

If he wins the tournament this week can he just be like "yeah i'm a pro give me that check" or does he have to declare pro or amateur before hand?

I'm not sure, but I think they offer the prize money and he has to turn it down to maintain his amateur status.

Hmm, just thought of this. If he does turn the money down what happens to the rest of the prize money. Does the second place finisher get the first place check and everyone else bumps up one. Or, does the money get split up among the rest of the finishers.

Your first scenario. It's no different from whenever there is an amateur in the field. Regardless of a first place or a T-32 finish, in terms of money, it's like they don't exist.

I did a little research to make sure this was correct so this is how it works:

He cannot accept the prize money because he declared himself an amateur at registration. But should he win he has 60 days according to the PGA to accept a tour card and the two year exemption that goes with it.

So, Stracka members. Do you take your card and the guaranteed 2-year exemption, or play Bobby Jones?

I'll take the card.

Give me that card. Besides, correct me if I'm wrong, he could still go to UCLA, just not play for their golf team. So go to school between August and May and then play every Tour event over the summer along with events that would work with the school calendar. Kinda like a Michelle Wie thing with Stanford just not on the LPGA Tour.

Nearly one third of those obtaining college degrees do so while working full-time. Golfers or any professional athletes don't have to be any different. If he were to win this week and turn pro, he'd probably have many millions of dollars in endorsements in very short order. In addition to, of course, whatever he makes in earnings.