Ever wonder what makes a professional golfer chuck a putter after missing a “gimme” put on a Sunday afternoon telecast?
A competitive streak? Obsession with perfectionism? Those are possibilities yes.
Think bigger. Think greener. Golf is an expensive sport and mistakes can cost money—sometimes A LOT of money.
Sometimes the margin of error for victory is one or two strokes, but those strokes can mean the difference between a six, five or four-figure payout at tournaments, depending on the size.
Thadd Obecny, the recently named head men’s golf coach at West Liberty knows this more than most.
He is, after all, a “golf pro,” having started playing for money following his graduation from Coastal Carolina University in 2018.
Obecny is still working his way through the ranks and, as such, doesn’t play a full schedule of tour events.
His ultimate goal is to be a part of the PGA tour. He finished runner-up at the West Virginia Open and earlier this month was eighth at the annual Frank B. Fuhrer Invitational in Pittsburgh.
Obecny’s take at eighth was $5,500. He shot a two-over par consistent week through four rounds. Winner Dan McCarthy finished 14 strokes under par. He won $40,000.
But the fourth-place finisher Michael VanSickle? He was two strokes ahead of Obecny with an even card for the event. His pay? Nearly double at $10,000.
Every stroke counts, and the mental toughness and discipline to battle through that and shake off a difficult shot or round is not for everyone.
Big Costs, Big Rewards
The money can be good yes. Big tournaments on the PGA tour see the top golfers collect seven-figure paydays for a great weekend of golf.
But as the stroke count mounts and the golfer’s name drops further down the leaderboard, so too does the payday.
Smaller tournaments, obviously, don’t have the sponsorships or TV deals. Their payouts, naturally, are considerably less.
Like in all professions and sports, talent helps but practice and work ethic win the day and advance you through the ranks.
In golf, that requires countless numbers of practice rounds, an untold number of ball-filled buckets emptied at driving ranges. You hone your skills in hopes of perfecting your ability to drop in the perfect chip shot; read the green and sink that lengthy putt.
But where golf differs again is cost. The equipment isn’t cheap. A “decent” set of clubs will run hundreds of dollars. Pros aren’t playing with decent clubs.
Obecny thankfully is sponsored by Titleist, so much of his equipment is either free or heavily discounted.
But green fees must be paid. The driving range isn’t free either. Golf literally is a sport where you must spend money to make it.
It’s not for everyone, but for those with the drive and obsession, it’s all worthwhile to sink that final putt, pump your first in victory and see your name atop the leaderboard.
Aside from the obvious in playing for money, what are some of the bigger changes you noticed when going from the amateur and collegiate ranks to turning pro?
Some of the changes would be that it really depends on how you play if you will make money that week or not. It is an actual job but you must do it well so you can be ahead of the game money wise. Any putt on any day can cost you a couple thousand dollars without you even thinking about it
You mentioned doing some instructing at Fore Seasons. Is that more to supplement your winnings from playing or beneficial as it gives you a steady, consistent income in addition to the winnings?
I help out at Fore Seasons and they just give me some extra money on the side. It’s to supplement.
Is golf one of the more expensive sports in order to be a professional? Every athlete has to be equipment and gear but even practicing, you have to have team times, green fees, bucket fees for the driving range. Do the costs add up quickly?
Golf is definitely one of the more expensive sports to be a professional at with all the costs. I have a contract with Titleist, so I get my balls/gloves/hats/shoes for free and half price on clubs. But costs add up quickly.
What will it take for you to reach your ultimate goal as a professional?
It will take continued dedication and practice and focus.
Do you foresee yourself one day when you’re finally done playing competitively, possibly doing some reporting or commentating on golf, given your broadcast journalism degree?
I could see myself doing that one day but for now, I’m focused on coaching and playing golf. I will go down that road when it comes upon me.
