Your enjoyment on the golf course is my primary objective. Certainly, a low score would be enjoyable. As with beauty, a memorable round is in the eye of the beholder and for some of us these personal bests are few and far between.

For others, taking pride in a golf score is just a vision of the future.

Even if you aren't very good, there are many things in life that can be enjoyed. Of course, we always want to improve, but it's not a prerequisite for a good time. It is simply my belief that the more you know about the game, your comfort and confidence will grow.

Frankly, I've seen many swings that have a greater resemblance to violence than poetry, but these veteran players relish a game of golf. They have a lifetime of education on the course (not that this always translates into a low score) and a community of friends with similar interests. It is important for you to understand that you don't need an efficient swing to have a stellar day on the course.

This is where I come in, to provide you with digested information that will enable you to "talk the talk" and "walk the walk." Because, unless you're trying to earn a living in the game, it doesn't matter how you play, it's how you look. Try not to get too caught up in your score or keeping up with the Joneses, just have fun.

A number of encouraging slogans have emerged from this philosophy and here are a few of the more popular mottos from the world's best players; "Just grip it and rip it!", "Tee it high and let it fly!", and one my personal favorites ... "Swing hard in case you hit it!"

Who knows, maybe there are some within our audience who would like to take a path toward becoming a Tour player? Granted, there is no formula for competing at the highest level, but we can look at a few examples and some of the criteria.

A champion player and winner of numerous tournaments, Nick Faldo was asked about his practice routine several years ago. He was trying to make a change in his swing and was yet not comfortable with the new motion. To paraphrase, he said that he would hit 1,500 golf balls each day (that's about 20 large buckets at your average driving range). Then, after dinner he would hit another 300, if he could still hold the club.

Tournament players also spend hours upon hours on the putting greens and in the practice bunkers. It is almost customary for this hourly total to reach double digits on a weekly basis as these competitive men and women hone their games.

There are three basic routes to a full exemption on the PGA Tour (the LPGA is very similar).

Before we get into these avenues, let me pause and provide a bit of perspective on this word "exemption." Many years ago players were required to qualify for each event. On balance, Monday was the qualifying date for the four day event that began on Thursday.

Today, nearly all of the players that participate in a PGA Tour event are ... "exempt" from qualifying based on prior performance. There are variations or levels to this exempt status, but we will focus on a full exemption (also known colloquially as a getting a "tour card," due to an identification card that is received by the qualifier).

Monday qualifying still exists for many events, but this field is primarily composed of young hopefuls and veterans who did not retain an exemption. For every open PGA Tour event, four spots are made available to Monday qualifiers. If you have a golf course handicap of 2 or less, you may attempt to qualify through this one day qualifying event. You and about 150 others, playing for four spots. You may even get paired with a tour veteran. Just think of it as a playing lesson.

The simplest route to a full exemption is through victory in a PGA Tour event. One can gain access by qualifying on Monday, then take on another 150 fully exempt players in that week's event. A certain guy named Tiger might even be on the prowl. Sounds easy.

Another route, although a tad more arduous, is the PGA Tour's annual qualifying event. Each fall the Tour hosts a multi-day, multi-week qualifier affectionately known as the Qualifying School, or Q-School. Thousands of good players from around the world compete at a local, then regional, then final qualifying site. Each stage is multiple rounds, four rounds at both the local and regional level, then six rounds at the final. Oh, and each qualifying stage has an entry fee of approximately $5,000 (not to mention the cost travel and accommodations). This is popular route and the cream will always rise to the top, but it's a long, narrow road.

Maybe that's just too much golf in a short amount of time. Let's take a slower approach. If you can compete on the Nationwide Tour (in baseball terms, this would be the best minor league players) and succeed, the top 25 ranked players (measured by monies earned and known as the Money List) automatically earn exempt status on the "big" tour. Granted, the process for playing in the events has very similar components to the PGA Tour, but there is a lot more space available and you don't have to play against Tiger. This way even allows for a few bad weeks.

Once you get your card, you have to work hard to keep it. At the end of each year the top 125 players (remembering that thousands around the world are making the attempt and a few hundred will play in the respective events throughout the year) will remain fully exempt for the coming year. The rest will be out there hitting their 1,000 balls a day, putting and chipping several hours each week, and playing every chance they get, trying to get back out onto the PGA Tour.

Whew. Aren't you glad we can just play the game for fun? So, grab a club, head for the course and swing hard, in case you hit it!



John Renslow is general manager and director of golf at Alta Sierra Country Club. Please contact John with your questions or comments at jrenslow@pga.com.