Golf champions have glamour and money. But what about the rest? Andrew Alderson looks at some who struggle.
The television pictures will tell only part of the story when the next US Open golf champion reaches into the final hole and parades his ball for the crowd on June 20 at Pebble Beach.
Behind the glory of the moment lies the fate of the 9051 others who entered. Only 93 advance to the 156-man field, as 63 players - such as 2005 winner Michael Campbell - are exempt.
Ten New Zealanders are attempting to be part of the action. One familiar with that arduous task is Doug Batty. The 30-year-old created a sensation last year - by New Zealand golfing standards - when he qualified on the playoff hole at his sectional tournament in California. He went on to miss the cut but played a practice round with Tiger Woods.
Batty is part of local qualifying again in California, starting next Thursday [NZ time]. He says the scene is not the glamour world people think.
"It is tough. Most guys need sponsorship and other financial backing, otherwise they run out of cash and get sick of it. I've seen a bunch of kids - who are not used to missing out in life - decide that being broke and travelling around isn't for them.
"Your whole week is just a barrage of expenses. Golf is not a sport where you get paid to sit on the bench. If you miss the cut, you make no money. What tends to happen is you make 95 per cent of your income in five per cent of your tournaments. There are few people who can play well all the time.
"It's worth pursuing though, because once you're in the PGA it's a licence to print money and watch the sun set drinking mango daquiris."
Brad Iles is another Kiwi attempting to qualify; in North Carolina from Tuesday [NZT]. The 26-year-old is currently 31st on the Nationwide Tour [the United States' second-tier event] standings, having earned around NZ$63,000 so far this season. He agrees most of the perceived glamour is lacking.
"A couple of the guys might drive Lamborghinis and Nissan Godzillas, but I settle for my US$200-a-week Chevy Dodge rental car. I have absolutely no assets to my name, but fortunately I don't have any other real responsibilities. I'm a nomad just seeing what I can do in this golfing world.
"You dream about getting on a Learjet with your buddies and travelling directly to a venue rather than getting squashed on American Airlines for five hours, going through multiple airports.
"It'd also be a pleasure to have a chef, physio and trainer on tour to keep you in shape while getting the right nutrition. That's compared to my end of the bargain eating at Outback Steakhouses or heating up 'lean cuisine' meals from Walmart at my US$40 per night hotels."
Batty knows the definition of golfing hard luck stories as well as anyone.
He missed keeping his Canadian pro-tour card by about $15 at the end of 2008.
"Granted, I've never stood over a putt for one million dollars, but if you're thinking about money and outcomes you're not going to last long.
"I've thought about putts coming down the fairway, but not money. Take last year's qualifying playoff - I was nervous but hit a ridiculously good blind shot up the hill within two feet of the hole. My hands were shaking more practising with Tiger Woods last year."
In contrast Iles struggles to block out the thought of the bank.
"It's always there. Anyone is kidding themselves if they don't think about the dollars. I missed a US$10,000 15ft putt recently, but wasn't too worried because I still made US$30,000 and played well that week.
"I actually think it's tougher when you 'put to make the cut'. At least if you make it you are playing for money, a championship and a trophy. I end up playing practice rounds with some of my buddies for smaller figures like $80 to get used to it."
Both golfers are adamant they enjoy the lifestyle overall, knowing it's a privilege to be "giving it a go".
"I'm used to living humbly," Iles says. "We don't taste too many luxuries, but I would like to buy a house in Austin, Texas some day with a nice yard so I can settle down. I've had five years on the road, partying without much stability.
"I'm lucky to have sponsorship deals with Oakley and Srixon, which get me off the ground at the start of the year and my earnings take care of me from there. There are guys worse off than me without those same benefits, worrying about the next hotel and meal."
"I just want to do it until I can't," Batty says. "I'm not complaining at all. It's a big fraternity out there and I've made some lifelong friends, even if my wallet is looking a bit empty at the moment."
The New Zealand contenders
Kiwis in local qualifying
* Doug Batty (Industry Hills GC, California) May 19
* Brad Heaven (Timuquana CC, Florida) May 10 failed to qualify
* Brad Iles (Pinewild CC, North Carolina) May 17
* Grant Waite (Marsh Creek CC, Florida) May 17
* Phil Tataurangi (Gentle Creek GC, Texas) May 10
qualified for sectional play.
Exempt until sectional qualifying
* Josh Geary (Colombia Edgewater CC, Oregon) June 8
* Tim Wilkinson (Germantown CC, Tennessee) June 8
International qualifying
* Danny Lee (Walton Heath CC, England) May 25
* David Smail (Musashi CC, Japan) May 25 Exempt
* Michael Campbell
