57 min
10. The Reality of Becoming a Professional Golfer with Betsy Kelly & Leigh Klasse T-Time with Tori Totlis
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- Golf
Tori sits down with Betsy Kelly and Leigh Klasse to do a deep dive into all things women’s professional golf.
Listen in as our guests talk about the experience of entering their very first USGA championship, as well as Leigh’s biggest lessons learned after over 60 tournaments and her thoughts on the upcoming USGA tournament on their home turf at Troon North Golf Club.
Betsy breaks down the ins-and-outs of Q-School and the expensive reality of traveling for tournaments. Money aside, she discusses what it takes to prepare physically and mentally for tour status with the LPGA.
Key Takeaways
● (13:51) There are three stages to go through in the LPGA Qualifying School (Q-School): Become one of the top 100 out of 300 female applicants, compete for full Epson Tour status (whittling further down to the top 45) and, finally, complete Q-Series to get your LPGA card.
● (26:06) You don’t make money unless you’re in the top 50 in the world. Women in the LPGA are struggling due to the high cost of participation. Every tournament which involves travel will set you back $2500-$3000 to enter, and there is no guarantee you’ll make that back, even if you’re one of the top golfers in the country. The most savvy players build a support network to have a place to stay in different states. That said, some USGA tournaments do offer the option to stay with a host family. Definitely take advantage of this option if available.
● (37:42) The LPGA requires you to invest in your own caddy. This is yet another big expense that most players overlook until the last moment.
● (52:16) There are two types of professional golfers: Those with “tour” status and those who teach professionally for a living.
Connect with Our Guest:
Betsy Kelly: Instagram
Subscribe to our FREE Female Golfer Facebook Group: First T Crew [Behind the Scenes of Women’s Golf]
Get in touch!
Instagram: @tori_totlis
TikTok: @tori_totlis
YouTube: @tori.totlis
Website: CompeteConfidenceGolf.com
Be sure you are subscribed to our podcast to automatically receive the NEW episodes weekly!!!
Tori sits down with Betsy Kelly and Leigh Klasse to do a deep dive into all things women’s professional golf.
Listen in as our guests talk about the experience of entering their very first USGA championship, as well as Leigh’s biggest lessons learned after over 60 tournaments and her thoughts on the upcoming USGA tournament on their home turf at Troon North Golf Club.
Betsy breaks down the ins-and-outs of Q-School and the expensive reality of traveling for tournaments. Money aside, she discusses what it takes to prepare physically and mentally for tour status with the LPGA.
Key Takeaways
● (13:51) There are three stages to go through in the LPGA Qualifying School (Q-School): Become one of the top 100 out of 300 female applicants, compete for full Epson Tour status (whittling further down to the top 45) and, finally, complete Q-Series to get your LPGA card.
● (26:06) You don’t make money unless you’re in the top 50 in the world. Women in the LPGA are struggling due to the high cost of participation. Every tournament which involves travel will set you back $2500-$3000 to enter, and there is no guarantee you’ll make that back, even if you’re one of the top golfers in the country. The most savvy players build a support network to have a place to stay in different states. That said, some USGA tournaments do offer the option to stay with a host family. Definitely take advantage of this option if available.
● (37:42) The LPGA requires you to invest in your own caddy. This is yet another big expense that most players overlook until the last moment.
● (52:16) There are two types of professional golfers: Those with “tour” status and those who teach professionally for a living.
Connect with Our Guest:
Betsy Kelly: Instagram
Subscribe to our FREE Female Golfer Facebook Group: First T Crew [Behind the Scenes of Women’s Golf]
Get in touch!
Instagram: @tori_totlis
TikTok: @tori_totlis
YouTube: @tori.totlis
Website: CompeteConfidenceGolf.com
Be sure you are subscribed to our podcast to automatically receive the NEW episodes weekly!!!
57 min