Professional Golf: Big Costs, Big Rewards
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. Read the full article