The future comes down to your performance in the next six days. That is Q-School on the PGA Tour.  It isn’t so much a “School,” although everyone leaves with a bag load of unforgettable lessons.  It is a Qualifying Tournament.  The results of which determine who will and who will not play on the PGA Tour next year.

One hundred and seventy three players will tee it up this morning in LaQuinta, CA.  Every one of the them do so in the hopes to be the player who walks off the course on Sunday having taken the fewest shots to complete the 6 round tournament, 108 golf holes in all. That person will not only be the victor, but will be granted the greatest number of opportunities to play in PGA Tour events in 2012.   Six rounds.  A normal Tournament is a tough 4-round marathon that drains even the most seasoned veteran.  Q-School is a marathon and a half.

The top 25 players (plus ties) will earn the right to play the PGA tour.  Those finishing lower will earn the right to play on the Nationwide Tour and those finishing below that will play on the developmental tours.  So this week comes down to the chance to eat well, to eat, or wonder where your next meal will come from in 2012.  And if you have a family, what is on their plates will also be determined by your performance this week.   Feeling pressure?  It can be suffocating.

173 players.  173 very good players.  With the exception of the top money winners on the 2011 PGA Tour, these are the best in the world.  Among them are 4 major championship winners: US Opens, British Opens, and PGA Championships.  One of the competitors, David Duval, is a former Number 1 player in the world.  Tough competition?  It doesn’t get tougher.  The players are that good, the tournament is that demanding and the stakes are that high.

Of those 173 players, 2 are players I know well and have worked with for years.  Both have had their successes and their setbacks this year.  They wouldn’t be here if they hadn’t.  They have both been here before.  But being here and doing well here can be two different things.  They will endure moments of pain, moments of exhilaration, moments of frustration, and–hopefully–moments of success.  They have worked hard to hone their craft and prepare their bodies and minds for the next 6 days.  Win or lose, these will be 6 days they will never forget. The lessons of Q-School have begun.

About the Author – Paul G. Schempp

Dr. Schempp, president of Performance Matters, Inc., is a professional speaker, coach and consultant. Paul has more than 25 years of experience in the fields of research, teaching and professional development. Individuals and organizations in business, education and sport have elevated their expertise and achieved exceptional performance by working with Dr. Schempp.