If you’re a young player or have a child who shows golf skills, you could do a lot worse than to pursue a career in golf. Compared to other sports, golf has many things to recommend it. First, there’s the money. Many kids who have just better-than-average talent can get full scholarships to major colleges. Many current tour pros honed their skills under the tutelage of a great college coach, getting a first class education for free in the process!

Beyond a free or partially free ride in college, golf has another advantage (a big one) in terms of money. Barring accidents, golf is perhaps the sport one can play professionally for the longest. Senior golfers now make much more than regular tour pros earned just a few years ago, and the trend looks to be growing. As Baby Boomers retire, look for the money on the Champions Tour to balloon! How great is a sport that lets 65 year-olds earn millions?

Think you have to win on tour to be rich? Guess again! The 100th-ranked player on the US Pro Tour is Harrison Frazar. You’re thinking, ‘Who is that?’ aren’t you? That’s the point! He’s earned about $8.3 million and he has yet to win a tournament.

Of course, many great golfers never make it to the pro tour for the big bucks. Well, that’s ok. Good careers can be forged by teaching the game. Teaching pros at even modestly popular clubs can easily bring in six figures every year. Some of them make more than average touring pros!

All in all, a career in golf should not be scoffed at. If you have a child who loves the game and shows real talent, take a page from Tiger’s dad’s playbook and get him or her started on the right path early. Tiger was swinging with authority shortly after he could walk. Just remember not to force it on your child, or you’ll take his natural love for the game and turn it into something ugly.