Insights: PGA TOUR Q-School

Interview with Aspiring PGA TOUR Golfer Gabe Reynolds

Gabe Reynolds was a member of the Texas State University golf team from 1999 to 2002. He played in Tour Q-School for the first time in 2008, and is making an attempt this year as well. He played in the 1st stage of Tour Q-School at the PGA Golf Club, Wanamaker Course in Port St. Lucie, Florida this past week.

Q: Tell us a little about tour Q-school and what it means to you. 

A: Q-school is the last chapter of a long year of golf.  Every tournament of a season on a mini-tour is an opportunity to improve. Qualifying school is the pay-off. It is like having a season with 20 pre-season games, and just one three week long event that matters.   

Q: Will you be in tour Q-school this year? 

A: Yes. 

Q: What stage are you playing in?  Which course? 

A: The 1st stage at the Wannamaker Course in Port St. Lucie, Florida.

Q: How many times have you played in Tour Q-School?

A: This will be my second time.

Q: How do the results of this tournament affect your golf career?

A: It seems that the results of this tournament would have a sizable effect on anyone’s golf career. That is the only reason any of us would subject ourselves to it.  I suppose, though, that the lower a golfer is on the totem pole, and mini-tour golf is pretty low, the more that golfer has to gain. So, for me, Tour Q-School is the biggest event of the year. Moving up to the PGA TOUR or the Nationwide Tour would give me the opportunity to play on a much bigger stage, and there are lots of advantages that go along with that. I think playing against better players, on better courses, for more money are all positive things for my development as a golfer.

Q: When playing in a tournament which determines so much, what helps you to stay calm and focused?

A: Perspective. I have a great life. I am so lucky to be married to the most amazing woman I have ever met, and I have so much support from family and friends that no one golf shot is too big to face. When I am competing, though, I find that good deep breaths are a golfer’s best friend.

Q: What is the biggest challenge you must overcome when competing in Tour Q-School? 

A: Weather is a big factor late in the year.  Most Tour Q-School sites are difficult courses which are often even more difficult in cold weather and high winds.

Q: What advice would you give to an aspiring golfer who dreams of playing golf for a living?

A: Practice, believe in yourself, and dream big.

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