The weekend hacker usually has dreams of someday playing as a professional golfer.  Otherwise, why would we buy equipment, clothing, and other stuff that we use to try be as good and look as good as professionals?  At a certain point in my life, I wanted to be a pro golfer.  Back in high school, when I was shooting around par, I thought I had an outside chance.  (I didn't really.)

Anyway, now that I'm in my mid-twenties, I have modified my illusions of playing pro golf at my age to waiting until I'm 50 and then becoming a player on the Champions Tour.  There are few events with cuts, less media responsibilities, and it would make for a great retirement.

Well, Jim Roy did just that over the weekend at the Champ Tour Q-school.  At one time a professional, Roy had his amateur status re-instated by the USGA.   But, he wanted to get back into pro golf, so he got into the process.  Reaching the finals, Roy knew that he needed to finish in 5th place or better in order to secure a fully exempt card on the 50+ circuit.

After 72 holes at TPC Scottsdale, Roy was tied with Bruce Vaughan and Kirk Hanefeld at -12, so they went to a playoff for that 5th slot.  With a 6 foot birdie on that first playoff hole, Roy - an amateur - had earned a spot on a pro tour.  And he won $13,000, too.

Naturally, he's giving up his amateur status (again) to pursue his pro career.

What a cool way for a guy to spend his weekend!