So there are several great answers for our young friend, I'll answer from the other end with my version of his question.
I'm nearing 33 yrs old, and have played golf on and off since I was 13. My most notable period was when I was 19-21 in college playing 3-4 rounds a week and striking honest scratch golf. I have wanted to be a tour player since I was old enough to understand the occupation, but negativity from friends and family had me figuring that winning our local charity tournaments and plenty of side bets was as far as I would ever get.
fast forward to this spring... I picked up my bag after not having played for a year, and in the span of 6 months I have dropped my score back to a +8 and falling, with my scratch game feeling well back within reach. I have had long discussions with my wife, and have set a goal of attaining a scratch score by this coming spring - I'm going to make a run at Q school a year from now, with the idea that it is the one dream Ive had that has never left my thoughts, even if I tucked it away for a while. I have no shaded visions of stardom, but I feel like this is my best opportunity to at least have a go at it... even if nothing comes of it Ill have at least tried, and Ill have a hell of a story that most golfers never get to tell.
Ive done everything that the folks in this forum have suggested - Ive gotten an education, Ive built a career so that money is not an issue, and I have family that supports me. and I STILL want to compete. What do you folks think?
and for those keeping score, yes, I DID register on the forum to post in this thread, Ive been lurking for a while, and have learned a lot