How long does it take to become a professional golfer?

Like anything else your game knowledge will increase the more you play. First of all you need to start playing more, most cities have a local tour with some pretty good competition. Play as many events as you can and bank that experience. You also need to have money because you will most likely have to pay your way so don't quit your day job just yet. Go see your club pro, get some lessons but most importantly never stop practicing. If your serious about getting into pro golf, you should move to an area where you can golf all year around (eg Florida). Practice, practice, practice.

"3 months to a lifetime" It is different for everyone. Some spend their whole life in this attempt and never make it. Every year you hear of success stories on the PGA about a young golfer who spend all their money and time and was about to give up the game and ‘get a real job’ but had that break-through moment and made it. First you need to lower your HDCP to 1 or less. Second apply for Q-school qualifying. There is a pre-qualifying round you compete in first. This will be held sometime in September at one of several chosen sites. The top few get to go on to the First Round, played in October, Second Round in November and a FINAL ROUND held right after Thanksgiving every year. Only a few will win their tour card for the following year. However, you are competing again those golfers who had their tour card from the current year, but didn’t make enough money to qualify for the card the next year and are forced back into Q-School. A second option is the Nationwide Tour. Don’t think it gets any easier. These guys are young, good and very hungry to get to the tour. Each year the top few money winners from the Nationwide tour also get invited to move up. A third option is to play in or find someone willing to give you a sponsor exemption. In July of every year we have a PGA event near my home. Several weeks before a tournament is played and the winner received an exemption to play in the PGA event in July by the tournament sponsor. He didn’t make the cut. Good Luck

It's not how long it takes it your determination and how much practive you put into it. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xaIOE15S8Cs

Read up on the History of jack Nicholas it will give you a good background.