Rookie on Tour

Paulson succinctly sums up his book, written with Virginia psychologist Janda, when he declares, ""My story may be more typical than exciting."" This account of a golfer's first two years on the pro tour shows how difficult it is for a very good golfer to raise his game to the level at which it is genuinely excellent, and how a positive attitude is essential for a young athlete to triumph over the discouragements that are almost certain to occur. Paulson, who started to play at age 11 and won the Virginia Junior Championship in high school and the Metro Conference Championship at the University of South Carolina, achieved his pro card in 1994 and in his first year won $64,500, finishing 183d on the money list. The following year he garnered first place in the qualifying school tourney but finished 155th on the money list. This detailed catalogue of more than 50 events Paulson entered, good and bad shots he made and purses he won makes for monotonous reading after a while. For only the most avid linksters. (Mar.)