How does one become a pro?

[maxxym]

I was watching Golf Channel yesterday and I was wondering.. How could a person become a pro? I mean, what do you need to do to play in US Open for example? Do you just show up and try out? lol

 

How do you get that "I am a golf pro" status? Do you just go out with a PGA person to play 18 holes and they test you like this?

[TexasAg]

Basically you just have to do something that violates your amateur status. Most center around accepting money beyond a certain limit. Being a "professional golfer" (like on tour) is different than being a "PGA professional" (teaching pro). Being a PGA professional has a bunch of other requirements to be certified by the PGA of America.

 

You don't have to be a professional to play in a US Open (or most any "pro" tournament for that matter). Anybody with a handicap of 2 or less (or is it 1.6?) can play in a qualifier.

[maxxym]

So you mean, if lets say course is par 75 and I shot 71-72, that's good enough to try out for us open?

[Stunt101]

I was watching Golf Channel yesterday and I was wondering.. How could a person become a pro? I mean, what do you need to do to play in US Open for example? Do you just show up and try out? lol

 

How do you get that "I am a golf pro" status? Do you just go out with a PGA person to play 18 holes and they test you like this?

Anyone can turn pro. If you win a car in a charity tournament for example, you would have to lose your amateur status and basically become a pro if you wanted to receive the car.

[thenextnumber1]

Or just go to Qualifying school for a tour and when you get there tell the tournament officials that you will be accepting prize money.

 

Bam, ur a pro.

 

But you wont make no money cos youll probs come last if your not a PLUS handicap.

[beachgrovejunior]

As long as you are under a 1.4 USGA index, you can attempt to qualify for the US open, but there are a couple stages and its very hard to make it, seeing as a lot of the guys who make it are guys who are on the PGA Tour

[Jaylasvegas]

actually, all you need to do is declare yourself a professional, you can then no longer play in Am tournys and wont have a handicap.

there are touring pros and golf prosessionals, very different paths.

 

 

where is this Par75 track ;)

[Dan89CaLLaWaY]

Par 75??? haha

[charles321]

Any benefits staying an Amateur?

[SadTrombone]

Any benefits staying an Amateur?

I went back because I missed some of the local competitions and I wasn't making a killing playing the mini-tours.

 

-mini

[bigpopper81]

Any benefits staying an Amateur?

I went back because I missed some of the local competitions and I wasn't making a killing playing the mini-tours.

 

-mini

 

I was unaware that you could go back. That's interesting.

 

The benefit of staying an amateur means you can play in all the amateur tournaments at your local clubs with your friends. It's really only worth becoming a pro if you think you are going to make enough money to earn a living or if you are going to become a PGA instructor. Neither of those paths usually lead to making tons of money and if you become an instructor it usually means you don't get to play a whole lot of golf either.

[smittysbar]

Any benefits staying an Amateur?

I went back because I missed some of the local competitions and I wasn't making a killing playing the mini-tours.

 

-mini

 

You can't go back to Am status after turning pro, if this was the case Bobby Jones would have taken money then went back to Am status.

 

Or maybe you were just kidding, because it sure made me laugh ;)

[MisterMizzy]

You can actually apply to have your Amateur status reinstated. Though the USGA may allow you to regain status as an amateur, local rules may apply that keep former professionals from entering tournaments, etc. See below from USGA FAQs:

 

I would like to regain my amateur status. What is the process that must be completed? top

An application for reinstatement to amateur status must be completed in duplicate before the USGA will consider you for reinstatement. Once the applications are completed, they must first be sent to the state or regional golf association in your area for review, and the association will forward it to the USGA for processing. This process can take anywhere between 6 to 8 weeks.

 

The standard period a person must wait before reinstatement to amateur status is granted is one to two years from the date of the last act contrary to the Rules of Amateur status. However, the length this probation period can be longer depending on the type of breach.

 

To request an application for reinstatement, please click here

[smittysbar]

You can actually apply to have your Amateur status reinstated. Though the USGA may allow you to regain status as an amateur, local rules may apply that keep former professionals from entering tournaments, etc. See below from USGA FAQs:

 

I would like to regain my amateur status. What is the process that must be completed? top

An application for reinstatement to amateur status must be completed in duplicate before the USGA will consider you for reinstatement. Once the applications are completed, they must first be sent to the state or regional golf association in your area for review, and the association will forward it to the USGA for processing. This process can take anywhere between 6 to 8 weeks.

 

The standard period a person must wait before reinstatement to amateur status is granted is one to two years from the date of the last act contrary to the Rules of Amateur status. However, the length this probation period can be longer depending on the type of breach.

 

To request an application for reinstatement, please click here

 

Be pretty hard if you were out playing on a mini tour or winning money.

[MisterMizzy]

I would think that it might apply if you were someone that thought you had a chance (i.e. a top college golfer attempting to qualify for events after college). As soon as you step on that first tee to attempt to qualify at Q school, or for any event where you have not declared amateur status, you become a professional. For those that never qualify, or make any money playing the sport, it would seem to be worth it to go back to amateur status.

[maxxym]

What kind of winning money are we talking about here?

[gir2]

make more birdies

[gentles]

Mate, it's 100% possible to go back to an amateur, I know a guy who did just that. he played on the NZPGA tour for a couple years, and went off the game. I think it's a 2 year process, now he plays senior pennants for our club.

[mars44]

What about endorsements? I believe you have to be declared pro status to receive endorsements. But what about guys like Tadd Fujikawa? Isn't he amatuer status? But he seems to be sponsored by Callaway. Or at least receiving alot of equipment from Callaway.

[mikpga]

Accept cash for golf instruction or playing golf.

[jamesduncan]

As soon as you step on that first tee to attempt to qualify at Q school, you become a professional.

 

No you dont. You just declare that you will waive any prize money given at Q school.

 

Still amateur.

[maguy1970]

You can actually apply to have your Amateur status reinstated. Though the USGA may allow you to regain status as an amateur, local rules may apply that keep former professionals from entering tournaments, etc. See below from USGA FAQs:

 

I would like to regain my amateur status. What is the process that must be completed? top

An application for reinstatement to amateur status must be completed in duplicate before the USGA will consider you for reinstatement. Once the applications are completed, they must first be sent to the state or regional golf association in your area for review, and the association will forward it to the USGA for processing. This process can take anywhere between 6 to 8 weeks.

 

The standard period a person must wait before reinstatement to amateur status is granted is one to two years from the date of the last act contrary to the Rules of Amateur status. However, the length this probation period can be longer depending on the type of breach.

 

To request an application for reinstatement, please click here

 

Be pretty hard if you were out playing on a mini tour or winning money.

 

 

Ummm yeah, that's the point. We have a kid at our club who had his amatuer status restored a few years back. Made a 2 or 3 year run at mini tours and decided he did not want to pursue it. (OK, before anyone jumps down my throat for "he decided he did not want to pursue...." no he struggled mightily to earn a living) Went to USGA/MGA and got reinstated. He is now a +1.1 index and a top am here in Mass.

 

And as far as I know, you can be a pro as long as you denounce your amatuer status. To be in the PGA you need to pass a few tests, not sure how many or what exactly they are, but one is the PAT (Playing ABility Test) Now that is "in" the PGA, not "on" the PGA Tour, big difference. Being "on" tour means you have to earn your status.

 

As for the mini tours, from what I gather, the only real skill you need to master to get into most is the skill necessary to write out a check for dues and entry fees. Harsh? Maybe, but take the North American Pro Golf Tour up here in New Engalnd (old Cleveland tour). Yeah there are some phenomonal players out there and yes, Sean O'Hair played on that tour, but you get a few players who suddenly decide "Hey I am a golf pro!" and, well hypothetically, might not make a cut in over a season on that tour.

 

It seems there are a lot of "should I go pro", "can I go pro", "how do I go pro" on here. Bottom line, IMO, is if you have the game, give it a shot. An honest shot. Get out there, put the hours in, work on your game rather than tell anyone who will listen you're a golf pro with sponsors and see if you can do it. Maybe some here can answer my question.... If you were a pro and were not able to shoot one single round in the 70's in competition over 7 events, how long would you give yourself a chance at making it? Just curious....

[MisterMizzy]

As soon as you step on that first tee to attempt to qualify at Q school, you become a professional.

 

No you dont. You just declare that you will waive any prize money given at Q school.

 

Still amateur.

 

 

That is correct. Sorry about that. You must also fill out appropriate paperwork at each stage of qualifying to retain amateur status.

[MisterMizzy]

You can actually apply to have your Amateur status reinstated. Though the USGA may allow you to regain status as an amateur, local rules may apply that keep former professionals from entering tournaments, etc. See below from USGA FAQs:

 

I would like to regain my amateur status. What is the process that must be completed? top

An application for reinstatement to amateur status must be completed in duplicate before the USGA will consider you for reinstatement. Once the applications are completed, they must first be sent to the state or regional golf association in your area for review, and the association will forward it to the USGA for processing. This process can take anywhere between 6 to 8 weeks.

 

The standard period a person must wait before reinstatement to amateur status is granted is one to two years from the date of the last act contrary to the Rules of Amateur status. However, the length this probation period can be longer depending on the type of breach.

 

To request an application for reinstatement, please click here

 

Be pretty hard if you were out playing on a mini tour or winning money.

 

 

Ummm yeah, that's the point. We have a kid at our club who had his amatuer status restored a few years back. Made a 2 or 3 year run at mini tours and decided he did not want to pursue it. (OK, before anyone jumps down my throat for "he decided he did not want to pursue...." no he struggled mightily to earn a living) Went to USGA/MGA and got reinstated. He is now a +1.1 index and a top am here in Mass.

 

And as far as I know, you can be a pro as long as you denounce your amatuer status. To be in the PGA you need to pass a few tests, not sure how many or what exactly they are, but one is the PAT (Playing ABility Test) Now that is "in" the PGA, not "on" the PGA Tour, big difference. Being "on" tour means you have to earn your status.

 

As for the mini tours, from what I gather, the only real skill you need to master to get into most is the skill necessary to write out a check for dues and entry fees. Harsh? Maybe, but take the North American Pro Golf Tour up here in New Engalnd (old Cleveland tour). Yeah there are some phenomonal players out there and yes, Sean O'Hair played on that tour, but you get a few players who suddenly decide "Hey I am a golf pro!" and, well hypothetically, might not make a cut in over a season on that tour.

 

It seems there are a lot of "should I go pro", "can I go pro", "how do I go pro" on here. Bottom line, IMO, is if you have the game, give it a shot. An honest shot. Get out there, put the hours in, work on your game rather than tell anyone who will listen you're a golf pro with sponsors and see if you can do it. Maybe some here can answer my question.... If you were a pro and were not able to shoot one single round in the 70's in competition over 7 events, how long would you give yourself a chance at making it? Just curious....

 

Yup. There are a lot of great college/amateur golfers that may be able to shoot a low number once or twice every four rounds (by low, I mean mid-high 60s). Even low 70s rounds don't cut it on most mini tours. The payouts aren't that great to begin with, and unless you're a top player, you'd have to have pretty deep pockets to keep it up. The difference between most pros and top amateurs is the ability to consistently score under par. That's not to say top college players shouldn't go attempt to just qualify for events and waive professional status. That is probably the best way to determine whether or not you're capable of competing at that level. My recommendation is, unless you're a +3 to +5, you're probably wasting your time/money declaring yourself as a professional (unless you desire to be a teaching pro). Just my .02.

[maguy1970]

You can actually apply to have your Amateur status reinstated. Though the USGA may allow you to regain status as an amateur, local rules may apply that keep former professionals from entering tournaments, etc. See below from USGA FAQs:

 

I would like to regain my amateur status. What is the process that must be completed? top

An application for reinstatement to amateur status must be completed in duplicate before the USGA will consider you for reinstatement. Once the applications are completed, they must first be sent to the state or regional golf association in your area for review, and the association will forward it to the USGA for processing. This process can take anywhere between 6 to 8 weeks.

 

The standard period a person must wait before reinstatement to amateur status is granted is one to two years from the date of the last act contrary to the Rules of Amateur status. However, the length this probation period can be longer depending on the type of breach.

 

To request an application for reinstatement, please click here

 

Be pretty hard if you were out playing on a mini tour or winning money.

 

 

Ummm yeah, that's the point. We have a kid at our club who had his amatuer status restored a few years back. Made a 2 or 3 year run at mini tours and decided he did not want to pursue it. (OK, before anyone jumps down my throat for "he decided he did not want to pursue...." no he struggled mightily to earn a living) Went to USGA/MGA and got reinstated. He is now a +1.1 index and a top am here in Mass.

 

And as far as I know, you can be a pro as long as you denounce your amatuer status. To be in the PGA you need to pass a few tests, not sure how many or what exactly they are, but one is the PAT (Playing ABility Test) Now that is "in" the PGA, not "on" the PGA Tour, big difference. Being "on" tour means you have to earn your status.

 

As for the mini tours, from what I gather, the only real skill you need to master to get into most is the skill necessary to write out a check for dues and entry fees. Harsh? Maybe, but take the North American Pro Golf Tour up here in New Engalnd (old Cleveland tour). Yeah there are some phenomonal players out there and yes, Sean O'Hair played on that tour, but you get a few players who suddenly decide "Hey I am a golf pro!" and, well hypothetically, might not make a cut in over a season on that tour.

 

It seems there are a lot of "should I go pro", "can I go pro", "how do I go pro" on here. Bottom line, IMO, is if you have the game, give it a shot. An honest shot. Get out there, put the hours in, work on your game rather than tell anyone who will listen you're a golf pro with sponsors and see if you can do it. Maybe some here can answer my question.... If you were a pro and were not able to shoot one single round in the 70's in competition over 7 events, how long would you give yourself a chance at making it? Just curious....

 

Yup. There are a lot of great college/amateur golfers that may be able to shoot a low number once or twice every four rounds (by low, I mean mid-high 60s). Even low 70s rounds don't cut it on most mini tours. The payouts aren't that great to begin with, and unless you're a top player, you'd have to have pretty deep pockets to keep it up. The difference between most pros and top amateurs is the ability to consistently score under par. That's not to say top college players shouldn't go attempt to just qualify for events and waive professional status. That is probably the best way to determine whether or not you're capable of competing at that level. My recommendation is, unless you're a +3 to +5, you're probably wasting your time/money declaring yourself as a professional (unless you desire to be a teaching pro). Just my .02.

 

Mizzy, but to be a teaching pro, don't you, or rather shouldn't you be a PGA accredited pro? Doesn't that require that you pass a few tests?

[retep]

My guess, without reading the rules is that there are certain expenses that can be deducted against prize money, and money above that amount would have to be repaid in order to regain amateur status. I played 2 years of lowsy professional tennis and i can tell you it was not for me, and a lot of other people i met as well, even the good ones found it not for them. The best players weren't the ones that always made it, it was the ones that could take losing for months, or had money to stay out there until others dropped off, etc... gets complex real quick for this venue for me to babble on...

 

However, if the chance presents itself, i strongly encourage people to try because you only get 1 shot at something like that. It has to be done in a way that propells you instead of going for the usa Q school, my guess is that someone might do better in some other tour because there isn't as much depth of the players. Think about the NBA, NFL, etc... I'm guessing golf's usa Q school is the toughest. So success might come in asia? or eu? or whereever (if they have them) continents, then propel yourself to a usa tournament coming from a more success and ability to stay out longer in the states now that you have some $ or sponsors or ??? from elsewhere... My UNeducated hacker golf 2 cents... (2 usa cents, not 1.5 euro cents).

[MisterMizzy]

You can actually apply to have your Amateur status reinstated. Though the USGA may allow you to regain status as an amateur, local rules may apply that keep former professionals from entering tournaments, etc. See below from USGA FAQs:

 

I would like to regain my amateur status. What is the process that must be completed? top

An application for reinstatement to amateur status must be completed in duplicate before the USGA will consider you for reinstatement. Once the applications are completed, they must first be sent to the state or regional golf association in your area for review, and the association will forward it to the USGA for processing. This process can take anywhere between 6 to 8 weeks.

 

The standard period a person must wait before reinstatement to amateur status is granted is one to two years from the date of the last act contrary to the Rules of Amateur status. However, the length this probation period can be longer depending on the type of breach.

 

To request an application for reinstatement, please click here

 

Be pretty hard if you were out playing on a mini tour or winning money.

 

 

Ummm yeah, that's the point. We have a kid at our club who had his amatuer status restored a few years back. Made a 2 or 3 year run at mini tours and decided he did not want to pursue it. (OK, before anyone jumps down my throat for "he decided he did not want to pursue...." no he struggled mightily to earn a living) Went to USGA/MGA and got reinstated. He is now a +1.1 index and a top am here in Mass.

 

And as far as I know, you can be a pro as long as you denounce your amatuer status. To be in the PGA you need to pass a few tests, not sure how many or what exactly they are, but one is the PAT (Playing ABility Test) Now that is "in" the PGA, not "on" the PGA Tour, big difference. Being "on" tour means you have to earn your status.

 

As for the mini tours, from what I gather, the only real skill you need to master to get into most is the skill necessary to write out a check for dues and entry fees. Harsh? Maybe, but take the North American Pro Golf Tour up here in New Engalnd (old Cleveland tour). Yeah there are some phenomonal players out there and yes, Sean O'Hair played on that tour, but you get a few players who suddenly decide "Hey I am a golf pro!" and, well hypothetically, might not make a cut in over a season on that tour.

 

It seems there are a lot of "should I go pro", "can I go pro", "how do I go pro" on here. Bottom line, IMO, is if you have the game, give it a shot. An honest shot. Get out there, put the hours in, work on your game rather than tell anyone who will listen you're a golf pro with sponsors and see if you can do it. Maybe some here can answer my question.... If you were a pro and were not able to shoot one single round in the 70's in competition over 7 events, how long would you give yourself a chance at making it? Just curious....

 

Yup. There are a lot of great college/amateur golfers that may be able to shoot a low number once or twice every four rounds (by low, I mean mid-high 60s). Even low 70s rounds don't cut it on most mini tours. The payouts aren't that great to begin with, and unless you're a top player, you'd have to have pretty deep pockets to keep it up. The difference between most pros and top amateurs is the ability to consistently score under par. That's not to say top college players shouldn't go attempt to just qualify for events and waive professional status. That is probably the best way to determine whether or not you're capable of competing at that level. My recommendation is, unless you're a +3 to +5, you're probably wasting your time/money declaring yourself as a professional (unless you desire to be a teaching pro). Just my .02.

 

Mizzy, but to be a teaching pro, don't you, or rather shouldn't you be a PGA accredited pro? Doesn't that require that you pass a few tests?

 

Yes. I believe you have to take a series of classes/be an apprentice, and pass your PAT. I think the requirements for the PAT are that you shoot below 79 in at least one of the two rounds. The PAT is generally held on a fairly short course with a course rating around 113. I would definitely not consider this sort of thing a waste of money, and you certainly don't have to be a scratch golfer to be a teaching pro. I think the PGA of America just requires that you have a basic knowledge of the game, that you understand swing concepts, and that you pass the PAT. I'm sure there are some teaching pros on here that would be glad to go into detail about everything that they had to go through.