How to become a tour pro?

tickyboy · April 23, 2006

I'm just wondering, when someone wants to become a tour pro on some tour, what steps must be taken? In comparison, would someone have to do a playability test such as in a CPGA (PGA) course, or would someone say "I dont want to be an amateur anymore" and is that it? I know accepting money in tournaments makes you a non-amateur, but does that therefore make you a professional?

agoodgolfer · April 23, 2006

I know accepting money in tournaments makes you a non-amateur, but does that therefore make you a professional?

Yup, its that easy... I have a buddy that was dumb enough to claim his pro status on his 18th birthday. No golf resume, just a few low rounds in some Am tourneys which made him, and his mother (inside joke for those that know him), feel like he was worthy.

Any non amateur event will have a box on the registration form where you either check pro or am. Checking the box is really all it takes...

MidWestPro · April 25, 2006

I know accepting money in tournaments makes you a non-amateur, but does that therefore make you a professional?

Yup, its that easy... I have a buddy that was dumb enough to claim his pro status on his 18th birthday. No golf resume, just a few low rounds in some Am tourneys which made him, and his mother (inside joke for those that know him), feel like he was worthy.

Any non amateur event will have a box on the registration form where you either check pro or am. Checking the box is really all it takes...

Correct, but this only makes him a Professional and in no means a Certified PGA Professional.

You start by entering into the PGM Program and taking your PAT. It is a 4 year college program with tests and at the end of the journey you will be a Class A professiional. It is not the easiest schooling as well.

PGM= Professional Golf Management

PAT= Playing Ability Test

agoodgolfer · April 25, 2006

I know accepting money in tournaments makes you a non-amateur, but does that therefore make you a professional?

Yup, its that easy... I have a buddy that was dumb enough to claim his pro status on his 18th birthday. No golf resume, just a few low rounds in some Am tourneys which made him, and his mother (inside joke for those that know him), feel like he was worthy.

Any non amateur event will have a box on the registration form where you either check pro or am. Checking the box is really all it takes...

Correct, but this only makes him a Professional and in no means a Certified PGA Professional.

You start by entering into the PGM Program and taking your PAT. It is a 4 year college program with tests and at the end of the journey you will be a Class A professiional. It is not the easiest schooling as well.

PGM= Professional Golf Management
PAT= Playing Ability Test

It seemed as though he wanted to know how to become a 'tour pro'. The PGM program is for those looking to work in the industry as a golf professional, not for those looking to play golf as a profession.

tylerbrowder8-4 · April 26, 2006

yes if you wanted to play on the pga or nationwide you have to go to Q-school which that has a 5,000 entry fee :)

alexthegrrr8 · April 26, 2006

Not that it means anything, but there is one notion that I'm considering. It's a longshot but a shot that's a win/win situation. I'm going to be trying a Nationwide Monday Qualifier maybe this year. If not this year then next year is a certainty. I'm looking at the Lake Erie Charity Classic. In the mean time I'm joining a Tour this year to gain invaluable experience. But I read that if you collect a prize of a certain amount that makes you a pro. For example, a car for a hole-in-one. You could be a 36 'capper but if you take that car...guess what "Sunny Jim' you're a golf pro with a 36 'cap. Check the USGA or RCGA guideline on amateur status. I'd do it for ya but...this morning I'm lazy.

Anyways, if you qualify and make the cut...consider checking that box lol.

Hit'em Pure and Good Luck,

Alex

TNSooner · April 26, 2006

Back in the late 80's and early 90's, I played on the Australasian Tour, Japan Tour, Hogan Tour, TC Jordan Tour, Dakotas Tour, etc...

Tough life. I was gone 40 out of 52 weeks a year from home and played for peanuts. I went through Q School 3 times in that span and missed by 2 shots the first time, 1 shot the second time and 4 shots the third.

Here's my advice...and it's the same as what Lee Trevino said 35 years ago...

1. Go to 10 of the hardest golf courses that you can find and play them cold.

2. If you set the course record at 7 of them...then you're ready to try to make a living playing golf.

That being said...

Play as many tournaments as you can, get yourself tournament tough, and have a great time doing it.

Chances are that you won't get another chance to chase this dream again...good luck!

golfhawaii · April 26, 2006

Not that it means anything, but there is one notion that I'm considering. It's a longshot but a shot that's a win/win situation. I'm going to be trying a Nationwide Monday Qualifier maybe this year. If not this year then next year is a certainty. I'm looking at the Lake Erie Charity Classic. In the mean time I'm joining a Tour this year to gain invaluable experience. But I read that if you collect a prize of a certain amount that makes you a pro. For example, a car for a hole-in-one. You could be a 36 'capper but if you take that car...guess what "Sunny Jim' you're a golf pro with a 36 'cap. Check the USGA or RCGA guideline on amateur status. I'd do it for ya but...this morning I'm lazy.

Anyways, if you qualify and make the cut...consider checking that box lol.

Hit'em Pure and Good Luck,

Alex

Assuming I read your post correctly, you need to check amateur or professional prior to making the cut. You can't change it after the cut has been made.

Also, the USGA changed the rules regarding prizes. In the past, winning a car and accepting it as a prize meant you burn your amateur status. The rule has since been changed and you can win the car and remain an amateur.

alexthegrrr8 · April 26, 2006

Hawaii:

LOL...oops. No I figured that's what it was I just didn't go deep enough in my thought as far as the amateur/pro check box thing. I know that if I made a cut and played again, it would be at that second tournament I would check off pro. Why not?! Life is a gamble.

You're right though, regarding hole-in-one prizes. According to the RCGA the Rules of Amateur Status covers that in Section 3-2.

Alex

MidWestPro · April 26, 2006

Hawaii:

LOL...oops. No I figured that's what it was I just didn't go deep enough in my thought as far as the amateur/pro check box thing. I know that if I made a cut and played again, it would be at that second tournament I would check off pro. Why not?! Life is a gamble.

You're right though, regarding hole-in-one prizes. According to the RCGA the Rules of Amateur Status covers that in Section 3-2.

Alex

I am pretty sure that the mini tours are PROFESSIONAL only. No amateurs.

If you enter the event and qualify for a Nationwide event, you lose your amateur status.

tickyboy · April 26, 2006

There's actually a mini tour around here that's open to pros and ams....if an am finishes in the money they get a gift certificate for the shop rather than a cheque.

MidWestPro · April 26, 2006

There's actually a mini tour around here that's open to pros and ams....if an am finishes in the money they get a gift certificate for the shop rather than a cheque.

Hmm. i know the Dakota's Tour isnt like that and I have never seen an Amateur play a nationwide Tour event.

maguy1970 · April 26, 2006

Amateurs can enter the old Cleveland Tour events up here in the Northeast, now the New England Pro Golf Tour I believe. Wait, i think I am wrong after checking. Hom Stylz might be able to answer that better than I.

Update---

Here's a guy who played in events as an am...

http://nepgt.bluegolf.com/bluegolf/nepgt5/...d1/tresults.htm

Did not fair so well, but he is listed as an amatuer nonetheless....