| Amateur golfers, to define them in a nutshell, would | | | | endorsements from commercial groups, allowing |
| be among the more complex breeds of athlete | | | | names or likenesses to appear for commercial |
| because of the general indistinctness of what they | | | | purposes, or entering into professional agreements |
| are attempting to do. While many onlookers may not | | | | with sponsors or agents. |
| grasp the notion of what it means to pursue this | | | | Finally, an amateur player is not allowed to apply for |
| passion through the amateur golf tour circuit, others | | | | membership to any organization for professional |
| will knowingly look on with an air of familiarity as to | | | | players. Of course, there are exceptions for every |
| the notion of working up in the world of golf to | | | | rule, and amateur golf is no exception. An amateur |
| become, one day, a pro. | | | | player is allowed to apply for an assistant professional |
| Amateur golf tours are a great way for one to | | | | player. They are also allowed to enter and play in a |
| develop the skill of golf. First, it's important to note | | | | tournament or competition that will lead to play in a |
| that there is an actual definition of an amateur player | | | | professional competition. The only difference in play |
| according to the United States Golf Association. An | | | | between them and a professional player is that an |
| amateur player reaches that status first by reaching | | | | amateur player must forfeit all rights to any prize |
| what is known as golf skill. Golf skill is assessed by a | | | | monies that they could potentially win. |
| player's success at a competitive level. The level of | | | | There are many more rules and exceptions regarding |
| competition can be local or national; the important | | | | amateur golf play. Basically, the important thing to |
| aspect is that the player is successful competitively. | | | | note is that to become an amateur golfer is a simple |
| Once a player has success in competitions and is | | | | task. It is only for those who love the game of golf |
| recognized as having golf skill, this is known as golf | | | | and are serious in devoting their time to playing the |
| reputation. Again, a reputation can only be gained | | | | game and improving their game. Becoming an |
| through actual playing and recognition of golf skill. | | | | amateur golfer isn't for those who would like to |
| Simply being associated with the game of golf, | | | | create a career in the field of golf. With the rules of |
| administering tournaments or being an instructor does | | | | payment and expenses in place such as they are, it |
| not gain a player reputation or skill. | | | | would be nearly impossible to create a career in |
| After achieving a level of reputable golf skill and | | | | amateur golf. Becoming an amateur golfer is more for |
| establishing a status, an amateur may become an | | | | a player that has already played competitively in a |
| amateur player. This is a player that does not yet | | | | business or school league and is looking for play on |
| play for money and does not accept money for | | | | the next level. Whatever the reason a player has for |
| teaching the sport of golf. An amateur player may | | | | wanting to become an amateur golfer, it would be |
| not claim to be a pro golfer, either, and may not | | | | highly recommended that they become familiar with |
| engage in any action that would credit them in the | | | | the rules and regulations set up by the USGA before |
| same fashion as a professional player. Breaking this | | | | they take that next step. |
| code of ethics would also include accepting any | | | | |