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