Tom Watson on Modern Amateurs - In Name Only

[ladders11]

Colleges are spending big money on sports to run their almost major league programs.  The competition makes players train every day all year rather than focusing on school.  But I know a lot of the players are going to school specifically to get the course time, practice and instruction and see if they can be good enough to make the tour.

I also don't see the utility of the word "amateur".  If we're discussing the amateurs that participate in pro tournaments, but retain amateur status, then I completely agree with Tom Watson - they're basically pros.  Meanwhile, we're never going to see a "weekend warrior" on television in a PGA event.  Good enough to play means enough money to support yourself and play or train daily year-round.  If you don't have the big money support or don't put in the time on expensive courses you aren't going to be good enough to make it into an event obviously.

This reminds me of the US Open at Bethpage when announcers and officials made a huge deal that they were on a municipal course.  Even though it is absolutely nothing like the average course, it is not affordable or accessible or badly maintained.

[clubhousehero]

They don't get paid so they are not pro's.

And to the above post, bethpage is only like $65 for state residents...thats not that bad.  And its not accessible b/c its such a great deal.