Question on Amateur status..

[SloverUT]

I am 30 and just started playing a few months back.  I see a lot of talk about amateurs/pro's etc and just had a question.  My local golf course generally has a bunch of retired folk who play low ball/best ball leagues about every day of the week.  I've thought about entering them for the competition and also to meet some other golfers.  However, I know if I am reading the rules correctly, that accepting prize money for these would take away my amateur status.  Or I could enter and waive the prize money.

But my question is in regards to reasons to remain an amateur.  At 30 and just really getting started in Golf I don't imagine I'll be playing in any national amateur events so what reasons are there to retain amateur status?

Sorry if this seems like a weird question.

[Harmonious]

There is a maximum prize limit (used to be $500, maybe it's more now), and it usually is paid in pro-shop credit, not cash.

Of course, there are always "unofficial" money games available, like closest to the pin contests, skins, etc. that you can enter if you pay an additional cash amount.

So don't worry, you won't have to turn pro.

[SloverUT]

Originally Posted by Harmonious

There is a maximum prize limit (used to be $500, maybe it's more now), and it usually is paid in pro-shop credit, not cash.

Of course, there are always "unofficial" money games available, like closest to the pin contests, skins, etc. that you can enter if you pay an additional cash amount.

So don't worry, you won't have to turn pro.

Thanks for the reply.  That is mostly what I was talking about (unofficial games).  I think you have to pay like $20 to play and then they divy our rewards to the team with best score on front 9/back 9/overall.  I just didn't know if doing this would keep me from playing as an amateur later on down the line.  Thanks for the info!

[MEfree]

Harmonious is probably right in a practical sense, but if you want to know the technical details check here http://www.usga.org/Rule-Books/Rules-of-Amateur-Status/Amateur-Status/

If you happened to win a really big prize, you technically become a pro, but even guys that played for a bit on the PGA Tour can reapply for their amateur status.