An amateur golfer, by pure definition, may be indefinite and
perplexing to some but what makes up a good amateur golfer is
more than the sum of the parts. Taking a look at the amateur golf
tour circuit, one can come up with the awareness that working
through the circuit is about more than just getting better at a
loved hobby.

Amateur golf tours are a great way for one to develop the skill of
golf. First, it's important to note that there is an actual definition of
an amateur player according to the United States Golf Association.
An amateur player reaches that status first by reaching what is
known as golf skill. Golf skill is assessed by a player's success at a
competitive level. The level of competition can be local or national;
the important aspect is that the player is successful competitively.
Once a player has success in competitions and is recognized as
having golf skill, this is known as golf reputation. Again, a
reputation can only be gained through actual playing and
recognition of golf skill. Simply being associated with the game of
golf, administering tournaments or being an instructor does not
gain a player reputation or skill.

Getting to a certain level of play means that the amateur golfer can
now accept the mantelpiece of becoming an amateur player,
considered to be a step-up in the golfing universe. This, of course,
still carries with it some limitations to activity as an amateur player.
One such limitation is the factor of money. The amateur player
does not play for money nor accept money on behalf of any
commercial organization. This relates, also, to sponsorship of any
kind and accepting any credit that would refer to them in the same
fashion as a professional player. The USGA has regulations about
teaching golf, too, that the amateur player must adhere to in
strictest accordance with those regulations. This means that the
accepting of payment for golf instruction services is disallowed.

Finally, an amateur player is not allowed to apply for membership
to any organization for professional players. Of course, there are
exceptions for every rule, and amateur golf is no exception. An
amateur player is allowed to apply for an assistant professional
player. They are also allowed to enter and play in a tournament or
competition that will lead to play in a professional competition. The
only difference in play between them and a professional player is
that an amateur player must forfeit all rights to any prize monies
that they could potentially win.


The rules and exceptions of amateur golf play are numerous, but
the most important factor of note throughout the process is that
becoming an amateur golfer can be relatively simple. Becoming an
amateur golfer is, however, only for those that take the sport of
golf seriously and not for those that want to make a quick splash
as a pro. With the comprehensive rules of payment and expenses
as they are, making a career as an amateur is simply downright
impossible. Becoming one, though, is directed aptly towards those
that are game for competition and those that are looking to strike
their golf game up to the next level of such competition. As with
any sport, becoming well-versed in the rules and regulations of the
governing body is of utter importance. Read and familiarize the
USGA regulations prior to making any significant decisions towards
amateur golf.

David Anthony is an avid golfer, who offers excellent golf tips at http://www.golfimprovements.com/index.php . You can find a great source of golf related information from help in choosing the right golf clubs to improving your golf swing.