Expert: Skip Ward - 10/1/2006

Question
Can you retain ameature status by being a teaching pro only ie never entering competitions for money?

Answer
Dear Phil, thanks for the question. The short answer is no.  Earning money is the foremost criterian for becoming a Professional.  So even if you didn't play golf events for money, you would be earning it as a teacher, therefore you would be classified as Professional and no longer amateur.  I suppose the grey area would be if you didn't charge for your teaching sessions...but this would be very questionable and could generate criticism and investigation if someone wanted to accuse and/or report you to the local governing PGA section.

Thanks again, good luck and remember,
Love the game
skipper