About Skip Ward Expertise Former PGA PROFESSIONAL: Golf related questions regarding Rules, Etiquette,
PGA TOUR, PGA Players, Game History, Club History, Golf Trivia, and US
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Question Is it acceptable for a recently qualified PGA club professional to compete as an ordinary contestant as part of a four person team in an amature 'fundraiser'
Answer Dear Phil, thanks for the question. There are a small handful of issues here. For instance, define "acceptable;" as well as "qualified." And lastly: what were the terms of the "fundraiser?" In other words, was it just for fun and to raise money...or was it a high-stakes charity event with big prizes etc.; and full handicaps.
I'll assume by qualified, you mean that this pro has recently reached Class A status in the local PGA section. If that is the case, then technically, they should no longer play in Amateur events of any kind. HOWEVER, small little tournaments for fun and to raise a few bucks for, say, a small local charity or a family that recently lost a loved one, often allow area pros to play because they know that no one will care given the cause. That's where the "acceptable" part comes in. In this case, it would likely be "acceptable." It happens all the time, and with Capt. and crew formats or handicapped Better Ball, it won't really matter because things all even out.
But back to the "technical" side for a moment. As a PGA member, one is considered a professional. They have had to endure a players ability test and other requirements. If the event carries a title for the winning team (while at the same time, it happens to raise money) then other players might not be pleased to know that one team has a pro on it.
So, unfortunately Phil it comes down to a case-by-case basis for such a thing. It depends heavily on the field of golfers as well as the intent of the tournament and it's participants. If you were to ask the PGA of America, likely their answer would be...NO, it is not acceptable, but with a caveat that tournament directors/comittees ultimately make those decisions in each individual case. I wish I could give you a more defined answered, but its not a cut and dried situation. Good luck, and remember...
