I was an assistant pro two years ago for about a year...played in a few local section events as a pro.

I then got sick of working weekends/low pay and switched into the corporate world.

Now I know that since I've played in several events as a pro, that I do not have amateur status at the moment, which is fine with me. I don't mind paying the extra $100 or so it costs per tournament to play as a pro, and it'd be nice if I hit a hot streak and place to win a few bucks.

My main question is, is it against the rules to enter the tournament as a pro if I am not working as a pro in the industry, and am also not a true golf professional as far as making my living from golf? I just work a 9-5 job Mon-Fri and would like to get a tournament or two in per year. Any issue with still entering as a pro? Or would I need to get my amateur status back and then play as an amateur?

Thanks.

Just a hunch you would need to get your amateur status back

Edit: Misread. Thought you were wanting to play in amateur events

You can enter as a pro but if you ever want to get your am status back it is retro active back to your last professional event. So you are kind of ****ing yourself by just screwing around if you ever want to play in am events. But no, anyone anywhere can simply say they are a pro. Even Leo.

Thanks, this is what I was hoping. Since I only play about one event per year now, there are plenty I can enter as a pro and it's not an issue (Met Open, NY State Open, etc. etc.)

Can't you apply for early reinstatement to the USGA?

I probably could, but as long as it's OK to keep playing as a pro, I'd rather just do that anyway. It costs a bit more but if I happen to play well I still have the chance to win money. With the events I plan to play the only difference to me is the entry fee, I would still be playing the same events.

whattttt???? you know i know i sucked when i played i would never put myself anywhere near all you assassins!!!!

I don't believe you can play in section events unless you're working in the section. What pro tournaments are you talking about?

Most section events have a low-am portion that just pays in merchandise cred too so it's not all bad if you play as an Am. Atleast from what I've played -- you can even sweep both the low-am side plus low field side. heh

Well I'll probably only play in one event this year...possibly two. Definitely the New York State open...with the possibility of the Met Open. The NYSO is run by the PGA, Met open by the MGA (Metropolitan Golf Assoc.).

If you're correct, then it would seem more likely I could play in the NYSO and not the Met?

no, the event can be run by the section, but there are also specific section-only events, that only allow PGA professionals and (most of the time) apprentices to play.

The section (or an association) will run events like PGA Tour Monday Qualifiers, you don't have to be a member of the section to play in those.

Ok...just looked up eligibility for both:

NYSO

Eligibility:
1. Open to professional golfers who reside in the State of New York.
2. Open to PGA members and apprentices affiliated with any one of the four New York State PGA Sections.
3. Open to amateurs who reside in New York and whose handicap/index does not exceed 10.0 under the USGA Men’s Golf Handicap/Index System
4. Open to amateurs who are members of clubs located in the State of New York and whose handicap/index does not exceed 10.0 under the USGA Men’s Golf Handicap/Index System

Seems like I could play in the NYSO under option 1, as I am technically status-wise pro and not amateur due to playing in events as an assistant.

Met Open

Eligibility:
1) Past MGA Open Champions.
2) PGA Members in good standing in the Metropolitan and New Jersey PGA Sections. (A-3 members must have their principle place of residence in the MGA territory).
3) Professionals, employed at a golf facility in the MGA territory, who are enrolled in the PGM.
4) Head and Assistant Professionals at MGA Member Clubs. See below for definition of Assistant Golf Professionals (*).
5) Professionals who are bona fide members, with full golfing privileges, at MGA Member Clubs, have a place of residence in the MGA territory, and a current USGA Handicap Index not to exceed 4.0 under the Men's USGA Handicap System at that member club. See below (**). A golfer may not join an MGA Member Club for the sole purpose of gaining entry to the Met Open (#).
6) Amateur members and applicants for Amateur reinstatement at MGA Member Clubs with a current USGA Handicap Index not exceeding 4.0 under the Men's USGA Handicap System.
7) Amateur golfers, 21 and under, in immediate family of the Head Golf Professional, General Manager, and Head Golf Course Superintendent at MGA Member Clubs with a current USGA Handicap Index not to exceed 4.0 under the Men's USGA Handicap System.

I don't think I fall under anything here...so maybe can't play in the Met Open?