Professional golfer

A professional golfer is defined as someone who gets compensation or financial incentives in the game of golf that are directly related to their ability or reputation, as opposed to amateur golfers. A person who makes a living by teaching or playing golf is usually referred to as a "golf pro," with the majority of them being instructors or coaches. Professional golfers are those who pursue a professional golfing career rather than one in which they teach golf. The difference between amateurs and professionals is strictly enforced in the sport of golf. Anyone who violates the rules of amateur status may find themselves without their amateur status. A golfer who has lost his or her amateur status is not permitted to compete in amateur competitions until the status has been restored; a professional is not permitted to compete in amateur tournaments unless the Committee has been notified, acknowledges, and confirms the participant's participation. Professionals must work very hard to restore their amateur status; just promising not to accept money for a single event is not sufficient. In order to regain his or her amateur status, a player must submit an application to the sport's governing organisation.