Becoming a pro?

Question

If one was to qualify for a major golf championship such as the British Open or US Open, do they become a professional golfer? or is there a set path you must take to become a professional, thanks.

Answer 1

First to qualify, you have to prove that you have a certain handicap, which is I think 1.3. No, if you would somehow make a major golf championship, you would be a amateur. To be a pro, you have to get your PGA Tour card.

Answer 2

you have to get your tour card.

Answer 3

The only thing holding anyone back from playing in a major championship is lack of ability.  Anyone with an eligible handicap index can sign for, qualify for, and win the US Open or British Open.  Most PGA events have a Monday qualifier open to anyone with sufficient handicap.  There is no red tape, politics, contracts, bullsh*t at all to keep someone out.  You're either good enough or not good enough.  It's beautiful.

Answer 4

the definition of a professional sportsplayer is someone who gets payed for performing, so if your getting regularly payed then yes

Answer 5

This is the path to the US Open:

Any professional golfer, or any amateur with a USGA men's handicap index of 1.4 or lower, can attempt to qualify for the U.S. Open.

Many golfers are exempt from sectional qualifying, or exempt from local qualifying but not from sectional. Most of the exemptions are based on such things as performance in other majors, performance in other USGA championships, standing on the money list or world golf rankings, and so on.

Assuming you don't qualify for an exemption (local exemption policy is available here), then you'll have to take part in a local qualifier.

In 2006, local qualifiers were held at 110 locations across the United States, with more than 7,000 golfers taking part. Local qualifiers are 18 holes in length, played at stroke play.