How long does it take to gain back your amateur status if you were an assistant professional?

Question

I wan an assistant golf pro but now am getting out of the business because nobody like working 70 hours a week and getting paid for 40!! Anyway, how long will it take to get my amateur status back?

Answer 1

Probably 2 years.  It is up to the USGA - you have to apply with them for reinstatement.  The longer you were a professional and to what degree you earned prize money will effect how long they make you wait.  But they seem to have become a little more forgiving in recent years so it might only be a year.

Answer 2

Can't its gone!

Answer 3

I've been there done that with the 70 hours.  Don't give up on the business for that reason alone.  There are better opportunities out there.  I cant add anything to the above answer.  Just get going on it quick because the ball doesnt start rollin until your application is received.

Answer 4

Looking for the automatic "best answer"... From the USGA

Rule 9. Reinstatement

9-1. General

The Committee has the sole authority to reinstate a person to Amateur Status, prescribe a waiting period necessary for reinstatement or to deny reinstatement, subject to an appeal as provided in the Rules.

9-2. Applications for Reinstatement

Each application for reinstatement will be considered on its merits, with consideration normally being given to the following principles:

a. Awaiting Reinstatement

The professional golfer is considered to hold an advantage over the amateur golfer by reason of having devoted himself to the game as his profession; other persons infringing the Rules also obtain advantages not available to the amateur golfer. They do not necessarily lose such advantages merely by deciding to cease infringing the Rules. Therefore, an applicant for reinstatement to Amateur Status must undergo a period awaiting reinstatement as prescribed by the Committee.

The period awaiting reinstatement generally starts from the date of the person’s last breach of the Rules unless the Committee decides that it starts from either (a) the date when the person’s last breach became known to the Committee, or (b) such other date determined by the Committee.

b. Period Awaiting Reinstatement

(i) Professionalism

Generally, the period awaiting reinstatement is related to the period the person was in breach of the Rules. However, no applicant is normally eligible for reinstatement until he has conducted himself in accordance with the Rules for a period of at least one year.

It is recommended that the following guidelines on periods awaiting reinstatement be applied by the Committee:

Period of Breach: Period Awaiting Reinstatement:

under 5 years 1 year

5 years or more 2 years

However, the period may be extended if the applicant has played extensively for prize money, regardless of performance. In all cases, the Committee reserves the right to extend or to shorten the period awaiting reinstatement.

(ii) Other Breaches of the Rules

A period awaiting reinstatement of one year will normally be required. However, the period may be extended if the breach is

considered serious.

c. Number of Reinstatements

A person is not normally eligible to be reinstated more than twice.

d. Players of National Prominence

A player of national prominence who has been in breach of the Rules for more than five years is not normally eligible for reinstatement.

e. Status While Awaiting Reinstatement

An applicant for reinstatement must comply with these Rules, as they apply to an amateur golfer, during his period awaiting reinstatement.

An applicant for reinstatement is not eligible to enter competitions as an amateur golfer. However, he may enter competitions and win a prize solely among members of a club where he is a member, subject to the approval of the club. He must not represent such club against other clubs unless with the approval of the clubs in the competition and / or the organizing Committee.

An applicant for reinstatement may enter competitions that are not limited to amateur golfers, subject to the conditions of competition, without prejudicing his application, provided he does so as an applicant for reinstatement. He must waive his right to any prize money offered in the competition and must not accept any prize reserved for an amateur golfer (Rule 3-1).

9-3. Procedure for Applications

Each application for reinstatement must be submitted to the Committee, in accordance with such procedures as may be laid down and including such information as the Committee may require.

9-4. Appeals Procedure

See Rule 8-3.