What are the pros and cons of an amateur golfer as opposed to a pro?

Question

I am assuming besides money... Why would someone want to remain amateur status?

Answer 1

Amateurs generally play for the love of the game.  Professionals play as a means of supporting themselves and their families.

Answer 2

The majority of golfers play the game because they love the challange. It is the player against the course, or the opponent . It is a hobby, not for money.  Many amateurs have careers which they enjoy and at which they are successful. The professional golfer is either a club pro or  a tour professional where he hopes to support himself and his family through the earnings made in PGA sponsored tournaments, or salary and earnings from the club.

Answer 3

As an amateur, there isn't the pressure of performing an earning enough money to keep your playing privileges on the PGA tour.  It is quite competitive.  For instance, a top 10 player in the world's season can conceivably end in September this year as opposed to November if you haven't earned enough to keep your tour card for the following season.  That is 2 extra months to do things besides playing golf.  An amateur has won a professional tournament on a couple of occasions, but didn't go home with a 1st place check.  That sucks because the smallest 1st place check is 540,000 bucks.

Answer 4

Some remain amateur in order to gain experience, or go to school and play while a student, and a bunch of other reasons.  The pros have to produce, or they don't end up with the credentials they need to continue.

Answer 5

The pros have so much pressure on them that most amatuers don't even want to play next to them. Golf is also more fun as an amatuer. If you turn pro, you have no forgiveness. One bad hole can cost you your entry into the next tournament.