Can a first time amateur collect US Open golf prize money?
What if an amatuer goes through Local qualifying, Sectional qualifying, and then wins the Mens US Open golf championship. Is it after the tournament they have to choose to accept the prize money or to not accept it? Or do they have to elect to receive the prize money before the tournament starts?
How then, does an amateur become a professional?
How do you declare you are a pro?
So it is possible for a first time golf player to 1. declare themselves pro 2. win the US open 3. and collect the prize money?
No. You are excluded from winning any prize money. The money is only for professionals registered as professionals with either the USPGA or the European/Asian PGA. The tourney is run by the USGA but the winnings are only for qualified professionals. In fact the entry form states (in so many words) if you are an amateur, you’re there for the golf, not the moola.
you can’t win money as an amateur!
once you declare that you are a Pro, then you’re a Pro.. then you can go thru Local qualifying, Sectional qualifying, and then the Mens US Open golf
no you have to be a pro. You have to go to Q-school and get a tour card
You do NOT have to go to Q school. The definition of an “open” tournament is that anyone who can make it through the qualifiers can play in it. I think there is a minimum handicap needed, but Q school is not necessary.
Yes you can, but once you accept a prize or money for playing golf you are a professional and your amateur status is revolked. You become a professional without a tour card.