Amateur Golfer - are you one?

To an outsider looking in, what makes up an amateur golfer may be confusing and hard to see. Being an amateur golfer is more than a simple definition. If you are interested in joining the amateur circuit one needs to be aware that it is more than simply expanding on their hobby.

First, it's important to note that there is an actual definition of an amateur player according to the United States Golf Association. An amateur player reaches that status first by reaching what is known as golf skill. A player's success at a competitive level is what determines that player's golf skill is assessed by. The level of competition can be local or national; the important aspect is that the player is successful competitively. Once a player has success in competitions and is recognized as having golf skill, this is known as golf reputation. Again, a reputation can only be gained through actual playing and recognition of golf skill. Simply being associated with the game of golf, administering tournaments or being an instructor does not gain a player reputation or skill.

Getting to a certain level of play means that the amateur golfer can now accept the mantelpiece of becoming an amateur player, considered to be a step-up in the golfing universe. This, of course, still carries with it some limitations to activity as an amateur player. One such limitation is the factor of money. The amateur player does not play for money nor accept money on behalf of any commercial organization. This relates, also, to sponsorship of any kind and accepting any credit that would refer to them in the same fashion as a professional player. The USGA has regulations about teaching golf, too, that the amateur player must adhere to in strictest accordance with those regulations. This means that the accepting of payment for golf instruction services is disallowed.

Finally, an amateur player is not allowed to apply for membership to any organization for professional players. Of course, there are exceptions for every rule, and amateur golf is no exception. An amateur player is allowed to apply for an assistant professional player. They are also allowed to enter and play in a tournament or competition that will lead to play in a professional competition. The only difference in play between them and a professional player is that an amateur player must forfeit all rights to any prize monies that they could potentially win.

There are many more rules and exceptions regarding amateur golf play. Basically, the important thing to note is that to become an amateur golfer is a simple task. It is only for those who love the game of golf and are serious in devoting their time to playing the game and improving their game. Becoming an amateur golfer isn't for those who would like to create a career in the field of golf. With the rules of payment and expenses in place such as they are, it would be nearly impossible to create a career in amateur golf. Becoming an amateur golfer is more for a player that has already played competitively in a business or school league and is looking for play on the next level. Whatever the reason a player has for wanting to become an amateur golfer, it would be highly recommended that they become familiar with the rules and regulations set up by the USGA before they take that next step.

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PurePoint Golf - Your Special Report is Here

Hi Friend,

You are really going to enjoy this special report. It's all about
how you can improve your game quickly, just by changing some
important short game fundamentals.

Your second video tip will be arriving in a couple days.

I hope you enjoy the report, and let us know what you think by
sending an email to info@purepointgolf.com.

Download your report by tapping below:

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Thanks, and have a great day,

 

Bobby Eldridge - Head Professional, PurePoint Golf

hitting the ball out of the rough

Have you ever found yourself having to hit a ball out of
the rough?  Did you wonder what to do?  Well, if you're a
high or even mid handicapper, you'll end up hitting more
shots from some form of rough than any other single type of
lie. 

Here's what can happen when you try to hit out of the
rough:

- Grass comes between the clubhead and the ball, making
clean contact difficult and reducing backspin

- Clubhead speed is reduced

- The clubhead or shaft may become caught in the grass on
its descent, causing the club face to twist closed

- Grass in front of the ball can provide extra friction,
further reducing the distance the ball will fly

- The first three generate a lower ball flight, making it
more difficult to "stick" a shot onto the green.  The third
one can also send the ball off line.

However, if the rough is short enough, sometimes the only
noticeable effect is reduced backspin.  But in most cases,
some fairly universal rules can be applied to shots from
the rough.

- Use a short to mid-iron (5 iron or shorter) to help cut
through the grass

- Take a couple of practice swings through nearby rough to
give yourself a feel for how much the grass is going to
resist your swing. 

- Place the ball further back in your stance to promote a
more vertical downswing, decreasing the resistance of the
grass in your swing path

- Choke down on the club for greater control

- Swing hard, and maintain a full follow-through to get the
club all the way through the rough

If the rough is thick or the ball is deep, get the ball
back to the fairway rather than trying to do too much and
finding yourself in worse shape on the next shot. 

One thing that separates the pros from the amateurs is
knowing when to swallow their medicine and take that one
extra stroke to get back into position.  Better to take a
bogey (or give yourself an outside shot at par) than to
risk double-bogey or worse on a prayer of a shot from the
weeds.

Want to know more about dealing with the roughs?  You can
find many more tips and tactics in the new ebook, "How To
Break 80...And Shoot Like the Pros!":