Amateur golfers, to define them in a nutshell, would be among the more complex breeds of athlete because of the general indistinctness of what they are attempting to do. While many onlookers may not grasp the notion of what it means to pursue this passion through the amateur circuit, others will knowingly look on with an air of familiarity as to the notion of working up in the world of golf to become, one day, a pro.

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. Golf skill is assessed by a player's success at a competitive level. 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.

With numerous rules and exceptions in the world of amateur golf, the golfer may wonder whether all of the hassle is worth it. That is why the field of amateur golf is really only designed for those with a true love of the game of golf. This means that without that love and devotion to golf, becoming an amateur player is simply not worth it. It is not a good way to make money, either, as the regulations in place by the USGA are simply too ironclad to promote any fiscal earnings through any relative avenue of amateur golf. Instead, pursuit of an amateur golf career is better left to those with a true devotion to the sport and to those that are ready to make themselves familiar with the USGA rules and regulations governing the sport.