I enter a tournament as an amateur. I win the tournament. Can't I decide after the fact to turn pro and cash the check? I'm pretty sure that one is true. If I don't turn pro, who does the money go to? The next in line?

yes the money goes to next in line and no you cannot decide after the fact

Are you sure about the deciding after the fact?

100% correct that you cannot decide after the fact...otherwise there would be tons of amateurs trying to Monday qualify into these events and "turn pro" the second they won $10k let alone a million for winning

Care to tell us how much the cheque was for?

How long does it take once you turn pro that you can apply for your amateur status back?

I want to say that the time is minimum of three years before you can apply for reinstatement. Once the time is up it is up to the USGA to weigh the factors and decide to or not to give you back you amateur status. Also you must declare your staus when you check in at the tourney site. If you check off on the Pro block You are a Pro and are eligible for the prize money.

you can turn pro on saturday and apply for your amateur status back on sunday< however usually for the first time the wait is 1 year and in that time you cannot play either pro or amateur events
yes im sure you cannot decide after the fact< anybody remember bubba dickerson, won the amateur and had exemption into the masters, turned it down to turn pro, pretty sure he has never played in the masters

What if you did something to violate the rules of amateur status during the tournament?

Say you were really hot Thursday and Friday and had the 36 hole lead by a few...4 or 5. All of a sudden your phone is ringing from every Tom, Dick and Harry in golf wanting to be your agent. They have deals lined up. You could be the next spokesperson for the Air Hammer!!! You take it. You sign a contract Friday night at TGI Fridays worth $45,000/year. You've just violated amateur status.

...what's your status for the weekend rounds?

-mini

A pro who will not be getting a paycheck.

Actually Bubba did play in the Masters (actually was paired with Tiger Woods for the first two rounds) but He turned pro right after the Masters, and thus forfeited his US Open and British Open exemptions. But I do believe that you are correct on the regaining your amateur status.

Amateurs can accept up to and including $750 without losing their amateur status. If the prize money is more than that, you must waive your right to the prize money prior to participating.

The rules governing amateur status are in the back of the rule book, just before the appendix.

... and on the USGA web site...

http://www.usga.org/playing/amateur_status...eur_status.html

Amateurs cannot accept CASH, PERIOD. The $750 limit is prize value:

3-1. Playing for Prize Money
An amateur golfer must not play golf for prize money or its equivalent in a match, competition or exhibition.
Note: An amateur golfer may participate in an event where prize money or its equivalent is offered, provided that prior to participation he waives his right to accept prize money in that event.
(Conduct contrary to the purpose and spirit of the Rules — see Rule 7-2.)
(Policy on Gambling — see Appendix.)
3-2. Prize Limits
a. General
An amateur golfer must not accept a prize (other than a symbolic prize) or prize voucher of retail value in excess of $750 or the equivalent, or such a lesser figure as may be decided by the USGA. This limit applies to the total prizes or prize vouchers received by an amateur golfer in any one competition or series of competitions.

----
They have waived this rule for hole-in-one big pot prizes (car, million bucks, etc).

However, one has violated the amateur rules for accepting prize money for things such as long drive, closest to the pin.

I wonder how many here are actually PROS!!?!!?

Can NOT decide after the fact... you must declare your position prior to teeing off. And, yes, as another said the check goes to the #1 professional.

What about the flip side- you decide up front that you WILL accept the money if you are in a position to win any... then you play like crap and don't win a penny.

Are you still an amateur?

Yeah, I know it's probably in the manual... but I'm lazy.

The way I read Rule 3-1 (see larrybud's post), is that playing for money makes you a pro. Whether or not you actually win the money is irrelevant.