Some of golf's biggest stories involve amateurs playing alongside professionals. While most professional events are for tour members, there are several routes for top amateurs to qualify or be invited. Here's how it works.
Routes into professional events
Open qualifying
Some championships are "open" to amateurs who meet strict handicap limits, through local and final qualifying rounds. Places are limited and competition is intense.
Exemptions
Winners and top finishers in elite amateur championships may receive exemptions into certain professional events. Read amateur golf competitions explained.
Invitations
Event organisers and sponsors sometimes invite leading amateurs, often from national rankings. Read how golf world rankings work.
Pre-qualifying
Some tournaments offer qualifying rounds before the event for a few spots in the field.
Requirements
- Low handicap: often scratch or better.
- Entry fees and deadlines.
- Amateur status: amateurs can't accept prize money beyond the rules' limits. Read golf prize money.
What to expect
- Course set-up: fast greens, thick rough. Read how golf courses are set up for tournaments.
- Pressure and crowds. Read first tee nerves.
- Learning from professionals.
The path to professional golf
Playing professional events as an amateur can be a step towards turning professional. Read how to become a professional golfer.
Common qualifying routes in more detail
| Route | How it works |
|---|---|
| Open qualifying | Some major championships run qualifying events open to amateurs below a set handicap |
| Pre-qualifying and final qualifying | Multi-stage qualifying, with the best scores advancing |
| Amateur exemptions | Winners of leading amateur championships may receive invitations to professional events |
| Sponsor invitations | Event sponsors can invite a small number of players, sometimes leading amateurs |
| Monday qualifiers | One-day qualifiers for a few spots in that week's event (on some tours) |
| Regional tour events | Smaller professional tours may accept amateurs with low handicaps |
Handicap and eligibility requirements
- Low handicap: many qualifiers require a handicap index at or below scratch or a low single figure.
- Entry fees: qualifying events usually charge a fee.
- Deadlines: entries often close weeks or months in advance.
- Amateur status: amateurs must follow the rules of amateur status, including rules on accepting prizes and expenses.
Amateur status and prize money
Amateurs can play in professional events, but there are limits on prizes and expenses they can accept without losing their amateur status. Check the current rules with your national association before entering. Read golf prize money.
What to expect at a qualifier
- A tough course setup, with firm, fast greens. Read tournament course setup.
- Strong fields of professionals and elite amateurs.
- Strict rules and pace of play. Read common golf disqualifications.
- Few spots: often only a handful of players advance.
Preparing for qualifying
- Play competitive golf regularly: county, regional and national amateur events. Read amateur golf competitions explained.
- Practise under pressure with games and scoring challenges. Read golf practice games.
- Know the course: play practice rounds if allowed.
- Have a solid routine and a game plan. Read golf course management.
The path from amateur to professional
Many amateurs use qualifying events to test themselves before turning professional. Others remain amateurs for life, enjoying the challenge without the pressures of professional golf. Read how to become a professional golfer and college golf scholarships.
Pro-ams: another way in
Pro-am events let amateurs play alongside professionals, usually without qualifying. Read pro-am events explained.
Frequently asked questions
Can amateurs play in professional tournaments?
Yes, through qualifying, exemptions or invitations.
What handicap do I need to try to qualify?
Often scratch or better, depending on the event.
Can amateurs keep prize money?
No, beyond the limits set by the rules of amateur status.
How do amateurs get invitations?
Usually through strong results and rankings.
Can a high-handicap amateur enter a professional event?
Not usually. Most qualifiers have strict handicap limits.
Do amateurs who qualify keep their amateur status?
Yes, as long as they follow the amateur status rules on prizes and expenses.
The bottom line
Top amateurs can reach professional events through qualifying, exemptions and invitations. Build a strong amateur record, meet entry requirements and protect your amateur status. For more, read college golf scholarships.