About Pro status

Since I heard I got dogged about playing am, and beating pros at the GBO. Let me tell my side of my story. First of all, I believe my rating should be above 900 to be considered pro, that's what I've read with the pdga. Out of respect for the pro division players, I've never considered trying to call myself pro until I've reached that level. I got into a head on collision a couple years ago, and now have two slipped discs, therefore, I never really thought I could play on the pro level since then. Apparently, maybe I do still have a chance to become a pro player! I love the idea of that. I have no problem playing pro, just as long as I rightfully earn it, and can afford it! Now that has been another issure for me. I am a single mother of 3, and a grandson, with another grandchild one on the way! I have not had the funds to afford the pro entry fees. Therefore, I have hoped that maybe I could get sponsors to help me, I'm not sure how to do that,(without feeling like a begger!)but I'm hoping that will fall into place, eventually anyway, really, not sure if thats "legal" anyway. So, to settle some of you people out there who want to critisize me, here I go. I will play with the real pro's at the Green Country Open this w/e. We can all see how I stand with them, kinda assume I will be in last place. But very excited to try to hang with the best, looking forward to learning how to play like a pro. So, stop the hatin' dudes!! Because I love you all!!!

[Bruce Brakel]

There's a big gap between the top of the Women's Advanced Division and last cash in decent sized field of Pro Women. On the men's side there's no gap there at all. To keep your entry fees lower, move over to the men's division for your rating. If you are 864 you can play Men's Rec. My wife and daughters play in the mens' divisions for their ratings and have a lot of fun.

[Discette]

Shel -

No one can force you to turn Pro. Do it when you feel confident and able to make the commitment. I am an 888 rated Pro Grandmaster and I almost always cash when playing Masters, and most of the time when I play Open. I will generally crush most Am players with a similar rating. I think it is because their ratings are more volatile while mine is very solid. They will have good and bad rounds, while mine are fairly consistent.


Over the last 12 years I have seen many, many women players move up to Pro and right on out of the sport. Once you turn pro you have to pay more to play. It seems many pros are no longer playing to have fun, but to win (or cash). As long as you stay Am, the fun will likely stay in your rounds. Turn Pro when you have the time to commit to practicing and improving your game. If you can only play/practice once a week, I suggest you stay Am, and keep enjoying the game.

[Bill]

900 is an excellent cut-off, and I'd have to shoot that rating on several courses over several tournaments before going pro, not just on the local ones that I know so well.