Once a player has achieved golf skill and has established a reputation, they may become an amateur player. An amateur player is a player who does not play for money in tournaments or competitions and does not accept payment for instructing golf outside of what the official rules of the USGA state a player may accept. An amateur player may not claim to be a professional, or engage in any activities that would give them credit as a professional player. These activities would include accepting an endorsement from a commercial organization, allowing their name or likeness to appear for a commercial organization or purpose, or to enter into an agreement with a professional sponsor or agent.

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.