http://www.usga.org/rules/rules-of-amateur-status.html#!rule-02 false Rule 2 - Professionalism Rule 2 - Professionalism 2-1. General An amateur golfer must not conduct or identify himself as a professional golfer. For the purpose of applying these Rules, a professional golfer is one who: plays the game as his profession; or works as a professional golfer; or enters a golf competition as a professional; or holds or retains membership of any Professional Golfers' Association (PGA); or holds or retains membership of a Professional Tour limited exclusiverly to professional golfers. Exception: An amateur golfer may hold or retain a category of PGA membership, provided this category does not confer any playing rights and it is purely for administrative purposes. Note 1: An amateur golfer may inquire as to his likely prospects as a professional golfer, including applying unsuccessfully for the position of a professional golfer, and he may work in a professional's shop and receive payment or compensation, provided he does not infringe the Rules in any other way. Note 2: If an amateur golfer must compete in one or more qualifying competitions in order to be eligible for membership of a Professional Tour, he may enter and play in such qualifying competitions without forfeiting his Amateur Status, provided, in advance of play and in writing, he waives his right to any prize money in the competition. 2-2. Contracts and Agreements a. National Golf Unions or Associations An amateur golfer may enter into a contract and/or an agreement with his national golf union or association, provided that he does not obtain payment, compensation or any financial gain, directly or indirectly, while still an amateur golfer, except as otherwise provided in the Rules. b. Professional Agents, Sponsors and Other Third Parties An amateur golfer may enter into a contract and/or agreement with a third party (including but not limited to a professional agent or a sponsor), provided: (i) the golfer is at least 18 years of age, (ii) the contract or agreement is solely in relation to the golfer's future as a professional golfer and does not stipulate playing in certain amateur or professional events as an amateur golfer, and (iii) except as otherwise provided in the Rules, the amateur golfer does not obtain payment, compensation or any financial gain, directly or indirectly, while still an amateur golfer. Exception: In special individual circumstances, an amateur golfer under the age of 18 may apply to the Governing Body to be allowed to enter into such a contract, provided it is of no more than 12 months duration and it is non-renewable. Note 1: An amateur golfer is advised to consult the Governing Body prior to signing any such third party contract and/or agreement to ensure that it complies with the Rules. Note 2: If an amateur golfer is in receipt of an educational golf scholarship (see Rule 6-5), or may apply for such a scholarship in the future, he is advised to contact the national body regulating such scholarships and/or the relevant educational institution to ensure that any third party contracts and/or agreements are allowable under the applicable scholarship regulations.