NCAA Golf Eligibility: Returning to College Golf After Professional Play

Question
If I joined the south texas region as a professional in level 1, but did not complete, nor have I played as a professional in over a year, am I eligible to go back and play college golf? I want to finish my degree and play.. Is this allowed and what are the restrictions! thanks

Answer
Chase,

I probably don't have enough information to give you an answer you can count on.  Nevertheless, my understanding in a situation like yours would be that first, you need to regain your amateur status with the USGA.  The USGA has a process to reinstate a player's amateur status.  You will need to write them with the particulars of your professional experience.  Since you haven't had much, it shouldn't be too difficult to regain your amateur status.

As far as competing in college events, I would imagine you'd need to find out if your brief time as a professional would have a negative effect on your eligibility.  That's a university, conference and NCAA issue.  I'm definitely not the person that would know all their rules on eligibility.

Thanks for your question.  I hope my answer points you in the right direction.

Best regards,

Paul Dolman
PGA Golf Professional