Players Ability Test

Question
My son has passed his players ability test (PAT) but is interested in going to college and wants to play college-level golf is there any issues he souuld be aware of?  Also, how would get noticed, he's currently 23 and a 1 handicap.

Answer
Bobby,

Regarding your son's having passed the PAT I assume the reason you asked that has to do with his amateur status...?  That act alone, would not jeopardize his amateur standing (it is not a tournament only open to professionals and no prize money is paid) but please look at the Rules of Golf as to the appendix dealing with amateur status and ask yourself or your son...objectively, if any of those conditions for amateur status have been breached.  If so or your are not sure, you can petition the USGA for reinstatement.  If all he did was play in a PAT, I would think he'd be fine, however.

I do not know the rules of the NCAA for college eligibility so you would need to read their rules to make sure he's done nothing to this stage that would impact his eligibility.  Probably not...

How would he get noticed?  If he makes his college team and starts beating the stuffing out of every other team they play...he'll get noticed.  Young talent doesn't not get noticed.  Play and win the city championship, the state amateur championship, etc.  As soon as he begins to win tournaments...he'll get noticed.

And best of luck with his career.

Sincerely,

Paul Dolman
PGA Golf Professional