Professional Golf Coach

Question
Having attained a Diploma from a recognised Coaching foundation,and working towards the Master's level, I am aware that once I receive payment for coaching I lose the right of Amateur Status.

However would I still retain a handicap and if so would it be at the level I'm currently at? or does it automatically drop to scratch!!  

Answer
Dear Wayne,

When you say "coaching" if you mean that you'll be giving golf lessons for payment, I would think that you're right.  You will forfeit your amateur status.  However, if when you say coaching you mean that you're going to coach a golf team, I don't believe you would give up your amateur status.  There are several highly successful college golf coaches that also compete in the U.S. Amateur and Mid-Amateur Championships.  And...I'm sure they get paid for being the golf coach.

Regarding your handicap: You don't necessarily give that up.  Your handicap is calculated from the lowest 10 scores out of your most recent 20 rounds.  Many club professionals have handicaps that they use when competing with members at their clubs.  Naturally, in a pro-am or pro vs other professional events, they would not receive the strokes their handicap might entitle them to.  In true professional events, everyone is playing at scratch.

Many tour professionals, including Tiger Woods, belong to a "home course" and post scores that they play there.  A couple of years ago the CBS golf commentator, Gary McCord looked up Tiger's handicap in the pro shop at Islesworth CC (Tiger's home course in the Orlando, FL area).  He was a plus 10... Meaning, of course, he would have to give a scratch player 10 shots!

Hope I've answered your question.

Best wishes,

Paul Dolman
PGA Golf Professional