Amateur
An amateur is a golfer who plays the sport without any intention of gain and adheres to the Rules of Amateur Status.
Amateur status in golf is governed by rules, not merely self-assessment. The Rules of Amateur Status of the R&A and the USGA define what a golfer may accept without losing that status. Prize money at tournaments is taboo for amateurs; goods prizes are allowed only up to certain limits. Whoever plays as a pro, teaches for money or accepts prize money loses amateur status. A return to amateur status is possible but requires a waiting period and an application.
For you as a player the status means access to almost all competitions. An example: you enter your club's monthly cup, play with your handicap and win a trophy or a voucher. That is unproblematic as long as the prize limits are respected. Club championships, called club championship there, and open competitions are amateur events. The overwhelming majority of golfers worldwide play as amateurs, from the course certificate newcomer to the scratch player.
A typical misunderstanding: amateur does not mean beginner. There are amateurs with a handicap below zero who play at the highest level, for example in national championships. Conversely, not every pro is a tour professional: most pros are teaching pros, that is, coaches who live from teaching. The dividing line is therefore not ability but the question of money.
FAQ
Am I allowed to win anything at tournaments as an amateur?
Yes, prizes and vouchers are allowed up to certain value limits; only prize money is taboo. Trophies, goods vouchers or prizes such as golf bags and clubs are completely unproblematic at club tournaments. The exact limits are set out in the Rules of Amateur Status of the R&A and the USGA.
Can I lose my amateur status by teaching golf to friends for money?
Yes, teaching for payment costs you amateur status — for that you need the status of a teaching pro. Accepting prize money also leads to losing it. A return to amateur status is possible but requires an application and a waiting period.
Do I need a handicap for club tournaments as an amateur?
For most competitions yes, because the handicap ensures fair comparability between stronger and weaker players. In Germany a handicap certification is usually a condition of entry, and individual tournaments have additional hurdles such as handicap limits. The course certificate, by contrast, is only the ticket onto the course, not yet a tournament handicap.