“How many golfers will be playing in your tournament? Are any of those golfers professionals’?” These questions are asked to US Hole In One customers while getting a hole in one quote with any of our tournament consultants for your golf event. Many customers are not sure if any of the golfers in the tournament are professional golfers, but it is important to know the difference between an amateur and a professional when setting up hole in one coverage. Why is it? The hole in one insurance that is purchased must accurately portray the field of golfers at your event. Professional golfers are more skilled, increasing their odds at an ace, so the pricing changes when they are added into the mix.

So what is an amateur golfer? According to the USGA, an amateur golfer, “whether he plays competitively or recreationally, is one who plays golf for the challenge it presents, not as a profession and not for financial gain.” So just because a golfer does not play on the PGA Tour or LPGA Tour does not  mean they are not a professional golfer. Those professionals, known as tour pros, are only a small fraction of professional golfers because the majority are instructors or players who teach the game for a living and/or are running golf courses.

If you are still unsure about the distinction between amateurs and professionals or maybe would just like to read the full rules and regulations regarding amateur status in golf, check out the USGA’s website here –  Amateur Status United States Golf Association.

At the end of the day, most golfers are amateurs. Those who are not amateurs will typically tell you that they are professionals. But make sure to be careful when applying for insurance because  it is very important for you and the insurance company covering your event have all your golfers insured. If you do find out the day of the event that there are one or two professionals that you did not know were indeed professionals, you can always email or fax us that change before the tournament begins!

When you are ready to get a quote for your upcoming golf tournament, give an US Hole In One tournament consultant a call at 888-882-5440 or email us at info@usholeinone.com! We look forward to hearing from you!

By: Sarah Halcovage