Longtime Golf Professionals Prevail at US Mid-Amateur Tournament - Yet, Questions arise over Eligibility for Their Participation
The world of golf has seen an interesting development as the question of former pros playing in amateur championships has been raised. This debate has been sparked by the recent dominance of 30-something former professional golfers in the US Mid-Amateur Championship.
Brandon Holtz, a 38-year-old real estate agent by day, is one such player. Holtz, who recently regained his amateur status, will face Jeg Coughlin in the 36-hole final of the championship. Holtz dominated the tournament, showcasing his skills as a seasoned player despite his amateur status.
Coughlin, the other finalist, also has a professional background. Although he had a brief spell as a pro, he reached the second stage of the PGA Tour's Q School last year as an amateur. He will be playing with two-time PGA Tour winner Kevin Streelman as his caddy, bringing 20 years of PGA Tour experience to his game. This is Coughlin's first time making the matchplay portion of a USGA event.
Six out of eight quarter-finalists were former professionals who have been reinstated as amateurs. Two of these are Justin Hueber and Christian Brand, both 37-year-olds who have extensive Korn Ferry Tour experience. Hueber earned $318,092 from 87 events, while Brand earned $161,259 from 67 events. However, neither of their earnings was enough to make a career in professional golf or qualify for a Major.
The USGA has the leeway to extend the six-month waiting period based on individual players' results and the level they played at. A tweak in the criteria for amateur status is proposed, with graduated wait times depending on the level and success of players on the Korn Ferry Tour or similar. This would allow talented players like Holtz, Coughlin, Hueber, and Brand to compete in major tournaments such as the U.S. Open or The Masters.
The USGA website states a minimum waiting period of at least six months for reinstatement as an amateur. However, having a former PGA Tour pro playing in amateur events doesn't quite sit right with some. The question of whether former pros should play in amateur championships has been a topic of discussion, with some suggesting a cut-off point for tournament winners and veterans of say five years or more.
This year's US Mid-Amateur Championship has undoubtedly added fuel to this debate. With former professionals dominating the tournament, the question of whether they should be allowed to compete in amateur events remains unanswered. As the golfing world watches the final between Holtz and Coughlin, the future of amateur golf could very well be decided.
The US Open and The Masters places are up for grabs in big USGA amateur events, and with the dominance of former professionals, the stakes have never been higher. Whether the rules will be formalized and strengthened to prevent this trend remains to be seen. However, one thing is certain - the world of golf is watching with bated breath.
Parker Edens, 35, and Bobby Massa, 37, also returned to amateur status and came close to earning a spot in next year's US Open and Masters. Their performances in the US Mid-Amateur Championship have further highlighted the potential of former professionals in amateur events.
In conclusion, the US Mid-Amateur Championship has been dominated by 30-something former professional golfers, with Brandon Holtz and Jeg Coughlin facing off in the final. The question of whether former pros should play in amateur championships has been raised, and the future of amateur golf could very well be decided in the coming months.
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