Where the tours play, what turning pro takes, and how the money actually works.

Official sources

Confirm facts where they live.

GolfReady is an independent course companion. We are not affiliated with, endorsed by, or officially connected to the PGA TOUR, LIV Golf, the DP World Tour, the LPGA, the Korn Ferry Tour, the PGA TOUR Champions, the Asian Tour, the Japan Golf Tour, the Ladies European Tour, the USGA, The R&A, Augusta National Golf Club, the PGA of America, the NCAA, or any other named organization. Names are used for identification only. Confirm entry criteria, schedules, fees, and eligibility on each organization's official site.

• USGA Rules of Amateur Status — The rule that decides whether prize money, sponsorship, or expenses cost you your amateur standing. Read it before you accept anything — this is the single most consequential document for a developing player.
• The R&A — Rules of Amateur Status — The R&A's counterpart to the USGA rule, jointly written and applied outside the United States and Mexico. Same code, the governing body that answers for your region.
• PGA TOUR Q-School — The official qualifying tournament page — stages, entry fees, deadlines, and what a finishing position actually earns. Criteria change between seasons; do not rely on last year's summary.
• DP World Tour Qualifying School — The European route: first stage, second stage, and final stage, with the card allocation published each season on the official page.
• LPGA Q-Series — The LPGA's qualifying pathway, including entry requirements and the stage structure that leads to tour membership.
• LIV Golf Promotions — LIV's open qualifying event for league spots. Format and eligibility have been revised between seasons — confirm on the official page.
• Official World Golf Ranking — The ranking that governs major championship exemptions and event eligibility. The site publishes the full points-allocation methodology, which is worth reading if you want to understand scheduling decisions.
• World Amateur Golf Ranking — The amateur equivalent, used by college programmes and by championship committees. Your counting events are listed here.
• NCAA eligibility — College eligibility rules run parallel to amateur status and are not the same thing. Clear both before accepting money, equipment, or expenses.
• PGA of America — become a PGA Professional — The other way to turn pro, and the one that employs vastly more people: teaching, club, and coaching careers through the PGA Professional programme. Not a consolation prize — a different job.