U.S. Mid-Amateur Champ Postpones Turning Pro For A Second Time

I’m guessing when folks who ask why no one in golf pays much attention to the amateur golf scene, a quick case study of the new U.S. Mid-Amateur Champion will be an easy example to cite.

According to Golf World’s John Strege, a looming Masters invitation and U.S. Open exemption for Kevin O’Connor means he’s unlikely to take a second crack at pro golf after once regaining his amateur status.

O’Connell, 30, a Cary, N.C., resident, was similarly not conflicted, though in the other direction. The Masters and U.S. Open, as well as a U.S. Amateur exemption and possibly playing on the U.S. Walker Cup team, prevailed without an internal argument. “I think those were definitely the primary reasons,” he said. “Secondarily, just the idea of another year of elite golf at the amateur level, it’s a good proving ground as well.”

The concept of the mid-amateur was started in part to not be a proving ground for professional golf, but instead a proving ground for those who just want to be amateur golfers and not compete against those who play every day while earning a scholarship. But when even mid-amateur golf is just a place to house former and budding pros—or both, the appeal is significantly dented.

Then again, when they all get free equipment and wear the branding of the companies supplying the goods, is anyone even an amateur anymore?