Page type: Glossary / definition
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Meaning
A Pro-Am is a golf competition that combines professional and amateur golfers, usually by placing them on the same team or in the same event. The organiser sets the team size, scoring method, eligibility, handicap terms and prizes; there is no single universal Pro-Am format.
How it matters in match play
Pro-Am describes who is competing, not how the result is scored. A Pro-Am can use match play, stroke play or another authorised format, but the Committee must state the format and how team results are calculated. For a match-play Pro-Am, each hole or match is settled under the selected match-play terms, while the professional and amateurs may contribute according to the event rules.
Table
| Quick reference | Detail |
|---|---|
| Term | Pro-Am |
| Category | general |
| Applicable rule | Rules of Golf, Rule 24.1-24.2 (team definition and Committee-set format and team scoring); Rule 3.1 (match play or stroke play and individual or partners) |
| Related concepts | Team Competition, Individual Competition, Match Play, Stroke Play, Handicap Competition |
Worked example
In an illustrative four-person Pro-Am, Alex (the professional), Ben, Chris and Dana (amateurs) form one side; if the event counts the best two scores on each hole and their hole scores are 4, 5, 5 and 6, the team records 4 for that hole.
Rule reference: Rules of Golf, Rule 24.1-24.2 (team definition and Committee-set format and team scoring); Rule 3.1 (match play or stroke play and individual or partners)
Sources: www.randa.org , www.randa.org , www.pgatour.com
Common questions
Does Pro-Am always mean one professional and three amateurs?
No. That is a common arrangement, but team size and the professional-to-amateur mix are set by the event. Check the Terms of the Competition rather than assuming a fixed line-up.
Is a Pro-Am match play or stroke play?
It can be either. Pro-Am identifies the professional-and-amateur participation; the Committee chooses the form of play and explains how the team result is calculated.
Do amateurs automatically receive handicap strokes in a Pro-Am?
No. A handicap allowance applies only if the Terms of the Competition provide for a handicap competition and specify the calculation. The event may instead be scratch or use another stated method.
Can a Pro-Am use different scoring formats?
Yes. Common event arrangements include counting selected team scores or using a partner format, but the organiser must publish the scoring method. These are examples of arrangements, not a universal Pro-Am rule.
Who decides the Pro-Am tie-break method?
The Committee sets the Terms of the Competition, including whether ties are allowed and, if not, how they are decided. Read the event conditions before play.
Is Pro-Am an official Rules of Golf format by itself?
No. The Rules cover team competitions and allow the Committee to set the form of play and team scoring. Pro-Am is a description of the professional and amateur field or teams.