"This does open the door on putting huge amounts of pressure on our future stars of the game.”

Sean Martin talks to coaches and others in the golf world about the new amateur status rules. The takeaway: college coaches are dreading the issues that will come along with the new rules, while international coaches like Golf Australia's Brad James are concerned about added pressure from agents on young players.

James also welcomed the decision to allow amateurs to talk to agents and sponsors before turning professional. “This will open up the discussions that for so long have been happening behind doors,” he said. “However, this does open the door on putting huge amounts of pressure on our future stars of the game.”

Comments

[elf]

While this changes the rules for Am golfers, for NCAA purposes there are models to follow in both baseball and basketball, for dealing with individuals who have the opportunity to turn pro before college and elite international prospects.

[smails]

think this serves to permit what is largly already done, and by siging with an agent early, players can probably reduce the amout of agent attention they get.

[Steve]

It's all silly.
Dump all things amateur once and for all. If some High School Senior can get a college/university booster to pay him $25,000/year to attend the boosters alma mater, I'm all for that freedom of choice. Such a business arrangement is none of our business either.

The USGA shouldn't be so arrogant as to attempt to "protect" said stars from themselves. (Applies to the NCAA also, btw.)