Definition: "Amateur status" is what is held by any golfer who is still an amateur, and what is given up when an amateur golfer turns professional.
A golfer who has amateur status is one who has never accepted money in exchange for golf; e.g., has never accepted prize money for tournament play; has never been paid to endorse a product; has never accepted appearance fees, and so on.
See the USGA's Rules of Amateur Status for in-depth information.
