Definition

Noun: - The activity or career of playing golf for monetary compensation: This term specifically refers to the practice of participating in golf tournaments or matches where the primary objective is to earn prize money, as opposed to playing recreationally or as an amateur. It encompasses the organized sport, its tours, and the athletes who compete within it.

Usage

• The term "professional golf" is used as a singular, uncountable noun to describe the sport or industry as a whole.
• It is typically used in a formal or sporting context to distinguish the paid, competitive level of the sport from amateur play.

Examples

• Noun:
  • He left his corporate job to pursue a career in professional golf.
  • The level of skill and dedication required for professional golf is extremely high.
  • The history of professional golf in this country dates back over a century.

Advanced Usage

• "to turn professional" in golf: This phrase describes the act of an amateur golfer formally declaring their intent to compete for prize money, thereby entering the realm of professional golf.
  • After winning the amateur championship, she decided to turn professional.

Variants and Related Words

• Professional golfer (n): An individual who plays golf for money.
  • Tiger Woods is one of the most famous professional golfers in history.
• PGA Tour (n): A specific, prominent organization that operates a tour for male professional golfers. (Note: This is a proper noun and a specific entity within professional golf).
• LPGA Tour (n): The leading tour for women professional golfers. (Note: This is a proper noun).

Synonyms

• Tour golf: Often used informally to refer to the highest levels of professional golf, especially the main competitive tours.
• Pro golf: A common abbreviated form used in casual conversation.

Related Phrases

• To play professionally: A verbal phrase meaning to engage in professional golf.
  • He has been playing professionally for five years.
• To qualify for the tour: A phrase meaning to earn the right to compete on a major professional golf tour.
  • Her goal is to qualify for the tour next season.

Notes on Meaning

• The term "professional golf" strictly refers to the activity or sphere of playing for money. It is not used to describe a single instance of play (e.g., one would not say "I watched a professional golf yesterday").
• It is distinct from the sport of golf in general, as it specifies the competitive, remunerated aspect.

Noun

1. playing golf for money