Should pros be reinstated as amateurs? One of the best amateurs has thoughts | News | GOLF.com
Kuehne weighs in on status
Kuehne addressed the question on the latest episode of GOLF’s “Subpar” podcast. As he positioned his cellphone camera, a finger covered the lens, prompting a joke as he began his response.
He referred to minor league baseball, then considered golfers who had played on the PGA Tour. The discussion centered on whether such pros should be reinstated as amateurs.
Past events shaped his view
Kuehne said he remembered playing former professionals in amateur competitions. That experience informed his thinking about whether players should be able to return to amateur status. He did not give a definitive yes-or-no answer. Instead, he pointed to the number of professional starts as a possible factor.
Possible limit on starts
Kuehne floated 50 or 75 starts as potential thresholds. He said 100 starts was probably too many, while stressing that he was unsure. “I don’t know,” Kuehne said as he described the possible limits. His comments left the precise standard unresolved.
Key points
- Kuehne discussed reinstating pros as amateurs on GOLF’s “Subpar” podcast.
- He recalled facing former pros in amateur events.
- He suggested 50 or 75 professional starts as possible thresholds.
- Kuehne said 100 starts was probably too many, but gave no final answer.