The U.S. Putting Tour is evaluating whether to offer a prize purse of $25,000 or more at its 2011 tour championship in September. Currently, the tour and the championship are for amateurs only.
"It's an interesting issue," said USPT president, Jim Hartley. "We'd like to be able to broaden the reach of this event to include PGA club professionals and other golfers who like to compete for money."
Hartley said that a prize fund will not preclude amateurs for competing because the U.S. Golf Association allows amateur golfers to compete in tournaments with prize money by waiving their right to accept prize money prior to participating in the event.
Hartley went on to say that the inclusion of professionals in the
putting championship could add more interest for amateurs, as they would have the chance of winning a
golf tournament against amateurs and professionals.
The decision on whether or not to add a prize purse will be made in the next few weeks, Mr. Hartley said. He indicated that the decision would be made easier with the addition of a title sponsor. Hartley said that the U.S. Putting Tour is offering the
golf sponsorship opportunity to companies in the golf industry and to other companies interested in targeting the golf market.
