thanks mizuno. i know by no means am i "pro" status but i was just wandering the pros and cons of both sides......i want to play on the tour cause i like competition. (it drives me to improve) and its got a handicapped division so even though im still in the 90's ill be playing others that are in the 90's. but being so new to it i didnt know how it might affect me if i didnt declare amateur status when i signed up.....the difference in this tour (and of course ill have to have a really good day on the course) is they have a 1,000$ guarranty for 1st place for those who dont declare amateur but if i do declare all i can win is gift cards up to 750$ that is why i was asking in the first place.....lol.....thanks to everyone so far for the help hope to hear from others