Open player vs Professional, Is there a difference

[curmudgeonDwindle]

In disc golf and elsewhere, 'professional' is strongly associated with high skill level and success in a particular field (as well as informal codes of behavior related to one's earnestness in pursuit of that field), but the word only means that a person chooses to engage in that field for money - as a paid vocation. This is why 'professionals' cannot be true purists or true sportsmen.

'Open' is related to competition divisions. 'Open' basically means 'all comers' - anyone may play in the open division, regardless of sex, age, or skill level or other qualities that may allow a player to qualify in other divisions. An 'open player' is one who has chosen to compete in that division and this division generally has the top competitors.

A paradox arises concerning 'professionals' and 'professionalism'. Because of their high profile in a particular field, the 'public' takes many of their behavioral cues about 'sportsmanship' and 'the spirit of the game' from professionals, but a professional's goal of earning money is frequently in direct opposition of the values of 'sportsmanship'.

 

[DavidSauls]

'Open' is related to competition divisions. 'Open' basically means 'all comers' - anyone may play in the open division, regardless of sex, age, or skill level or other qualities that may allow a player to qualify in other divisions. An 'open player' is one who has chosen to compete in that division and this division generally has the top competitors.

Part of the blurred distinction in disc golf is that, for the most part, our professional professionals aren't just allowed to play open---they're only allowed to play open.

That, and that in the open division is almost entirely populated by players classified as pros.

It's easy to see how the words are used interchangeably, though imprecisely so.

 

[curmudgeonDwindle]

Part of the blurred distinction in disc golf is that, for the most part, our professional professionals aren't just allowed to play open---they're only allowed to play open.

That, and that in the open division is almost entirely populated by players classified as pros.

It's easy to see how the words are used interchangeably, though imprecisely so.

Because I'm a pedantic ****, I believe in the meanings of words, because they're designed to communicate specific ideas, so what we're really speaking of here is the formal level of meaning vs. a vernacular or jargon level of meaning.

It's a minor point, but the more 'levels' one is aware of, one hopes, the more precise their communications can be with others.

As for the disc golf world and 'professionals', especially in earlier days, those wishing a greater competitive challenge almost universally opted for the 'professional' designation, not only as an acme of skill but also as a rite of passage. These considerations are apart from the word 'professional''s explicit meaning however. More simply: 'You're a pro? You must be good!'

For those interested read about an old-timer and his accomplishments. Then decide for yourself if he was a 'pro'...https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ken_Westerfield

It might put some of you young buck's egos at an appropriate level...

 

[Matt B.]

...

Bringing me to one of my biggest pet peeves in disc golf...there is NO SUCH THING AS OPEN MASTERS! It's PRO Masters.

AMEN!

Also: SCRIP