This could be a week to remind us why we watch golf at a professional level.
I recently watched Alex Maguire win the East Of Ireland in County Louth and it reminded me that golf in its purest form is still worthy.
But all these top amateurs feel the buzz of achievement that can allow them the platform to go to the next level. That next level is to attain starts as a pro and then hopes and dreams of competing in and winning majors.
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One hundred and 156 golfers will start this week with those dreams a reality. Without doubt, the pinnacle of the sport is to attain major status.
Last week's shock announcement from the PGA Tour sadly proved that sworn adversaries are happy to align themselves for the sake of profit.
OK, so pros play for money - that's how they justify the journey. Amateur golf doesn’t pay the bills, but for some it is the platform to attain that elite status.
Last week, for example, we saw Ludvig Alberg make a very impressive start to his professional career. The ex-amateur world number one took to his new arena like a duck to water in Canada. He looks ready, already.
They say that money is the root of all evil and that has never been more apparent than in recent times. What the outcome of the PGA Tour's decision to gain access to the Saudi Public Investment Fund will be remains to be seen and until we see the road map one cannot offer an opinion.
But where will the pathway be and what is the end game? It should be about titles and achievement - the financial remuneration should be almost the bonus at the end.
Nowadays the guarantee of cash has clouded the very fibre of golf's meritocracy.
Listen, sometimes it is out of a player's control what you play for and you accept the purse. But today it is almost out of control.
If the Saudis continue to ramp up the loot I fear for the longevity and sustainability of the sport. Growing the game is not about pros playing for ridiculous purses.
It also will change the cycle and development of the amateur game. Parents will be more pressurizing and demanding of their kids to get on the Ferris wheel with the promise of such riches.
For kids like Alex Maguire - who continued to show his rich promise with a back up win at the home of golf to claim the St Andrews Links Trophy - the professional lure will be almost unbearable.
The fact is that they all can’t make it and the failure rate is something that should be evident to protect hopefuls from making the leap before they are ready. However the cycle will continue, with the promise of even greater riches to be won.
Kids need to be protected from themselves. I hope we continue to see the stars of tomorrow at The East - but the road is not paved with gold for everyone.
