Can a first time amateur collect US Open golf prize money?

QUESTION: What if an amatuer goes through Local qualifying, Sectional qualifying, and then wins the Mens US Open golf championship. Is it after the tournament they have to choose to accept the prize money or to not accept it? Or do they have to elect to receive the prize money before the tournament starts? How then, does an amateur become a professional? How do you declare you are a pro? So it is possible for a first time golf player to 1. declare themselves pro 2. win the US open 3. and collect the prize money? ANSWER:

Answer by iwasnotanazipolka
No. You are excluded from winning any prize money. The money is only for professionals registered as professionals with either the USPGA or the European/Asian PGA. The tourney is run by the USGA but the winnings are only for qualified professionals. In fact the entry form states (in so many words) if you are an amateur, you're there for the golf, not the moola.