can you win prize money if you are an amateur?

Directly from the USGA Rule of Amateur Status, section 3-2.

3-2. Prize Limits

a. General

An amateur golfer must not accept a prize (other than a symbolic prize) or prize voucher of retail value in excess of $750 or the equivalent, or such a lesser figure as may be decided by the USGA. This limit applies to the total prizes or prize vouchers received by an amateur golfer in any one competition or series of competitions.

Exception: A prize, including a cash prize, for a hole-in-one made while playing golf may exceed the above prize limit.

b. Exchanging Prizes

An amateur golfer must not exchange a prize or prize voucher for cash.

Exception: An amateur golfer may submit a prize voucher to a state or regional golf association and thereafter be reimbursed from the value of that voucher for expenses incurred in participating in a golf competition, provided the reimbursement of such expenses is permitted under Rule 4-2.

Note 1: The responsibility to prove the retail value of a particular prize rests with the Committee in charge of the competition.

Note 2: It is recommended that the total value of prizes in a gross competition, or each division of a handicap competition, should not exceed twice the prescribed limit in an 18-hole competition, three times in a 36-hole competition, five times in a 54-hole competition and six times in a 72-hole competition.

Hope this clears up your question.

Goes on down the line, so the first professional on the leader board takes first prize money. It's like the amateur is ignored for purposes of paying out the cash.

No prize money. Up to $750 retail value in merchandise, trophy, or gift certificate (this is almost always a gift certificate at the host club)

no, amateurs cant win any money. they have to first declare themselves a pro before they can take money. but, once you become pro, you cant play in anymore amateur events.

actually its very simple if the tournament is a sactioned professional tournament and you entered as a non professional then you can recieve merchandise equal to the amount you won however if you the tournament was only allowing ametures in high status then unfortunately you can take anything unless you want to ruin your ametur status

I don't belive so at least any amature contest or compation i was affilated with you wern't allowed to

usually if your under 18 no, sorry idk read the rules and regulations of what ever it is.