Tadd Fujikawa, the 16-year-old golf phenom from Hawaii, has decided to forfeit his amateur status to turn professional.

"... I look forward to beginning this journey and competing against the greatest golfers playing the game today," Fujikawa said. "This was a big decision and I am very grateful for the support I have received from my family, friends and the people of Hawaii. I will work hard to achieve my dreams as a professional golfer."

Fujikawa gained national recognition earlier this year when he made the cut at the 2007 Sony Open in Hawaii, making him the second youngest player in 50 years to make a PGA cut.

Fujikawa tied for 20th at the Sony and followed that by winning the Hawaii Pearl Open, where he competed against professional and amateur players from the United States and Japan.

Both of those accomplishments demonstrate the kind of potential Fujikawa has, but his decision to turn professional at such a young age is a huge mistake.

In the last 20 years there have been a handful of players who have decided to turn professional before their 18th birthday.

Justin Rose, Ty Tryon and Kevin Na all had the physical tools needed to play at the PGA Tour level, but none of them had any success during their first few years as professionals.

Rose tied for fourth at the 1998 British Open and turned professional the next day. He didn't make a cut for more than a year and it wasn't until 2004 when Rose actually started to be competitive.

Na had to spend several years on the Asian Tour before he was able to earn his PGA Tour playing privileges.

At 17, Tryon was the youngest player to earn a PGA Tour card. But Tryon struggled so badly he eventually lost all his playing privileges and his now playing on the Gate Way Mini Tour.

Playing a few professional events as an amateur is a far cry from trying to make a living playing golf.

Amateurs who play PGA Tour events are welcomed with open arms by the players on tour. When you go out as a professional, you're viewed as just another guy trying to take a spot. The welcome mat isn't always out for you.

And as tough as it is on the course, it is even more challenging off the course. As a teenager of 16, you are truly a boy among men.

Fujikawa has nothing in common with any of the other players on tour, many of whom are old enough to be his father.

The difference in age between Fujikawa and his fellow competitors figures to leave the teen feeling virtually all alone, a situation that is difficult for most people to handle.

Before it's too late and he accepts prize money, Fujikawa should reconsider his decision. He should finish out high school and even play a year of college golf before stepping out as a professional. It was a good enough road for Tiger Woods. Fujikawa would be wise to also follow that path.

The PGA Tour is always going to be there and so will the money that can be made.

So Tadd, turn back and go enjoy being a kid for a few more years. You have plenty of years to be an adult. Why rush to get there?

— Bob Buttitta is The Star's golf columnist. He can be reached at bbuttitta@VenturaCountyStar.com.