Why would a player be an alternate on the PGA tour?

Answer 1

A player would be an alternate on the PGA Tour as the tournaments have a set field and they always try to have a full field playing their event to keep the fans, players and sponsors happy. The tournament officials will like to have alternates so they can make sure all groups go out in a 3 ball and most in a 3 ball and some groups as 2 balls. The alternates are needed as some players may get sick or injured or simply decide to pull out. The alternate is basically a reserve who will be on the stand by list along with another group of players and if a player pulls out, the top of the list gets their spot. This only occurs if the player pulls out before they start their round, if the player tees off and then pulls out, the alternate will not get to play.