There's nothing inherently derogatory nor adoring in either the "amateur" or "professional" labels. One of the greatest golfers that ever lived (many of them, actually) have remained "amateurs".....and we all know that "professional" doesn't automatically indicate outstanding abilities in most areas.

I've known some golf "Professionals" who couldn't break 80. It wouldn't surprise me (in the archery world) if there weren't some "professionals" out there who couldn't hit the water if they fell out of a boat.