The United States Golf
Association reserves the right to change the Rules of
Amateur Status and to make and change the interpretations of
the Rules of Amateur Status at any time.
In the Rules of Amateur
Status, the gender used in relation to any person is
understood to include both genders.
Amateur Golfer
An “amateur
golfer” is one who plays the
game as a non-remunerative and non-profit-making sport and
who does not receive remuneration for teaching golf or for
other activities because of
golf skill or reputation,
except as provided in the Rules.
Golf Skill or Reputation
Generally, an
amateur golfer
is only considered to have golf skill if he has had
competitive success at the local level or competes at the
national level. Golf reputation can only be gained through
golf skill and does not include prominence for service to
the game of golf as an administrator. It is a matter for the
USGA to decide whether a particular
amateur golfer
has golf skill or reputation.
“Instruction”
covers the physical aspects of playing golf,
i.e.,
the actual mechanics of swinging a golf club and hitting a
golf ball.
Note:
Instruction does
not cover the psychological aspects of the game or the Rules
or Etiquette of Golf.
Junior Golfer
A “junior
golfer” is an
amateur golfer
who has not yet reached
(i) the September 1 following graduation from secondary
school or (ii) his 19th birthday, whichever shall come
first.
Retail Value
The “retail
value” of
a prize is the price at which it is generally available at
the time of the award.
Rule or Rules
The term “Rule”
or “Rules”
refers to the Rules of Amateur Status as determined by the
USGA.
Symbolic Prize
A “symbolic
prize” is
a trophy made of gold, silver, ceramic, glass or the like
that is intended for display purposes only and has no
significant utilitarian value.
Testimonial Award
A “testimonial
award” is an award for notable
performances or contributions to golf as distinguished from
competition prizes. A
testimonial award may
not be a monetary award.
Definitions
All defined terms are
in
italics and
are listed alphabetically in the Definitions section.
An
amateur golfer
must play the game and conduct himself in accordance with
the Rules.
Amateur status is a
universal condition of eligibility for playing in golf
competitions as an
amateur golfer.
A person who acts contrary to the
Rules may
forfeit his status as an
amateur golfer and
as a result will be ineligible to play in amateur
competitions.
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1-3. Doubt as to
Rules and Appeal Process
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Any person who
considers that any action he is proposing to take might
endanger his amateur status may submit particulars to the
staff of the United States Golf Association for an advisory
opinion. If dissatisfied with the staff’s advisory opinion,
he may, by written notice to the staff within 30 days after
being notified of the advisory opinion, appeal to the
Amateur Status and Conduct Committee, in which case he shall
be given reasonable notice of that Committee’s next meeting
at which the matter may be heard and shall be entitled to
present his case in person or in writing. In such cases the
staff shall submit to the Committee all information provided
by the player together with staff’s findings and
recommendation, and the Amateur Status and Conduct Committee
shall issue a decision on the matter. If dissatisfied with
the Amateur Status and Conduct Committee’s decision, the
player may, by written notice to the staff within 30 days
after being notified of the decision, appeal to the
Executive Committee, in which case he shall be given
reasonable notice of the next meeting of the Executive
Committee at which the matter may be heard and shall be
entitled to present his case in person or in writing. The
decision of the Executive Committee shall be final.
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Rule 2. Professionalism
Definitions
All defined terms are
in
italics and
are listed alphabetically in the Definitions section.
An
amateur golfer must
not take any action for the purpose of becoming a
professional golfer and must not identify himself as a
professional golfer.
Note:
Such actions include applying for a professional’s position;
directly or indirectly receiving services or payment from a
professional agent or sponsor, commercial or otherwise;
directly or indirectly entering into a written or oral
agreement with a professional agent or sponsor, commercial
or otherwise; and agreeing to accept payment or compensation
for allowing one’s name or likeness as a player of
golf skill or reputation to
be used for any commercial purpose.
Exception 1: Applying
unsuccessfully for the position of assistant professional.
Exception 2: Entering
and playing in any stage of a competition to qualify for a
professional tour, provided the player first waives his
right to any prize money.
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2-2.
Professional Golfers Organization
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An
amateur golfer
must not apply
for or receive benefit from membership in any organization
of professional golfers.
Rule 3. Prizes
Definitions
All defined terms are
in
italics and
are listed alphabetically in the Definitions section.
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3-1. Playing for
Prize Money
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An
amateur golfer must
not play golf for prize money or its equivalent in a match,
tournament or exhibition.
Note: A
player may participate in an event in which prize money or
its equivalent is offered, provided that prior to
participation he irrevocably waives his right to accept
prize money in that event. (See USGA Policy on Gambling for
explanation of playing for prize money.)
An
amateur golfer must
not:
a. Accept a prize
(including all prizes received in any one tournament or
exhibition for any event, or series of events, in which golf
skill is a factor) of a
retail value greater
than $750 (except for symbolic prizes);
Exception:
Hole-In-One
Prizes
The limit prescribed in Rule 3-2a applies to a prize for a
hole-in-one. However, such a prize may be accepted in
addition to any other prize won in the same competition.
b. Accept a prize of
money or the equivalent of money;
c. Convert a prize into
money;
d. Accept expenses in
any amount to a golf competition (except as provided in Rule
4); or
e. Because of
golf skill or
reputation,
accept in connection with any golfing event:
(i) money, or
(ii) anything else,
other than merchandise of
nominal value provided to all players.
a. General
An
amateur golfer
must not accept a testimonial
award of a
retail value greater
than $750.
b. Multiple Awards
An
amateur golfer
may accept more than one
testimonial award from
different donors, even if their total
retail value exceeds
$750, provided they are not presented so as to evade the
limit for a single award.
Rule 4. Expenses
Definitions
All defined terms are
in
italics and
are listed alphabetically in the Definitions section.
Except as provided in
the Rules,
an amateur golfer must
not accept expenses, in money or otherwise, from any source
to play in a golf competition or exhibition or to improve
golf skill.
An
amateur golfer may
receive expenses, not exceeding the actual expenses
incurred, to play in a golf competition or exhibition as
follows:
a. Family Support
An
amateur golfer may
receive expenses from a member of his family or a legal
guardian from their own resources (see Note to Rule 2-1).
b. Junior Golfers
A
junior golfer may
accept expenses to play in an amateur golf competition or
exhibition or to improve golf skill (see Note to Rule 2-1).
c. Golf Club and Golf Association Team Competitions
An
amateur golfer representing
a golf club or golf association in a team practice session
(within limits fixed by the USGA) and/or team competition
between or among golf clubs or golf associations may accept
expenses through one or more of the golf clubs or golf
associations involved. Additionally, a member of a visiting
team in such a team competition between or among golf
associations may accept expenses to the national Amateur
Championship of the host association when the championship
immediately precedes or follows the team competition.
d. Team Competition Conducted by an Athletic Organization
Subject to the approval
of the USGA, an
amateur golfer in
a team competition conducted by an athletic organization may
accept expenses.
e. School, College or Military Teams
An
amateur golfer
representing a
recognized educational institution or military service may
accept expenses from an educational or military authority to
(1) team events or (2) other events that are limited to
representatives of recognized educational institutions or
military services.
f. Business or Industrial Teams
An
amateur golfer representing
a business or industrial golf team in business or industrial
golf team competitions may accept expenses within limits
fixed by the USGA. (A statement of such limits may be
obtained on request from the USGA.)
g. Invitation Unrelated to Golf Skill
An
amateur golfer
who is invited for reasons unrelated
to golf skill (e.g.,
a celebrity, a business associate or customer, a guest in a
club-sponsored competition, a winner of a random drawing,
etc.) to take part in a golf event or to improve golf skill
may accept expenses.
Note 1: Except
as otherwise provided in Rule 4-2, acceptance
of expenses from an employer or other vocational source is
not permissible.
Note 2: Business
Expenses — It is permissible to play in a golf competition
while on a business trip with expenses paid, provided that
the golf part of the expenses is borne personally and is not
charged to business. Further, the business involved must be
substantial, and not merely a subterfuge for legitimizing
expenses when the primary purpose is golf competition.
Note 3: Private
Transport — Acceptance of private transport furnished or
arranged by a tournament sponsor, directly or indirectly, as
an inducement for a player to engage in a golf competition
or exhibition shall be considered accepting expenses under
Rule 4.
Rule 5. Instruction
Definitions
All defined terms are
in
italics and
are listed alphabetically in the Definitions section.
Except as provided in
the Rules,
an amateur golfer
must not receive payment or compensation, directly or
indirectly, for giving
instruction in
playing golf.
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5-2. Where
Payment Permitted
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a. Schools, Colleges, etc.
An
amateur golfer
who is an employee of an educational
institution or system may receive payment or compensation
for golf instruction
to students of the institution or system, provided that
during a year the total time devoted to golf
instruction comprises
less than 50 percent of the time spent in the performance of
all duties as such an employee.
b. Camps, etc.
An
amateur golfer
who is a counselor at a camp or other similar organized
program may receive payment or compensation for giving
instruction to those in his
charge, provided that during a year the total time devoted
to golf instruction comprises
less than 50 percent of the time spent in the performance of
all duties as such a counselor.
c. Instruction to Junior Golfers
An
amateur golfer
may receive expenses, not exceeding the actual expenses
incurred, for giving golf
instruction to
junior golfers as
part of a program that has been approved by the USGA.
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5-3. Instruction
in Writing
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An
amateur golfer
may receive payment or compensation for
instruction in
writing, provided his ability or reputation as a golfer was
not a major factor in his employment or in the commission or
sale of his work.
Rule 6. Use of Golf
Skill or Reputation
Definitions
All defined terms are
in
italics and
are listed alphabetically in the Definitions section.
Except as provided in
the Rules,
an amateur golfer
of golf skill or reputation must
not use that skill or reputation to promote, advertise or
sell anything or for any financial gain.
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6-2. Lending
Name or Likeness
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An
amateur golfer
of golf skill or reputation must
not use that skill or reputation to obtain payment,
compensation, personal benefit or any financial gain,
directly or indirectly, for allowing his name or likeness to
be used for the advertisement or sale of anything.
Note:
An amateur golfer may
accept equipment from anyone dealing in such equipment
provided no advertising is involved.
An
amateur golfer
of golf skill or reputation must
not use that skill or reputation to obtain payment,
compensation, personal benefit or any financial gain,
directly or indirectly, for a personal appearance, except
that reasonable expenses actually incurred may be received
if no golf competition or exhibition is involved.
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6-4.
Broadcasting and Writing
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An
amateur golfer
of golf skill or reputation must
not use that skill or reputation to obtain payment,
compensation, personal benefit or any financial gain,
directly or indirectly, for broadcasting concerning golf, a
golf event or golf events, writing golf articles or books,
or allowing his name to be advertised or published as the
author of golf articles or books of which he is not actually
the author.
Exceptions:
1. An
amateur golfer
of golf skill or reputation may
receive payment or compensation for broadcasting or writing
as part of his primary occupation or career, provided
instruction is not included (Rule 5).
2. An
amateur golfer
of golf skill or reputation may
receive payment or compensation for part-time broadcasting
or writing, provided:
(a) the player is
actually the author of the commentary,
articles or books;
(b)
instruction is
not included; and
(c) the payment or
compensation does not have the purpose or effect, directly
or indirectly, of financing participation in a golf
competition.
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6-5. Membership
and Privileges
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An
amateur golfer
of golf skill or reputation
must not accept membership or privileges in a club or at a
course without full payment for the class of membership
involved when such membership or privileges are offered
because of the player’s golf
skill or reputation.
Exception:
Membership or privileges may be accepted by an
amateur golfer
of golf skill or reputation
when they
have been awarded (1) as purely and deservedly honorary, (2)
in recognition of an outstanding performance, (3) without
any time limit and (4) at no charge to anyone.
An
amateur golfer
of golf skill or reputation must
not use that skill or reputation to gain the benefits of a
scholarship or grant-in-aid other than in accord with the
regulations of the National Collegiate Athletic Association,
the Association of Intercollegiate Athletics for Women, the
National Association for Intercollegiate Athletics, the
National Junior College Athletic Association or other
similar organizations governing athletes at academic
institutions.
Rule 7. Conduct
Detrimental to Golf
Definitions
All defined terms are
in
italics and
are listed alphabetically in the Definitions section.
An
amateur golfer must
not take any action, including an action relating to golf
gambling, which is considered detrimental to the best
interests of the game.
Rule 8. Procedure for
Enforcement of the Rules
Definitions
All defined terms are
in
italics and
are listed alphabetically in the Definitions section.
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8-1. Decision of a Breach
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Whenever information of
a possible act contrary to the Definition of an
amateur golfer
by a player claiming to be an amateur shall come to the
attention of the United States Golf Association, the staff
shall investigate to the extent it believes to be
appropriate. If ample precedent exists, the staff is
authorized by the Amateur Status and Conduct Committee to
make decisions on acts contrary to the Definition of an
amateur golfer.
If ample precedent does not exist, the staff shall complete
its investigation of the relevant facts and submit the
results of its investigation, with or without a recommended
resolution, to the Amateur Status and Conduct Committee.
A player dissatisfied
with a decision with respect to his amateur status may
follow the procedures set forth in Rule 1-3.
During the appeal
process to either the Amateur Status and Conduct Committee
or the Executive Committee, the player must abide by the
terms of the last decision made.
Upon a final decision
of the Amateur Status and Conduct Committee or the Executive
Committee that a player has acted contrary to the Definition
of an
amateur golfer, the Committee
may require the player to refrain or desist from specified
actions as a condition of retaining his amateur status or
declare the amateur status of the player forfeited. The USGA
must notify the player, if possible, and may notify any
interested golf association of any action taken under this
paragraph.
Rule 9. Reinstatement
Definitions
All defined terms are
in
italics and
are listed alphabetically in the Definitions section.
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9-1. Authority and Principles
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Either the Executive
Committee or its Amateur Status and Conduct Committee may
reinstate a player to amateur status and prescribe the
waiting period necessary for reinstatement or may deny
reinstatement. In addition, the Amateur Status and Conduct
Committee may authorize the staff of the USGA to reinstate a
player to amateur status and prescribe the waiting period
necessary for reinstatement in situations where the acts
contrary to the Definition of an
amateur golfer are
covered by ample precedent.
Each application for
reinstatement shall be decided on its merits, with
consideration normally being given to the following
principles:
a. Awaiting Reinstatement
A professional has an
advantage over the
amateur golfer
by reason of having devoted himself to the game as his
profession; other persons acting contrary to the Rules of
Amateur Status also obtain advantages not available to the
amateur. They do not necessarily lose such advantages merely
by deciding to cease acting contrary to the
Rules.
Therefore, an applicant
for reinstatement to amateur status shall undergo a period
awaiting reinstatement as prescribed.
The period awaiting
reinstatement shall start from the date of the player’s last
act contrary to the Rules of Amateur Status unless it is
decided that it shall start from the date of the player’s
last act known by the player to be contrary to the Rules of
Amateur Status.
b. Period Awaiting Reinstatement
A period awaiting
reinstatement of two years normally will be required.
However, that period may be extended or shortened. Longer
periods will normally be required when applicants have
played extensively for prize money, regardless of
performance, or have been previously reinstated; shorter
periods often will be permitted when applicants have acted
contrary to the
Rules for
one year or less. A probationary period of one year will
normally be required when the applicant’s only act contrary
to the Rules
was to accept a prize of retail
value exceeding
$750.
c. Players of National Prominence
Players of national
prominence who have acted contrary to the Rules of Amateur
Status for more than five years normally will not be
eligible for reinstatement.
d. Status During Period Awaiting Reinstatement
During the period
awaiting reinstatement an applicant for reinstatement shall
conform with the Definition of an
amateur golfer.
He shall not be
eligible to enter competitions limited to amateurs except
that he may enter competitions solely among members of a
club of which he is a member, subject to the approval of the
club. He may also, without prejudicing his application,
enter, as an applicant for reinstatement, competitions which
are not limited to amateurs but shall not accept any prize
reserved for an amateur.
Each application for
reinstatement shall be prepared, in duplicate, on forms
provided by the USGA.
The application must be
filed through a recognized amateur golf association in whose
district the applicant resides. The association’s
recommendation, if any, will be considered. If the applicant
is unknown to the association, this should be noted and the
application forwarded to the USGA without recommendation.
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9-3. Objection
by Applicant
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A person dissatisfied
with a decision made with respect to his application for
reinstatement to amateur status may follow the procedures
set forth in Rule 1-3.
During the appeal
process to either the Amateur Status and Conduct Committee
or the Executive Committee, the applicant must abide by the
terms of the last decision made.
