The Definition of an amateur
golfer provides that an amateur golfer is one who
plays the game as a non-remunerative and non-profit-making
sport. When gambling motives are introduced, problems can
arise which threaten the integrity of the game.
The distinction between
playing for prize money, which violates the Rules of Amateur
Status, and gambling, which does not, is essential to the
Rules of Amateur Status. The USGA urges amateur golfers
to seek USGA guidance whenever it is unclear whether the
prize format constitutes playing for prize money or gambling
and, in the absence of such guidance, not to play for cash
prizes. Such a course of action would ensure that no one
jeopardizes his amateur status.
The USGA does not object to
informal wagering among individual golfers or teams of
golfers when the players in general know each other,
participation in the wagering is optional and is limited to
the players, the sole source of all money won by the players
is advanced by the players on themselves or their own teams
and the amount of money involved is such that the primary
purpose is the playing of the game for enjoyment.
On the other hand, organized
events open to the general public or designed and promoted
to create cash prizes are not approved by the USGA. Golfers
participating in such events without first irrevocably
waiving their right to cash prizes are deemed by the USGA to
be playing for prize money.
The USGA is opposed to and
urges its Member Clubs, all golf associations and all other
sponsors of golf competitions to prohibit types of gambling
such as: (1) Calcuttas, (2) other auction pools, (3)
pari-mutuels and (4) any other forms of gambling organized
for general participation or permitting participants to bet
on someone other than themselves or their teams. The USGA
may deny amateur status, entry in USGA Championships and
membership on USGA teams for international competitions to
players whose activities in connection with golf gambling,
whether organized or individual, are considered by the USGA
to be contrary to the best interests of golf.
