Rules - Amateur Status

Amateur Status Reinstatement

Holding membership in an organization of professional golfers (including apprentice status membership in the PGA) is a breach of Rule 2-2. If you have held membership in such an organization, you must resign your membership before you can be considered for amateur status.

The routine period awaiting reinstatement is one or two years from the date of the last act contrary to the Rules of Amateur Status. Please note that longer periods may be prescribed in the case of an applicant who has played extensively for prize money. This period can vary depending on the type and length of violation, and is retroactive to the date that you last worked or played as a professional.

The regulations governing reinstatement are set forth in Rule 9 of the Rules of Amateur Status.

Once completed, your application will be submitted to the SCGA for review, and then to the USGA for processing. After the USGA has reviewed your application, a letter will be sent to you by e-mail with the decision regarding your reinstatement date. Please note the application process may take 1-2 weeks.

For more questions, contact [email protected]

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the exception for hole-in-one prizes apply to all formats of hole-in-one contests?
No. The Exception applies to a hole-in-one made "while playing golf," a phrase that includes situations where the hole-in-one is incidental to a round of golf (including a partial round).

Does the provision for hole-in-one prizes also apply to closest-to-the-hole prizes? What is the Rule for expenses for sponsored handicap competitions?
No. It applies only to hole-in-one prizes. Amateurs competing in sponsored handicap events (e.g., by a company) may accept expenses to play in its various stages, provided the event has been approved by the USGA for US-only events or the USGA and the governing body of any other country involved with the competition. This provision applies only to competitions that are played on a net basis.

What is the difference between Prize Money and Gambling?
The distinction between playing for prize money, which violates the Rules of Amateur Status, and gambling, which does not, is often difficult to determine. In general, amateurs should not play for cash prizes of any amount in large, organized events where playing for the money is not optional, there are no prizes other than cash or the fact that cash prizes will be awarded is advertised. Additionally, there would also be a concern if participation in the event were open to the public. If these characteristics are present, participation in these events will likely result in each player forfeiting his amateur status.

In view of the above, we would urge groups not to award cash prizes. By awarding merchandise of gift certificates redeemable for merchandise instead of cash, the group would ensure that the amateur status of the players is not even brought into question.

A non-amateur wins an amateur event - should the title be declared vacant?
It is recommended that, if the winner of an amateur event is subsequently found to have been a non-amateur, the title be declared vacant for that year.

For more FAQ on amateur status, visit usga.org