Ask Linda #37-Amateur Status

Dear Linda,
How much cash can an amateur win per year? If you’re an amateur and declare (before a tournament) that you wish to play as a professional, and don't win any money, can you declare yourself an amateur in the next event?
Lou Lou

Dear Lou Lou,

I’m surprised and pleased to learn we have some budding professionals within our organization!

The USGA rules regarding amateur status appear in the back of the rule book immediately following Appendix III. They are very detailed and specific, and anyone concerned about preserving his amateur status should read them carefully. I would also recommend that they consult the USGA for an opinion if they are not certain whether a particular activity will jeopardize their amateur status.

Here are the answers to your questions:

1. An amateur golfer may not participate in a tournament where prize money is offered unless he waives his right to a prize prior to the tournament. You will notice amateurs playing in professional tournaments (Michelle Wie and Tiger Woods, for example, played in professional tournaments when they were still amateurs), but if you scan the list of PGA tournament winners in the newspaper you will notice that amateurs do not receive prize money for their efforts.

2. An amateur may not accept a prize that has a retail value greater than $750 per competition. There is one exception to this limit – amateurs may accept a prize for a hole-in-one that exceeds the $750 limit.

3. You cannot waiver back and forth between playing as an amateur and as a professional. Once a player has become a professional, he must appeal to the Amateur Status Committee of the USGA for reinstatement as an amateur. That waiting period is generally one to two years.

Linda


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