POLICY ON GAMBLING or wagering

Policy on Gambling 153
APPENDIX — POLICY ON GAMBLIN G
General
An “amateur golfer” is one who plays the game as a non-remunerative
and non-profit-making sport. Financial incentive in amateur
golf, which can be the result of some forms of gambling or
wagering, could give rise to abuse of the Rules both in play and
in manipulation of handicaps that would be detrimental to the
integrity of the game.
There is a distinction between playing for prize money (Rule
3-1), gambling or wagering that is contrary to the purpose and
spirit of the Rules (Rule 7-2), and forms of gambling or wagering
that do not, of themselves, breach the Rules. An amateur golfer or
a Committee in charge of a competition where amateur golfers
are competing should consult with the USGA if in any doubt
as to the application of the Rules. In the absence of such guidance,
it is recommended that no cash prizes be awarded so as to
ensure that the Rules are upheld.
Acceptable Forms of Gambling
There is no objection to informal gambling or wagering among
individual golfers or teams of golfers when it is incidental to the
game. It is not practicable to define informal gambling or wagering
precisely, but features that would be consistent with such
gambling or wagering include:
• the players in general know each other;
• participation in the gambling or wagering is optional
and is limited to the players;
• the sole source of all money won by the players is
advanced by the players; and
• the amount of money involved is not generally considered
to be excessive.
Therefore, informal gambling or wagering is acceptable provided
the primary purpose is the playing of the game for enjoyment,
not for financial gain.
Unacceptable Forms of Gambling
Other forms of gambling or wagering where there is a requirement
for players to participate (e.g. compulsory sweepstakes) or
that have the potential to involve considerable sums of money
(e.g. calcuttas and auction sweepstakes – where players or teams
are sold by auction) are not approved.
Otherwise, it is difficult to define unacceptable forms of gambling
or wagering precisely, but features that would be consistent
with such gambling or wagering include:
• participation in the gambling or wagering is open to
non-players; and
• the amount of money involved is generally considered to
be excessive.
An amateur golfer’s participation in gambling or wagering that
is not approved may be considered contrary to the purpose and
spirit of the Rules (Rule 7-2) and may endanger his Amateur
Status.
Furthermore, organized events designed or promoted to create
cash prizes are not permitted. Golfers participating in such
events without first irrevocably waiving their right to prize
money are deemed to be playing for prize money, in breach of
Rule 3-1.
Note: The Rules of Amateur Status do not apply to betting or
gambling by amateur golfers on the results of a competition limited
to or specifically organized for professional golfers.