Rule 1. Amateurism
1-1. General
An amateur golfer must play the game and conduct himself in
accordance with the Rules.
1-2. Amateur Status
Amateur Status is a universal condition of eligibility for playing
Rules 140 of Amateur Status
Rules of Amateur Status 141
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.
1-3. Purpose and Spirit of the Rules
The purpose and spirit of the Rules is to maintain the distinction
between amateur golf and professional golf and to keep the
amateur game as free as possible from the abuses that may follow
from uncontrolled sponsorship and financial incentive. It is
considered necessary to safeguard amateur golf, which is largely
self-regulating with regard to the Rules of play and handicapping,
so that it can be fully enjoyed by all amateur golfers.
1-4. Doubt as to Rules
A person who wishes to be an amateur golfer and who is in doubt
as to whether taking a proposed course of action is permitted
under the Rules should consult the USGA.
An organizer or sponsor of an amateur golf competition or
a competition involving amateur golfers who is in doubt as to
whether a proposal is in accordance with the Rules should
consult the USGA.
Rule 2. Professionalism
2-1. General
Except as provided in the Rules, 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 1: Actions by an amateur golfer for the purpose of becoming
a professional golfer include, but are not limited to:
(a) accepting the position of a professional golfer;
(b) receiving services or payment, directly or indirectly,
from a professional agent;
(c) entering into a written or oral agreement, directly or
indirectly, with a professional agent or sponsor; and
(d) agreeing to accept payment or compensation, directly
or indirectly, for allowing his name or likeness as a
player of golf skill or reputation to be used for any commercial
purpose.
Note 2: An amateur golfer may inquire as to his likely prospects
as a professional golfer, including applying unsuccessfully for
the position of a professional golfer, and he may work in a professional’s
shop and receive payment or compensation, provided
he does not infringe the Rules in any other way.
2-2. Membership in Professional Golfers’ Organizations
g a. Professional Golfers’ Association
An amateur golfer must not hold or retain membership in any
Professional Golfers’ Association.
g b. Professional Tours
An amateur golfer must not hold or retain membership in a
Professional Tour limited exclusively to professional golfers.
Note: If an amateur golfer must compete in one or more qualifying
competitions in order to be eligible for membership in a
Professional Tour, he may enter and play in such qualifying
competitions without forfeiting his Amateur Status, provided
that, in advance of play and in writing, he waives his right to
any prize money in the competition.
Rule 3. Prizes
3-1. Playing for Prize Money
An amateur golfer must not play golf for prize money or its
equivalent in a match, competition or exhibition.
Note: An amateur golfer may participate in an event where prize
money or its equivalent is offered, provided that prior to participation
he waives his right to accept prize money in that event.
(Conduct contrary to the purpose and spirit of the Rules – see
Rule 7-2.)
(Policy on gambling – see Appendix.)
Rules 142 of Amateur Status
Rules of Amateur Status 143
3-2. Prize Limits
g a. General
An amateur golfer must not accept a prize (other than a
symbolic prize) or prize voucher of retail value in excess of $750
or the equivalent, or such a lesser figure as may be decided
by the USGA. This limit applies to the total prizes or prize
vouchers received by an amateur golfer in any one competition
or series of competitions.
Exception: A prize, including a cash prize, for a hole-in-one
made while playing golf may exceed the above prize limit.
g b. Exchanging Prizes
An amateur golfer must not exchange a prize or prize voucher for
cash.
Exception: An amateur golfer may submit a prize voucher to a
state or regional golf association and thereafter be reimbursed
from the value of that voucher for expenses incurred in participating
in a golf competition, provided the reimbursement of
such expenses is permitted under Rule 4-2.
Note 1: The responsibility to prove the retail value of a particular
prize rests with the Committee in charge of the competition.
Note 2: It is recommended that the total value of prizes in a
gross competition, or each division of a handicap competition,
should not exceed twice the prescribed limit in an 18-hole competition,
three times in a 36-hole competition, five times in a 54-
hole competition and six times in a 72-hole competition.
3-3. Testimonial Awards
g a. General
An amateur golfer must not accept a testimonial award of retail
value in excess of the limits prescribed in Rule 3-2a.
g b. Multiple Awards
An amateur golfer may accept more than one testimonial award
from different donors, even though their total retail value
exceeds the prescribed limit, provided they are not presented so
as to evade the limit for a single award.
