Rules of Amateur Status 139
Rules of Amateur Status
Preamble
The United States Golf Association (USGA) reserves the right to
change the Rules of Amateur Status and to make and change
the interpretations of the Rules of Amateur Status at any time.
In the Rules of Amateur Status, the gender used in relation to
any person is understood to include both genders.
DEFINITIONS
The Definitions are listed alphabetically and, in the Rules themselves,
defined terms are in italics.
Amateur Golfer
An “amateur golfer” is one who plays the game as a nonremunerative
and non-profit-making sport and who does not
receive remuneration for teaching golf or for other activities
because of golf skill or reputation, except as provided in the Rules.
Committee
The “Committee” is the Amateur Status Committee of the USGA.
Golf Skill or Reputation
It is a matter for the USGA to decide whether a particular amateur
golfer has golf skill or reputation.
Generally, an amateur golfer is only considered to have golf skill
if he:
(a) has had competitive success at a local or national level
or has been selected to represent his national, state or
regional golf association; or
(b) competes at an elite level.
Golf reputation can only be gained through golf skill and does
not include prominence for service to the game of golf as an
administrator.
Instruction
“Instruction” covers teaching the physical aspects of playing golf,
i.e., the actual mechanics of swinging a golf club and hitting a
golf ball.
Note: Instruction does not cover teaching the psychological
aspects of the game or the Etiquette or Rules of Golf.
Junior Golfer
A “junior golfer” is an amateur golfer who has not reached (i) the
September 1 following graduation from secondary school or (ii)
his 19th birthday, whichever comes first.
Prize Voucher
A “prize voucher” is a voucher or gift certificate issued by the
Committee in charge of a competition for the purchase of goods
from a professional’s shop or other retail source.
Retail Value
The “retail value” of a prize is the price at which the prize is generally
available from a retail source at the time of the award.
Rule or Rules
The term “Rule” or “Rules” refers to the Rules of Amateur Status as
determined by the USGA.
Symbolic Prize
A “symbolic prize” is a trophy made of gold, silver, ceramic, glass
or the like that is permanently and distinctively engraved.
Testimonial Award
A “testimonial award” is an award for notable performances or
contributions to golf as distinguished from competition prizes. A
testimonial award may not be a monetary award.
