Page 20 - Golf Champion - January 2020

[ USGA ]

USGA and the R&A to Modernize Rules

of Amateur Status

아마추어 지위의 룰을 현대화 할 USGA와 R&A

IBERTY CORNER, N.J., and ST. ANDREWS, Scotland (De- Grant Moir, director – Rules at The R&A, said, “We will be look-
Lcember 9, 2019) – The USGA and The R&A are conducting ing at the Rules of Amateur Status carefully and considering ways
a review of the Rules of Amateur Status to make them easier to in which we can modernize them and bring them more into line
understand and apply. with the way the modern sport is played. The code remains a
The comprehensive evaluation is part of the continued joint ef- fundamental framework for amateur golf and we will be listening
fort to modernize the Rules by reducing complexity and ensuring to the views of players, officials and associations to give us a fully
the Rules effectively guide how the game is played today. rounded view of how we can improve them.”
As part of a review process that began earlier this year, the gov- In a separate move, effective January 1, 2020, the USGA and The
erning bodies will seek the perspectives of golf’s stakeholders R&A will introduce one change to Rule 3-2b of the Rules of Ama-
as an integral component of the review process, including elite teur Status, which regulates hole-in-one prizes. The Rules will no
longer limit the prize an amateur golfer may
win when making a hole-in-one outside a
round of golf, including “stand-alone” and
“multiple-entry” hole-in-one events. It is
hoped the change will help to promote the
game and cater to new audiences as well,
and eliminate unnecessary restrictions for
event organizers.

New Rule 3-2b will read as follows:
Rule 3-2b. Hole-in-One Prizes
An amateur golfer may accept a prize in ex-
cess of the limit in Rule 3-2a, including a
cash prize, for making a hole-in-one during
a round of golf on a golf course.
An amateur golfer may also accept a prize in
excess of the limit in Rule 3-2a, including a
cash prize, for making a hole-in-one during
amateur golfers, golf event organizers, national golf associations, contests held outside a round of golf, including multiple-entry
professional golf associations and other industry partners. contests and contests conducted other than on a golf course (e.g.,
The aim is to provide the golf community with a modernized set on a driving range, golf simulator or putting green) provided in
of the Amateur Status Rules in late 2021, with the goal of an ef- all cases that the length of the shot is at least 50 yards.
fective date of January 1, 2022. More information on the Rules of Amateur Status can be found
Thomas Pagel, senior managing director of Governance at the at www.usga.org and www.randa.org.
USGA, said, “One of golf’s greatest benefits is that it can be
played by all ages and played for a lifetime. It is our goal to ensure About the USGA
that the fundamental concept of what it means to be an ama- The USGA is a nonprofit organization that conducts the U.S.
teur golfer is clear and retained to promote fair competition and Open, U.S. Women’s Open, U.S. Senior Open and the U.S. Senior
enjoyment for everyone, while still addressing many issues that Women’s Open, as well as 10 amateur championships and inter-
seek to protect the game. This is a forward-thinking approach national matches, attracting players and fans around the world.
and engaging golfers is a key component of doing what’s best for Together with The R&A, the USGA governs the game worldwide,
golf.” jointly administering the Rules of Golf, Rules of Amateur Status,

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