Page 44 - Golf Champion - November 2021

[USGA]

GOLF'S MODERNIZED RULES OF AMATEUR STATUS

PUBLISHED

골프의 현대화된 아마추어 자격 규칙 발표

IBERTY CORNER, N.J. USA AND ST ANDREWS, ● Distinguishing between scratch and handicap
LScotland (Oct. 26, 2021) - Golf’s new Rules of Amateur competitions in terms of the prizes that may be
Status have been published by the USGA and The R&A accepted.
ahead of their January 1, 2022, effective date. ● The prize rule applies only to tee-to-hole
The work is the latest step by the governing bodies to competitions played on a golf course or a simulator,
make the Rules easier to understand and apply and but no longer apply to long-drive, putting and skills
follows the modernization process of the Rules of Golf competitions that are not played as part of a tee-to-
in 2019. The new Rules were informed by golfer and golf hole competition.
industry feedback as a part of a comprehensive review, to ● Eliminating all advertising, expense-related and
ensure they continue to reflect how the modern game is sponsorship restrictions.
played by millions of golfers around the world.
This review, along with the global feedback received The new opportunities provided by lifting sponsorship
when the proposals were publicly shared earlier this restrictions and the ability to accept prize money up
year, reaffirmed amateur golf’s important position in the to the increased limit of $1000 or £700 in scratch-only
game and the value in maintaining amateur status Rules. competitions will be of significant benefit to elite amateur
The result is a set of Rules that removes many of the golfers looking for ways to fund golf-related expenses.
restrictions that previously applied to amateur golfers, “Golf is unique in its broad appeal to both recreational
while ensuring that the integrity of the game is protected and competitive players,” said Craig Winter, USGA senior
by limiting the form and value of the prizes an amateur director, Rules of Golf and Amateur Status. “This was
golfer can accept. emphasized in the feedback we received earlier this year
and we believe these updates will help simplify these
As part of the modernization effort, the new Rules Rules and ensure the long-term health of the amateur
identify only the following acts that will result in a golfer game, not only to those who compete at the highest level
losing their amateur status: of amateur golf, but for the millions of golfers at every
age and skill level who enjoy competitive events at their
● Accepting a prize with a value exceeding the prize home courses.”
limit ($1000/£700) or accepting prize money in a Grant Moir, Director of Rules at The R&A, said, “We
handicap competition. are delighted to be rolling out the modernized Rules of
● Playing as a professional. Amateur Status today. These Rules play an important role
● Accepting payment for giving instruction (although in protecting the integrity of our self-regulating sport, but
all current exceptions still apply, such as coaching the code must evolve to meet the needs of the modern
at educational institutions and assisting with game. This is particularly important for modern elite
approved programs). amateur golf, where many of the players need financial
support to compete and develop to their full potential.
Accepting employment as a golf club professional or The new Rules give them this opportunity and will help
membership of an association of professional golfers to make the game even more inclusive.”
The new Rules are accompanied by guidance notes, an
● To achieve this simplified approach, the following overview document and explanations that detail the
key changes have been introduced: rationale for why changes have been made and, in some

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