The R&A and USGA have published the new Amateur Player Status Rules for Golf, which will come into effect on January 1, 2022.

This is the latest step by the governing bodies to make the Rules easier to understand and apply, and follows the modernization process of the Rules of Golf 2019.

The new Rules have taken into account feedback submitted by players and the golf industry as part of a comprehensive review to ensure they continue to reflect the way millions of players around the world play golf.

This review, along with the global feedback received when the proposals were shared publicly earlier this year, reaffirmed the important position of amateur golf in the game and the value of maintaining the rules of amateur player status.

New Rules

The result is a set of Rules that removes many of the restrictions previously applied to amateur golfers, while ensuring the protection of the integrity of the game by limiting the form and value of prizes that an amateur golfer may accept.

As part of the modernization effort, the new Rules identify only the following acts that will cause a golfer to lose their amateur status:

. Accepting a prize whose value exceeds the prize limit (700 pounds sterling/1000 US dollars) or accepting a cash prize in a handicap competition.

. To play like a professional.

. Accepting payment for teaching (although all current exceptions still apply, such as training at educational institutions and attending approved programs).

. Accepting a job as a golf club professional or becoming a member of a professional golfers' association.

To achieve this simplified approach, the following key changes have been introduced:

. Distinction between scratch and handicap competitions regarding the prizes that can be accepted.

. The prize rule applies only to tee-to-hole competitions played on a golf course or simulator, but no longer applies to longest drive, putting, and skills competitions that are not played as part of a tee-to-hole competition.

. Elimination of all restrictions on advertising, spending and sponsorship.

The new opportunities afforded by the lifting of sponsorship restrictions and the possibility of accepting prize money up to the increased limit of 700 pounds or 1,000 US dollars in scratch-only competitions will be very beneficial for elite amateur players looking for ways to fund golf-related expenses.

The Rules must continue to evolve

Grant Moir, R&A Rules Director, said, «We are delighted to launch the new Amateur Player Status Rules today. These Rules play an important role in protecting the integrity of our self-regulated sport, but the Rules must evolve to meet the needs of the modern game. This is particularly important for modern elite amateur golf, where many players require financial support to compete and reach their full potential. The new Rules provide this opportunity and will help make the game even more inclusive.».

«Golf is unique for both recreational and competitive golfers,» said Craig Winter, USGA Director of Rules of Golf and Amateur Status. «This was one of the most significant pieces of feedback we received earlier this year, and we believe these updates will help simplify the Rules and ensure the long-term health of the amateur game not only for those competing at the highest level of amateur golf, but also for the millions of golfers of all ages and skill levels who enjoy competitive events at their local golf courses.»

The new Rules have been published along with guidance notes, an overview document and explanations detailing the reasons for the changes made and, in some cases, why they have been retained.

Access the 2022 Amateur Player Status Rules and the Rules section of this website below in the Related Links section.