Written by - Mansi Phore

The updates in the rules published by the R&A and the USGA, effective from January 1st, 2022, have helped the amateurs to get their hands on prize money. The set of rules includes that amateurs can receive cash prizes up to $1000, £700  or around Rs 80,000 in a scratch competition. Concentrating on the fundamental aspect of these rules, the R&A, the governing body of this sport, ensured the integrity of this modern game, which is played around the world by millions of golfers. The conclusion of these results has eradicated many restrictions which were previously implied on amateur golfers by limiting the value of the prizes an amateur golfer can accept. As a matter of fact, amateurs will now be allowed to enter into financial contracts or agreements with sponsors for their products or services. They will also be allowed to provide golf lessons and earn money from them but only in the programmes which are preapproved by the national governing bodies as given in written or online. “This is particularly important for modern elite amateur golf, where many of the players need financial support to compete and develop to their full potential. The new Rules give them this opportunity and will help to make the game even more inclusive,” Grant Moir, Director of Rules at The R&A, Commented.

However , cash prizes will only be allowed in scratch competitions and not in handicap competitions. Therefore, amateurs playing in handicap competitions cannot accept reward money. A competition cannot be played in both a scratch and a handicap format, according to the statement. The tipping point, undoubtedly, is to allow amateurs to have financial compensation through product endorsements and accept payments for using their name, image, or any likeness.The governing bodies , nevertheless ,have notified the players admitted into any contract that they should take counsel with the local national governing body to make sure of any impact on the eligibility criteria proposed by another institution or organization. IGU is the governing body of amateur status regulation in India. 

The amendment of this rule can be seen in the IGU Rotary Southern India Amateur Golf Championship which is going to be held from September 26, 2022 to September 30, 2022 at the Karnataka Golf Association course in Bangalore. Sponsored by Rotary, in this sixth edition of the event, both men’s and women’s winners will be awarded Rs 75,000 as prize money. "By giving away prize money to the top three amateurs, we thought we could make a little contribution to help with their golf." stated Praveen Singhvi, convener of the Rotary Golf Foundation Bangalore.