USGA
 
Search

Amateur Status

The USGA writes and maintains the Rules of Amateur Status along with the R&A Rules Limited. An "amateur golfer" is one who plays the game as a non-remunerative 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.

Rules of Amateur Status

Purchase Decisions on the Rules of Amateur Status

Shop Now >>

 

 

 

 

Browse the Rules

Amateur Golfer
An "amateur golfer" is one who plays the game as a non-remunerative 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.