While 2006 saw the most significant changes to the Rules of Amateur Status in many years, 2008 will see a less dramatic refinement of the code that determines who is eligible to play as an amateur golfer. 

The Amateur Status Committee continues to review the code to ensure that its provisions are appropriate in today's world.  Close work with The R&A continues as well, as the increasingly international nature of the game recommends consistency, wherever possible, between the amateur status codes of the two bodies.

The most noteworthy change for 2008 is the addition of an exception to Rule 6-2 that will allow a prominent amateur to use his name or likeness to promote his national, regional or state golf association, a golf competition considered to be in the best interests of the game or a recognized charity.  The Amateur Status Committee does not want the restrictions of the code, especially for well-known players, to stifle the development of the game or a worthy charity.

State and regional golf associations continue to play a vital role in amateur status matters, as they administer the reimbursement of expenses to players in certain circumstances, screen the initial requests for reinstatement to amateur status and promote the best interests of amateur golf.  In 2007, 658 players were reinstated to amateur status, compared to 881 in 2006.  The Amateur Status Committee believes that these reinstatements are a very positive sign of the health and appeal of amateur golf.