R&A, USGA announce amateurs are allowed to accept endorsements under new rules change

The R&A and USGA have announced proposals to the rules of amateur status in golf, one of which would allow endorsements to amateur players.

Citing a need to modernise the current system, the governing bodies tweaked a series of provisions in the sport while adhering to the principles that constitute amateur status. Some of the notable proposed changes include:

-Eliminate all sponsorship-related restrictions.

-Remove any restrictions on how an amateur may benefit from his or her name, image or likeness, including but not limited to the receipt of expenses.

-Eliminate the distinction between cash and other forms of prizes.

-Reduce the wait period for amateur reinstatement.

Under the new proposed rules, an amateur can only violate their status in three ways: accepting a prize in access of the prize limit ($750), accepting payment for instruction, and accepting employment and a club professional.

“The Rules of Amateur Status play an important role in protecting the integrity of our self-regulating sport but the code must continue to evolve,” said Grant Moir, director of rules at the R&A. “This is particularly so in relation to the modern elite amateur game, where many of the players need financial support to compete and develop to their full potential, and the proposed new Rules will give much greater scope for this.”

The changes come after a number of international state legislatures have passed bills regarding amateur athletes receiving assistance and endorsements for their talents. In America, the NCAA was supposed to vote on an update to its rules on amateur compensation, but in January opted to delay the process.

“Golf is unique in its broad appeal to both recreational and competitive golfers,” said Craig Winter, USGA senior director, rules of golf and amateur status. “We understand and value how important amateur status is, not only to those who compete at the highest level of the amateur game, but for the millions of golfers at every age and skill level who enjoy competitive events at their home courses. These updates should help simplify these Rules and ensure the health of the amateur game.”

The changes above are not official, as there will be a public feedback period starting with this announcement to March 26. The hope is for the proposed changes to go into effect on January 1, 2022.