Prize Money and the Rules of Amateur Status

Click on the link to goto the USGA web-site on the complete Rules of Amateur Status.

One of PSGA’s responsibilities is to adhere as closely as possible to all rules and standards of golf set forth by the USGA. One of those standards is the Rules of Amateur Status which state:-

An amateur golfer must not play golf for prize money or its equivalent in a match, competition or exhibition.

Note: An amateur golfer may participate in an event where prize money or its equivalent is offered, provided that prior to participation he waives his right to accept prize money in that event.

An amateur golfer must not accept a prize (other than a symbolic prize) or prize voucher of retail value in excess of $750 or the equivalent, or such a lesser figure as may be decided by the USGA. This limit applies to the total prizes or prize vouchers received by an amateur golfer in any one competition or series of competitions.

For PSGA, the following is defined to be prize money:-

Money received for placing in each flight.

Money received for winning the ‘closest to the pin contest’

For PSGA the following is excluded from the definition of prize money:-

Money received from the skins contest. This is optional and classed as gambling.

Money received for a hole-in-one.

Because we feel we have a great prize structure and don't want to change it in any way, we have chosen to keep our cash prizes, with an option to waive the cash prize and receive a gift voucher.

Therefore, if you are interested in keeping your amateur status, it will be your responsibility to notify a member of the board at registration prior to each tournament and tell us you will be waiving your right to the prize money. Please be aware that waiving your right to our prize money does not mean that you cannot receive our prizes. What it does mean is that in the weeks after the tournament the executive secretary will contact you to arrange to send you the funds in the form of a gift voucher.

So why should you care about keeping your amateur status? Well, if you are ever interested in playing in a USGA or your local golf association sanctioned event you can be denied entry if you have ever lost your amateur status.

Your decision of amateur status is solely your responsibility. It is PSGAs responsibility to advise its members of their options.