Geoff
Hope you don't mind me using your forum for my question as I always can find an answer here. I've heard differing opinions on this subject and not sure if there is an overall policy in golf about amateurs accepting prize money for certain golf events. If an amateur were to win a cash prize in a golf event, can he or she accept the cash prize money and still retain their amateur status? Maybe the amount of the prize money is the key?
Over the years, I've participated in putting contests with the grand prize of $5,000 and not too long ago amateurs participated in the World Putting Championship's with a grand prize of $250,000! During that particular Championship, I recall a rumor going around that if an amateur won, he or she would receive material prizes in lieu of the $250,000 cash; however, I don't know the accuracy of that rumor. I, of course, didn't win either of those purses
I recall a putting contest in Sacramento and the grand prize was a $25,000 Sports Court to be installed at your home should you win; however, that wasn't a cash prize.
Another rumor is that if an amateur were to win a contest offering a cash prize of $5,000, he or she could accept; however, that individual would be considered a professional and have to give up their amateur status and wouldn't be able to participate in amateur golf tournaments for a period of 2-3 years; specifically NCGA(Northern California Golf Association)sponsored tournaments here in California. Confused yet? I believe that in most states, maybe all, that many local tournaments offer 'Skin Games' as part of the event, where one can win a certain amount of cash yet still retain their amateur status. I've noticed in some tournaments, foursomes have divided substantial amounts of cash winnings, say $2,000 to $4,000 per team which included their 'skin money' with each player receiving about $1,000 each. I assume they are able to keep their amateur status.
Can an amateur accept a certain amount of prize money in a tournament without losing their amateur status? Or might there be a website that would clarify all this?
Regards,
Larry Stanley
ThePuttingEdge.com