USGA Rules Proposal – Give Your Feedback

Ontario, California: Excitement has sprouted recently for the proposed modernization of the rules of amateur golf. The R&A and the USGA have upheld their desire to analyze the current rules of the amateur game. This process began in 2017, that would result in significant changes to the rules of amateur golf. The organizations’ goal is to modernize the rules of amateur golf that will reflect today’s global amateur game and ensure that the Rules are easier to understand and apply.

The R&A and USGA have outlined a number of concerns regarding cash and non-cash prizes, awards, and financial support for amateur golfers playing at an elite level. One intriguing concern was the impact social media has on properly implementing the rules that cover the use of golf skill and reputation for personal benefit. However, specific rules changes can negatively impact the integrity of the amateur and make it more difficult to distinguish itself from professional golf. Drastic change can result in the extermination of certain prestigious amateur events.

He R&A and USGA will analyze the current rules diligently with the aforementioned goal; the R&A and the USGA concluded that retaining the Rules of Amateur Status is in the best interests of the game. The new rules are set to be introduced in January 2022. A public feedback period was opened from February 22 and will end on March 26, 2021. If you wish to provide the governing bodies with your insight please contact The R&A by email AmateurStatusFeedback@randa.org or the USGA AmStat@usga.org.

For further information on the proposed rules please visit this LINK.