Introduction

1. The Singapore Golf Association aims to maintain the distinction between amateur and professional golf by adhering to the R&A Rules of Amateur Status. In keeping to the spirit of this rule, the SGA seeks to keep the amateur game as free as possible from abuses that may follow from uncontrolled sponsorship and financial incentives.

SGA Rules Sub-Committee

2. The SGA Rules Sub-Committee is authorised to investigate, deliberate and enforce the R&A Rules of Amateur Status as they apply to amateur golfers.  It comprises a Chairman, appointed by the Executive Board, and representatives from each Associated Club. 

Procedure for Enforcement of the Rules

3. The SGA Rules Sub-Committee shall investigate all claims of possible breach of the Rules by an amateur golfer.  It shall deliberate on the reported breach and may forfeit the amateur status of any golfer who is in breach of the R&A Rules of Amateur Status.  In so doing, the committee shall prescribe the Period Awaiting Reinstatement and will notify the golfer and his Club.  The affected golfer may appeal to the SGA Executive Board against the decision made by the Rules Sub-Committee. 

4. A golfer whose Amateur Status has been forfeited must comply with the Rules, as they apply to an amateur golfer, during his period awaiting reinstatement.  He is not eligible to enter competitions as an amateur golfer.  He may participate in competitions and win a prize organized solely for members of his Club, subject to the approval of the Club.  He may not represent his Club in competitions against other Clubs unless with the approval of the Clubs in the competition and /or the organising Committee.   

Period Awaiting Reinstatement

5. The SGA Rules Sub-Committee shall adopt the R&A guidelines to prescribe the period awaiting reinstatement for breaches of the Rules not relating to Professionalism.  However, it may extend the period if the breach is considered serious. 

1. Accepting Improper Prize and/or Hole-in-One Prize above limit             The period awaiting reinstatement for accepting an improper prize and/or a Hole-in-One prize above the limit is:

c. Receipt of Unauthorised Expenses     The period awaiting reinstatement for receiving unauthorised expenses is as follows:

Reinstatement of Amateur Status

6. A golfer whose Amateur Status has been forfeited must apply to the Rules Sub-Committee for reinstatement after completing the specified period awaiting reinstatement.  A golfer will not normally be eligible to be reinstated more than twice. 

Relevant Extracts and Amplification of the R&A Rules Of Amateur status

7. To assist the golfing fraternity to better understand and maintain the spirit of amateur golf, relevant extracts of the R&A Rules of Amateur Status will be highlighted and amplified.  However, this is not all encompassing and the R&A Rules of Amateur Status must always be consulted to clarify any doubts.  

Rule 3 – Prizes

Rule 3-1 Playing for Prize Money

8. An amateur golfer must not play golf for prize money.  He may participate in an event where prize money is offered but he must waive his right to accept prize money in that event. 

Rule 3-2a Prize Limits

9. An amateur golfer must not accept a prize of retail value of more than S$1,500 (equivalent to £500).  This limit applies to one competition or a series of competitions.  However, it excludes any hole-in-one prize. 

Rule 3-2b Hole-in-one prize

10. Prize Limit      An amateur golfer must not accept a hole-in-one prize of retail value of more than S$1,500 (equivalent to £500).  This prize may be accepted in addition to any other prize won in the same competition. 

11. Donation to Charity   He may accept a prize in excess of the limit and still retain his Amateur Status if he donates it to a recognised charity.  However, he must not handle the prize or cheque and the proceeds must be paid directly to the charity.

12. Deferring acceptance           He may not defer the acceptance of an excessive prize in order to compete in amateur competitions.  However, he is permitted to defer temporarily the acceptance of such prize in order to take further advice regarding the effect of loss of Amateur Status or to consider donating the prize to a recognised charity.  (Dec 7-2/1).

13. Participating in Quiz             An amateur golfer may not get round this rule by participating in a quiz limited to those who achieve a hole-in-one.  Since a hole-in-one is a prerequisite for entry into the quiz, the playing of golf is involved, and the prize limit applies.  (Dec 3-2b/4).

14. Hole-in-one Sweepstake     Clubs may not organise a hole-in-one sweepstake in conjunction with its monthly competitions with the money collected snowballing until a participant achieves a hole-in-one.  This is due to the potentially large sum of money which may accumulate and be awarded to the eventual winner. 

15. However, Clubs may organise a specific hole-in-one competition and award a prize or prize voucher up to the limit permitted, ie, S$1,500.  (Dec 3-2b/5).

Rule 3-2c Exchanging Prizes

16. An amateur golfer must not exchange a prize or prize voucher for cash.

17. Clubs should define clearly the purpose of the voucher, eg, for purchase of goods in the Club’s Pro shop, sports shop or any retail store. 

18. Vouchers cannot be used for:

1.  payment of entry fees;
2. crediting to a Club account;
3. paying of Club subscription;
4. travel or hotel expenses; and
5. payment of bar bill. 

19. Vouchers may be used for:
    1. purchase of golf equipment, goods and items normally presented as prizes in a golf competition,
    2. driving range, and
    3. buggy and green fees.  (Dec 3-2c/1)

Rule 4 – Expenses

20. Definition        Expenses defined under this rule cover a player’s transportation and travel costs; accommodation and lodging; meals and refreshments; entry fees; caddy/buggy fees and practice round fees. 

21. An amateur golfer must not accept expenses, in money or otherwise, from any source to play in a golf competition or exhibition, unless he has the approval of the SGA and such expenses must be disbursed through the SGA.

22. A junior golfer (an amateur golfer below the age of 18 years old) may receive expenses when competing in a competition limited exclusively to junior golfers.  However, he may not advertise the fact that he is receiving such assistance.  (Dec 4-2b/1)

Rule 4-2g Sponsored Handicap Competitions

23. An amateur golfer may receive expenses when competing in a sponsored handicap competition that has been sanctioned by SGA.  Such tournaments which have been sanctioned will bear this approval on their advertising literature “Approved by SGA for the payment of expenses Rule 4-2g). 

Rule 6 – Use of Golf Skill or Reputation

Rule 6 – 2 Lending Name or Likeness

24. An amateur golfer of skill or reputation must not use it to promote, advertise or sell anything or for any financial gain. 

25. Free Equipment        He may accept golf equipment from anyone dealing in such equipment provided no advertising is involved.  However, he cannot sell any equipment that he has received free of charge.  (Dec 6-2/9)

26. He should also not receive more than the following in a year:
    1. 24 dozen golf balls
    2. 1 set of golf clubs
    3. 1 pair of golf shoes.  (Dec 6-2/10)

27. Appearing in Advertisement            An amateur golfer of golf skill or reputation cannot appear as a golfer in an advertisement even though he does not receive payment or compensation for it.  He would be deemed to receive a personal benefit for such an appearance.  (Dec 6-2/5)

Rule 6-3 Personal Appearance

28. An amateur of golf skill or reputation must not use it to obtain payment, compensation, personal benefit or any financial gain, directly or indirectly, for a personal appearance. 

29. However, he may receive actual expenses in connection with a personal appearance provided no golf competition or exhibition is involved.

30. Incentives to participate in Competition                 He cannot accept incentives from a Club, eg, free meals, waiver of entry fee, to encourage him to enter a competition so as to increase the status of the event.  He would be deemed to have indirectly accepted compensation for a personal appearance.  However, he would not be in breach of the rules if these incentives were offered to all competitors.  (Dec 6-3/1).

31. Incentives to represent own Club                He cannot receive free or reduced subscription from his Club on the condition that he represents his Club.  This would amount to him accepting compensation for representing his Club.  (Dec 6-3/4)

Rule 6-6 Membership

32. An amateur golfer of golf skill or reputation must not accept an offer of membership in a Golf Club or privileges at a golf course, without full payment for the class of membership or privileges, if such an offer is made as an inducement to play for that Club. 

33. Offer of honorary membership, free or reduced subscription to own Club   member   A player of golf skill or reputation who has been a member of a Club for a long period of time and has consistently represented his Club and would continue to do so irrespective of whether he has been made such an offer will not be deemed to have breached the Rules if he accepts the offer.  (Dec 6-6/2)

34. Offer of honorary membership, free or reduced subscription by another Club              A member of golf skill or reputation of a Club who has been made this offer by another Club can be reasonably considered to have been induced to play for that Club.  He would in breach of the Rules if he accepts the offer.  (Dec 6-6/2)

Conclusion

35.  The SGA shall uphold and monitor the Rules of Amateur Status through the Rules Sub-Committee.  The prescribed procedure for enforcement and reinstatement of Amateur Status shall be used to ensure that the spirit of amateur golf is maintained. 

Compiled by SGA Secretariat 

Source material: R&A Rules of Amateur Status

Jan 07