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Golf
Rules...
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Winter Issue 2009-2010 ~ ~ Volume 14 ~
By Buzz Walker --
Oak Hills Teaching Professional
Rules on Gambling...
This season let's review the USGA policy on gambling.
USGA Policy on Gambling
The Definition of an amateur golfer provides that an amateur golfer is one who
plays the game as a non-remunerative and non-profit-making sport. When gambling
motives are introduced, problems can arise which threaten the integrity of the
game.
The distinction between playing for prize money, which violates the Rules of
Amateur Status, and gambling, which does not, is essential to the Rules of
Amateur Status. The USGA urges amateur golfers to seek USGA guidance whenever it
is unclear whether the prize format constitutes playing for prize money or
gambling and, in the absence of such guidance, not to play for cash prizes. Such
a course of action would ensure that no one jeopardizes his amateur status.
The USGA does not object to informal wagering among individual golfers or teams
of golfers when the players in general know each other, participation in the
wagering is optional and is limited to the players, the sole source of all money
won by the players is advanced by the players on themselves or their own teams
and the amount of money involved is such that the primary purpose is the playing
of the game for enjoyment.
On the other hand, organized events open to the general public or designed and
promoted to create cash prizes are not approved by the USGA. Golfers
participating in such events without first irrevocably waiving their right to
cash prizes are deemed by the USGA to be playing for prize money.
The USGA is opposed to and urges its Member Clubs, all golf associations and all
other sponsors of golf competitions to prohibit types of gambling such as: (1)
Calcuttas, (2) other auction pools, (3) pari-mutuels and (4) any other forms of
gambling organized for general participation or permitting participants to bet
on someone other than themselves or their teams. The USGA may deny amateur
status, entry in USGA Championships and membership on USGA teams for
international competitions to players whose activities in connection with golf
gambling, whether organized or individual, are considered by the USGA to be
contrary to the best interests of golf.
Hit them straight!
Buzz Walker
Are you confused about golf penalties or have a
question about a golf rule?
Please direct your golf rule questions to Buzz Walker at buzzwalker@teetalk.net
- writing "Golf Rules" in the subject line. After all, we should
Know The Rules!
Etiquette:
Remember at Oak Hills we require a collared shirts & no jeans.
Always remember to repair your ball mark on the green.
Send your golf rule question to Buzz at: buzzwalker@teetalk.net
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