Starting on January 1st, 2022; we will see a new set of rules for amateur golfers. You can look at all the details on the following link https://www.golfcanada.ca/articles/golfs-modernized-rules-of-amateur-status-published/
Here are a few changes:
A) Scratch competitions
In a competition with only scratch players or without and handicap involved, player may win up to 1200 $can in cash without losing his amateur status. It is important to know that if an event has different flights like (AAA, AA, A and BB), it won’t be permitted to give cash prizes event if it would be available only for the AAA.
B) VEGAS – CONTINUOUS MULLIGAN – SCRAMBLE
These types of competitions are very popular and sometimes, the purses are very interesting. It will be possible to give up to 1200 $ in cash to each member of a winning team. We all know that some organizations already give out cash prizes, but this was illegal. I even know a few players changing their names in some events to make sure they don’t get caught cheating on the Amateur Status rules.
CONDITIONS: To be illegible to give out cash prizes, the organizer much take out any regulations on minimum handicap per team. It must be completely open to anybody.
C) LONG DRIVE – PUTTING AND SKILLS COMPETITION
In the past years I was strongly involved in discussions regarding the amateur status on putting competitions. They finally decided to exempt those type of competitions from the Amateur status regulations. Without any limits, an amateur golfer may win any amount of cash in those events.
D) OTHER CONSIDERATIONS
– Changes are also made on sponsorship. It will be easier for a player to have his expenses covered by a sponsor or any organization without having to go through the provincial or national golf association.
– Some changes are also made on teaching but with important conditions
CONCLUSION
I already received many questions on the subject. Some organizations would like to start an Amateur Tour with purses. Many players, especially Senior Players find the idea very promising, and they could win money without forfeiting their amateur status.
It is important to always remember that this is not opened to any competition involving handicaps.