Administration and Rules Initiative of the Year

Changes to Rules of Amateur Status

The changes to Rules of Amateur Status announced in October will be significant for elite players looking to make it as all restrictions on advertising, expenses and sponsorship have been removed.

It means those top amateur players who are just outside a national squad or scholarship programme can seek financial assistance, with the ability to give something back to the sponsor. They won’t be forced to jump into the professional ranks too soon.

The decision not to allow cash prizes for handicap competition was also a sensible one, but raising the prize limit to £700 will be of benefit to amateur events running over multiple days.

Also worthy of mention: The R&A’S significant raising of prize money in the AIG Women’s Open – a step towards parity between the sexes.