Since 1952, The R&A and USGA have worked closely to produce the Rules of Golf, which are written and revised every four years. Two EGA representatives sit on the committee charged with revising, modernizing and improving the Rules of Golf.
The purpose of the Rules is to maintain the distinction between amateur and professional golf and to ensure that amateur golf, which is largely self-regulating with regard to the Rules of Golf and handicapping, is free from the pressures that may follow from uncontrolled sponsorship and financial incentive.
Through appropriate limits and restrictions, the Rules are also intended to encourage amateur golfers to focus on the game’s challenges and inherent rewards, rather than any financial gain (The R&A Limited, 2015).
In no other sport is the difference between amateur and professional sport more pronounced and more accepted than in golf.
To find out more about the Amateur Status and the reinstatement procedure please click here.
Today, there are also two EGA representatives on the Amateur Status Committee of The R&A.
On Monday 26th October 2015, The R&A and the USGA announced some changes to the Rules of Golf and Rules of Amateur Status. These new Rules are effective from January 1st, 2016.
To find out more about these changes click here.
