Online Application for Amateur Reinstatement

Apply for Reinstatement to Amateur Status

Before beginning an application, it is important to note the following:

• Holding membership in an organization of professional golfers (including apprentice status membership in the PGA) is a breach of Rule 2-2. If you have held membership in such an organization, you must resign your membership before your application will be considered. If, after all other violations of the Rules ceased, you used your membership card to receive any benefit that would not otherwise have been available to you, then please identify the date that you last received any benefit from your membership. This will determine the date your period awaiting reinstatement will commence.

• If you participated on a tour or mini-tour, please include the approximate total number of events when asked under Rule 3-1.

The routine period awaiting reinstatement is one or two years from the date of the last act contrary to the Rules of Amateur Status. Please note that longer periods may be prescribed in the case of an applicant who has played extensively for prize money. This period can vary depending on the type and length of violation, and is retroactive to the date that you last worked or played as a professional.

The regulations governing reinstatement are set forth in Rule 9 of the Rules of Amateur Status.

Once completed, your application will first be submitted to the State or Regional Golf Association in your area for review, and then to the USGA for processing. After the USGA has reviewed your application, a letter will be sent to you by e-mail with the decision regarding your reinstatement date. Please make sure the spam blocker on your e-mail program will accept all e-mails from usga.org. Please note the application process may take 1-2 weeks.

Please contact the USGA Amateur Status Department at 908-234-2300 or the Oregon Golf Association at 503-981-4653 with any questions about the application process.

On-Line Reinstatement Application

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Amateur Status FAQs

Allthough the Rules of Amateur Status can be found in the back of the Rules of Golf what is an is not a breach can often be confusing to golfers.  As an association for amateur golfers, we are responsible for the enforcement of these rules. Those who violate the rules forfeit their amateur status. However, equally important to us is being able to prevent amateur golfers from endangering their status. This document is intended to provide guidance to many questions we frequently address.

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Rules of Amateur Status

An "amateur golfer" is one who plays the game as a non-remunerative and non-profit-making sport and who does not receive remuneration for teaching golf or for other activities because of golf skill or reputation, except as provided in the Rules.

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The Fine Line Between You And Tiger Woods

The majority of breaches to amateur status occur either at the point of entering a tournament or when a non-conforming prize is accepted, so your best protection is to clarify the prize structure before you enter any event or exhibition.

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