What happens if I play in a competition offering prize money, but don’t win anything?
Acceptance of a prize is the standard for determining when a player has lost their amateur status. This means playing in a competition with prize money (for example, cash) is not automatically an issue, unless you enter and play in the competition as a professional.
If you play as an amateur in a scratch competition that offers prize money, you will not lose your amateur status unless you accept a prize above the limit allowed by Rule 3.
Does the prize limit of $1000 mean I may accept prize money (for example, cash) up to that value?
An amateur golfer may accept prize money up to the limit when playing in a scratch competition only. The $1000 limit applies to non-cash prizes in a handicap competition.
What is a non-monetary prize?
A non-monetary prize consists of vouchers, gift certificates, and gift cards that can be exchanged for products and services in retail outlets, including a golf course or club. This type of prize may also be credited to a course or club account and used for items such as a bar bill, club dues, payment of entry fees, and other goods and services at the Club.
Is an amateur golfer allowed to accept a prize over the limit for making a hole-in-one?
The prize limits do not apply to a prize for a hole-in-one made either outside a tee-to-hole golf competition or during a tee-to-hole competition (but the length of the shot must be at least 50 yards if made during a tee-to-hole competition).