Why should amature winnings be limited?

[doublebogey7]

The question was why is there a limitation on the prize fund for amateurs...? You can take all responses out of context if you like and make up a daily mail story ... I don't mind what you do, just don't involve me.

The question has been answered many times on here but you choose to ignore it and ask further questions that again are answered, you then feel the need to insult. For that reason I am out.

 

[harpo_72]

The question has been answered many times on here but you choose to ignore it and ask further questions that again are answered, you then feel the need to insult. For that reason I am out.

Oh no I didn't .... Your choice anyway you didn't really offer up much of an answer.

 

[Foxholer]

The question was why is there a limitation on the prize fund for amateurs...?

And the simple answer is 'because they are Amateurs, not Proessionals.

The actual value of Prize is irrelevant but the value differentiates Amateurs, where the limit to Prize value and other aspects of the game mean they (supposedly) aren't professional golfers, and Professionals, who are professional golfers and where there are no limits to Prizes available.

If you really want to play for money, then become a Professional golfer - you can do so at any time - but be aware that professional golfers have to forego some 'benefits' of the Amateur game.

A professional Golfer does not have to belong to the PGA, but there are benefits in doing so. To become a member of the PGA, there are some entry criteria that have to be satisfied.

 

[duncan mackie]

Second, yes that's a fair answer the authority has deemed this to be the number, but how did they arrive there....?

This I can do from a historical perspective....

From early indications the definition was loosely "An amateur golfer is one who plays the game solely as a non-remunerative or non-profit-making sport.", but details only really got added to the Rules with the introduction of the Rules of Amateur status in 1938/47.

In 1878 John Ball finished in the top 5 in the Open Championship and accepted a small monetary prize. This incident was brought up when he won the Amateur Championship in 1890. At the time an amateur was one who did not play for prize money, or was an equipment maker, teacher, caddie, course architect or greenkeeper. It was eventually decided not to disqualify him.

Francis Ouimet, winner of the US Open in 1913, was declared an professional in 1916 because he part-owned a sports store - the USGA at time considered a professional was one who was 'engaged in any business concerned with golf'. He was reinstated a year later, going on to be a Walker Cup Captain, Secretary, and Vice-President of the USGA, and honorary member of the R&A.

The first Rules of Amateur Status to be included in the Rules appeared in 1947 (USGA) and 1950 (R&A). However, definitons of professional and amateur appeared in 1930 USGA and, once, in 1938 (R&A)

The focus of the early rules was basically what forfeits amateur status, and from the 1947 USGA you get a picture that it's basically getting anything of value!

"A-2. Other Prizes and Testimonials.
Accepting of a prize or testimonial of the following character (this applies to total prizes received for any one event or series of events in any one tournament):

(a) Of retail value exceeding $100
(b) Of a nature making it readily convertible into money.

Exemptions: Exempt from the above Rules are:

(1) Prizes of only symbolic value (such as metal trophies)
(2) Scholarships won as prizes in recognised golf competitions before the 18th birthday even though the period of such scholarships may extend beyond the 18th birthday."

Anything else, or above that, and you are 'out'.

The R&A rules '54 through '60 have the retail value at £30 - but the rest remained the same. Interestingly, this period relaxed the situation for the 'occassional caddie'; previously they were out but the new wording included a get out (or back in)
"Caddie. Receiving compensation for serving regularly as a caddie.
Note: The word "regularly" denotes one who carries golf clubs as his main or substantial source of income"

'64 through '72 you have £50 (or $200 - yes rates of exchange have changed!) but all structured the same.

'76 - '80 it's £100 ($250)

'84 - it's £150 ($350)

'88 effectively introduces asize of event factor

"For an event of more than 2 rounds
£170 ($400 US)
For an event of 2 rounds or less
£110 ($260) "

and 2000 removes it again (by which time the limits £300 ($500) and makes the very first change to the actual definition used since 1938

"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. The term Rule or Rules refers to the Rules of Amateur Status as determined by the Governing Body."


2004 took it up to £500, where it is currently





Interestingly, on the matter of expenses, from early on they were permitted when the rule makers wanted to pay them ! "Exception. - players may receive their travelling and hotel expenses when representing their country, county, club or similar body in team matches, when such expenses are paid by the body they represent or by the body controlling golf in the territory they are visiting."

So, basically it's always been not so much a limit in the context of winning up to that amount, as a nominal value on trophys and awards that's been maintained relative to inflation over time.

 

[harpo_72]

Thank you