R&A and USGA Proposals on Sponsorship for Amateur Players

The proposed rules are designed to help all amateurs progress in the game

Amateur golfers will be allowed to accept sponsorships without limitation if the just published major changes are allowed.

Current rules make it difficult for amateurs to get support from backers.

Such players may also not accept prize money at professional events.

This will change as proposals from the R&A and United States Golf Association win approval during a consultation period ending March 26.

Famously, Tiger Woods had to wait until he turned pro to sign a $ 40 million sponsorship deal with Nike in 1996. Unlike a sport like tennis, golf is not "open" and draws a clear distinction between professionals and amateurs.

The authorities remain committed to maintaining the traditionally fierce competitive edge of the elite amateur scene.

"The game is moving forward, it is evolving and modernizing and our efforts have been to evolve the rules with it," said Grant Moir, the director of the R&A rules, to BBC Sport

Of the various proposals, the removal of all sponsorship restrictions is the most important for emerging players. Currently, they can receive some funding but cannot give public recognition in return.

"There are opportunities that have presented themselves with social media and the opportunity to give credit to help you may be getting," Moir said.

"For those who have not made it to national squads or who have college programs to compete at that highest level, it costs quite a bit of money, so we are increasing the chance for those players to access to get to some of that funding.

"This simply allows the elite player to use whatever promotional powers they have to give the person giving the support a little bit of recognition."

Such players may also face dilemmas in accepting prize money at professional events, affecting their amateur status and ability to compete alongside the best players. in the unpaid grades.

Under the new rules, they would only become pro if they won and accepted more than the set limit of $ 750 (£ 535). Playing on the EuroPro Tour, the third tier of the professional game in Europe, would mean they were top 20 in a 156 field of players.

"We have too many people who lose their amateur status before they really succeed in the professional ranks," Moir said.

"If anyone tries, they play in these events and find that they have been unsuccessful, and instead of needing to be subsequently restored, in many cases they have their amateur status. not lost in the first place.

"That's an important change, but we think it's a suitable way to avoid that situation."

Players who turn professional and wish to return to the amateur ranks will also likely have to wait a shorter wait before returning to recreational play. The recovery period is currently at least 12 months and can be up to two years.

"We don't want people in the wilderness, we want to bring them back," said Moir. A six-month deadline is now proposed.

" Overall mean it is someone who has not achieved the level of success they hoped for at game level or they have been a member of the PGA, work at golf clubs and they & # 39; I've just chosen a career switch, "added Moir.

" We believe there is really nothing detrimental to the amateur game to bring these people back faster. "

The rule makers aim to have the changes take effect early next year.