What about my Amateur Status?

Let’s start with the fact the USGA has very clear guidelines on the requirement to remain an amateur found here. The purpose of this page is to provide our interpretation of the rules, and our plans to ensure any, and all players looking to keep their amateur status can do so, while still competing for the championship. The short answer is - Yes, you can play in the Chatterbox Championship, and keep your amateur status.

Let’s start with signing up for the qualifiers. The Chatterbox Championship does not ask golfers to choose their amateur status prior to playing in qualifers. Per the USGA Rule 2- If a golfer is not required to select a status of amateur or professional to enter or play in a competition, then an amateur is allowed to play in such a competition without affecting their amateur status. Amateur status is only affected in such circumstances if the amateur decides to accept a prize not allowed under Rule 3. Also note- Playing as a professional in competitions that are not tee-to-hole competitions (such as playing as a professional in a long-drive or putting competition) does not affect amateur status.

So, playing in the Chatterbox Championship qualifers will not impact your amateur status. Now, you might be asking, but what if I win?

Playing in the Chatterbox Championship at Stonelick Hills is different. The Chatterbox Championship is a invitation only event requiring players to decide if they would like to play as an amateur or professional. Here is the explanation per the USGA Rules website.

Playing as an Amateur in a Competition with Cash Prizes Above Prize Limit

Competition organizers have various options in relation to amateur golfers and prize money that they should consider when establishing their terms of the competition. For example, a competition organizer may wish to:

• Stipulate that players entering as amateur golfers are not eligible to accept prize money (or are only eligible for prize money up to the limit in Rule 3).

• Require that players entering as amateur golfers declare before the start of the competition (for example, before starting their first round) whether or not they intend to accept any available prize money in excess of the limit should their performance give them that opportunity.

  • But even with this declaration, the amateur may still choose not to accept a prize not allowed by the Rules.

  • Should this occur, the competition organizer can determine how to distribute any prize that is not accepted.

When allowed by a competition organizer, an amateur golfer may play in a competition as an amateur while competing for a cash prize above the prize limit, without losing their amateur status. If they play well enough to win prize money above the prize limit, and decide to accept the prize money at the end of the competition, they would lose their amateur status.

As stated above, players can decide to accept the cash prize and forgo their amateur status. Chatterbox will provide prize money to amatuers up to the limit as stated in Rule 3. Chatterbox Sports will also consider NIL compensation to all amateur participants in the championship based on fair market value, and budgets. The NIL relationships will not be based on performance, but rather marketability.

Clear as mud? Ultimately, we think the experience, and closest to the pin - coupled with the cash prizes offered up to the limit in Rule 3 is still more than worth entering into the tournament. Our goal is to have weekend warriors have fun, and not jeapordize anyone looking to keep their USGA status. As always, we suggest your read the rules for yourself if it is a major concern— but rest assured, we will abide by the rules of the USGA, and ensure all amateurs, stay amateurs.