Les Mielles - Gents

For the attention of Players playing in Open Competitions

Full Information can be viewed on R & A website www.randa.org

The Rules of Amateur Status Relating to Hole-in-one Prizes
An official publication of R&A Rules Limited

A hole-in-one is not considered to be purely a "lucky shot" and it is not similar to a lottery. A skilled player clearly has a greater chance of achieving a hole-in-one than a high handicap player. Consequently, Rule 3-2b of the Rules of Amateur Status provides that an amateur golfer must not accept a prize for a hole-in-one which has a retail value in excess of £500. However, a prize within this limit may be accepted in addition to any other prize won in the same competition.

Improper Prizes

A common example of an improper prize offered for achieving a hole-in-one is a
motor car. If an amateur golfer wins such a prize he must make the choice between accepting the prize causing forfeiture of Amateur Status or refusing the prize enabling him to retain his Amateur Status.
It is important to note that, in such cases where a player accepts an improper prize and subsequently applies for reinstatement he may be required to serve a period of two years awaiting reinstatement.
The Amateur Status Committee of The R&A takes the view that an amateur golfer should not be put in the awkward and embarrassing position of having to make such a choice. Therefore, the Committee is strongly opposed to the offering of excessive prizes for holes-in-one.

Cash Prizes
Although Rule 3-1 prohibits an amateur golfer competing for prize money, if a cash prize is offered for a hole-in-one it is not considered that all those competing are in breach of Rule 3-1. However, it is considered that the player that accepts the prize would be liable for forfeiture of Amateur Status under Rule 3-1.

Is there any way around the Rules?

An amateur golfer may retain his Amateur Status if he accepts an improper prize, but at the same time makes it a condition of his so doing that it is donated directly to a nominated and well known charity. It is important to note that if this is done the winner must not take possession of the prize.

However, the following are considered to be attempts to circumvent the Rules. They are unacceptable and would cause a player to be in breach of Rule 3-2b:

1. Accepting an improper prize in a raffle or prize draw limited to players who had achieved a hole-in-one.

2. Accepting an improper prize in a quiz limited to players who had achieved a hole in-one.

3. Awarding an improper prize to an associate of the person achieving a hole-in-one so that the player achieving the hole-in-one is not accepting the prize himself.

Conclusion
It is easy for an amateur golfer to overlook or forget the benefits of being an ‘amateur', particularly when he is offered the keys to a new car for a hole-in-one. But acceptance of such a prize will have certain consequences which may cause him to regret his decision - his official handicap will lapse, any Club or Society of which he is a member may review his eligibility for continued membership and participation in amateur competitions is a thing of the past. The game that he used to enjoy so much may be changed significantly.