In response to the NCAA's updated policy on amateurism that allows college athletes to capitalize on their name, image and likeness, the USGA and The R&A announced Tuesday, July 6 that they will waive most NIL-related breaches of the Rules of Amateur Status for collegiate golfers through the end of the year - as long as that golfer retains his or her NCAA playing eligibility.
Golf's governing bodies proposed permanent changes to the Rules of Amateur Status in February that, if adopted, will no longer restrict many NIL-related activities for collegiate golfers beginning January 1, 2022. The USGA's plan is to finalize the modernized Amateur Status rules later this year, with the goal of ensuring a smooth transition and minimal disruption for all involved.
After learning of the NCAA's recent announcement, the USGA and The R&A have taken this interim step after considering what affect the NCAA's announcement could have on amateur golfers, event organizers, coaches and committees worldwide through this interim period.
Immediately after the NCAA announced that college athletes could profit off their name, image and likeness, college athletes nationwide began seeking endorsement deals and other revenue-generating opportunities. Among them were several college golfers unsure of how the new rules might affect their amateur status with the USGA, including Auburn's Mychael O'Berry, who had recently qualified for this year's U.S. Women's Amateur.
The decision by the USGA and R&A will allow O'Berry and other golfers like her to earn money off their likeness while also maintaining their amateur status with the USGA.
We do not expect either this interim guidance nor the revised Rules come January to pose any threat to any amateur golf competition, including our own amateur championships.
Recognizing the immediate impact these decisions may have on a player's amateur status, the USGA will actively monitor how these policies will affect the amateur game and, if necessary, will update the information provided as appropriate. These new rulings do not waive the Rules of Amateur Status in general for collegiate golfers, or Rule 6 (Use of Golf Skill or Reputation) in its entirety. This interim approach is intended to provide a short-term solution with minimal impact on the amateur game.
"While the timing of this interim guidance doesn't match the revision cycle for the Rules of Amateur Status, as we announced during our feedback period in February on the proposed Rules of Amateur Status, all amateur golfers will likely be able to benefit from their name, image, or likeness beginning in 2022," said Craig Winter, the USGA's senior director of rules of golf and amateur status. "We do not expect either this interim guidance nor the revised Rules come January to pose any threat to any amateur golf competition, including our own amateur championships."
The USGA still encourages collegiate golfers to discuss their specific situation with their school's compliance office before entering into any agreement, or contract.
Collegiate golfers must be prepared prove NCAA eligibility - such as a letter from the school's compliance office - before competing in a USGA amateur event.
For all other amateur golfers, the current Rules of Amateur Status continue to apply. For example, amateur golfers who do not compete at the college level could lose amateur status by profiting from their name, image or likeness before the new Rules of Amateur Status are adopted in January.