2024 U.S. Open: Will Amateurs Get Paid This Year After USGA Chief Mike Whan’s Big Promise?

Amateurs in the US Open tournament have never received any prize money to take home. Neither have they had any rights over the minimum $10,000 that is promised to every golfer in the US Open field, even if they miss the cut. However, are the rules being molded for the amateurs now to claim a share in the purse? Let us explore what the CEO of USGA has said recently.

At the press conference of the 124th edition of the US Open at the Pinehurst Resort & C.C. (Course No. 2), ASAP Sports reported the new intentions and wishes that the USGA is trying to consider and implement. When the CEO of USGA, Mike Whan was asked about USGA’s plans to introduce payment to the amateurs, he gave hope for the upcoming future. He stated, “Yeah, I think as the amateur — we’ve tried to evolve NIL and amateur status, as the game has, we as the USGA kind of created a NIL and amateur status angle before the NCAA did, so golf was kind of ahead of that time.”

Although the amateurs will not be paid any sum of money at this year’s US Open too, but the CEO gave a ray of hope for the amateurs and stated, “I’m not sure. You may be right. We may be heading to that path sooner rather than later.”

The most fundamental difference between a professional and an amateur golfer is the stark distinction between their rights over any tournament’s purse. Although the US Open gets several amateurs on the field and deals with amateur championships, they still do not get any recognition when it comes to prize money distribution as of now.

According to the USGA’s rule book regarding the amateur’s status, “An amateur golfer cannot play for money in a golf match, exhibition, or other competition such as a tournament. The USGA enforces the rule to maintain a clear distinction between amateur golfers and professionals.” But are there any exceptions that give compensation to amateurs in other forms? Let us explore the substitutes for traditional prize money that amateurs can be given.

Are there any compensations for amateurs?

Although amateur golfers are allowed expenses for their competition, including accommodations and travel, it is only kept in practice when the competition authorities are willing to provide them. However, all amateurs have permission to accept any free golf equipment and merchandise.

When it comes to giving instructions, amateurs are mostly ruled out of getting a payment for their contribution. Moreover, in a tee-to-hole competition, the longest drive and the nearest hole are usually not counted for a round of golf; hence, the prize limit does not apply to the prize limits.

According to Golf Monthly, the USGA also provides another exception. They revealed, “Amateurs can keep prize money for winning a hole-in-one contest during the course of a tournament. But the amateur cannot accept money for winning the tournament overall.”

The USGA has also stated one rare exception when an amateur can get a money limit; however, it is only for certain limited reservations. They stated, “An amateur golfer may accept prize money up to the limit when playing in a scratch competition only. The $1000 limit applies to non-cash prizes in a handicap competition.”

Do you think amateurs should get paid? Let us know in the comments below.