Golf rules: R&A announce SIGNIFICANT changes to stop amateurs cheating from 2022

The number of restrictions to amateur golfers have been reduced to make the rules of golf easier to understand, the R&A and USGA have announced. 

In a press release issued on 26 October, golf's governing bodies have announced changes that will come into effect on 1 January 2022. 

They are part of the bodies attempt to reflect how the modern game is played by millions around the world. 

There have been a number of restrictions that have previously applied to amateurs but now they have been scrapped. 

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Under the changes, the only way a golfer can lose their amateur status is by accepting prizes that exceed the limit, accepting prize money in a handicap competition, playing as a professional, taking payment for giving instruction or being employed by a club. 

Advertising, expense-related restrictions have been lifted while the ability to accept prize money in scratch-only competitions has increased to £700. 

That does not apply to handicap competitions.

Grant Moir, director of rules at The R&A, said: "These Rules play an important role in protecting the integrity of our self-regulating sport but the code must evolve to meet the needs of the modern game.

"This is particularly important for modern elite amateur golf, where many of the players need financial support to compete and develop to their full potential. The new Rules give them this opportunity and will help to make the game even more inclusive."

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