19th Hole

Change of rule means amateurs can now win big for a hole-in-one

Published

4 years ago

Dec 10, 2019

On Monday, the USGA and R&A announced that the previous rule of amateurs acceptance of big prizes for a hole-in-one would be abolished from January 1, 2020.

In 2012, the organizations updated their rules to permit amateur golfers who won luxury prizes or large sums of cash for making a hole-in-one during a round of golf to accept them without losing their amateur status. As of 2020, the policy will be updated to allow players to accept prizes of any value for a hole-in-one made outside of rounds of golf as well.

As of this moment, the current rule does not permit a player to accept a prize over $750 outside of a round of golf (hole-in-one on a simulator, or at a driving range etc.) without a forfeit of his/her amateur status, but Monday’s change has seen Rule 3-2b of the Rules of Amateur Status updated to the following

“An amateur golfer may accept a prize in excess of the limit in Rule 3-2a, including a cash prize, for making a hole-in-one during a round of golf on a golf course. An amateur golfer may also accept a prize in excess of the limit in Rule 3-2a, including a cash prize, for making a hole-in-one during contests held outside a round of golf, including multiple-entry contests and contests conducted other than on a golf course (e.g., on a driving range, golf simulator or putting green) provided in all cases that the length of the shot is at least 50 yards.”

Speaking on the update of the rule, the USGA and R&A said in a joint statement

“It is hoped the change will help to promote the game and cater to new audiences as well and eliminate unnecessary restrictions for event organizers.”

The move is part of a structure with the ultimate aim of implementing a fully modernized set of Amateur Status Rules for the start of January 2022.

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19th Hole

Report: Greg Norman spotted following a surprise grouping on Thursday at the Masters

Published

2 hours ago

Apr 12, 2024

GolfWRX Staff

Greg Norman is at this week’s Masters tournament but found himself in a situation where he had to buy himself a ticket to enter the grounds.

Speaking to the Washington Post, Norman explained why he was at Augusta National:

“I’m here because we have 13 players that won 10 Masters between them. So I’m here just to support them, do the best I can to show them, ‘Hey, you know, the boss is here rooting for you.’ ”

So who was Norman following during the opening round of this year’s Masters? Well the answer may surprise you.

Per Sports Illustrated’s Bob Harig, Norman was spotted following the LIV-less grouping of Rory McIlroy, Scottie Scheffler and Xander Schauffele.

Spotted in the gallery at Augusta: Greg Norman following Rory McIlroy ? (and Scottie and Xander)

— Bob Harig (@BobHarig) April 11, 2024

We’ll find out a little later today whether Norman will make his third appearance in as many days at this year’s opening major.

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19th Hole

Collin Morikawa makes surprising late putter switch at Masters

Published

1 day ago

Apr 11, 2024

GolfWRX Staff

Collin Morikawa has had plenty of success with a blade in his hands over the course of his young career, but after a lean spell on the greens lately, it appears that the 27-year-old is ready to try something new.

Related: Brooks Koepka and Sergio Garcia make significant equipment changes as 2024 Masters looms

The California-native began the year with his TaylorMade TP Soto before switching to a Logan Olson proto last month. Now at this week’s Masters, Morikawa has been spotted with a Spider Tour X, the same flatstick that Scottie Scheffler will be using at Augusta.

The move would represent a big change, but it has been a very frustrating year on the greens for Morikawa, who will hope the TaylorMade mallet can offer him a similar upturn in fortune to that of Scheffler. In 2024, Morikawa ranks 164th for Strokes Gained: Putting, and 157th for Total Putting.

We’ll keep an eye whether Morikawa puts the mallet into action on day one of the Masters.

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19th Hole

Dave Portnoy places monstrous outright bet for the 2024 Masters

Published

2 days ago

Apr 10, 2024

GolfWRX Staff

Fresh off of winning $2.76 million on UConn’s victory over Purdue on Monday night, Barstool Sports’ founder Dave Portnoy has just placed a massive bet for this year’s Masters.

Tweeting on Wednesday morning, Portnoy revealed that he has placed $300,000 on Scottie Scheffler to win this year’s Masters at odds of +450.

Should he win, that’d be a total payout of $1.65 million.

Keep the momentum. For people who wanted me to hedge for is why I didn't. So I could take another shot at glory. #DKPartner #scotty pic.twitter.com/X9a0X8HOTZ

— Dave Portnoy (@stoolpresidente) April 10, 2024

Scheffler is one of the shortest priced favorites of recent times at the Masters, and is looking for what would be his third win in his last four events.