USGA changes rules for amateurs

Associated Press

In two significant changes to the Rules of Golf, the U.S. Golf Association will allow amateurs to receive free equipment from manufacturers and permit them to go through PGA Tour qualifying without losing their amateur status.

"These are two of the biggest changes we've had in my 22 years," said Tony Zirpoli, the USGA's senior director of amateur status. "It's going to take us a little time to digest."

That goes for the industry, too.

The changes, effective Jan. 1, could have a big impact on colleges with players who want to test the professional waters just as the season is getting under way.

Under current rules, players automatically forfeit their amateur status by applying for Q-school. Next year, they can try Q-school and remain amateurs simply by waiving their right to any prize money.

That means giving up as many as three weeks of school, and then deciding whether to turn pro, even taking limited status on the Buy.com Tour.

"It's a little scary to think about that at this point," said Buddy Alexander, coach of the NCAA champion Florida Gators. "As a coach, we have to deal with it. You want to do the best thing for your athletes and for your university."

Still, Alexander doesn't think more than a dozen or so college players will invest the time and money — a $5,000 entry fee, plus travel and lodging during the three stages of the qualifying tournament.

As for the free equipment, "The marketplace will control this," Zirpoli said. "I don't think manufacturers are going to willy-nilly throw out free equipment."

Amateurs still cannot make deals — verbal or written — with specific companies, and their likenesses cannot be used in advertising. College players likely will not be affected because they get their goods through the school — otherwise, it violates NCAA rules.

• U.S., Japan tied: The United States and Japan tied 6-6 yesterday in the first round of their annual college golf championship at Numata, Japan.

Japan was 3-1 in men's doubles and the United States won both matches in women's doubles. Each match victory is worth two points and a tie is worth one.

The format in the 54-hole event will shift to singles for the final two days. The United States leads Japan 18-7 in the series.