By Tym Glaser, Associate Editor - SportFOR A SPORT which prides itself on being the final bastion of fair play, the game of golf is swinging steadily towards a nasty showdown over what constitutes amateurism.
Recently, in a neat little television advertisement, the game's best player, Tiger Woods, surprised a number of groupings at The Legacy Club near Orlando and challenged the players to hit closest to the pin at the par-three 12th.
Unbeknownest to them, they were being filmed and the winners (four in all) collected the keys to US$42,000 Buick Rainers as well as potential royalty cheques which could add up to a total prize of US$70,000.
However, here comes the kicker, amateur players are only allowed to play for prizes of no more than US$500 according to strict rules from the Royal and Ancient (R&A) and United States Golf Association (USGA).
One of the winners was the reigning Orlando City champion, Mike Freeman, who subsequently lost his amateur status for one year.
AMATEUR STATUS
Don't cry too hard for the champ as the requisite paperwork when filled out stated his amateur status was potentially in jeopardy.
However, Jamaica is another story altogether and it could be the new battleground over amateur prizes.
Earlier this month (July 12-13), the popular Hilton KIDS charity golf tournament was staged at the Caymanas Golf and Country Club.
By all accounts there was a fairly good turnout over the two days however it was not sanctioned by the Jamaica Golf Association (JGA) because among the attractive prizes was a weekend for two (including airfare) to Las Vegas.
The JGA had worked hand in hand with the Hilton for the previous three KIDS events but this year, after confirmation from the R&A, it sent a letter to its members warning: "whilst we are not discouraging you from competing in this worthwhile tournament, it is our duty to inform you that if you accept a prize in excess of the limits laid down, your AMATEUR STATUS will be placed in jeopardy".
With the Caribbean Amateur Golf Championships (CAGC) looming next month, it scared away many members of the national squad which no doubt rankled the sponsors.
Amateur tournament prizes here have been pushing or exceeding the limits allowed for several years and the current JGA committee under the presidency of Gordon Hutchinson seems determined to put down its foot.
That's justifiable but that foot has landed on corns and could hurt the amateur game here. Sponsors may be turned off and players less inclined to pay entry fees which usually range from $2,500-$3,000 per tournament.
One remedy would be to raise the ceiling to about US$1,000, but a JGA executive member realistically pointed out that such a cap would not last long and the value of prizes would continue to rise and new marks set.
Another suggestion states that as Jamaica is an island, airfare should not be included as part of the total package. Travel in Europe and North America is far cheaper and the rule (3-2a) was designed for those regions and not far-flung islands.
AMATEUR GOLF STRUGGLING
Amateur golf in Jamaica is struggling at the moment. There are considerably less big events than there were about four years ago; mainly due to a shrinking dollar which means less available sponsorship in a very competitive market and less dollars in the pockets of players who not only have to come up with entry fees but also accommodation for events outside of their hometowns.
The JGA is taking a rightful and commendable stand but it must also work hard now to find a solution which will accommodate players, sponsors and the charities which benefit most from local amateur events.
What they all have to work out is: Is the price right?
