Definitions
All defined terms are in italics and are listed alphabetically in the Definitions section.
4-1. General
Except as provided in the Rules, an amateur golfer must not accept expenses, in money or otherwise, from any source to play in a golf competition or exhibition or to improve golf skill.
4-2. Receipt of Expenses
An amateur golfer may receive expenses, not exceeding the actual expenses incurred, to play in a golf competition or exhibition as follows:
• a. Family Support
An amateur golfer may receive expenses from a member of his family or a legal guardian from their own resources (see Note to Rule 2-1).
• b. Junior Golfers
A junior golfer may accept expenses to play in an amateur golf competition or exhibition or to improve golf skill (see Note to Rule 2-1).
• c. Golf Club and Golf Association Team Competitions
An amateur golfer representing a golf club or golf association in a team practice session (within limits fixed by the USGA) and/or team competition between or among golf clubs or golf associations may accept expenses through one or more of the golf clubs or golf associations involved. Additionally, a member of a visiting team in such a team competition between or among golf associations may accept expenses to the national Amateur Championship of the host association when the championship immediately precedes or follows the team competition.
• d. Team Competition Conducted by an Athletic Organization
Subject to the approval of the USGA, an amateur golfer in a team competition conducted by an athletic organization may accept expenses.
• e. School, College or Military Teams
An amateur golfer representing a recognized educational institution or military service may accept expenses from an educational or military authority to (1) team events or (2) other events that are limited to representatives of recognized educational institutions or military services.
• f. Business or Industrial Teams
An amateur golfer representing a business or industrial golf team in business or industrial golf team competitions may accept expenses within limits fixed by the USGA. (A statement of such limits may be obtained on request from the USGA.)
• g. Invitation Unrelated to Golf Skill
An amateur golfer who is invited for reasons unrelated to golf skill (e.g., a celebrity, a business associate or customer, a guest in a club-sponsored competition, a winner of a random drawing, etc.) to take part in a golf event or to improve golf skill may accept expenses.
Note 1: Except as otherwise provided in Rule 4-2, acceptance of expenses from an employer or other vocational source is not permissible.
Note 2: Business Expenses — It is permissible to play in a golf competition while on a business trip with expenses paid, provided that the golf part of the expenses is borne personally and is not charged to business. Further, the business involved must be substantial, and not merely a subterfuge for legitimizing expenses when the primary purpose is golf competition.
Note 3: Private Transport — Acceptance of private transport furnished or arranged by a tournament sponsor, directly or indirectly, as an inducement for a player to engage in a golf competition or exhibition shall be considered accepting expenses under Rule 4.
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