The new policy will allow an amateur golfer to accept a golf scholarship or bursary which allows the funding of the recipient’s tuition, room and board, course-related books and incidental fees, to attend a school, college or university in Great Britain and Ireland. For some time the R&A has permitted players from Great Britain and Ireland to accept an NCAA approved golf scholarship in the United States of America, and this change will create similar opportunities within Great Britain and Ireland.
Commenting on the new policy, David Rickman, Rules Secretary of the R&A said “The R&A is seeking to facilitate and encourage financial support for talented golfers while they are studying, whether still at school, or at college or university. It is hoped that, subject to attracting the necessary funding, these golfers will be encouraged to stay in the educational system longer and remain amateur longer. This, we believe, is likely to have benefits for the individuals concerned, by enabling them to maximise their career options, and the amateur game in Great Britain and Ireland generally.”