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We have a competition that has an auction sweepstake or “calcutta” attached to it. The competitors can buy 50% by paying 25% of the winning bid, which each year can give the winning pair a cash prize of up to £600 each for winning. This seems very dodgy regarding amateur status to me when I read the below information: An auction sweepstake or “calcutta” is a form of gambling or wagering in which the players or teams are sold by auction beforehand to the highest bidder. Bidding is not restricted to the players and each player or team is generally offered the right to purchase a percentage of the bet from the successful bidder before play commences. An auction sweepstake or calcutta can often involve considerable sums of money and such gambling or wagering may be considered by a Governing Body to be contrary to the purpose of the Rules (Rule 7-2) and may endanger a golfer’s Amateur Status. You’re not just playing for the Pro Shop Voucher, you would know you are playing for a big return from the person who bought you too? Guidelines on Gambling says: An auction sweepstake or calcutta can often involve considerable sums of money and such gambling or wagering may be considered by a Governing Body to be contrary to the purpose of the Rules (Rule 7-2) and may endanger a golfer’s Amateur Status. Appendix - Policy on Gambling says: Unacceptable Forms of Gambling Organised events designed or promoted to create cash prizes are not permitted. Golfers participating in such events without first irrevocably waiving their right to prize money are deemed to be playing for prize money, in breach of Rule 3-1. Does anyone know if this is common practise at other Clubs?