Betting and Golf?

[coop6340]

My friends and I usually place bets such as a soda, candy bar, or sometimes a sleeve of golf balls. They were telling me if we get caught betting then we wouldn't be able to play high school golf even if we were playing on our own time just for fun. Can anyone tell me the rules about betting and the rules of high school golf about betting?

[StrikeOne]

I'd have to look up the rules to find specifics, but I do know that college sports are extremely strict about betting.  In fact, my step brother, who is on the track team for the University of Miami Ohio, wouldn't play in our family football pool this year because it cost 20 bucks to get in and is technically gambling.  I can't imagine that stuff like you guys put on the line would be an issue, but then again, you never know.  Best to try to find some sort of official rule I guess.

[Fourputt]

The USGA Rules on Amateur Status state:

a. General

An amateur golfer must not accept a prize (other than a symbolic prize) or prize voucher of retail value in excess of $750 or the equivalent, or such a lesser figure as may be decided by the Governing Body. This limit applies to the total prizes or prize vouchers received by an amateur golfer in any one competition or series of competitions.

Exception: Hole-in-one prizes – see Rule 3-2b.

Note 1: The prize limits apply to any form of golf competition, whether on a golf course, driving range or golf simulator, including nearest the hole and longest drive competitions.

Note 2: The responsibility to prove the retail value of a particular prize rests with the Committee in charge of the competition.

Note 3: It is recommended that the total value of prizes in a gross competition, or each division of a handicap competition, should not exceed twice the prescribed limit in an 18-hole competition, three times in a 36-hole competition, five times in a 54-hole competition and six times in a 72-hole competition.

b. Hole-in-One Prizes

An amateur golfer may accept a prize in excess of the limit in Rule 3-2a, including a cash prize, for a hole-in-one made while playing a round of golf.

Note: The hole-in-one must be made during a round of golf and be incidental to that round. Separate multiple-entry contests, contests conducted other than on a golf course (e.g., on a driving range or golf simulator) and putting contests do not qualify under this provision and are subject to the restrictions and limits in Rules 3-1 and 3-2a.

The "governing body" in this case would be whatever committee oversees your high school golf association.  They may set a much lower limit on what governs qualifications for your school team.  And prize money is different from gambling.  Gambling has a bad rep in many sports, so I'd be very cautious about how much I bet and who I bet with.  While betting games are almost a standard on the golf course, and considered quite acceptable, that only applies to adult amateurs who have no illusions of being on any amateur team.

[Motown88]

Seeing that your talking about high school golf and not collegiate golf I'm assuming you're under the age of 18.  If so then gambling is most likely illegal in your state, even a small wager such as a sleeve of golf balls is considered gambling.  More then likely your high school doesn't want there to be any link between gambling and there school team.

[coop6340]

Ha thanks guys, I didn't realize this, I assumed that if it was just a pick up game then it doesn't matter, but I will definitely remember then next time my friends want to place a bet.

[Motown88]

Originally Posted by coop6340

Ha thanks guys, I didn't realize this, I assumed that if it was just a pick up game then it doesn't matter, but I will definitely remember then next time my friends want to place a bet.

I'm not telling you what to do and I am not encouraging you to gamble, but I used to always bet with guys on my high school team.  If you decide to bet with others just keep it under the table.

[clubchamp]

Every practice from high school through college there was always cash floating around. It's generally not an issue unless someone tells another coach or player who would turn you in to the NCAA. Also in high school our coach would set matches in practice and the winner would get a sleeve of golf balls. Now once you reach college I'd probably advise against it but it is a fairly common thing at practice.