The USGA is finally addressing a controversial issue

After growing controversy the USGA is tackling a contentious issue in the amateur game.

Over the past decade the USGA has relaxed its process for former professional golfers to regain amateur status. This has garnered cries that elite amateur events are increasingly filled with those who not long ago were competing at the game’s highest levels. Critics found their argument personified at the 2025 U.S. Mid-Amateur, where six of the quarterfinalists were former pros.

CBS Sports analyst Colt Knost dipped his toes into the fire last fall. Knost earned more than $5 million across the PGA and Korn Ferry tours before retiring to become a broadcaster. He initially framed the application during a podcast interview as a response to complaints about former pros returning, though he later changed his tune and said he had interest in eventually being a captain in the Walker Cup.

On Tuesday Knost said the USGA had placed his application on hold. The governing body confirmed to Golf Digest it has paused select applications while reviewing its reinstatement guidelines, which includes waiting periods and their effect on the amateur game.

To be fair to the USGA, this is a weird time amid a changing landscape complicated by NIL compensation, but it also reflects a longstanding concern in the game. Mainly, whether professional experience is compatible with the spirit of elite amateur competition. Don’t be surprised if the USGA announces more on this topic in the coming months.

USGA denies Colt Knost's bid for reinstated amateur status, says it's evaluating controversial rule

It appears the USGA is addressing one of the more controversial topics in the amateur game, and its initial warning shot was addressed to the CBS Sports analyst

By Joel Beall

What You Need to Know

Joel Beall

As of Tuesday morning, East Potomac remains open for business. The municipal Golden Age gem in the heart of Washington D.C. has been in the news the past year as President Trump seeks to takeover and redesign the course with the hopes of hosting future big-time tournaments. The project was set to begin Sept. 1, yet as of this morning, the course remained available for play and maintenance crews were on site working as Trump's vision is betting contested in protests and lawsuits. The past, present and future of East Potomac has been mired in debate over disputed control, lease termination, environmental issues, affordability, the reach of executive power and tradition, all distilled to a fight between the president and public golf. Read Golf Digest’s longform feature into the battle here.

Ryan Herrington

Like many of the competitors in the U.S. Women’s Mid-Amateur, Emilia Doran has a day job to tend to when she’s done with her run at New Jersey’s Montclair Golf Club. The 27-year-old Golf Channel reporter is part of the broadcast crew for the Walker Cup this coming weekend in Ireland. But after sharing medalist honors and winning her first-round match on Monday, Doran is focused on the task at hand: winning a USGA championship. The two-time U.S. Curtis Cup member reached the quarterfinals in this event last year and is hopeful for even more success this year. She’s also already planned for a “best case” scenario should she reach the 18-hole championship match scheduled for Thursday; Doran booked her flight to Ireland for 7:45 p.m. that night.

Coleman Bentley

Did they cook? That's the question golf's drip devotees are asking on Tuesday as Payntr and Min Woo Lee prepare for the release of the Aussie's first signature golf shoe, the Chef RX RS. A feast of premium features, the Chef RX RS is loaded with a full-grain leather outer layer, a waterproof gasket seal for complete moisture resistance, a "Fast Twist" insert system for "three-dimensional" traction and a PMXNITROGEN+ footbed that is sed to retain cushioning throughout the life of the shoe.

Chef RX RS is set to retail for $240 USD beginning noon EST 9/1 on payntrgolf.com. The shoe is available in white/black/copper and black/white/copper colorways in men's sizes 8-14 (both medium and wide).

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