VIDEO: A look at the USGA's amateur reinstatement process
October 18, 2018 | by AmateurGolf.com Staff
What does the amateur reinstatement process look like? Allow the USGA to explain
Every so often, a player will come around whose situation sheds light on the USGA’s amateur-status reinstatement process. This year, PGA Tour player John Peterson, the former LSU standout who won an NCAA title in 2011, is that player. Now that Peterson, who finished fourth in the 2012 U.S. Open, has applied to become regain his amateur status, more golf fans are taking notice.
The reality is that amateur reinstatement is a fairly common occurrence. As Rob Ockenfuss, a member of the USGA Rules team, says in a short informational video created by the USGA, as many as 800 players seek reinstatement each year.
Among the 64 players who made match play at the U.S. Mid-Amateur last month, 31 were reinstated amateurs.
The USGA says it tries to make the reinstatement process as personal as possible. If you’ve ever wondered what that looks like, watch below:
The reality is that amateur reinstatement is a fairly common occurrence. As Rob Ockenfuss, a member of the USGA Rules team, says in a short informational video created by the USGA, as many as 800 players seek reinstatement each year.
Among the 64 players who made match play at the U.S. Mid-Amateur last month, 31 were reinstated amateurs.
The USGA says it tries to make the reinstatement process as personal as possible. If you’ve ever wondered what that looks like, watch below:
Most Popular Articles
LIVE SCORING: 2026 Australian Men’s Amateur Championship
Feb 5, 2026Australia’s national amateur championship returns Feb. 3–6 at The Western Australian and Wanneroo.
2026 Ben Hogan Award Watch List: 35 Names to Know This Spring
Jan 29, 2026The 2026 Ben Hogan Award watch list is out—35 college golf standouts are in the early mix for the game’s top individual honor.
Titleist Fitting Philosophy: The Competitive Amateur’s Fastest Path to Lower Scores
Jan 26, 2026Competitive golf is a game of small edges. Titleist’s fitting approach combines expert human insight and honest data
NCAA Champion Michael La Sasso Turns Pro, Signs With LIV Golf
Jan 20, 2026Michael La Sasso is going LIV, joining Phil Mickelson’s HyFlyers GC and passing on the 2026 Masters.
Early Invites Announced for the 2026 Augusta National Women’s Amateur
Jan 24, 2026A running list of the first confirmed names headed to Augusta.Loading latest news...