PETALING JAYA, Aug 17 — Malaysian Golf Association (MGA) will complete their investigation on “cash vouchers” given out during the national amateur championship by next week.
On July 2, Mailsports reported The R&A — world amateur gold governing body — had directed MGA to investigate the Malaysia Amatuer Open in Kuching in May as it violated the Rules of Amateur Status.
“Prize money was given and our lawyers are looking into it. A decision would me made soon,” said MGA president Admiral (rtd) Tan Sri Mohd Anwar Nor.
“We have told Sarawak Golf Association that never in the history of our amateur tournaments prize money was given.”
Amateur golf rules prohibits golfers from playing for prize money and receiving prize vouchers of retail value in excess of £500 (RM3,200).
Golfers must waive their cash rights prior to competing in tournaments offering prize money.
Asia Pacific’s representative on the R&A amateur status committee, Ning Li, wrote to MGA regarding the matter after Hong Kong’s Leon Philip D’Souza returned with RM250 for finishing 17th.
Li is also the Hong Kong Golf Association honorary chairman.
R&A said sanctions were unlikely but the world governing body could caution MGA if they “intentionally or deliberately continue to contrive the Rules of Amateur Status.
