Amateur golfers "will have the option to accept prize money at professional events if winnings are donated to an approved charity," according to the LONDON TIMES. The move "is one of several changes and revisions to the rules of golf that will take effect at the start of next year." In a joint announcement, the Royal & Ancient and United States Golf Association revealed that penalties for some cases of inputting the wrong score for a hole, as well as for the use of "artificial devices and unusual equipment," would be relaxed. The ruling for amateurs means, for example, that Paul Dunne, "who led the Open field this year as an amateur after three rounds, could give his winnings to worthy causes" (LONDON TIMES, 10/26).
GOLF AND GLUTTONY: In London, Neil Connor wrote golf and gluttony "have been banned for China’s 88 million Communist Party members, as Beijing steps up a high-profile war on corruption." Observers said that "the anti-corruption drive lacks transparency" and has been used to cement President Xi Jinping's grip on power by removing potential opponents. Xinhua said, "The new discipline regulation explicitly lists extravagant eating and drinking and playing golf as violations, which were not included previously." Golf "is popular among officials, but the Communist Party has previously attempted to distance its members from the sport, banning officials in the southern province of Guangdong from playing during working hours late last year." China "has produced some top teenage golf stars in recent years." China "has also extended its global reach with the sport, with Beijing-based Reignwood Group buying the historic Wentworth club in Surrey last year." Reports said that the Chinese owners are asking new members to pay a £125,000 ($191,300) fee, while existing members are required to pay £100,000 ($153,000) (
TELEGRAPH, 10/22).
