The USGA has changed the rules regarding hole-in-one winnings. The max you used to be able to collect as an amateur was $750. Anything more than that (like a car or $1,000,000) would kill your amateur status if you accepted it.

They’ve now changed that rule and opened it up to no limit. So now you don’t have to turn down that new shiny car to keep your amateur status intact. Just make sure you don’t win that car before January 1, 2006. That’s when the rule change comes into play.

I had an acquaintance who won a car with a hole in one. He lost his amateur status and never played much golf after that. It ruined his amateur career.

Speaking of these hole-in-one for a car thoughts: You know what ticks me off is they give you a one year lease instead of giving you the car.