US Open stars forced to forfeit prize money after beating Rory McIlroy | Golf | Sport
Jackson Koivun and Ryder Cowan finished T23 at the US Open and even had a better tournament than Rory McIlroy. But neither will bag prize money thanks to their amateur status.
Shinnecock Hills provided the perfect venue for a hard-fought third major of the year, where scores below 70 were a luxury. Only three golfers managed to finish below par, with Wyndham Clark faring best to seal his second US Open title. McIlroy, who won the event in 2011, ended up T32 after scores of 69, 71, 73 and 73 left him at six-over-par. The Northern Irishman was awarded roughly £96,500 for his exploits but was outplayed by two amateurs, Koivun and Cowan. This American pair would have pocketed £137,000 for their T23 finish, were it not for the fact that they are not professionals.
Clark bagged a whopping £3.4million for his victory and Sam Burns, who finished as the runner-up, was handed £1.84m of the record £17m total prize pot. But Koivun, ranked as the World No. 1 amateur, and Cowan were not rewarded for their impressive displays.
The strict Rules of Amateur Status, as governed by the USGA and the R&A, prohibit amateur golfers from accepting prize money in professional tournaments such as the US Open.
When a player fills out the entry form to qualify for the US Open, they must declare whether they are entering as a professional or an amateur. By checking the amateur box, the USGA officially deems that the player has waived their right to play for prize money.
Because both Koivun and Cowan chose to retain their amateur standing for the event, they had to decline the money. However, after three stellar years at Auburn University, Koivun revealed earlier this month that he’d be turning professional.
He accepted a PGA Tour membership immediately after the US Open. His pro debut will likely come at the John Deere Classic. Koivun said: “I’m grateful to everyone at Auburn University for giving me the most incredible college experience I could’ve ever imagined.
“From bringing home a pair of national championships to the late nights and early mornings grinding at the facility and competing alongside guys I’ll call brothers for the rest of my life. I wouldn’t trade it for the world. With that being said, I’ve decided to forego my senior year to pursue my lifelong dream of playing on the PGA Tour.”
Cowan, a rising senior at the University of Oklahoma, shared the event’s Low Amateur prize with Koivun. The pair are both 21 years old and were awarded the USGA Silver Medal for finishing tied as the best-performing amateurs in the tournament.
The nearly £280,000 that was left on the table by the two will not go back to the USGA, however. It was redistributed amongst the other professionals.
