Read Sports Geek’s argument that the USGA is justified in removing Dusty Schmidt’s amateur status and Bleacher Fan’s argument that they are not.
As I was sitting down preparing to write the intro for this debate, I got to thinking – in today’s world, what are the two things that men like to do the most? I compiled a list that included working out, fishing, hunting, and going to “ball” games (Loyal Homer’s personal favorite). But, at the top of the list has to be playing golf and playing poker. You can ride out to the local country club pretty much every weekend and there are people on the tee at the crack of dawn. There are many nights where a group of guys are sitting around the card table shooting the breeze and playing poker. At least that’s how it is where I’m from.
That leads into our debate on a topic that you may have missed, but The Sports Debates did not miss it.
Let me tell you about Dusty Schmidt. He was promising golfer from California who turned professional several years ago. Unfortunately, at the young age of 23, he suffered a heart attack ruining his chances at sustaining a prosperous golf career. While recovering from the heart attack, he became fascinated with online poker (which is a growing hobby on its own) and eventually became a professional poker player.
Then, a miracle happened and Schmidt was medically cleared to play golf again. He was granted amateur status by the United States Golf Association, which allowed him to compete in sanctioned events in the Northwest.
Combining his golf and poker skills, Schmidt issued a “Million Dollar Challenge.” The challenge was to anyone who could beat him at 72 holes of golf and at several hands of poker. No one took him up on the challenge so case closed, right?
WRONG!
The USGA caught wind of this and revoked his amateur status, claiming the “challenge” violated amateur rules. Schmidt filed a complaint with the district court, but his request was denied.
Is the USGA justified in revoking the amateur status of Dusty Schmidt?
Sports Geek will argue that the USGA is within their right to remove Schmidt’s amateur status, while Bleacher Fan will argue that the USGA has overstepped and placed too harsh a punishment on Schmdit.
Get your drivers guys! Your tee time is up!
