Read the debate intro and Bleacher Fan’s argument that the USGA has overstepped and was not correct in suspending Dusty Schmidt’s amateur status.
“Hey Dusty, would you like some ketchup with your foot?” Amateur professional golfer Dusty Schmidt made a big mistake, placing his foot squarely inside his mouth, when he wagered $1M that no person would be able to beat him in 72 holes of golf and then in poker. The USGA jammed that foot farther down Schmidt’s throat by denying him amateur status, making it impossible for him to play sanctioned golf under their banner. The USGA made the right decision, and Schmidt’s proposed wager was out of line.
Some believe the reason the USGA has given for not allowing Schmidt the amateur status necessary for playing professional golf in the Pacific Northwest is a bit shaky. However, the USGA says Schmidt’s wager violates the spirit of the amateur game – and they’re right. A professional sports organization can in no way be associated with gambling or betting (other “amateur” sports like college football and basketball can’t either – just ask Rick Neuheisel). Any association between gambling and a sport’s sanctioning body opens the door for fans to call every decision made by that body into question under the guise of “gambling” and who is “really benefiting” from a particular decision.
It is easy to feel empathy for Schmidt. Once an up and coming golf prospect, he suffered a heart-attack that was through to be career ending. As a result, he took up online poker (must still have a pretty good heart!) to make money and became quite good at it. However, five years after doctors told him his golf playing days were over, he was cleared to resume golf. Instead of putting his head down and doing his best to work his way up to the PGA Tour with the desire to become a great golfer, he chose to make a mockery of a gentleman’s game by placing a needless bet on his two best skills – golf and poker.
Schmidt was once a bonafide prospect within the golf world and has spent enough time around sanctioned golf to gain an understanding of the written and unwritten rules that govern the game. It is skill and etiquette getting equal importance and the USGA is taking strong, legitimate action to ensure their game remains ruled equally by both.
Schmidt fought the USGA’s decision in court, claiming that since no person stepped forward to take him up on his bet, his bet was never official, and therefore should not warrant a removal of amateur status. This is faulty logic. If I offer Bleacher Fan one million dollars, and he declines, the offer was still valid. Schmidt does not have a leg to stand on, and even a Federal judge agreed.
It is within the right of the USGA to make an example of a player who is lacks polish and professionalism. Golf is a game equally reliant on etiquette and skill. To receive endorsements and unquestioned backing from the USGA, and pave the way to give up amateur status in favor of professional status, a player must have both.
As soon as any type of gambling is associated with a sport, it is a public relations distraction and a constant albatross around the sport’s neck. Relaxed standards create opportunities for massive rules violations, and can trigger the beginning of the end of respect – and legitimate cash flow – for a major sport. By taking the action of disallowing Schmidt from attaining an amateur status, the USGA has succeeded in making the issue about Schmidt and his conduct, which is deemed inconsistent with the principles and spirit of sanctioned golf. Though the status is “amateur” it is still professional golf, and the players are expected to comport themselves accordingly or be held accountable by the USGA.
If you offer Loyal Homer $1 million dollars, I guarantee you he won’t decline it!
You wish!