USGA Investigates Possible Amateur Status Violation

It's hard not to roll your eyes while reading Julie Williams' story about the USGA for investigating the Jutanugarn sisters' ties to a Thai cement company.

Not because of the potential validity of USGA concerns that the two top junior golfing girls previously wore logoed clothes, suggesting a relationship with the company. But instead because as Tracy Wilcox's image shows, they wear Titleist hats and surely get all the merchandise they need from Fairhaven.  One known corporate alliance is perfectly fine, but another possible affiliation prompts an investigation. It's a wacky world!

When Ariya, 16, and Moriya, 17, made the turn at the South Atlantic Amateur, their parents, father Somboon and mother Narumon, disappeared to the top floor of the clubhouse at Oceanside Country Club to meet with USGA representatives, including John Bodenhamer, senior managing director of rules, competitions and amateur status.

The Jutanugarns travel as a family and play an international schedule. Questions regarding sponsorship and the girls’ amateur status recently have been brought to the USGA’s attention, the family told Golfweek.

“Last summer, you see me wear the SCG, right?” Moriya said. “It’s a team, but many people thought they gave the money for us. I don’t want the problem anymore, so that’s why we just changed.”

Bodenhamer would not comment on the reason for the USGA’s visit. Ariya and Moriya – Nos. 1 and 2, respectively, in the Golfweek Junior Rankings and both among Golfweek’s top 10 amateurs – did not meet with USGA officials, and a translator was obtained for the meeting with Somboon and Narumon, which Somboon had scheduled the previous week. The girls were unaware of the meeting.