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Opening Drive
The Evolving Nature of NIL
by CHRIS LANG
Drive , Chip and Putt Finalists cont ' d ...
I SPENT 20-PLUS YEARS IN NEWSPAPERS COVERING COLLEGE SPORTS BEFORE STARTING AT THE VSGA IN 2015 . So with a curious eye , I ’ ve watched the way the Name , Image , and Likeness ( NIL ) situation has evolved since the Supreme Court ruled last summer that athletes were able to profit off their NIL without running afoul of NCAA rules .
It makes a lot of sense . Some college football coaches are making upwards of $ 10 million a year
We ’ re still in the wild-west stage of the movement , but it ’ s great to see that athletes are using their prowess to receive compensation above and beyond the scholarship money they receive to attend their respective schools . on incentive-laden contracts that include car and apparel deals . Yet prior to last summer , if a player was caught taking a nominal handout from a local company , he could risk losing his eligibility and could put his program in danger of sanctions .
As noted in the story in this issue of Virginia Golfer , the trickle-down effect of NIL has been slow to reach college golf . That also makes a lot of sense , considering college golf doesn ’ t have the television and media presence that college football does . But it ’ s happening , even if it ’ s minor deals like some Virginia and Virginia Tech golfers have struck with a local apparel company .
To their credit , the USGA and R & A addressed the issue in the reimagined Rules of Amateur status , noting that there are no restrictions related to receiving expenses or using one ’ s NIL to promote or advertise . If a local golf manufacturer wants to put its logo on a junior ’ s bag and compensate that junior with equipment , that ’ s fine — a win-win for both and a refreshing change from previous Rules .
The NIL situation is one worth watching , because it ’ s only going to grow more complicated in the coming year . We ’ re still in the wild-west stage of the movement , but it ’ s great to see that athletes are using their prowess to receive compensation above and beyond the scholarship money they receive to attend their respective schools . Also inside :
• Scott Kramer digs into some spring golf fashion trends . Did you know two companies featured in the spread — Cutter & Buck and Imperial — each sell VSGA logo gear ? Visit
VSGA . org / store to check out some of the swag from these manufacturers .
• The Virginia Golf Hall of Fame continues to grow , and Art Utley takes you inside the six-member class of 2022 , which will be inducted later this year .
• And we welcome a new writer to the Virginia Golfer stable in Ethan Zimman , who explores the rich Virginia wine scene and ties it to local golf courses , a perfect combination for a day trip .
As always , suggestions and story ideas are welcome . Thanks for reading !
Chris Lang , Editor clang @ vsga . org
JORDIN CHRISTINE DE GRAAF Age division : 10-11 girls Club : VSGA Junior Golf Circuit / YOC Virginia Handicap Index : 5.8 Qualifying site / score : Oak Hill CC / 113 Best thing about playing golf : “ Winning .” Favorite club ? “ Sand wedge .” Favorite course ? Pinehurst No . 2 Rank your skills , strongest to weakest ? Driving , chipping , putting Favorite Masters memory ? “ When Tiger Woods won his most recent Masters .” Favorite male golfer ? “ Tiger , because he ’ s such a special talent .” Favorite female golfer ? “ Bianca Pagdanganan , because she hits bombs .” Talents / interest outside of golf ? “ Playing viola , piano , and drawing .”
2022 DRIVE , CHIP AND PUTT FINALS
Where : Augusta National Golf Club When : Sunday , April 3 TV : Golf Channel , 8 a . m . Qualifying sites in Virginia for 2023 : First Tee Chesterfield ( 6 / 4 ); Kiln Creek GC & Resort ( 6 / 11 ); Belle Haven CC ( 6 / 14 ); Birdwood Golf at Boar ’ s Head Resort ( 6 / 15 ); River Bend Club ( 6 / 30 ); Evergreen CC ( 7 / 21 ). More info / registration :
drivechipandputt . com
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