USGA Puts Colt Knost's Amateur Reinstatement Bid on Hold

Colt Knost's application to regain his amateur golf status has been paused by the U.S. Golf Association while the governing body reviews its reinstatement rules. Knost, now an on-course reporter for CBS Sports, shared the USGA's decision in a social media post Tuesday.

What did the USGA tell Knost?

According to the email Knost posted, the USGA said it is re-evaluating its reinstatement guidelines for applicants with a substantial professional playing record. The agency told Knost his application has been placed on hold while staff work with the USGA Amateur Status Committee and Executive Committee to complete that review, and that he would be updated as the process moves forward.

The USGA separately confirmed the review to Golfweek, saying it had paused a select number of reinstatement applications while it examines the role of reinstatement and required waiting periods. The organization said it was "important to take a thoughtful look at the current framework" before deciding whether changes are needed.

Why does Knost want amateur status back?

Knost made 199 career PGA Tour starts, making 92 cuts and earning $4,330,438. He won the U.S. Amateur and U.S. Amateur Public Links in 2007. He announced last October he was applying for reinstatement, saying he hoped to one day captain a U.S. Walker Cup team and to gain access to amateur events currently closed to him.

The announcement drew criticism at the time. It followed outrage at the U.S. Mid-Amateur, where six of the eight quarterfinalists were former professional golfers competing under reinstated amateur status.

What happens next?

The USGA has not set a timetable for completing its review of reinstatement guidelines. Knost's application remains on hold until that work is finished.