July 20--Through early play in the final round of the British Open, amateur Paul Dunne still had a chance at the Claret Jug, lingering just three strokes off a tightly bunched lead pack.
It would be an improbable victory for the 22-year-old Irishman, but it would not be very lucrative.
In a series of tweets on Monday, the R reiterated that, because of his status, Dunne would be ineligible to receive the $1.8 million winner's check.
"If an amateur wins The Open, they will receive the Gold Medal and the Claret Jug," the Open's governing body wrote.
What would happen to all that cash? It would be thrown back into the pot.
"First place money will be distributed proportionately among the professional players who have made the cut," the R said.
On a rainy day at St. Andrews, Zach Johnson held the lead at 14-under with a large group of players at 13- and 12-under. Dunne was at 11-under.
