Federal judge denies pro online poker player’s request to win back USGA amateur status

Golfer loses legal bid to get amateur status back

PORTLAND, Ore. — A federal judge has denied a pro online poker player’s request to have his amateur golfer status reinstated.

Dusty Schmidt had filed a complaint seeking a preliminary restraining order that would have allowed him to keep his USGA amateur status and play in a series of events in the Pacific Northwest.

The USGA has maintained that Schmidt gave up his amateur status when he threw down a $1 million challenge to anyone who could beat him at 72 holes of golf and at poker.

U.S. District Court Judge Michael Mosman turned down the request Tuesday, saying Schmidt did not meet a legal standard of having a contract with the USGA.