What Happens if a Golfer Earns Prize Money While on a B-1 Visa?
Golf is one of the few sports where an athlete—amateur or professional—can compete for prize
money in nearly every event. But when it comes to international players entering the United
States, immigration law draws a sharp line between what’s allowed and what isn’t. One of the
most misunderstood scenarios involves golfers traveling on a B-1 business visa and participating
in tournaments where prize money is at stake. So, what happens if a golfer earns prize money
while on a B-1 visa? The answer: it can be a serious violation of U.S. immigration law.
Understanding the B-1 Visa and Its Limits
The B-1 visa is intended for foreign nationals visiting the U.S. for short-term business purposes.
This can include attending meetings, negotiating contracts, or participating in amateur athletic
competitions—but not engaging in employment or receiving U.S.-based compensation. For
athletes, the B-1 visa may allow limited participation in competitions as long as they are not
receiving payment or prize money. The visa is not intended for professional athletes who
derive income from events or endorsements while in the U.S.
Prize Money = Compensation
In the eyes of U.S. immigration law, earning prize money is considered compensation,
regardless of whether the player sees it as a reward or honor. If a golfer enters a tournament
while on a B-1 visa and receives payment—even indirectly—they may be engaging in
unauthorized employment. This includes cash prizes, appearance fees, endorsements, or even
receiving lodging or travel benefits tied to performance.
Consequences of Violating B-1 Visa Rules
If immigration authorities discover that a golfer has violated the terms of their B-1 visa by
earning prize money, several consequences may follow:
Immediate revocation of the visa
Denial of entry at the border or airport
Future visa applications being denied
Potential multi-year bans from re-entering the U.S.
Reputational damage within professional golf circles and among sponsors
Even unintentional violations—such as a golfer who didn’t realize they couldn’t accept a
check—are still violations under the law.
What If the Golfer Doesn’t Accept the Money?
Some golfers try to navigate the restriction by declining prize money or having it awarded to a
sponsor or agent instead. Unfortunately, this doesn’t always solve the problem. If a golfer
knowingly enters a competition offering prize money, it can still be considered a
violation—even if they forgo the payout. Immigration officers and consular officials may
interpret this as an attempt to work without authorization, especially if the player has a history
of competing professionally elsewhere.
Alternatives: The Right Visa for the Job
For international golfers aiming to compete in paid tournaments, the B-1 visa is not the right
tool. Instead, athletes should consider applying for the:
P-1A Visa: For internationally recognized athletes competing at a professional level.
O-1 Visa: For individuals of extraordinary ability with a proven track record of elite
performance.
These visas permit athletes to lawfully compete, receive compensation, and engage in
sponsorship-related activities. While they require more documentation and a U.S.-based sponsor,
they offer long-term benefits and eliminate the legal risks of competing under a visitor visa.
Border Scrutiny and Growing Awareness
In recent years, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has become more vigilant in
scrutinizing athletes traveling under B-1 status. With digital records, social media posts, and
event coverage, it’s easier than ever for authorities to track competition results and prize payouts.
Golfers caught violating visa rules may be flagged in immigration databases, complicating future
travel to the U.S.
Don’t Let a Paycheck Cost You a Career
While the temptation to compete and earn prize money in the U.S. is understandable, doing so
under the wrong visa can have career-altering consequences. Golfers and their teams must
ensure the visa they use matches the nature of their participation. When in doubt, it’s always
better to consult an immigration attorney before stepping onto the first tee. In the game of
golf—and immigration—knowing the rules is part of playing smart.