Earlier this week former PGA Tour pro and current CBS’ on-course reporter Colt Knost relayed that his request to regain amateur status was denied. That process has become a lightning rod in recent years, as there are those in the sport that believe former pros dominating amateurs—many with actual 9-to-5 jobs—in prestigious amateur events defeats the spirit of the game. Last year’s U.S. Mid-Am was a flashpoint, with six of the quarterfinalists being former pros, and this week’s U.S. Senior Am provided more evidence to the cause: all four semi-finalists were pros and the competition was won by Mike Sposa, who’s logged over 330 career appearances on the PGA Tour and Nike (now Korn Ferry) circuit. There has been talk behind the scenes that the USGA will no longer be so relaxed when it comes to reinstatement; between Knost’s appeal, and the Senior Am results, that outcome could be happening soon.