Becoming a Rules Official

shotmaker86 · June 21, 2010

How does one become a rules official for PGA events and majors, etc.? Is it similar to the MLB umpiring track where you work your way up, or can you just take tests and get there with time? Also, anyone know the average salary, or is it a volunteer type thing? Thanks

- Andrew

devlbasher · June 27, 2010

Hi Andrew...a friend of mine is a USGA rules official for the Men's and Women's US Open. He has been for about 10 years or so I think (and actually drew the Tiger/Westwood/Els group on Thursday last week). I asked him recently how he got started in all that, and he said that basically, in his case, he was a member at the club where I grew up playing (before my time) and they were about to get rid of the Jr. Golf program they had there. He was upset about it and said he would run it and if it was successful, they would keep it going. He put on a few tournaments, called the USGA about some issues and asked for insight about different things but eventually it started rolling along pretty well. They eventually took some notice because the tourneys started to grow, and from there he worked his way up. He works the ACC tournament too most years I think. I don't know if that is the norm or not, but thats how he got where he is. As far as I know, no salary, just volunteer. Not sure if the USGA pays their way to get there and stay, but I'd think so. Best of luck if you give it a shot, and if you're REALLY serious about it, let me know. He might have some tips.

Funny story Donnie told me about I think the 99 Open. He was with Tiger's pairing and I think they were standing on the 18th tee when Payne hit his tee shot on the 17th par-3. The crowd went crazy and Tiger looked at Donnie and said with a slight chuckle, "did you ever get the feeling you just lost the US Open?" Donnie said he looked at Tiger pensively for a second and said "No." Tiger got another chuckle out of that.

teejaywhy · June 28, 2010

[quote name='shotmaker86' date='21 June 2010 - 08:55 PM' timestamp='1277178946' post='2525181']
How does one become a rules official for PGA events and majors, etc.? Is it similar to the MLB umpiring track where you work your way up, or can you just take tests and get there with time? Also, anyone know the average salary, or is it a volunteer type thing?
[/quote]

The logical place to start is with your state/local golf association. They normally seek volunteers to referee local tournaments. Seminars/workshops are held in conjunction with the USGA. I think like anything else, it is a matter of demonstrating knowledge and working your way up.

Don't know if there are paid positions for rules officials...

shotmaker86 · June 28, 2010

Hey, thanks for the info guys. I've recently come to
the realization that playing as a career is not feasible, and that I need to re-focus on my school work. However, I do still love the game and would like to stay involved as much as I can and was just curious about different ways of doing so, and staying close to the action.

- Andrew

edwjmcgrath · June 30, 2010

There is a difference between the state/local/USGA officials and the PGA officials.
PGA has a cadre of paid officials. I've met a few over the years in the PGA/USGA Rules Seminars. They take the same classes and tests as the rest of us.
It sounds like a fun job when you're young. They spend a ton of time on the road and get a lot of time off.
I'd talk to the PGA if you are serious. You should start by taking (and scoring well) one of the seminars if you haven't already.