Rules and Rants

If learning the Rules of Golf is one of your New Year’s resolutions, or if you don’t have any yet, consider looking into one of Golf Canada’s programs to learn the Rules of Golf.

Our Rules Education Program is designed for anyone wishing to learn the Rules of Golf including recreational golfers, competitive golfers, professionals and rules officials. Whether you have an interest in learning the basics to further your enjoyment of the game or you are setting your sights on national certification, Golf Canada’s four-level program is tailored to suit everyone’s goals.

Even if you’ve never picked up the Rules of Golf book, there’s no need to worry; Level 1 is an online program which will guide you through the language of the book, introduce all definitions and key concepts which are the foundation of the Rules.

Level 2 will continue to build on those concepts and show you how to navigate the most important Rules resource: the Decisions on the Rules of Golf. Both levels are very interactive with audio and video clips, as well as exercises and practice exams to familiarize you with the fundamentals of the Rules. You will also begin to understand how the Rules are applied on the course.

After achieving the required grade on both exams (80%) and obtaining practical experience (20 hours), you’re now ready for the classroom. Level 3 (Provincial Certification) is conducted by the provincial golf associations and is comprised of a three day seminar. Although each Rule will be discussed in detail, more emphasis will be placed on officiating using demonstrations and practical scenarios. To find out about seminars in your area, please contact your provincial golf association. You can find links to their websites on the bottom of every page on our website.

The final level, national certification, consists of a combination of classroom theory and interactive sessions furthering your understanding of the practical application of tournament officiating. In order to take full advantage of the curriculum, participants are expected to have a good understanding of the Rules of Golf; and must be level 3 certified.

The fundamental purpose of the Rules Education Pathway, however, is not necessarily to create Rules officials. We welcome those who are interested in becoming officials, but we also encourage all golfers to learn more about the Rules and enjoy the game even more by playing by them.

Click here to view the Rules Education Pathway - (PDF)

During the winter months at Golf House, and before our championship schedule commences, our Amateur Championships department spends a great deal of time administering the Rules of Golf. We are continually trying to increase awareness and educate those interested in the Rules of Golf - ultimately, we are students of the Rules of Golf too.

Over the next few months, Golf Canada staff will be brushing up on our Rules knowledge and will be attending Rules seminars across the world, as well as administering and instructing at Golf Canada’s level 4 Rules of Golf seminars.

Golf Canada’s Mary Beth McKenna, Coordinator of Competitions, will be travelling with Diane Barabe, a Golf Canada Rules of Golf Committee member, to the R&A Tournament Administration and Referee School in St. Andrews, Scotland at the beginning of February. Cam Crawford, Coordinator or Rules and Competittions, and Madeline Small, Coordinator of Rules and Competitions, will be attending a USGA Rules of Golf seminar; and all of our department will be heading to Palm Beach Gardens, Florida to attend their ‘Officiating and Tournament Administration’ workshop. Stay tuned for our weekly articles and blogs as we will be providing a glimpse of our seminar experiences.

As mentioned earlier, Golf Canada will be conducting five level 4 seminars across Canada.

To see if you qualify and to learn more about our level 4 Rules of Golf Seminars click here.

To register for one of the five seminars below click here.

2013 Golf Canada Level 4 Rules of Golf Seminars:

• March 7-10, Moncton, N.B. (Royal Oaks Golf Club)
• March 14-17, Vancouver, B.C. (Point Grey G&CC)
• April 4-7, Winnipeg, M.B. (Niakwa CC)
• April 18-21, Montreal, Que. (TBD - French Seminar)
• April 25-28, Ottawa, Ont. (Delta Ottawa City Centre)

And, if you want to get your Rules Education started now with Level 1, click here.