For the first time, England Golf will offer members and officials from golf clubs and counties the opportunity to attend an R&A Rules School hosted in England.
By introducing The R&A Rules Education Programme in 2016, England Golf will offer delegates the potential to graduate through three tiers of Rules tutoring and learning.
At each stage of development, there is the opportunity to sit an exam which is recognised throughout The R&A’s jurisdiction. Individuals can also achieve the ‘England Golf County Referee’ qualification via the Level 2 Rules School.
Toby Thorne, Deputy Championship Director at England Golf, said: “We are delighted to collaborate with The R&A and adopt their Rules education programme. We hope that club managers, committee members, club pros or club members who want to become involved in tournament administration will see a clear path for their learning and development. Starting at Level 1, individuals can then decide whether they would benefit from progressing further.”
Kevin Barker, Working for Golf Director at The R&A commented: “Rules education is very important to The R&A and our materials are used successfully by our affiliates around the world. It will be a pleasure to work with England Golf in delivering what we hope will be the first of many Rules Schools”.
The schools are tailored to provide basic instruction for those newer to the game, as well as meeting the demands of more experienced officials looking for tournament specific guidance.
England Golf will schedule a number of one-day, Level 1 Introductory Rules Schools during 2016. Dates and venues will be announced on the England Golf website in the coming weeks.
In addition, the first Level 2 Rules School will be launched this summer during England Golf’s second Golf Week and will take place at Frilford Heath Golf Club on 11-12 August.
Details regarding England Golf Rules Schools and education can be found at www.englandgolf.org/rulesschool
For anyone interested in learning the basics, The R&A’s online Rules Academy is the primary place to start http://rulesacademy.randa.org
England Golf www.englandgolf.org