PGA Catalunya Resort, nearBarcelona, was the setting for The European Tour’s Rules Conference 2012.
Thirty-five delegates from seven European golf federations, The Professional Golfers Association, The R&A and The European Tour, as well as volunteer officials from across Europe, gathered to discuss rules-related issues, including queries raised by media and television coverage.
In his presentation on the increasingly important role played by television in international golf tournaments, John Paramor, Chief Referee of The European Tour, cited the Padraig Harrington incident at the 2011 Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship. Harrington was disqualified for signing for the wrong score in his first-round 65, after television slow-motion replays showed that his hand brushed the back of his ball as he replaced it in front of his marker.
“Golf’s rules are complex and need to be to ensure fair play and a level playing field for all competitors,” commented John Paramor. “It is at meetings such as this that officials, volunteers and governing bodies can raise and discuss specific issues that will continue to help ensure fair play for all golfers.”
The three-day conference immediately followed the conclusion of European Tour Qualifying School Final Stage at PGA Catalunya Resort, which many of the referees attended.
“Holding our 2012 Rules Conference at PGA Catalunya Resort after Q School made perfect sense,” continued John Paramor. “It is not only a fantastic venue for tournament golf, but an ideal location for conferences and seminars, and was easily accessible for all our European delegates.
“It goes without saying the golf courses were fantastic and highly rated by all the attendees. We held a competition on the Stadium Course, which was a memorable experience,” he added.
PGA Catalunya Resort www.pgacatalunya.com
R&A www.RandA.org