Rule Misc.

How do I become a Rules Official?

Q. What are the steps to becoming a USGA certified Rules Official?

A. The USGA does not have a “certification” procedure for Rules of Golf Officials.

All USGA Rules Officials are volunteers who serve on a USGA Committee. Most get started by attending a PGA/USGA Rules of Golf Workshop (which are offered January through March of each year). For more information on the Rules Workshops, go to http://www.usga.org/playing/rules/rules.html; or, you may call the USGA at (908) 234-2300.

In the interim, we suggest that you volunteer at the local level. Tournament administrators of junior, high school, college and club events cannot get enough good volunteer help.

Each year USGA Regional Affairs Directors are asked to recommend people to sit on Committees. They look for people who are particularly active with their region. The nine USGA Regional Directors are listed on the USGA web site at: http://www.usga.org/aboutus/leadership/reg..._directors.html. Also, get to know the executive director of your state or regional golf association or the director of the PGA section in your area.

One helpful association for those interested in careers in golf administration is the International Association of Golf Administrators. We would suggest you contact the IAGA at the following address:
International Association of Golf Administrators
C/O Southern California Golf Association
3740 Cahuenga Boulevard
North Hollywood, CA 90604