Built by the hotel’s greenkeeping staff, the demonstration area offered clear visual representations of the scenarios under discussion. Referees rotated around different sections in covering five separate topics; the bunker – for which a stacked-turf riveted bunker has been prepared; the water hazard, the putting green; the teeing ground and out of bounds; and, finally, obstructions and abnormal ground conditions.

The programme was delivered by a nine-strong team of R&A instructors who helped the delegates to improve their refereeing through the detailed study of the technique of top officials, through the analysis of televised Rules incidents, practical demonstrations of the Rules, role play sessions during which the students delivered rulings to the R&A instructors, and, finally, the completion of a written exam.

 

Speaking before the school, Alan Holmes, Chairman of the Rules of Golf Committee said: “The Referees School is one of the highlights of the Rules education calendar. The R&A now takes Rules and Referees schools all over the world but it is always special to be able to welcome international officials to the Home of Golf.”

 

“Officials of all levels of experience come to the Referees School, from those who have only officiated at club level to those who have done so at Major Championships,” added David Rickman, The R&A’s Director of Rules and Equipment Standards. What they all possess, however, is an enthusiasm for the Rules and a determination to improve their technique whatever their refereeing background.”

 

The event took place from Tuesday 9 – Friday 12 February. It commenced with a reception at the hotel, attended by Colin Brown, the Captain of The Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews, and concluded with a drinks reception and dinner in the clubhouse of The Royal and Ancient Golf Club.