In October, The R&A hosted its latest instalment of the Tournament Administration and Referees' School (TARS), an event attended by representatives from 41 organisations worldwide to enhance their ruling skills. The PGA was pleased to have three tournament staff members participate in the recent Level 3 seminar at Golf Ireland Headquarters, Carton Demesne.
The Level 3 seminar, established in the mid-1990s, serves as a crucial component of The R&A’s four-tier qualification system aimed at equipping candidates with the necessary skills and standards to function as tournament officials or referees. These seminars provide essential guidance and practical advice on competition management, covering topics such as course setup, course marking, pace of play and officiating.
A significant element of TARS is the role-play session, where participants practice making rulings by presenting their decisions to a member of the Rules team and receiving constructive feedback. Day two of the event included an interview with former Chief Referee for the DP World Tour, Andy McFee, who offered insights into the intricacies of officiating at high-stakes golf tournaments. Participants engaged directly with McFee, who entertained attendees with memorable incidents from his career, leaving a lasting appreciation for the importance of the role.
At every stage of the Rules Education process, participants have the opportunity to take a relevant exam. Attendees are required to complete each level successfully before advancing to the next, thereby developing a thorough understanding of Rules and officiating. Gaining practical experience is also critical for becoming proficient in the Rules, officiating, and managing competitions.
PGA Tournament Director Adrian Evans noted, “To be able to learn first-hand over three intensive days from such presenters as Andy McFee, Roger Bathurst, Clare Hargan, and David Wilson was such an invaluable experience.
“Having the opportunity to put our thoughts on course marking and rulings into practice, with instant feedback, is something I look forward to taking forward into my current role.”
Multiple TARS events are also held around the world at different times of the year. Last year, The R&A saw 303 delegates attend a Level 3 TARS in Chile, Kenya, Indonesia, the Philippines, Scotland, and South Africa.
Grant Moir, Executive Director – Governance at The R&A, emphasised, “The focus on TARS is learning those skills of being an on-course referee and also all the other aspects that go along with tournament administration, so it’s a very interactive and hands-on experience.”
“I am excited to represent The PGA and all its Members, with any future events that arise from being Level 3 Rules Certified, as well as improving my practices and ultimately the experiences for Members within the PGA in England (South) region,” Evans concluded.
For more information on The R&A Rules Seminars, click here.
