Phillips on top of the world

Craig Phillips got up close and personal with a number of victorious European Ryder Cup stars as he took a further step up the ladder of international golf officiating at the Volvo World Matchplay Championship.

The busy Nuneaton Golf Club Head Professional (above left officiating at The 2013 PGA Cup), who also serves as the current chairman of the PGA in England (Midlands), has been a qualified tournament referee since 1999, R & A qualified in 2005 and has travelled Europe since, officiating at LET Tour events, European Tour qualifiers and at the Johnnie Walker Championship at Gleneagles.

Yet without doubt, the pinnacle of his officiating career so far came at the London Club as Phillips took control of three group games featuring the likes of Jamie Donaldson, Victor Dubuisson and Stephen Gallacher, before taking on the observer role for the third place play-off match between Joost Luiten and George Coetzee.

“The week was a great experience for me, it's easily the biggest thing I've done so far,” explained Phillips.

“To officiate at the World Matchplay at its 50th anniversary and to work alongside people like Andy McFee, the chief referee of the European Tour was really special.

“It's been an amazing journey to get to this stage and I've got the Nuneaton members to thank really. My interest in the rules started when they kept on asking me questions in the pro shop during matches and club comps.

“It all grew from there, the knowledge I've gained means I can also answer the member queries that still come along a lot easier these days.”

A typical day starts early, as Craig describes it's far more than just a case of turning up at the first tee.

“I am responsible for setting up the golf courses for tournament play, so when you see the teeing positions or flag positions, that's where we have selected them for the play on the day. We will normally have two referees that are in charge of set up and we both have nine holes to look after, so we'll be out there before play starts to set up the course.”

Phillips' busy schedule continues as he's off to Egypt next as Chief Referee for the PGA Europro Tour Championships at the El Gouna club.