Following the success of seven County Rules Schools in 2011, which proved to be very popular attracting over 200 delegates, England Golf are delighted to be offering the chance for more people to participate in rules education.
To date, 67 of those delegates who sat the County Rules exam last year achieved a distinction. This in turn has provided their respective County Unions with a potential new source of qualified ‘County Referees’ to assist at county tournaments.
Barry Morgan, Secretary of Hampshire County Golf Union, who hosted a Rules School at Basingstoke golf club last year said, “The England Golf County Rules School has proved to be an invaluable tool, enabling Hampshire Golf Union to formulate the nucleus of a tournament panel for our County events. Those that attended are now much more confident in their knowledge of the rules and the school has given them the confidence and self belief to be able to deal with rules situations on and off the golf course”.
Toby Thorne, England Golf Deputy Championship Manager says, “The schools cater for all levels of rules knowledge, endorsed by the wide variety of delegates who have attended and the feedback that we have received. There is something for everyone to learn about the rules of golf and with the new changes coming into effect from 1st January it will be important to ensure all delegates are aware of and well informed about these changes. The format of the School, with a mix of outdoor practical demonstrations, refereeing role-play scenarios and some indoor tutorials, keeps everyone interested and on their toes throughout the day”.
Delegates should have at least a basic understanding of the Rules of Golf before attending the school, although advice will be given on how to prepare for the exam which is several weeks after the first day of practical tuition.
The following dates and venues are finalised for spring 2012:
Cheshire: Day 1: Wed 28th March Day 2 (inc. Exam): Thu 3rd May
(North) Entry deadline: Fri 9th March Venue: Sandiway Golf Club, Northwich
Devon: Day 1: Thu 26th April Day 2 (inc. Exam): Thu 7th June
(South West) Entry deadline: Fri 30th March Venue: Exeter Golf & Country Club, Exeter
The fee for attending an England Golf County Rules School is £50, which includes all tuition, lunches, teas and coffees on both days. Although hosted in a particular county, delegates from other counties will also be made welcome.
Further Schools are being scheduled for Autumn 2012 and will be announced in due course. For more information regarding the England Golf County Rules Schools and how to register for an event, visit www.englishgolfunion.org/rulesschool.
