RECORD NUMBER TO ATTEND GAUTENG R&A RULES COURSE

103 rules enthusiasts, the highest number ever, have enrolled to participate in the prestigious two day R&A Rules of Golf School, to be held this weekend, commencing on Saturday 26 April, at Benoni Country Club.

“This is the highest attendance ever at such a School which are held every two or three years in South Africa,” explained Bruce Younge, the Executive Director of the South African Golf Association (SAGA).

“We have three officials from the R&A, which is based at St Andrews in Scotland, conducting the course,” explained Younge. They are Alan Holmes, Chairman of the R&A Rules Committee, Kevin Barker, Assistant Director Rules R&A Rules Ltd, and Alick Bisset, R&A Rules Committee Member.

“There is a second R&A Rules School the following week, starting on Thursday 1 May, at Steenberg Golf Club in Cape Town,” said Younge. “Currently 75 delegates have registered for this school,” he added.

Participants in these Schools have the option of writing an exam on conclusion. “It is notoriously difficult,” commented Younge. He explained that more than half who write the exam generally don’t achieve the 60% required pass mark. “All those who do pass are then qualified to become Rules Officials at golf events,” said Younge in explaining the benefit of a pass mark.

“It is encouraging to see how many people from the various Provincial Unions, Golf Clubs, Women’s Golf South Africa and SAGA representatives and even employees from the Sunshine Tour that have indicated their intention to participate,” enthused Bruce Younge.