Younge to officiate at Open Championship

Bruce Younge, the Executive Director of the South African Golf Association (SAGA), has been invited, by the R&A, to officiate, as a Rules Official, in the 138th Open Championship which will be played over Turnberry’s Ailsa layout starting on Thursday 16 July.

The venue is approximately one hour, by car, south west of Glasgow, Scotland.

“I am honoured to be invited,” said the 58 year old golf administrator.

According to Younge he will be one of approximately 60 invited officials from the professional golf tours and amateur bodies around the world working at the Championship.

“We are proud of the fact that Bruce has received an invitation for the third consecutive year,” said Enver Hassen, President of the SAGA. “The invitation is indicative of Bruce’s standing in the world of amateur golf. He has been at the helm of the SAGA for 16 years. In this time he has developed into a top referee.”

In preparation for his duties, prior to the commencement of the Championship, Younge said that he walks the course several times in order to be fully acquainted with the layout and areas where issues related to Rules of Golf are likely to arise.

“I serve as a referee to a group of players during each Championship round,” explained Younge. “One can feel quite pressurised when a well known player questions you on the Rules of Golf. By familiarising myself with the course in advance can assist greatly dealing with such situations.”

Younge departs on Sunday 11 July.