I successfully passed the Level 1 Rules Course from Golf Canada. As stated in earlier posts, I made it a goal for 2018 to complete the Level 2 Rules course in order to improve my understanding of all things golf.

Being a rules official during tournaments is a goal of mine and I am well on my way to achieving it. Now I have to register for the Level 2 course and from the looks of things, it will be a bit more challenging.

Level 1 was relatively easy. I talked about the rules, ran me through how to use the rule book and highlighted the to 8 most commonly experienced situations and the applicable rules. I have to say that I knew all of these, but I had to look at how the rules fit the situation.

During Level 1, Golf Canada focused on 8 concepts that we encounter during every round. These are common themes, but the application of the rules is different for each. The concepts are:

1. Playing the Ball As It Lies
2. Marking and Lifting, Dropping, Placing
3. Loose Impediments
4. Obstructions
5. Abnormal Ground Conditions
6. Water Hazards
7. Ball Lost or Out of Bounds, Provisional Ball
8. Unplayable Ball

Of the above concepts, I have found most amateurs struggle with 1, 3, and 5, specifically, the relief or penalty strokes. Number 3 – Loose Impediments, especially how the rule is applied in a hazard is by far the rule I see amateurs breaking the most. I have watched players in competition remove loose impediments in red and yellow staked hazards without realizing that they were breaking the rules. After explaining the rule, they were shocked (or at least appeared to be) that they had unwittingly broke the rules and were assessed penalty strokes. Hence the reason Level 1 Rules Certificate is a great course to take. Level 1 reinforced what I already know about the rules of golf is definitely worth taking if you are an amateur golfer.

My next step is to take the Level 2 Rules Course. This is my main goal for this year. Level 2 will allow me to be a rules official at club tournaments. To pass the course I need to achieve 80% on a level 2 exam and complete 20 hours of on-course experience as a starter/scorer/official.

To complete the second requirement for the Level 2 Course, I contacted Jeff Rogerson, the Owner/Manager/Head Professional of my home course of Osprey Links Golf Course. Jeff was very receptive and was happy to accommodate my need for 20 hours of on-course experience. This is a win-win situation for both of us and I look forward to working with Jeff and his team this season.

I plan to start Level 2 training soon. I will keep you abreast of the my progress and provide an honest assessment on whether this training is worth pursuing for the average player. However, I do recommend that all amateurs take the free Level 1 Course from Golf Canada; the benefits of the course are abound.

I am a grateful golfer! See you on the links!