There is not a perfect science to knowing where to stand or position yourself at all times. The overarching themes are to be positioned to help a player if needed, but ultimately giving the player space. You don’t want to encroach the player’s space or make the player feel like “big brother” is watching, after all at the highest level you’re in their office. The Rules assume the honesty and integrity of the player, so while Referees are there to act on a breach, Referees don’t need to hover or see every action taken by every player. 

The goal of this guidance is to keep the focus on the players and the championship, while remaining ready and able to do our job as Referees. 

In stroke play, the following are best practices: 

• When positioned on a hole or holes, find a central spot to see as much as possible.  

• • • If the Committee gives you a starting location for your position, start there. 

• • • As the day progresses, adjust as needed. For example, if most rulings are near the putting green or a specific hole, cheat that way. 

• • • Avoid being in landing areas. Aim to be short of or just past landing areas.  

• If positioned in a chair, keep the area organized throughout the day. 

• Be positioned so players can readily identify you and you can assist. 

• • • Avoid standing in the fairway, bunkers, or on putting greens, unless necessary for the ruling. 

• • • If a player looks like they may need assistance, stand up to make yourself more noticeable and potentially take a few steps towards the player. 

• Aim to appear calm going into a ruling. You don’t want to appear rushed or running into the situation. Don’t run or jog to the player.  

• If player calls you over, walk over whenever possible. If not possible and you have a cart, drive over, but ensure your cart is parked approximately 10-15 yards from the player to avoid the cart being too close to the ruling.  

• • • If driving your cart to a ruling, think about your exit strategy when parking, i.e., how can you quickly get out of the way without disrupting any players. 

• • • In either case, be aware of other players and avoid distracting them with your movements. When driving a cart to a ruling, this could include stopping for another player to hit. 

In match play, the following are best practices: 

• Stay with your players, including walking back to all tees, to be present to readily available to assist. 

• Generally, players should lead the charge down the hole, but make sure you don’t lag behind.  

• • • Don’t walk far ahead of players. If the group is starting to lose time and you want to signal this to the players, you could walk approximately 10 yards in front of them. 

• While you want to be close enough to assist the players, give them some space. You don’t need to hover. 

• Avoid walking in bunkers or on putting greens unless necessary for a ruling or to otherwise assist players. This includes avoiding the putting green as your match moves to the next hole. 

• As you are moving around, plan ahead so that your position can avoid: 

• • • The player’s through line (that is being on an extension of their view past the hole). 

• • • Standing on the extension of the line of play behind the player.  

• • • Being on camera when not involved in a ruling or helping players. While this can be difficult when players are on the tee, through the rest of the hole you should be able to do so with some advance planning, especially around putting greens. 

• • • Crossing to opposite sides of the hole repeatedly.