How to Become a USGA Official

The United States Golf Association (USGA) is America's ruling body for the game of golf. Along with The Royal and Ancient, it establishes the rules of golf for the entire world. Becoming a USGA official means that you are one of golf's great rules experts. It is these people, often clad in a blazer striped tie, who are called to make rulings at USGA tournaments. (The Professional Golfers Tour has their own rules officials.)

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

1. Go to the website of the USGA to gain a general familiarity with the organization, its history and the scope of its function.
2. Begin your study of the rules of golf by using the many resources provided by the USGA. These are catalogued on one of their webpages and can be accessed from that page.
3. Find a rules workshop close to your home and register for it. This information can also be obtained on the USGA website.
4. Volunteer to work with your local USGA state or regional association.
5. Continue to study and refine your understanding of the rules of golf. Attend other workshops. Take the rules test.
6. Work your way into positions of increasing responsibility as you gain experience and demonstrate your rules expertise. Eventually, you may qualify as one of the very few people wearing a long sleeved shirt and a tie during a 100 degree day at a U.S. Open.