"#RulesSchool is Now in Session" is a series where you’ll get an opportunity to check out some of the things going on here at the AJGA as our Operations staff prepares for the PGA/USGA Workshop on the Rules of Golf and the USGA Rules Exam. In addition to a “behind the scenes” look at our preparations, you will also have the opportunity to reach out to us via social media to ask your own questions about the Rules of Golf.
I'm excited to introduce you to the AJGA Blog's first guest contributor on the topic of #RulesSchool. Chris White started working with the AJGA as an intern in the summer of 2007, and started full time in January 2008. Now a senior tournament director, Chris assists in the running of the AJGA's in-house rules school program. I really liked reading Chris' view on studying for the USGA Rules Exam, and I think his blog is a great way to lead off our guest #RulesSchool blogger series. Enjoy!
Rules School 2013 is here, and at the AJGA, that is nothing to joke about. What all does it entail? Studying before, after and sometimes during work, writing and proofing quizzes to cover each and every rule in the book, getting up earlier for work (if you’re late to school, you’ve got to buy everybody breakfast) and then more studying to top it off.
At the AJGA it is not just about acing a test, or achieving a number – don’t get me wrong, both of those things are fantastic and my goal is certainly to achieve that elusive 100 for the first time this year – at the AJGA it is about preparing our staff to be as capable, prepared and confident as possible before heading into a VERY busy tournament season. My case is a great example: I went from recreational golfer with no competitive background; to someone who studied hard and passed the test; to someone who in a few more years thoroughly understood the rules; to now assisting in conducting the in-house rules school program under the leadership of our Director of Rules & Competitions.
Without this in-house program, there is no way I would have been prepared for my first couple seasons as a tournament director. Being able to have an open forum of educated, experienced professionals, with whom I was comfortable enough to ask honest questions; that value was beyond measure. While some at the AJGA may not hit the number they desire on the “real” test, there is no doubt that everyone who goes through our 8-12 week session is fully prepared for what they will encounter in the coming year.
I hope you liked hearing from Chris, he's just the first of many guest bloggers we'll be featuring, so be sure to keep coming back. As I mentioned yesterday, be sure to let @AJGADittmer or I know if there's something you are interested in learning regarding #RulesSchool. To all of you participating in the opening events of #AJGA2013 this weekend; ANNIKA Invitational, Junior All-Star at Mission Inn, and the Puerto Rico Junior Open sponsored by Sport Link, GOOD LUCK!
Alexis Witman (@AJGAWitman)
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