Golf Ontario’s Provincial Level Rules of Golf Program takes an in-depth look at the concepts, procedures and outcomes that are part of today’s game in a more intuitive and easier to learn format. The program will also examine the use of the Clarifications that are found in the Official Guide to the Rules of Golf book to help better prepare participants for rules situations as a referee or in the pro shop for club events.

The Provincial Level program is designed for PGA professionals, individuals with an involvement in tournament administration or individuals that have a desire to become a provincial Referee. Provincial Level certification is required for those participants proceeding to the National Level.

Participants who achieve a passing grade of 80% on the Provincial Level Rules of Golf exam are eligible to recover travel, hotel and registration costs through the Golf Ontario Volunteer - Rules Certification Expense Policy.

The program is broken into two parts:

1. 10 Preparation Webinars
2. 1 ½ Day Workshop

The webinars will cover Rules 1 to 20 as well as definitions.  Each session will be approximately 2 hours in length. Participants will be given weekly reading assignments and quiz questions. An emphasis will be placed on solving Rules problems by using the Rules of Golf book.

The 1 ½ day Workshop will be a condensed version of the Rules of Golf with a primary focus on practical situations. Provincial Level Examination is ONLY available at the workshop however in exceptional circumstances (e.g. distance or date conflicts) an online version may be available. Please email John Lawrence at jlawrence@gao.ca for online examination options.

Participant Expectations

The Provincial Level Rules of Golf program is meant for those individuals willing to be engaged in the weekly webinars and workshop. Although recordings of the weekly webinars will be available, participants are expected to attend and be involved in both parts of the program. Each participant is also expected to have recently written the free online Level 1 Rules of Golf Exam.

Program Fees

The Provincial Level Rules of Golf Program fee is $168 (plus tax & credit card fees) and includes the following:

• 20 Hours of Webinars on advanced review of the Rules of Golf, Definitions, Interpretations with a certified National Level Rules of Golf Referee
• Rules of Golf Book (2023 Code)
• Official Guide to the Rules of Golf Book (2023 Code)
• 1 ½ days of In-Person Workshop with a certified National Level Rules of Golf Referee
  • Golf Ontario Gift
  • Role Playing Sessions
  • Breakfast & Lunch
• Provincial Level Examination

Workshop Locations & Dates**

• Workshop 1
  • March 25-26
  • GTA West (Halton/Waterloo Region)

• Workshop 2
  • March 28-29
  • Eastern Ontario (Kingston Area)

**Final workshop dates and locations will be based on participants. **

Preparation Webinar Schedules

• Webinar Series 1
  • Tuesday from 9am to 11am
  • Jan 17, 24, 31, Feb 7, 14, 21, 28, Mar 7, 14, 21

• Webinar Series 2
  • Thursdays from 6:30pm to 8:30pm
  • Jan 19, 26, Feb 2, 9, 16, 23, Mar 2, 9, 16, 23

Provincial Level Prerequisite

Applicants must have achieved at least 80% on the Level 1 exam in the past 12 months. The Level 1 program is free and is available through the R&A Rules Academy. Certificates must be emailed to jlawrence@gao.ca. PGA of Canada members are not required to have completed the Level 1 program.

Program Cancellation

All cancellations must be done by emailing jlawrence@gao.ca 7 days before the first workshop date. Your fee will be refunded to your credit card minus a $60.00 non-refundable admin fee.  The entire program fee is non-refundable for anyone cancelling after this date.

PROGRAM REGISTRATION

Registration is on a first come first serve basis to the first 40 participants. All applicants must register online by clicking HERE.