Get Your Golf Referee Qualification Online

Brush up on your golf rules knowledge and get your qualification online.

Brush up on your golf rules knowledge and get your qualification online

Get Your Golf Referee Qualification Online

These challenging times present the perfect opportunity for us all to brush up on our Rules knowledge, irrespective of your ability level, says Chris Wallace, R&A Rules manager.

Golf is a self-regulating game and it’s the responsibility of all golfers to apply the Rules when playing, so a sound knowledge of the basics will allow you to deal with the situations you most regularly encounter out on the course. Knowing how to proceed correctly may even save you a few shots as well!

For those looking to get started on the Rules, there are a number of free and easy-to-access resources available via the R&A website and the Rules of Golf app to help all golfers learn, understand and apply the Rules of the game.

Sign Up To The Rules Academy To Have A Chance To Take Your R&A Level 1 Exam

Download the Rules of Golf App here

The R&A Rules Academy is an online resource for golfers of all levels, which provides an interesting and easy way to learn the basics using diagrams, videos and illustrations.

Participants can learn the fundamentals and test themselves with the most commonly occurring Rules situations, such as how to take relief for an unplayable ball, what options are available when your ball is in a penalty area and what you can and cannot do in a bunker or on the putting green.

All learning materials are free and you can work through at your own pace and take revision questions to test your understanding of the basics. There is also an optional exam at the end for those who want to try for the Level 1 Rules certificate.

Among a number of other resources available, the online Visual Search and Rules Quizzes are two of the more popular Rules education tools.

Sign Up To The Rules Academy To Have A Chance To Take Your R&A Level 1 Exam

Download the Rules of Golf App here

The Visual Search allows players to find the applicable Rule relating to a situation more easily by allowing the player to simply select where their ball is on a virtual hole (i.e. in a bunker or a penalty area) and providing a list of the most common Rules situations in these areas of the course.

The online Rules Quiz allows players to test their knowledge at either ‘beginner’, ‘intermediate’ or ‘advanced’ level through an 18-question quiz. There’s also an option to download a set of tailored Rules questions if, for example, you’re running a Rules evening at your club.

As well as the online offerings, the 2019 Rules of Golf app is also a useful tool for anyone looking to improve their Rules knowledge.

As well as having the comprehensive Rules of the game at your fingertips, it also includes a number of diagrams, quizzes and how-to videos that help to explain the Rules and give guidance for many common situations.

For more rules content do not forget to follow Golf Monthly on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Sam Tremlett
E-commerce Editor

A golfer for most of his life, Sam is Golf Monthly's E-commerce Editor.

Working with golf gear and equipment over the last six years, Sam has quickly built outstanding knowledge and expertise on golf products ranging from drivers, to balls, to shoes. 

He combines this knowledge with a passion for helping golfers get the best gear for them, and as such Sam manages a team of writers that look to deliver the most accurate and informative reviews and buying advice. This takes the form of buying guides, reviews, supporting gear content as well as creating deal content.

This is so the reader can find exactly what they are looking for, at a good price.


Sam now spends most of his time testing and looking after golf gear content for the website, whilst he is also responsible for all content related to golf apparel. 

Additionally Sam oversees Golf Monthly voucher/coupon content which seeks to find you the best offers and promotions from well-known brands like Callaway, TaylorMade and many more.


Unfortunately, Sam is not a member of any club at the moment but regularly gets out on the golf course to keep up the facade of having a single-figure handicap. 


Sam's What's In The Bag: 

Driver: Cobra LTDxLS (9 degrees) 

Fairway Wood: Ping G430 Max (15 degrees), Nike Covert Tour 2.0 (19 degrees) 

Irons (4-PW): Titleist AP2 

Wedges: Titleist Vokey SM7 54˚, 58˚ 

Putter: Scotty Cameron Phantom X 5.5 

Ball: Srixon Z-Star Diamond

Shoes: G/FORE Gallivanter/Nike Air Zoom Victory Tour 3/Cuater The Ringer
(For off the course he goes for Nike Jordan 1 Low G shoes as well)