The instructors of the Tournament Administrators & Referee Seminar
The Tournament Administrators & Referee Seminar (TARS) successfully concluded at the Royal Selangor Golf Club (RSGC) recently. This Level 3 TARS, an integral part of The R&A’s four-tier qualification system, aimed at equipping participants with the essential skills and standards required to serve as tournament officials or referees.
The seminar focused on providing comprehensive instruction and practical insights into managing competitions, covering crucial aspects such as course setup, course marking, pace of play, and officiating. A highlight of TARS was the immersive role-playing session, allowing participants to enhance their skills by presenting rulings to members of the Rules team and receiving valuable feedback.
The Malaysian Golf Association’s (MGA) Deborah Wong, the Chairman of the Rules & Amateur Status Subcommittee, played a pivotal role in bringing this prestigious event to Malaysia. Wong and her team’s dedication ensured the seminar provided a platform for learning and professional development for all attendees.
Ms Wong expressed her gratitude, stating, “Hosting TARS in Malaysia has been an honour, offering our referees an opportunity to engage with international standards and experts. I’m deeply thankful for the collaborative efforts that made this possible.”
The presence of Mr. Roger Bathurst, the Rules Chairman of the R&A, added immense value to the seminar. Mr. Bathurst’s expertise enriched the content and emphasised the importance of ongoing education in golf rules and administration.
Mr. Roger Bathurst remarked, “The enthusiasm and commitment displayed at TARS Malaysia are inspiring. It reflects a promising future for golf in Asia.”
The seminar was attended by 62 qualified referees from Malaysia, China, Cambodia, Myanmar, Pakistan, Philippines, Singapore, Taiwan, and Vietnam. Each participant took this opportunity to advance to the next stage of their refereeing career, underscoring the seminar’s role in elevating the standards of golf refereeing in Asia. They took the opportunity to learn and benefit from the experiences of the instructors namely Mr. Jin Woo Kim, R&A assistant director, Rules (Asia-Pacific) Mr. Henry Arabelo – Asian Tour Referee, Mr. Eddy Putra, Asian Tour Referee and the knowledgable Deborah Wong.
MGA also reaffirmed its commitment to supporting golf development in Malaysia and the region, eagerly anticipating the opportunity to host similar enriching events in the future.
