Asian Tour Operations Chief will be ruling at Augusta

By David Parkin, Director of Operations for the Asian Tour

Like all the Majors and World Golf Championship events, it is important for the Asian Tour to be involved in an official capacity because it's part and parcel of the world of golf. For Asia, being the stature that it is now, it is important to be a part of the golfing family.

Whenever the opportunity arises for us to send officials to major events, you can learn so much on how the other tournaments are run and managed by the organisers. The size of these tournaments, you can only gain great experiences which will be beneficial. It's certainly important to be here and meeting all the people whom we work with.

Fred Ridley has taken over the mantle from Will Nicolson as the Chairman of Competition and Rules Committee recently and he is carrying on the fine traditions of Augusta National.

We had a referee's meeting this morning and Fred was fantastic. We went through everything that we needed to find out about this week. It has been good so far. All the international Tours are represented at The Masters and I believe that all the main golf associations are also here this week. There are approximately 60 rules officials here this week.

Most officials will be allocated a hole a day to look after There are more referees on the busier holes especially the 10th, 13th, 15th and 18th. This week, I'll be acting as a timing rover where I'll be one of the guys who will be coming inside the ropes and timing players.

While we are timing matches, we'll also handle any rules when it arises but if players get out of position, then I will be timing them, basically being the big nasty boy coming inside the ropes and getting them to move along. It's a good thing that I know most of the players now.

Last year, I was assigned to hole three, 14, 10 and five over the four rounds. You just look after that particular hole with the marshals which are the same guys who have been around the Masters for a long time.

On a personal note, the Masters is certainly one of the highlights of my career. Working at any Major championship is special but working at the Masters, I’m very honoured to be a part of this prestigious tournament.

I've watched the Masters for over 30 years, following the Asian Tour players in recent years and to receive an invitation to act as a rules official is unbelievable.

This is a very special place. It's very different from the other Majors as the Masters is held at Augusta National every year. That's unique in its own way.

April 4, 2007

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