Chief Referee, PGA TOUR Pathways

PGA Tour•Ponte Vedra Beach, FL

3d•Onsite

About The Position

The Best Players Need the Best People. This position plays a critical leadership role in overseeing the administration of tournaments across PGA TOUR Pathways. This position ensures the integrity of the game by upholding and interpreting the Rules of Golf and PGA TOUR Tournament Regulations, managing on-site tournament operations, and leading competition staff. This position serves as the primary liaison between PGA TOUR Pathways, host organizations, players, and other stakeholders, while driving innovation and governance initiatives that shape the future of professional golf. When most people think of the PGA TOUR, they envision famous golfers, exciting tournaments, and the TOUR’s generous support of more than 3,000 charities. We are all of these things, but there’s much more to the PGA TOUR than meets the eye. Behind the TOUR’s international reputation for sports excellence and philanthropic leadership is a dedicated team of business, sports management and entertainment professionals working together to support our players and advance our mission. Headquartered in Ponte Vedra Beach, Fla., we’re a dynamic group of individuals with diverse talents who share a deep respect for the sport of golf and the positive impact it has in communities across the United States and internationally. If your goals include being part of an exciting team that emphasizes professional development and the personal satisfaction of contributing to important causes, we encourage you to explore the many advantages and benefits of a career with the TOUR.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Business, Sports Management, Marketing, or related field
10+ years of professional experience in golf competition administration.
Proven track record in golf course preparation for competition, including course marking, agronomy coordination, and spectator logistics.
Experience managing large-scale tournaments, including televised events and multi-day championships.
Demonstrated ability to handle inclement weather suspensions, course evacuations, and crisis management.
Extensive knowledge of the Rules of Golf, with a minimum score of 92 on the USGA/PGA/R&A Rules Exam.
Familiarity with PGA TOUR Tournament Regulations, Player Handbook, and governance policies.
Proficiency in MS Office Suite (Outlook, Teams, Word, Excel) and tournament management software (e.g., BlueGolf).
Ability to safely operate utility vehicles such as golf carts, utility carts, and shuttle carts.
Strong leadership capabilities with experience managing multi-tiered teams.
Exceptional verbal and written communication skills for interaction with players, sponsors, host organizations, and media.
Strong conflict resolution and decision-making skills under pressure.
Available for on-call rotation outside of the production schedule and understand that flexibility in shift work might be required, including weekends, holidays, evenings, and nights.
Strong interest in golf is required.

Responsibilities

Serve as the primary on-site representative for the Competitions Department at PGA TOUR Pathways events, ensuring compliance with Rules of Golf and PGA TOUR policies.
Act as Chief Referee or Rules Committee member at weekly championships for assigned Pathways events.
Make on-course decisions regarding Rules of Golf, pace of play, and disciplinary actions.
Oversee golf course setup, including tee and hole placements, course marking, agronomy coordination, and spectator viewing areas.
Administer weather suspensions and evacuations to ensure safety for players, caddies, and spectators.
Lead and manage Tournament Referee Staff and Tournament Management Staff, including scheduling, training, budget management, cost containment, internal communications and performance evaluation.
Lead the Tournament Administration Management Staff across the PGA TOUR Pathways.
Play an active role in PGA TOUR Pathways governance, including policy development and annual review of Tournament Regulations.
Represent PGA TOUR Pathways at Player Advisory Council meetings, mandatory Player and Caddie meetings, and industry conferences (e.g., IAGA, USGA/PGA Rules Workshops).
Represent PGA TOUR Pathways at tournaments on other Tours under the PGA TOUR governance, along with championships conducted by other organizations.
Manage Golf Equipment Testing programs and pilot new competition initiatives.
Manage PGA TOUR Q-School presented by Korn Ferry and PGA TOUR Americas Q-School (planning, budgeting, site selection, and execution).
Coordinate Open Qualifying events and Yardage Book program across Pathways tours.
Ensure all competition documents, communications, and operational plans meet PGA TOUR standards.
Play an active role in Host Site Review and Selection Process on PGA TOUR Pathways.
Lead Video Review Center initiatives on PGA TOUR Pathways.
Complete post-tournament reports detailing course conditions, operations, and recommendations for improvement.
Stay current with emerging golf technologies, tournament operations tools, and best practices in officiating and competition management.
Special projects as assigned.