If you are a golf addict like me, you will be watching the Ryder Cup this
weekend.
My friend and Watermark Golf Pro, Mark Wilson, will be the Chief Referee –
The Big Cheese –The Ultimate Decider – concerning the rules of the game
of golf. Mark, along with team captains, Paul Azinger and Nick Faldo, have
formed the “captain’s agreement,” a document that covers several
contingencies: the sealed envelopes with the lineups, the pace of play,
and local rules on the host course, among other things. Mark has
officiated at the Ryder Cup before, but not as Chief Referee.
The Ryder Cup is one of the golf world’s most prestigious tournaments.
It pits an European team and an United States team against each other.
Europe & The United States each put together their “dream team” to win
the Ryder Cup.
Europe won in 2006, the United States last won in 1999, so are anxious to
reclaim the Cup. “It elevates the game and makes each player more intense
because they are playing for the team, not themselves” says Chief Rules
Official Mark Wilson.
Mark Wilson, Chief PGA Rules Official Ryder Cup 2008
Mark has officiated at other major tournaments, such as
The Masters, The British Open, and other PGA Tournaments since 1990.
The Ryder Cup Tournament takes place at Valhalla Golf Club,
Louisville, Kentucky this weekend. Hurricane Ike has dumped a
storm on the Louisville area on Sunday and they are scrambling to
clear the course of debris before the first ball is teed up. Power was
still out in the area last nite as the Ryder Cup teams flew into the airport
to prepare for the big event. Let’s hope they have power restored in
time to put this event on the air. Opening ceremonies at at 4 pm
Thursday EST will be broadcast on the Golf Channel.
All of us here at Watermark Country Club in Grand Rapids Michigan
will be watching and keeping an eye out for our Pro, Mark Wilson,
to make a rules decision.
Grand Rapids Ada Real Estate Copyright 2008 All rights reserved
Mark Wilson photo courtesy of Watermark Country Club website