Join Our Volunteer Team
The Carolinas Golf Association is largely a volunteer-based organization. Whether you have a lot of time to give or just a few hours, we'd love to have you involved in giving back to the game!
Ways to Volunteer
The success of our member programs and competitions depends on volunteers. The CGA annually conducts over 350 tournaments, championships, and qualifiers and we're continuously seeking willing and capable people to assist with Rules, Tournament Support, and Course Rating.
Rules Official
Apply your knowledge of the Rules of Golf on the course at CGA tournaments.
Tournament Volunteer
Support events as a Starter, Scorer, Pace of Play Monitor,and/or Spotter. On-site training provided.
Course Rating Volunteer
Help maintain/establish accurate Course Ratings® and Slope Ratings® for all CGA member clubs.
How to Become a CGA Rules Official
Rules Officials are essential to fair play at every CGA event. Here's how to get started and what to expect.
Training Pathways
Annual Training Day
The CGA hosts a one-day Rules Officials training day each February in conjunction with the CGA Annual Meeting. Topics include Starting, Scoring, Officiating, Rules of Golf, and Course Marking/Set-Up.
Free Introductory Rules Seminars
The CGA conducts numerous free 2-hour introductory Rules of Golf seminars throughout the Carolinas each spring.
USGA/PGA Rules School
The USGA/PGA of America annually offers 2-day and 4-day Rules of Golf Workshops, concluding with a 100-question exam. Note: the CGA does not require a score or attendance at a rules workshop; however for those who are serious about becoming an official, rules school is a must to attend at least once every four years.
Tournament Support Roles in Detail
Rules Official
Assist players around the course in applying the Rules of Golf. Most volunteer rules officials have attended a two-day or four-day USGA/PGA Rules Workshop. Interested officials may also assist the CGA with course marking and set-up.
Good knowledge of the Rules of Golf requiredStarter
Responsible for starting players at their assigned tee time. Ensures each player receives a scorecard, rules sheet, hole location sheet, and any special local rules. Answers last-minute rules questions before play begins.
Scorer
Receives and checks scorecards for accuracy. Assists the CGA official with posting scores and keeping cards in proper order for re-pairing and cut activities.
Pace of Play Monitor
Monitors the position of groups on the course relative to a set time and other groups in the field. Notifies a rules official if any group is out of position.
Spotter
Assists in areas with blind tee shots or where players have difficulty seeing the group ahead. One of the simplest ways to contribute as this role has a significant impact on pace of play.
Senior Rules Official Program
The CGA also conducts a Senior Rules Official Program that certifies officials to work non-CGA events such as high school, college, and professional tournaments. This advanced certification is ideal for experienced officials who want to expand their officiating opportunities beyond CGA events.
View Senior Rules Official Requirements →What the CGA Provides to Rules Officials
Incentive Pay
The CGA offers a reimbursement
program where officials who attend
USGA Rules School and work 10
tournament days in a calendar year are
eligibile for a $500 reimbursement.
Annual Apparel
Each year, officials receive a CGA golf shirt, CGA hat, and a special gift at the Rules training day.
Exclusive Merchandise
Officials may purchase additional CGA logo merchandise not available to the general public.
Lunch Provided
The CGA provides lunch on every day that you volunteer at a CGA event.
Please Note
- This is a volunteer-based program—there is no additional compensation beyond the incentive program described above.
- No special golf privileges are provided to volunteers.
- The CGA does not reimburse travel or education-related expenses (mileage, food, lodging, seminars, etc.).
- As a 501(c)(3) non-profit; under IRS rules you are allowed to deduct these expenses from your taxes.
Course Rating Volunteer
Course Rating volunteers are essential to the World Handicap System (WHS), helping maintain accurate Course Ratings and Slope Ratings for all CGA member facilities.
What You'll Do
Evaluate golf courses using World Handicap System standards.
Assist with electronic course measuring.
Help ensure all CGA member clubs have accurate ratings.