Two weeks ago, we introduced you to Rohit Modwel in our Senior Golf newsletter. But after learning more about his experience as a Golf Rules Official, we had to learn more.
In this exclusive interivew, Rohit shares what it takes to become a Rules Official, the most common golf rules mistakes golfers make, and a few exciting moments over the course of his career.
Q: How many years have you been involved as a Golf Rules Official, and what first inspired you to pursue this path?
My first experience officiating Open tournaments, including those on the Asian circuit, was between 1982 and 1995 in Kolkata. At the time, the Golf Captain at Royal Calcutta Golf Club (RCGC)—the oldest golf club outside the British Isles—recruited volunteers, including myself. We were trained by Indian Golf Union (IGU) officials for about a week. The most notable event I worked on then was the Indian Open, which alternated between RCGC and Delhi Golf Club (DGC).
After a long hiatus due to work and family priorities, I returned to officiating during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, coinciding with my retirement from working life in Delhi. DGC arranged a Level 1 Rules Qualification seminar for members, which I completed. By then, the IGU had streamlined its Rules Qualification process in partnership with The R&A, making it more structured for officials.
Q: What does it take to become a Level 2 Rule Official?
While the Rules of Golf are the same worldwide, they are administered by different governing bodies: The USGA for the U.S., its territories, and Mexico, and The R&A for the rest of the world in collaboration with affiliated golf organizations.
In 2022, the IGU announced its annual Level 2 Rules Seminar. Passing Level 1 was required, but this next step deepened our understanding and served as a gateway to tournament officiating. Some friends encouraged me to take it, and I saw it as a way to give back to the game I love.
After passing, I became active at the club and league tournament level, which included rewriting the Local Rules for both courses at DGC. In 2024, after officiating several State and National tournaments as part of IGU’s “Apprenticeship” program, I became an empaneled IGU Rules Official.
There are currently 53 empaneled officials in India, with 28 at Level 3 (TARS – Tournament Administration & Rules School) and the rest as Level 2 “A” officials. Only empaneled officials can officiate national-level tournaments.
Looking ahead, The R&A is introducing Level 3 TARS in India for the first time in April 2025, and I have already signed up. If I pass with an 80% score or higher, I will qualify to officiate at the international level.
Q: What’s one of the most unique or challenging rules situations you’ve had to handle?
There have been quite a few, but one that stands out happened at a Junior Feeder Tour event.
The situation: In stroke play, a player could not find his ball after his tee shot. His caddie, assuming the ball was lost, dropped another ball where he thought the original had been. The player hit this ball, and that’s when his opponent called me over.
The ruling:
- The caddie dropped the ball, which is not allowed—1 stroke penalty.
- The player hit a wrongly substituted ball from the wrong place, as a lost ball requires stroke-and-distance relief—2 strokes.
- However, since there was no intervening event between these two breaches (Rule 1.3c(4)), the total penalty remained only 2 strokes.
- The player was then required to return to the tee to hit his actual stroke-and-distance shot—making it his fifth stroke.
The young player was in tears walking past us afterward, which was tough to see. But rules are rules.
Q: What are the most common golf rule mistakes you see among amateur golfers?
The biggest golf rules mistake is not correctly identifying the nearest point of complete relief when taking a drop from a cart path. Many players assume relief means a better lie, rather than understanding the rules require the ball to be in a similar condition as where it originally lay.
Q: Has there been a recent rule change that you think has been especially beneficial or controversial?
Rule 11.1 (a & b) now allows the ball to be played as it lies, without penalty, if it accidentally hits a player or an outside agency. This change still confuses a lot of golfers, as many instinctively assume a penalty should apply.
Q: What advice do you have for golfers who want to better understand the rules of golf without feeling overwhelmed?
I know the Rules of Golf can be overwhelming, but I always tell players:
- Download The R&A Rules app—it’s free and easy to use.
- Start with the Definitions section—understanding key terms makes a huge difference.
- Read up on specific rules when they apply to your game—small steps can prevent unnecessary arguments and frustration on the course.
Q: Have you ever officiated a famous player or event? Any memorable stories?
I was playing in the Indian Open Pro-Am with a South African partner when he mentioned he had heard that Royal Calcutta Golf Club (RCGC) had a lot of snakes. I reassured him that while we occasionally saw some, there was nothing to worry about—especially for someone from South Africa!
A couple of holes later, as we walked down the fairway, a cobra slithered past us—about 25-30 feet away. Let’s just say my partner was not reassured. He had the heebie-jeebies for the next two holes!
Q: If you could change one rule in golf, what would it be?
I would modify Rule 18.3 (Provisional Ball). Currently, if a player finds their original golf ball and deems it unplayable, they cannot use their provisional ball. I believe allowing the player to keep the provisional ball in play in such situations would speed up the game.
Q: What do you enjoy most about being a Rules Official?
For me, being a Rules Official is about more than just enforcing the rules:
- It keeps my mind engaged and continuously learning.
- It allows me to meet players from different clubs and be part of the golf community.
- Most importantly, it has given me an unexpected level of respect on the course. When you can clearly explain a ruling in a way that a player understands the cause and effect of their actions, they walk away not just accepting the decision but learning from it.
Golf is a game of skill, integrity, and tradition. Being part of the effort to uphold those values is what keeps me coming back.
Bio – Rohit Modwel, Level 2 Golf Rules Official
With over 42 years of golfing experience, Rohit Modwel is a longtime member of Delhi Golf Club and Tollygunge Club.
A certified Level 2 Golf Rules Official with distinction from the R&A and Indian Golf Union, he regularly conducts Golf Rules Clinics and officiates at national and club-level events.
Beyond golf, Rohit also holds a First Class Management Post Graduate working for over 44 years with Industrial firms dealing in leading edge technologies, and is a qualified private pilot.
