In November 2001 I was honored to be invited to represent the Canadian Professional Golf Tour as a member of the Rules Committee for the 2001 World Cup held in Tokyo, Japan. On Day 1, from 100 yards away, I was 95% sure that I witnessed Tiger take an incorrect drop from a yellow water hazard (penalty area). That 5% doubt made me very nervous to do what I did instinctively next. Without hesitation, I yelled at him to stop before he played the ball which would have resulted in an additional penalty to the US team. Fortunately, my eyes did not deceive me, and as I resumed the ability to breathe again, I helped him correct his mistake without any additional penalty by dropping the ball in the correct relief area before playing. I believe he thought I was an Aussie as when the ruling was over he responded to me with a “Thanks mate!” before moving on.
This prestigiuos World event even though not my first experience with Tiger was the first match play event I had honour to referee and add to my resume. What you can't see in the picture was the nervous guy behind the dark glasses- an experience of lifetime being the walking referee with the members of this group ...... Tiger and Jim Furyk for the USA against Vijay Singh and Stuart Appleby representing the rest of the World.......... Tiger and Furyk 4 & 3.
I’ve had the great privilege to work with Randy Korn for more than 20 years when we host the PGA TOUR Canada each June. Randy has been my Advance Official in charge of setting up the golf course to PGA TOUR standards as we host our event. Randy is very detail-oriented and well organized as we prepare our course for tournament play. Randy has always maintained a calmness in a high-pressured environment. Randy’s greatest asset however, is who he is a as person, as he supports other officials, works with my staff in a friendly manner, and is well liked and respected by the Tour Players. Randy Korn’s leadership over the years during the Tour event has helped Uplands become a better golf club.
Uplands Golf Club Victoria, British Columbia
I have known Randy since the 2006 golf season, while I was playing on the Canadian Tour as a player. I also had the chance to work with Randy on three PGA TOUR Canada events in Québec as a tournament director. I can say with certainty, that through the years, I have seen a person who is passionate about what he is doing, being a rules official in big stage tournaments. I know for a fact that Randy wants the best for the players playing in the tournaments he works at. As a player, it's something you don't always see, and as a tournament director, I can also guarantee that if Randy is on board, your tournament will be world class.
PGA of Canada – Quebec Zone
© 2023. All rights reserved by Randy Korn