Meet your 2021 Rules of Golf Workshop Instructors!

USGA Instructors

Kathryn Belanger | Rob Doone | Kendall Dunovant | Bill McCarthy | Rob Ockenfuss | Francisco Rivera | Ben Schade | Kelsey Solan |
David Staebler | Jamie Wallace | Craig Winter

PGA Instructors

Ted Antonopoulos | Jesse Barge | Tom Carpus | Cary Collins | Robin Curtis | Jon Drago | Chip Essig | Brad Gregory | Bryan Jones | Jeff Kiddie | Dave McAtee | Alice Miller | Jim O'Mara | Dave Podas | David Price | Mike Raby | Larry Startzel | Chuck West | Mark Wilson

Kathryn joined the USGA six years ago. She started as a Rules of Golf Associate answering thousands of Rules inquiries each year. Currently, Kathryn works as the Assistant Director of Rules Education and Engagement where she oversees the USGA’s educational outreach. Prior to joining the USGA, Kathryn graduated from Loras College with a degree in sport management and business, in addition to being a three-year member of the Women’s Golf team. This is Kathryn’s fourth season teaching PGA/USGA Rules of Golf Workshops. 

Rob joined the USGA Championships department in May 2016 and is currently the Assistant Director of the U.S. Amateur Four-Ball and U.S. Mid-Amateur Championships. In his role he oversees the planning and execution of both championships while also serving in a Rules capacity at other USGA Championships throughout the year. Prior to the joining the USGA, he served as the Director of Rules and Competitions for the American Junior Golf Association. Rob graduated from the University of Notre Dame in 2009 and has coordinated PGA/USGA Rules of Golf Workshops in the past, but this will be his first year as an instructor.

Kendall joined the USGA Rules department in September of 2019 as the Coordinator, Rules of Golf and Amateur Status. She is primarily responsible for responding to Rules of Golf inquiries. Kendall graduated with a degree in History and Environmental Studies from Whitman College in 2018, where she was a four-year member of the Women’s Golf team. Kendall’s favorite Rule at the moment is Rule 11 - she feels that she learns more about each time she answers someone’s question!

Bill serves as the Championship Director for the U.S. Mid-Amateur and U.S. Amateur Four-Ball Championships and served as the Championship Director for the U.S. Amateur Public Links Championship from 2004 through the championship’s retirement in 2014. Bill joined the USGA staff in 1996 as the Director of Regional Affairs for the Ohio Valley Region. He also serves in a Rules and operations capacity at the U.S. Open and as staff in charge of the stroke play co-host course for the U.S. Amateur Championship. Bill also serves on the USGA Future Amateur Sites Committee for which he travels the country to evaluate potential host sites for USGA Championships. In his 25 years as a member of the USGA staff, Bill has worked over 100 USGA Championships. He has been an instructor at PGA/USGA Rules of Golf Workshops since 2012 and is the USGA lead instructor at the biennial PGA/USGA Officiating and Tournament Administration Workshop.

Rob joined the USGA in 2011 and currently serves as Senior Manager, Rules of Golf & Amateur Status. In this role, he oversees execution of all Amateur Status operational functions, assists as a staff liaison to the USGA Amateur Status Committee and plays an integral role in the interpretation and application of the Rules of Golf, including as on-site Rules staff at USGA Championships. Rob has been a speaker or coordinator at PGA/USGA Rules of Golf Workshops since 2012.

Francisco joined the USGA Rules team in April 2019 is currently the Assistant Director of Rules Operations. In his role, he manages the Rules department’s Spanish digital presence and education while also serving in a Rules capacity at USGA and other International Championships. Prior to joining the USGA, he worked for the Puerto Rico Golf Association as their Director of Rules and Competitions and was also a Consulting Member of the USGA’s Rules of Golf Committee for two years. Francisco has served multiple times in the Rules Committee at the U.S. Open Championship, the Masters Tournament, the Youth Olympic Games, the Latin America Amateur Championship, and the World Amateur Team Championships. He received his two undergraduate degrees from the University of Puerto Rico and an M.B.A. from the University of Sacred Heart of Puerto Rico.

Ben joined the USGA in March of 2016. He currently serves as the Assistant Director of the Rules of Golf and Amateur Status where his focus is on supporting the USGA’s role in governance. Ben has been a PGA Professional for 9 years and was the First Assistant Professional at Montclair Golf Club prior to joining the USGA. He also currently sits on the New Jersey PGA Junior Golf Committee. This is Ben’s third season teaching a PGA/USGA Rules of Golf Workshop.

Kelsey joined the USGA in August 2016 as a Rules of Golf Associate. She currently serves as the Assistant Manager of Digital Rules Education, Content and Technology, where she assists with digital and social engagement on the Rules. Prior to joining the USGA, Kelsey graduated from James Madison University with a degree in integrated science and technology, in addition to being a four-year letter winner on the Women’s Golf team.

David joined the USGA staff in 2007. He is the primary author of the PGA/USGA Rules of Golf workshop presentations. He has officiated at all 14 USGA Championships, as well as the Walker Cup match and the PGA Championship. David has been volunteering for the Golf Association of Philadelphia, now GAP for over 30 years. He has played in 3 USGA Championships and has been teaching PGA/USGA Rules of Golf Workshops since 2008.

Jamie joined the USGA Rules team in March 2015 and is currently Senior Manager of Digital Rules Education, Content and Technology. In his role, he oversees the Rules department’s digital presence and education tools while also serving in a Rules capacity at USGA Championships. Prior to joining the USGA, he worked for an online tutoring and education company based in New York City. Jamie graduated from Dartmouth College in 2008 and was a four-year member and captain of the Men’s Golf team.

Craig was hired by the USGA in May 2013. He currently serves as the Senior Director of Rules of Golf and Amateur Status. He sits on both the USGA and Joint Committees for the Rules of Golf and Rules of Amateur Status. Prior to joining the USGA, Craig served the Oregon Golf Association as the Director of Rules Education and the Director of Oregon Junior Golf.

Ted is in his fifth year as a member of the PGA of America Rules Committee. He also serves as a member of the USGA Senior Amateur Championship Committee and the NCAA Championship Committee. In addition to his position as Head Golf Professional at Mayacama Golf Club, Ted is an active Rules Official, working an average of 12 to 15 events per year including several USGA Championships, NCAA Conference, Regional and National Championships, AJGA events, Northern California Golf Association Championships, and numerous National Championships conducted by the PGA of America. As a member of the PGA Rules Committee, Ted has coordinated several PGA/USGA Rules of Golf Workshops. This will be his first season as an instructor.

Jesse is a PGA Life Member Retired.  He has been a member of the PGA of America Rules of Golf Committee since 1997. Jesse was a referee at 18 PGA Championships, 2 Ryder Cups, 2 PGA Senior Championships, 2 KPMG Women’s PGA Championships, 2 Masters Tournaments and 2 NCAA Championships. Jesse has been an instructor at 15 PGA/USGA Rules of Golf Workshops.

Tom has been on the PGA of America Rules Committee 1995 to present and is presently Chairman of the Committee 2017-2018. He has worked PGA Championships, 9 Masters, 3 Players Championships. He currently is working full time for the PGA Tour Champions as a Tour Official. Tom has taught 31 PGA/USGA Rules of Golf Workshops.

Cary is the PGA Teaching Professional at The Club at Comanche Trace in Kerrville, Texas. Prior to living in Kerrville, Cary was the Director of Golf or Head Professional at clubs in Nashville, San Antonio, Little Rock and Dallas. He was appointed to the PGA Rules Committee in 2002 and has officiated in 13 Major Championships including 9 PGA Championships, two Senior PGA Championships and the 2009 and 2016 Masters. Along with officiating two Junior Ryder Cups, he has also officiated at the BMW Championship (European Tour) and the Players Championship (PGA Tour). He has also been an official for over 20 other championships conducted by the PGA of America. Cary has taught 8 PGA/USGA Rules of Golf Workshops since 2008.

Robin is a PGA Assistant Golf Professional. This is her 3^rd year as a PGA of America Rules Committee Member. Robin has worked for the PGA of America as a Rules Official for the PGA Winter Championships and PGA Tournament series for the last 16 sessions. She has attended more than 15 PGA/USGA Rules of Golf workshops. This is Robin’s first season as an instructor for the PGA/USGA Rules of Golf Workshops.

Jon has been a PGA member since 1996 and a Master Professional since 2002. He worked at PGA of America Headquarters managing the operations of the Senior PGA Championship and the PGA Grand Slam of Golf from 1997 through 2003 and has been the Tournament Director for the AT&T Byron Nelson in Dallas since 2004. Jon has served on the PGA of America Rules Committee since 2003. He has officiated at experience the PGA Championship, the Senior PGA Championship, PGA member events, the PGA Cup Matches, the Masters, Ryder Cup, and the Olympic Men’s golf competition. John has coordinated 4 PGA/USGA Rules of Golf Workshops, this is his first year as an instructor.

Chip is the Director of Golf at Hickory Stick Golf Club in Indianapolis, Indiana. He has served on the PGA of America's National Rules Committee since 1998. Events he has officiated include the PGA Championship, the Ryder Cup, the Masters, and the European Tour's BMW Championship.  Chip was selected the 2011 National Golf Professional of the Year and elected into the PGA of America Hall of Fame in 2013. He has been an instructor at the PGA/USGA Rules of Golf Workshops since 2012.

Brad is the Director of Rules for the NCAA Division I Men’s Golf Championship. He was appointed the PGA Rules Committee in 1998. He served as Vice Chair 2005-2010 and Co-Chair 2011-2014.  Brad has served as a Rule Official at over 150 National and International Championships, including 30 Majors, six Ryder Cups and two Solheim Cups. Two-time winner of the Southwest Section PGA’s Horton Smith award for work in member education. He has been inducted into the Iowa Golf Hall of Fame. Brad has taught 31 PGA/USGA Rules of Golf Workshops since 2000.

Bryan is the Head Golf Professional at the Black Oak Golf Club in Long Valley, NJ. He is a past president of the New Jersey PGA Section and was the NJPGA Teacher of the Year (2000), Horton Smith Award winner (2010 & 2015) and Golf Professional of the Year (2012).  Bryan was awarded the PGA National Horton Smith award in 2016. He has been a member of the PGA of America’s Rules Committee since 1996 and is currently its Senior Vice Chairman.  He has officiated 13 PGA Championships, 3 Ryder Cups, 8 Masters, 3 British Opens, 3 KPMG/PGA Women’s Championships, 3 Senior PGA Championships, PGA Grand Slam of Golf, 2 PGA Cups, PGA Junior Ryder Cup, US Women’s Open, Senior Open, Junior Amateur, Senior Amateur, BMW European Tour Championship and over 250 PGA of America club professional events. Bryan has taught 25 PGA/USGA Rules of Golf Workshops since 1998.

Jeff has been a member of the PGA of America Rules Committee for 5 Years. He has worked the 2016 & 2017 PGA Championships and the 2018 KPMG Women’s PGA Championship. Jeff has coordinated 4 PGA/USGA Rules of Golf Workshops and this is his first year as an instructor.

Dave is the Head Professional at Helfrich Hills Golf Course. He is a member of the PGA of America National Rules Committee. Dave has worked many events including PGA Championship, masters, Player Championship, Ryder Cup, and the 2016 Olympics. He has been an instructor at the PGA/USGA Rules of Golf Workshops since 2011.

Alice worked as an LPGA Tour Rules Official after her playing career. She is currently serving on the PGA of America Rules Committee and the Philadelphia Section Rules Committee. Alice has officiated at KPMG PGA Women’s Championship, PGA Assistant Professionals National Championship, LPGA T&CP National Championship, NCAA Division I National Championship, in addition to local and regional events. This is her first year as an instructor for the PGA/USGA Rules of Golf Workshops.

Jim joined PGA of America Rules Committee in 1990. He has officiated numerous PGA Championships, Masters Tournaments, Ryder Cups, USGA National Championships. Jim has taught over 30 PGA/USGA Rules of Golf Workshops since 1996.

Dave is the Director of Golf for the Bel Air Country Club. He has been on the PGA of America Rules Committee for 5 years and the Southern California PGA Rules Committee for 6 years.  David has officiated at the PGA Championship, the PGA Senior Championship, the Masters, Junior Ryder Cup as well as the USGA Amateur Championship and many PGA of America events.

David is the Head Golf Professional at Bent Tree Country Club. He has been on the PGA of America Rules of Golf Committee since 1987, Co-Chairman 2009-2010 and Chairman 2011-2012.  He was a member of USGA Rules of Golf Committee 2012-2015 and has worked as a Referee at 28 PGA Championships, 9 Ryder Cups, 17 Masters, 7 USGA Major Championships, and 5 British Opens. He has coordinated or taught more than 30 PGA/USGA Rules of Golf Workshops.

Mike is a PGA Master Professional with 22 years as a PGA member. He has officiated at over 40 professional tournaments including the last 3 PGA Championships and the 2018 European Tour PGA BMW Championship. Mike is the Director of Golf for the 6 golf courses operated by East Baton Rouge Recreation in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. He has been an instructor at the PGA/USGA Rules of Golf Workshops since 2015.

Larry has been a member of PGA of America Rules of Golf Committee since 1981. He is a Past Chairman of the PGA Rules Committee and he has worked all four Major Championships. Larry has been a speaker at over 75 PGA/USGA Rules of Golf Workshops since 1984.

Chuck was elected to membership of the PGA Rules Committee in January 1997. He also serves on the NCAA Men’s Championship Committee and the Pac 12 Conference Men's Committee.  Chuck has officiated at The Masters, multiple PGA Championships and countless PGA of America events. Chuck has coordinated 2 PGA/USGA Rules of Golf Workshops.

Mark is in his sixth year as the Player Development Director in the PGA Golf Management Program at Ferris State University in Big Rapids, MI. Prior to this he served 31 years as the Head Golf Professional at Watermark Country Club in Grand Rapids, MI. He has served as a Referee at 28 PGA Championships and was Chief Referee for the 2008 and 2016 Ryder Cup. He has also officiated at 20 Masters Tournaments, 7 Open Championships, 5 U.S. Opens and 9 Ryder Cups.  The PGA of America honored Mark in 2008 as the recipient of the National Horton Smith Award for contributions to the PGA Education Program. In 2007 he was elected to the Michigan Golf Hall of Fame, in 2008 the Grand Rapids, MI Sports Hall of Fame, and in 2011 became one of twelve original inductees to the Michigan PGA Hall of Fame. Mark has taught 46 PGA/USGA Rules of Golf Workshops since 1994.