EDGA Referee Peter on the Level in supporting golfers with disability 

“Unfortunately, knowing The Rules doesn’t help the standard of my own golf, but it does allow me to help many others to enjoy and succeed in the game,” says Peter Fisher, EDGA Head Referee for Tournaments.

The proud Yorkshireman specialised in financial services in his former day job and moved to Portugal in 2004. Here, when not playing golf to a decent standard, he poured his energy into his refereeing of championships for the Portuguese Golf Federation, before later officiating at a number of DP World Tour professional tournaments and then EDGA events.

Peter has added further to his CV recently in attaining The R&A’s Level 4 Advanced Referee Qualification (the top plateau of The R&A’s four-tier Rules education programme), and today Peter leads a highly dedicated core team of EDGA referees which oversees many championships supporting golfers with a disability to reach their potential in competition.

“I felt proud to attain Level 4,” says Peter. “It gives me added confidence as a referee to know that I’ve put in all the hard work and reached a recognised standard. In my earlier career I knew too many people who held on to information and didn’t share with colleagues. Anything I have learned I want to give to our team so that we can all benefit, as I am continually learning from them in return. We have a wonderful group of referees at EDGA, each bringing their own skills and their golf and life experiences to the fore, and this makes us stronger as a group.”

EDGA (formally the European Disabled Golf Association) has a core mission to support G4D (golf for the disabled) in the process of creating awareness, boosting capacity in the industry to provide inclusive opportunities, and creating a player pathway for individuals with a disability to sample, participate and compete in golf.

This includes supporting The R&A, DP World Tour and others in the G4D space, including helping 50 national federations and a dozen PGAs in various ways, including running their own G4D tournaments. The not-for-profit body runs, badges or supports 130-plus international G4D tournaments per year.

Peter, who is a volunteer for EDGA (refereeing his first G4D event in 2012), explains that maintaining high standards is a must. To ensure this, EDGA is fortunate to have access to the experience of The R&A who, in partnership with the USGA, are makers and guardians of the Rules of Golf for all golfers around the world.

“The support from The Rules team at The R&A has been crucial for us. This close contact with The R&A keeps us on-point with all the latest thinking and expertise,” says Peter. “And because of our own experience amassed in G4D events, it is a two-way street, and we are delighted to share all that we are learning in G4D with the game’s leading organisations.”

The EDGA team has been building its knowledge in its support of players in G4D for more than two decades: assessing the players’ needs as competitors with a range of impairments that affect how they play the game – including the subtle and not so subtle challenges in what it means to be a golfer who is blind for example, or who plays from a seated position, or has a neurodiversity challenge. There are many examples. But the game doesn’t have to be adapted and such impairments don’t alter the competitive edge of these players or their desire to play on an equal playing field. However, their feedback can affect how the golf industry can improve its service to all players to make for a more inclusive sport.

Undoubtedly, Peter’s team plays a key part in this process. He was among those wholehearted in his support of EDGA as it worked with The R&A and USGA to make a significant change to the Rules of Golf in 2023 by including the then existing ‘Modifications for Players with Disabilities’ as a Rule in itself – Rule 25 – for all golfers to be aware of going forwards.

Jim Gough, Rules Manager at The R&A explains: “It is important that the Rules of Golf do not create barriers for anyone who wishes to play. In 2023, the addition of Rule 25, which means that the Modifications for Players with Disabilities are included within the Rules of Golf by default, rather than being something that a Committee has to ‘opt-in’ to, was an important step forward. Rule 25, just like all other Rules of Golf, is continually assessed to see if any changes or improvements are necessary.”

Jim explained that while most Rules can apply to all golfers, the Modifications attempt to restore a level playing field, only where necessary, for those who have an impairment which puts them at a significant disadvantage. For example, a visually impaired player being allowed to be lined up for a shot because their impairment prevents them from being able to do so themselves.

Peter Fisher adds: “Golf is an inclusive sport because it’s the same game for everyone, having a stationary ball which you can hit in your own way. That’s one of the reasons I got involved with EDGA. It’s a privilege to support players in the tournaments. We have met so many amazing individual players who express their strong character through playing golf. As referees, we want to help them get the most out of their experience; all we wish to do is guide and help them with the right rulings. If we’re ever seen as the ‘Rules police’ we’re not getting our jobs right.”

Just as every competitive golfer should aim to understand the Rules, Peter will also add that he and his team are never too old to learn: in Peter’s case this means the recent attainment of Level 4.

Jim Gough said: “Having achieved the Level 4 Qualification for EDGA, Peter will now be able to assess the work of other referees within EDGA who have the experience and potential to also achieve Level 4 status. The aim is to establish more individuals who are capable of working at a consistently high standard for all aspects of administering a championship.”

Peter joins Golf Ireland referee Ailbhe O’Brien and the PGA of GB&I’s Robert Moss, who both referee for EDGA, in reaching Level 4. EDGA-trained referees Charlie Bollans, Adrian Turner, and Alastair Scott, together with Netherlands Federation trained Marjon Thijssen, are all Level 3’s, and have received support to widen their knowledge as they support EDGA tournaments. This team will often work at an international event, where they enjoy the support of national referees, such as the experienced David Fernandes for example, who is a familiar face to many on the EDGA Tour Portugal Swing.

EDGA and England Golf Referee Alastair Scott said: “I was delighted for Peter, our EDGA Head Referee, on achieving Level 4, a significant recognition that reflects both his dedication and expertise. It’s also great recognition for EDGA‘s team of referees, showing the quality and standards within our group.

“Working with the players is about balancing respect for their individual needs whilst reinforcing that the game remains the same for all competitors.”

Golf Ireland and EDGA Referee Ailbhe O’Brien said: “It is truly an honour and privilege to referee at an EDGA tournament and to become part of the EDGA family. The sense of community and camaraderie is something I have not experienced at any other tournament. Competition is fierce out there and it is very rewarding knowing the players trust you to help them with the Rules when needed and also to help the players with anything else that arises out on the fairways.” 

Peter has recently been mentoring EDGA and PGA of GB&I Referee Adrian Turner, who said: “Since our original meeting back in 2023 Peter has always made time for us to have a chat about the application of a particular Rule or procedure, and I have drawn upon his knowledge and extensive experience several times. Attaining his Level 4 R&A certification is a suitable reward for his hard work and commitment.”

For Peter, in the sunshine of the Algarve, the magic of modern technology means he never misses watching a match featuring his beloved Sheffield United FC, a love affair of 69 years, while you’ll need plenty of time if you get into a conversation with him about locally grown red wine, knowledge that does mean Peter is also an expert in finding good out-of-the-way restaurants at the end of a tournament. 

Golf remains a central passion and Peter’s love of refereeing meant all that work of getting up early to set up courses, patiently reminding players of local rules, the long days ensuring every player gets around the course safely, fairly and in good humour, are all worth it. Very much so when supporting EDGA events. 

Peter adds: “I thank Tony Bennett (EDGA President) and EDGA for making me the Head Referee. Without the confidence shown by Tony I wouldn’t have got to this point so thanks for their faith in me. Of course, I’d also like to thank Jim Gough and all his team at The R&A for their continued excellent support.”

Fortunately in the last decade The R&A has produced myriad ways in which we can absorb the Rules of Golf, including the free R&A Rules of Golf App which is available in 28 languages. As well as the Rules of Golf it has learning videos, quizzes, and a search function to help you find what you are looking for.

There are only 25 Rules to learn and most are very much common sense around scoring, and they soon stick in your mind as you play. And we can all now follow Peter’s studious example and boost our own knowledge through The R&A Level 1 Rules Academy here. It’s free to sign-up to and people can start their Level 1 Rules education today. So whether you become a referee, or simply more confident on the golf course, your own game and that of your friends can enjoy lasting benefit for years to come. 

Contact EDGA