Mallett Becomes First Female DP World Tour Solheim Referee
By Staff Writer
1 min read
Elizabeth Mallett, a former Ladies European Tour professional turned rules official, became the first female referee to represent the DP World Tour at a Solheim Cup this year.
How did Mallett get to the Solheim Cup?
Mallett, 32 and based in Birmingham, England, played for England as an amateur from ages 10 to 21, winning back-to-back English Girls' titles in 2009 and 2010 and the individual title at the 2012 European Girls' Championship. She played college golf at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where she became an All-American, before turning professional and earning her LET card through Q-school.
Her best finish on the LET was 78th, and after several missed cuts she left the tour to join the DP World Tour as a tournament office manager and recorder. She went on to earn R&A Level 4 qualified referee status, a process she credits with drawing on her own playing background.
Mallett is now among a small number of women working as elite-level rules officials in professional golf.
"It was incredible to be a part of the officials," Mallett said of officiating at the Solheim Cup. She continues to work as a DP World Tour tournament official and referee.
Frequently asked questions
Who is Elizabeth Mallett?
She's a former LET professional from Birmingham, England, who is now an R&A Level 4 qualified referee on the DP World Tour.
What milestone did she reach at the Solheim Cup?
She became the first female referee to represent the DP World Tour at a Solheim Cup.
Did Mallett play professionally before becoming a referee?
Yes, she held an LET card and her best career finish was 78th before she moved into tournament officiating.
- Elizabeth Mallett
- Solheim Cup
- DP World Tour
- golf referees
- women in golf
- R&A
