Ullman gets Open call, becomes first LIV Golf rules official to work a major

PORTRUSH, Northern Ireland – Brad Ullman, Vice President of Rules for LIV Golf, is making history at this week’s Open Championship as the first LIV Golf rules official invited to support a major.

Ullman will be part of the tournament’s Rules Committee after receiving an invite from the R&A to work the event at Royal Portrush.

“What a great acknowledgement for LIV Golf and our league to be recognized by the R&A to receive such an invitation,” Ullman said. “It means a great deal to me to be asked to represent LIV Golf on one of golf’s biggest world stages.”

David Benne, LIV Golf Senior Vice President of Competition Management, said: “We’re very happy that Brad will be at Royal Portrush in a working capacity. It’s a great honor for any rules official to be invited to work a major, and we’re fully supportive of the R&A’s decision to reach out to Brad.”

Ullman has worked as a rules official for more than 15 years and has worked as a referee for a number of USGA events, including the U.S. Women’s Open, the U.S. Senior Open and several U.S. Amateur championships. Prior to joining LIV Golf, he also worked a Presidents Cup and the International Golf Federation’s World Amateur Team Championships.

This week’s Open marks the first time he will work one of the men’s four majors.

“Personally, to be invited is very exciting,” said Ullman, who was the Executive Director of the West Virginia Golf Association prior to joining LIV Golf. “To be a part of the foundation of what is to come for our league, in partnership with one of golf’s governing bodies as a part of the rich history and traditions of our game, is something special.

“To represent LIV Golf as a referee at the oldest championship in the world and to work alongside referees from over 20 other professional golf organizations is indeed an honor.”