For rules official Ware, the work is never done

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Levy/PGA TOUR

PGA TOUR rules official Robby Ware is responsible for selecting pin positions for THE PLAYERS.

PONTE VEDRA BEACH, Fla. -- Long before the players get to the first tee at THE PLAYERS Stadium Course at TPC Sawgrass, Robby Ware is completing a round of his own.

But Ware only carries a putter with him. Ware, who is in his 10th year as a PGA TOUR rules official, is responsible for the course setup for THE PLAYERS Championship.

"This is a very great course," Ware said. "It's fair but very challenging. It is one of the most exciting finishes. A player can put up a good score, but it's also very easy to play your way out of the running."

Ware's work begins early in the week. During the early rounds, Ware will go out and identify four or five possible pin placements. There are a lot of elements that figure into these decisions, and Ware is on top of all of them.

After the determinations are made, a book is created which illustrates the possible placements as well as distances to the hole from different landmarks. The book is then given to the players as an easy tool for tournament play.

During practice rounds, though, the pin is placed near the center of the green. This is done to protect the areas where the pin might be placed.

The final preparations for tournament play begin on Wednesday. Ware and the other rules officials head to the first hole. Work begins on the tee where the boxes are put into place. These will change during each day of the tournament.

"We change this placement every day to give a little variety to the players," Ware said. "We try not to have the players hit the same shot or even use the same club. We want to be fair, of course, but we definitely want to test them."

Once the tees are set, Ware moves down to the green and that's where the putter is put into use. First, Ware checks to see if the current placement is in the right spot. Then, Ware starts to plan the next day's placement.

There is a method to his madness.

"We are definitely out to challenge the players," Ware said. "We look at where the bunkers are, how the green is looking, possible water hazards and many other variables."

If there are issues with the green, Ware will call for reinforcements to make repairs as necessary. Ware will look at all of the hazards to make sure that they haven't been damaged and are in top shape.

"The groundskeepers do a great job out here," Ware said. "We make sure that the players get the best possible course for their rounds."

The groundskeepers are out each day to mow the greens as well as put the hole into the green. They also need to plug the previous day's hole and ensure that the plug does not interfere with the players during the later rounds.

Then you will see Ware on the green with the putter. He will take a few putts from different parts of the green to see how the green is playing. Ware works very hard at seeing the different shots that the field might have to make.

"We want to put as many of the different features of the course into play as possible," Ware said. "We want the players to take different shots each day and test their game. But, it's always going to be fair."

Once the next day's pin placement is set for a hole for the next day, Ware makes a spot on the green. This is done so the caddies can have an idea where the hole will play for the next round. The caddies will then review the locations so they can plan ahead for the next round. At the start of each round, a pin placement sheet is provided to the players to assist in their day's play.

Ware is used to the criticism that he may receive concerning his course setup. And he takes it in stride.

"In my job, half of the people will like what I've done and the other half doesn't like it a bit," Ware said. "As long as I give them a course that's fair, then I've done my job. This course will definitely test the skills of the field."

For Ware, his work is far from over. Once the course is set, he takes on the role of rules official and monitors the action from his designated area on the course. He oversees the flow of the players and makes rulings on the course, if needed.

Whoever is holding the championship trophy on Sunday, may want to send a thank you note to Ware and the rest of the Rules Committee.