The Louisiana Golf Association is proud to spotlight David Sauls, an LGA member and newly certified USGA Rules of Golf Expert, who has already volunteered his time this season as a Rules Official at several LGA tournaments.
As David approached planning his retirement, he wanted an opportunity to contribute to the game. “I felt the best way to do that was to become an expert in the Rules, with a long-term aspiration to be an LGA referee and potentially serve on USGA committees. I knew gaining this knowledge would be a long process, and I wanted to see if I could still focus, dedicate myself to the study, and pass the rigorous Rules of Golf Exam,” he said.
When asked what advice he would give to other LGA members looking to obtain their own expert certification, David shared, “My first piece of advice is to download the USGA Rules of Golf App on your phone and be sure to enable the full Rules of Golf, which includes all clarifications and model local rules. The USGA Rules of Golf website (rules.usga.org/rules-home/) offers a wealth of free educational material at all levels, from short videos to the excellent 'Rules 101' course, which is a great place to start. For my part, I began with a USGA virtual Rules of Golf School in 2020 to gain access to their library of Rules videos and study guides.”
Golf has always held deep meaning in David’s life. “Golf is deeply meaningful to me. On April 19, 1997, I wrote down ten life goals related to golf, and I'm still working on them! At its core, golf has always been a fascinating pursuit that intertwines continuous learning—whether of the swing, course architecture, or history—with shared human experiences. It serves as a common thread through generations in my family, creating lasting memories and offering an instructional opportunity every time we play. Fundamentally, it's a chance to enjoy a challenging game, work toward a higher personal goal, and devote time and energy to something I truly love.”
Reflecting on his professional career, David shared, “As a civil engineer, I’m deeply honored to have contributed to the betterment of humankind. Whether you're turning on your gas stove, drinking clean water, or driving your car, a civil engineering design is the reason for that blessing. On a personal level, I'm grateful to have served as Chairman of the Board of GeoEngineers Inc. for 13 years. We were able to create a culture that fostered the growth of our staff to be their best selves, which in turn resulted in outstanding engineers and scientists—all while more than doubling the firm's revenue. I am most excited about spending more time with my family and the opportunity to be truly present without the constant demands of a professional career. I look forward to contributing my time and skills to organizations like the LGA and USGA.”
Of course, we couldn’t resist testing his Rules knowledge. When asked, “What is the maximum number of clubs you can have in your golf bag?” he replied, “Well having downloaded the USGA Rules of Golf app as I suggested, we will find that Rule 4.1B(1) tells us the limit is 14 clubs.”
When asked which golf club he would be, David said, “I would be a sand wedge, since it represents my two great loves: the beach and golf. We’re looking forward to living that out during a family Thanksgiving vacation week at Kiva Dunes in Fort Morgan, Alabama.”
As a member of The University Club in Baton Rouge, David knows a good golf challenge when he sees one. “Being a member at U Club is like saying you belong to a gym, and the name of that gym is Navy SEALS BUD/S because in both cases the only easy day was yesterday. Superintendent Landon Braud and his team do a fantastic job presenting the course for the LSU golf teams and members. We are blessed to have a great PGA team to run operations, and we always enjoy great food and drink after the round thanks to a creative food and beverage team. The most architecturally interesting hole for me is No. 12 with a narrow fairway, well positioned bunkering and arguably the most interesting green on the course. It is always a difficult but rewarding par 4.”
About the LGA
The Louisiana Golf Association (LGA) is a mission-driven organization dedicated to unifying the golf community across Louisiana. Since its inception in 1920, the LGA has expanded its scope to offer a variety of championships, including the Junior Amateur Championship and the Louisiana Junior Golf Tour. The LGA is committed to providing exceptional services in Championship Administration, USGA Handicap System oversight, and Rules of Golf authority, ensuring fair play and integrity throughout the state.
The LGA supports golfers of all levels through its Course Measuring and Rating services, comprehensive tournament management, and educational seminars on the Rules of Golf and Amateur Status. By partnering with entities like the Audubon Golf Trail and Gulf States PGA, the LGA fosters growth and inclusivity in the sport.
As the authoritative body for amateur golf in Louisiana, the LGA maintains the WHS Handicap Index, crucial for assessing individual performance, and continues to uphold the game’s traditions and values. For more information, visit LGA.org or contact us at 337-265-3938.
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Maili Bartz
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