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Since arriving in the Dominican Republic in 2011, Andrea Attus has held a privileged position in the world of golf on this Caribbean island. Hailing from San Remo, Italy, Attus found his home away from home in Puerto Plata, where he embarked on a remarkable career as a golf professional and certified referee.
Currently, Andrea Attus oversees the Dye Fore golf course at Casa de Campo, one of the country’s most prestigious golf destinations. But his contribution extends beyond managing this course; he is one of only three certified referees in the entire Dominican Republic, an achievement that reflects his dedication and profound knowledge of the sport.
His referee certification comes from the USGA (United States Golf Association) and The R&A, organizations that establish and enforce golf rules worldwide. In a country with only three certified referees, the importance of his role in the Rules Committee of the Dominican Golf Federation (FEDOGOLF in spanigh) is undeniable.
The path to becoming a certified referee was not easy for Attus. It requires rigorous coursework and passing a demanding exam, but his passion for the game and desire to ensure its integrity drove him to overcome these challenges.
Andrea’s journey in golf began relatively late, at the age of 32, while residing in Puerto Plata. His initial involvement as the president of a golf club and event organizer sparked his interest in the sport, eventually leading him to study golf course operations.
His move to La Romana in 2022 marked a new chapter in his career, where he continued his work in the golf world. But it was his voluntary referee participation in a championship at Casa de Campo in 2019 that brought him even closer to the heart of the sport and led him to delve deeper into the rules of the game.
The motivation behind his dedication to understanding golf rules was personal. After falling victim to cheating in a game with a friend, he realized the importance of knowing the rules to protect the integrity of the game. This experience drove him to study and eventually become a certified referee.
Attus acknowledges that many players, including professionals, are unaware of golf rules, which can lead to unfair situations or conflicts during tournaments. That’s why he and other referees play a crucial role in resolving doubts and impartially applying the rules.
He understands that among the most common mistakes he has observed in amateur championships held in the country are those related to ball search, a situation in which players usually exceed the allowed time.
Support from Casa de Campo has been fundamental in his learning and certification journey. From his first involvement in 2019 to the present, the golf community at Casa de Campo has supported his growth and development as an expert referee.
In fact, having one of the three only golf referees within Casa de Campo’s staff gives them the advantage of arbitrating internal community championships, as well as third parties who use the resort’s golf courses to hold their tournaments, even outside the country. In January 2024, he stood out in the Latin America Amateur Championship in Panama as a representative of the Dominican Republic, consolidating his reputation as a world-class referee.
With changes in golf rules, Attus faces the task of recertifying at the expert level in 2024, a challenge he approaches with determination and dedication.
Andrea Attus’s story is a testament to perseverance, passion, and commitment to the game of golf and the integrity of its rules. In a sport where ethics and fair play are fundamental, his presence as a certified referee is invaluable for the future of golf in the Dominican Republic and beyond.