🌿 Molly Gourlay — The Referee
Calm Authority • Master of the Rules • One of Britain’s Foremost Championship Officials
Introduction
Long after her championships were won, long after her international matches and architectural work, Molly Gourlay OBE became one of Britain’s most respected golf referees — a quiet but powerful figure whose rulings shaped the way women’s golf was played for decades.
Refereeing is often overlooked in sporting history, but for Molly it was a natural extension of everything she was:
disciplined, composed, fair, deeply knowledgeable, and utterly committed to the integrity of golf.
This page honours that legacy.
A Natural Rules Expert
Even during her playing career, Molly was known for her meticulous understanding of the Rules of Golf.
Surrey’s historical record describes her priorities clearly:
“Knowing the Rules of Golf and the etiquette of the game were high on her list of priorities.”
She believed rules were not obstacles, but the foundation of fairness — the shared code that protected both the game and the golfer.
Her depth of knowledge made her the person players quietly turned to long before she was formally officiating.
Calm, Fair, Unshakeable
Molly’s refereeing style became legendary for three qualities:
1. Calm Under Pressure
Whether during county finals, national championships, or international matches, Molly’s demeanour never changed.
She listened carefully, assessed quietly, and delivered rulings with grace and clarity.
2. Absolute Fairness
She showed no favouritism, no bias, and no hesitation.
Her wartime leadership — as a Lieutenant Colonel, ATS, and driver to Montgomery — taught her how to remain composed during moments of conflict.
3. Deep Integrity
Her signature advice to players, still remembered by Surrey seniors today, captures her philosophy:
“If in doubt, play the ball as it lies.”
A National-Level Official
After WWII, women’s golf needed strong organisers and officials to rebuild national championships. Molly stepped forward.
She officiated at:
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County championships across Surrey
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The English Ladies’ Amateur Championship
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LGU events and national finals
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International matches
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Elite amateur events where rulings were decisive
When a situation was complicated, when a match was tight, when emotions ran high — people asked for “Miss Gourlay.”
And players accepted her rulings without argument.
Not because she was intimidating.
But because she was trusted.
Referee During Her National Leadership Era
Molly’s refereeing career strengthened alongside her administrative influence:
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President of the LGU
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Chairman of the LGU
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Chairman of ELGA
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President of Surrey (17 years)
These positions gave her a deep understanding of policy, governance, discipline, and sporting spirit.
Her refereeing reinforced her belief that leading the game meant protecting its fairness on and off the course.
Mentor to Young Players
Surrey juniors remember Molly not only as an official, but as a teacher.
To nervous young players she offered:
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reassurance
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short, clear explanations
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quiet words of encouragement
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reminders of etiquette and respect
She expected high standards, but always supported those learning the game.
Her blend of firmness and kindness shaped Surrey’s culture of respect — a culture that remains today.
Why Molly’s Refereeing Matters
Because women’s golf has long undervalued the roles undertaken by women off the course — officiating, administering, guiding, and interpreting the rules.
Molly was a pioneer here, just as she was in:
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championship play
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international representation
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leadership
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course architecture
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wartime service
Her refereeing career shows the full breadth of what women contributed to golf, far beyond scorecards.
Legacy
Molly’s influence as a referee is visible today in:
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the calm authority of Surrey’s senior officials
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the etiquette standards passed down through county squads
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the trust senior players place in rules knowledge
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the continuing respect for the spirit of the game
Her name, her presence, and her philosophy survive not just in trophies —
but in every well-given ruling, every moment of fairness, every act of integrity on the course.
Conclusion
Molly Gourlay was not just a great golfer or a great leader —
she was a guardian of the game.
Her refereeing career stands as one of the most important examples of women shaping golf quietly, powerfully, and with extraordinary dignity.