End of the Golf Season
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — Following the conclusion of the PGA Tour FedEx Cup playoffs in August, the Fall Series events finished just before Thanksgiving. December typically sees professional golf dominated by exhibition events.
Ken Tackett’s Journey
As snow covers his home state, Ken Tackett, a native of Kanawha County, continues his work in his 12th season as a PGA Tour rules official. Between events in Naples and Jupiter, Tackett shared insights on his life on Tour during an appearance on Sunday’s Citynet Statewide Sportsline.
Life on the Road
Describing himself as a “road warrior,” Tackett remarked, “Everyone asks, ‘Where do you live?’ I say, ‘Well, Marriott or Hilton, if you can believe that.’” He expressed a deep affection for Charleston and Kanawha Valley, emphasizing their family ties to Morgantown and West Virginia.
Officiating Events
Recently, Tackett officiated the Grant Thornton Invitational, a team tournament with PGA and LPGA professionals. He noted that while these offseason events may pose less pressure, they still result in competitive moments, especially as players vie for victory towards the end.
Upcoming Events and Travel
On Monday, Tackett prepared to travel for the Optum Golf Channel Games, featuring Rory McIlroy and Scottie Scheffler on December 17. He looks forward to a break before the 2026 tour season commences in mid-January, which includes six events in Hawaii, California, and Arizona.
Balancing Playability and Challenge
In his role as an on-course official, Tackett experiences both calm and chaotic days, requiring him to establish good rapport with golfers for effective communication. He participates actively in course setup, striving to balance difficulty with playability during tournaments.
Getting Back to the Game
When his schedule allows, Tackett enjoys playing in the Kanawha Valley, often joining friends and fellow golfers for a round. He values these personal games amidst his busy professional life.
