She once battled her way through the LET as a professional, but it was off the course where Elizabeth Mallett truly made history: The Briton is the first female DP World Tour referee at the Solheim Cup, a true game-changer for golf in 2026. Her story shows that the path to the top isn't always straightforward, but it can be incredibly powerful in the end.
Mallett had an impressive amateur background, playing for England before she turned professional. However, things didn't pan out as expected on the Ladies European Tour. After three years on tour, with a best finish of 78th place and numerous missed cuts, she faced the harsh reality: success as a player wouldn't materialize. Instead of hanging up her clubs for good, she opted for a radical career shift.
A New Drive in Her Career
With her communication degree in hand, Mallett landed a role with the DP World Tour, initially in the tournament office. However, her deep knowledge of the rules and her own playing experience didn't go unnoticed. Colleagues encouraged her to pursue a refereeing career. After intensive training, countless tests, and rigorous practical work, she earned the coveted R&A Level 4 Referee status. With this, she had found her true calling and, at the same time, opened a door that no one had ever walked through before her.
Making History on the Course
This qualification catapulted Elizabeth Mallett directly into the golf history books. As the first female referee to represent the DP World Tour at the Solheim Cup, she makes an impactful statement. She herself described it as "incredible" to be "inside the ropes" with the players. It's an inspiring story of an athlete who lives her dream on the professional golf course not as a player, but as a rule official on the course, and in doing so, drives real change.
