For most NHL referees, this time of year means one of two things: you’re either officiating in the Stanley Cup Final or starting to plan your summer vacation. For one NHL official, however, this month will bring an entirely new challenge in a completely different sport.
NHL referee and amateur golfer Garrett Rank qualified for the U.S. Open on Monday by finishing tied for first at a regional qualifier at Ansley Golf Club in Roswell, Georgia. While Garrett is no stranger to the links, having played in 15 USGA championships as well as the 2016 Canadian Open, the U.S. Open will be his first major championship on the golf calendar.
The 31-year-old Elmira, Ontario native joined Greg Brady and Elliott Price on Sportsnet’s Starting Lineup Wednesday to discuss a number of things, including who will get honour of being his caddie at Shinnecock.
“I promised my brother he could caddie, so that will be really neat. He was caddie for me once, in the Canadian Open, and that was the only time we made the cut so I’m excited to share that with him and the rest of my family,” Rank told the Starting Lineup.
Rank also discussed his golf game, taking an Alex Ovechkin wrist shot to the face, and the difference between officiating during the regular season and Stanley Cup Playoffs.
Listen to the full interview below.
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