Fanny Cnops from Belgium scored an amazing 98 per cent when she took The R&A Rules Academy’s Level 1 course to finish top of the rookie class of 2018.

All the LET Rookies were required to take the online exam and to recognise her top mark, Cnops received a silver Quaich from The R&A during the Lalla Meryem Cup in Morocco. Norwegian Marita Engzelius and Laura Fuenfstueck from Germany were close behind, with scores of 94 per cent respectively.

Mike Round, the LET’s Development Director, said: “A good understanding of the rules is very important in the world of professional sport for a variety of reasons, which is why we ask our Rookies to take the exam. It’s not just about avoiding unnecessary penalty shots. It also links to issues such as pace of play and the integrity of the sport.”

He added: “The LET is keen to work with The R&A to promote a better understanding of the rules across all levels of the sport and we hope that this initiative helps.”

David Rickman, Executive Director – Governance and Chief of Staff at The R&A said, “We are very supportive of the LET’s drive to educate their rookies about the Rules of Golf during their annual induction programme and to use The R&A’s Rules Academy to increase their knowledge and understanding of the various rules situations which they may encounter during tournament play. Congratulations to Fanny Cnops for achieving the top mark in the exam and to all the candidates for successfully completing the Level 1 course.”

Fanny, who tied for ninth on her LET debut in the Investec South African Women’s Open, said: “I wanted to do well in the Rules Exam and I am excited I received 98% and topped the ranking. I found the content very interesting. It was a bit harder than I expected which was good because I had to focus, pay attention and think through the different rules situation before giving my answer, and that way you learn more.

“The R&A had explained the rules situations well with good visuals. I think my understanding of golf rules was in general good before taking the exam. In Belgium, you need to take a theoretical rules exam at your club when you are young and then, when you start playing more and more tournaments, you end up in different situations and that way you learn the rules and you get reminded. Knowing the rules helps you stay calm during play even though you might be in a tricky rules situation because you know your different alternatives and don’t have to stress about it, and if you are unsure, our rules officials on the LET are very kind and professional and will support in helping you to make good decisions.”

Watch 18 of the LET rookies compete in the 24th Lalla Meryem Cup at Royal Golf Dar-Es Salam in Rabat from April 19-22.