One could say that Cambria resident Craig Cornell discovered an unexpected treasure.
A bit over 20 years ago, Cornell stepped out to grab a bite at the local Sea Chest Oyster Bar, which was owned by former NCGA Board of Directors member Jim Clark. While at the bar, Cornell began chatting with Clark, who suggested Cornell ought to look into becoming a course rater.
“I told him (Clark) that I was maybe interested and would take a look,” Cornell recalled.
A few years later in 2010, Cornell officially joined the NCGA course rater ranks. Since then, it’s been a great pairing.
This past season, Cornell was named Course Rater of the Year. For the last three years, he’s been the captain of Area 3, which stretches from San Luis Obispo County through parts of the Central Valley towards Nevada.
“What I enjoy about being a course rater is going out and studying the aspects of each course,” Cornell said. “It’s fun to take the course apart shot-by-shot.”
As one would expect, diving into the world of course rating wasn’t simple at first. As Cornell explained it, there’s a learning curve for everyone. But there is also help available.
“You’re always paired with an experienced person, so that helps a ton,” Cornell said. “It’s a constant learning process, but at the same time, it’s enjoyable.”
Kind of like the private golf lesson that Cornell had with Tiger Woods in 2019. As the winner of a national sweepstakes, Cornell got a one-on-one instruction session with Woods, who at one point cried out, ‘Nice shot, Craig!’
“Still the highlight of my life in golf,” Cornell said.
You never know what can happen when you ride in a cart with someone you’ve met for the first time.
Ray Coates discovered that firsthand in 2011 when his home club, California Golf Club of San Francisco, had a home-and-home event with nearby Los Gatos-based La Rinconada Country Club.
There to ride with Coates, and representing La Rinconada, was 2007 NCGA President Dean Bartee. After a few holes, Bartee began making a pitch.
“He (Bartee) was telling me that if I loved golf so much, maybe I ought to become a volunteer,” Coates recalled. “He convinced me to really take a look at it, so I did. I ended up going to a tournament official orientation, and I got hooked.”
Looking back, one could say that Bartee had an eye for talent. In 2024, Coates didn’t just complete his 13th season as an NCGA tournament official. He also earned Tournament Official of the Year honors.
Over the course of the 2023-2024 season, Coates, who went on to serve on the NCGA Board of Directors, volunteered over 35 days.
He was also punctual. A former attorney, Coates is affectionately renowned as the first volunteer to show up when duty calls.
“I think that’s from my background as an attorney. "I was taught to never be late for court,” said Coates with a chuckle.
His background also helped him with learning the Rules of Golf.
“The way that I approached the Rules, and how to analyze them, is in a lot of ways very similar to what I did as a lawyer,” he said.
Today 81, Coates has no plans to slow his volunteer schedule. The Rules and volunteering have become part of his life.
“I love golf, and I enjoy the tournaments. I also enjoy the players and trying to help them out when they need it,” Coates said. “Over time too, you become friends with the people you’ve worked with. That’s also wonderful. I plan on continuing to be a volunteer as long as I can.”
The NCGA is always looking for volunteers. Please visit our webpage to learn more.