When it came time to retire from his dentistry career, Robert Woodward told his wife, “I’m going someplace every day to get out of the house.”
The 2020 North Texas Volunteer of the Year has proved this statement true by spending countless days throughout each year volunteering at TGA and USGA events.
“I went to dental school, and golf was the escape,” Woodward said. “I just enjoyed being out on the golf course. It reminded me of when I was with my dad.”
Since January 2018, Woodward, a resident of Dallas, has traveled to hundreds of events throughout North Texas and given his time to players of all ages. In fact, Woodward’s first two volunteer assignments were at events that were completely rained out. The consecutive wash outs might have been a disappointing start, but it didn’t dampen his enthusiasm for helping out.
He has gradually increased his volunteer schedule year after year because of the enjoyment he derives from giving back to the game.
“I had a good run playing competitively there for about, I don't know, 15-18 years. I played pretty well, so it’s always fun to be involved now,” said Woodward. “There’s no doubt it’s a payback, but it’s a payback I enjoy.”
A large influence on Woodward’s continual dedication to paying back to the game of golf are the relationships that have been built with his fellow volunteers.
“We're a group of guys that enjoy the game and respect the game and respect each other,” Woodward said. “It’s a great group of guys and I enjoy seeing them and running into them over and over at different tournaments whether it’s USGA qualifying or a TGA event.”
While giving rulings at tournaments isn’t always the easiest, Woodward believes the players do recognize the vital role TGA Rules Officials and Referees have in conducting first-class competitions.
“We all love the game and the players, and even though sometimes they don't care for what we have to say, they appreciate the fact that we’re there,” he said.
The TGA greatly appreciates all of Robert Woodward’s time and efforts in volunteering at countless events and congratulates him on being the recipient of the 2020 North Texas Volunteer of the Year Award.
“I was actually stunned when somebody had mentioned I was named Volunteer of the Year,” Woodward said. “I appreciate it, because I do enjoy it. And I think I contribute, at least I hope I do. I was honored that I was picked, and I hope I live up to the honor. It means a lot to me.”
