We say it a lot around here, and for good reason. The TGA would not be able to conduct what are some of the best amateur championships in the world without the efforts, dedication and expertise of our volunteers.
So many fine folks from across the state donate their time, energy and knowledge every year to help us administer the type of championships that make our competitors feel special. We value our volunteers to no end, and we’ll never be able to thank them enough.
This year, Chuck Flowers from Wylie recently received our North Texas Volunteer of the Year award. Roger Davis from Spring won the South Texas Volunteer of the Year honor. Congratulations to both hard-working and selfless Rules Officials.
We talked to both gentlemen briefly after they learned of their awards.
I’m very humbled and honored. It’s a privilege to work for a great organization like the TGA. Just working all the different tournaments and with the people involved with officiating, and I love working with the boys and girls who play on the Legends Junior Tour. It’s a thrill to work with those young people and meet their parents. That’s always a real treat.
My favorite is the Legends Junior Tour’s Bluebonnet Championship down in Brownwood. It was the first event I ever worked, and I’ve been back for the past four years now. I like that area, even though I met my first rattlesnake down there – eyeball to eyeball! – which is why I always carry my stick with me now. All of the Legends Junior Tour events are a thrill to work.
I think leaving the flagstick in the hole has helped with pace of play. It’s a good Rule. I also think it’s very advantageous for players to now be able to remove loose impediments in penalty areas. That was a great change, too. Both of those help players quite a bit.
Recognition is one of the nicest of nice things anyone can ever receive. Luckily for me, it’s my turn to receive this high token of appreciation. I’m grateful to be part of the TGA and play a role that is so critical to the players and the member courses on which they compete.
When I volunteer for the TGA, I’m constantly around a fine group of people. At the same time, I get to remain close to the game that has allowed me to travel to great places that I otherwise might have never gotten to see.
There are two things that come to mind. The first is the big improvement in the way in which the Rules are written and published for specific groups of people, such as the players, Officials, Members of the Rules Committee and administrators. The effort put in by all involved in the process was nothing short of remarkable. The second is Rule 13.2a(1), which allows the player to make a stroke on or off the putting green with the flagstick left in the hole. That’s a huge time-saver and easy to apply.
We’re so grateful to have stewards of the game like Chuck and Roger as part of the TGA family. A hearty “Thank you!” is due to them and all our volunteers. To learn more, click here.
