If you play competitive junior, amateur, mid-amateur or senior golf in Texas, you probably know the name Jim Brown. The retired personal injury attorney joined the TGA Board of Directors in 2010, and over the years, he has dedicated countless hours to officiating golf tournaments across the state.
He served as the TGA President from 2016-18, has been awarded the North Texas Volunteer of the Year Award, Legends Junior Tour Volunteer of the Year Award and most recently the 2020 Bob Wells Distinguished Service Award.
However, despite his consistent dedication to growing the game of golf, learning the Rules and developing relationships with players at all levels, Brown will be the first to humbly brush off any compliment. He considers himself just another servant for the game of golf. In fact, his favorite nickname was coined by Legends Junior Tour Tournament Director Kevin Porter.
“It was soon after I completed my term as President of the TGA that Kevin and Kellen Kubasak began calling me ‘JAG,’” Brown said. “Finally, I asked Kevin: ‘Why are you calling me JAG? Is it because I was a lawyer, or because I was in the army?’ He said, ‘No, it’s because now you are ‘Just Another Guy!’ That’s a moniker I could embrace, because that is all I am. I am extremely proud and happy to be 'just another guy.'"
Though Brown strives to be known as nothing more than a member of the team, it is his leadership and passion that set him apart. His compassion and genuine character are displayed through his actions and have not gone unrecognized.
“I’ve had the privilege of working closely with Jim,” TGA President Leslie Henry said. “He is one of the most caring, compassionate human beings I have met in my lifetime. He’s the true example of treating everyone with respect and fairness. We are all proud to call Jim Brown our friend and a force for the TGA.”
Known as one of the foremost experts on the Rules of Golf in Texas, Brown values the importance of the Rules and the integrity of the game. He has attended 15 USGA/PGA Rules of Golf Workshops and is dedicated to protecting the players at the tournaments he officiates.
“I absolutely love knowing the Rules,” Brown said. “The way I see it is TGA Rules Officials are helping players. We are not there as referees to assess penalties, although that is sometimes part of the job. We are there to help players and present their options.”
Brown’s longtime friend and fellow TGA Director, Carey Schulten, has been officiating golf tournaments and traveling across the state of Texas with Brown since 2010. They’ve shared many experiences on and off the golf course, and Schulten has witnessed Brown loyally serve the game along the way.
“His heart and soul are in the TGA,” said Schulten, who succeeded Brown as TGA President from 2018-20. “Jim has done everything. The number of days he does Rules work is virtually every tournament that is within his reach.”
Brown, 75, is in his 12th year as a director of the TGA. He’s also a member of the Southern Golf Association’s Board of Directors and its Executive Committee, too. During his time with the TGA, Brown has officiated more than 500 competitive rounds of golf.
He isn’t looking to slow down anytime soon.
“Going forward, my goal is to continue officiating for as long as I am able and as long as the TGA feels that I am helpful,” Brown said. “The Texas Golf Association exists to make the game more enjoyable and accessible for men and women golfers of all ages. I truly believe absolutely no one does it better! This is due to the most incredible staff that always makes each player and volunteer feel extremely special. The TGA is 114 years old, and I believe that it will continue to set the standard for golf associations for the next 114 years.”
To learn more about becoming a TGA Volunteer, click here.