The OGA annual Volunteer Appreciation Day took place at Creekside Golf Club in Salem, Ore. this year. The day was to honor all of our exceptional volunteers who volunteered a minimum of eight shifts during the season. The volunteers played 18 holes of golf, followed by dinner and awards. During the awards, the OGA recognized our Volunteers of the Year.

The 2014 OGA Volunteer of the Year went to Fran Fuller. Fran has been a course rating volunteer since the spring of 2009. Her most notable course rating trip in 2014 was down to Bandon Dunes. She has been a great help this season being a mentor for new volunteers interested in course rating.

The OGA also recognized three honorees of 2014. The first honoree award was given to Dave Siegel, the 2014 Junior Golf Volunteer of the Year. Dave volunteers with Junior Golf and put in 36 shifts this season. A new position of Volunteer Coordinator was created this season, and Dave took the position to a new level. At each event he volunteers at, Dave always makes sure that the volunteers are taken care of while on the golf course and does whatever is needed each day.

Andy McNiece was named the 2014 OGA Volunteer Rookie of the Year. This was Andy’s first season volunteering with the OGA, helping out as a Rules Official and Starter. At times during the season when the OGA was short on Rules Officials, Andy would call the OGA office and ask if he could help out in any way. There were also times when he would clear his entire schedule to help out at a tournament. Andy McNiece volunteered 27 shifts this season.

Helen “Rusty” Beckel was our final honoree of the evening, the 2014 Championships Volunteer of the Year. Rusty volunteers as a Rules Official for Championships and Junior Golf. She is also on our Women’s Interclub Play steering committee and has been an integral part of launching the new program, which was a huge success in its pilot year.

A big THANK YOU to all OGA volunteers for everything they do for golf in Oregon and Southwest Washington. We could not do what we do without their help. We are fortunate to have so many volunteers who are dedicated to helping out in any way they can. Thank you for a successful 2014 season!