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.