April 20, 2020
Faces of the NCGA: The Volunteers
Due to the Covid-19 virus, the NCGA tournament season is currently suspended through May 15. Among those pining for the return to normalcy are dedicated members of the NCGA’s volunteer corps. In the next few weeks, we’ll catch up with some of our volunteers as they tell us what they miss about the game.
Craig Oliver
"I miss being a starter and the privilege of welcoming each player to the competition. Providing a few minutes of positive interaction and levity mixed with the "business duties" of being a starter can relax a player and instill confidence as they mentally prepare for that first tee shot."
Joan Caldwell
"How I long for an NCGA tournament day:
- The planning---How many layers do I need, what time do I need to leave the house and that means I need to get up when, making sure there is gas in the car.
- The people---the players, the staff and my fellow volunteers.
- The challenges---pronouncing names as a starter, where to position myself to see the most and be available to many, trying to figure out what the hell just happened as a player tells me his/her story and trying to stay warm/cool.
- The great outdoors---wide open spaces, lush greenery and grand old trees, such a contrast to my everyday city concrete jungle.
- The satisfaction---players had a good time, the best players that day were rewarded by qualifying or taking home a medal and the other volunteers felt useful, appreciated and of course well fed.
How I long for those days wondering if they will ever be the same…."