The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga and The Honors Course are searching for volunteers to work the 2010 NCAA championships in Ooltewah.
Help is needed May 31 through June 6 in a variety of areas ranging from hospitality and starters to merchandising and card runners.
“It’s the national championship for the year, and The Honors Course has graciously extended an invitation to play their course,” said volunteer coordinator Tim Haralson. “More people are actually needed earlier in the week because of the format.”
The benefits of volunteering include a free polo shirt, working a national championship and a playday at the Honors for those who work two half days or one full day. The Honors was recently ranked No. 15 in the nation among courses built in the last 50 years.
“Volunteers are important in every type of tournament because it takes so many people to assist the organizers,” Haralson said. “We couldn’t run tournaments without them.
“Tournaments depend on golf enthusiasts and the volunteers. People learn from these events. Golfers are getting to see super-good collegians, and they pick up tips that will help their own game.”
Online registration can be made through www.GoMocs.com.
Pro-Ams boosted
The Chattanooga Chapter of the PGA of America has introduced a Partner Circle Pro-Am series in trying to promote participation and charitable donations.
The series began last week in poor weather conditions and runs through the summer at area golf courses.
Amateurs participating in a pro-am will receive points based on the location each week. Those who have accumulated 50 percent of the possible points will be invited to participate free in Partners Circle Golf Day at Cleveland Country Club on Aug. 23.
“Last year we had nine courses and this year we’re up to 13,” said committee chairman Jeff Craig of WindStone. “We want the amateurs, because we have not really given back to the amateurs who have supported us over the years. Hopefully it will grow.”
The next pro-am is scheduled for March 29 at Bear Trace at Harrison Bay. The full schedule and fees can be found at www.IfYouLikeGolf.com
First Tee hires Hare
The First Tee of Chattanooga has hired PGA professional Scott Hare as program director.
Hare’s duties are a combination of administrative work and hands-on teaching with the young players.
“We’re thrilled to have Scott on board,” said executive director Kathleen McCarthy. “He’s blending his PGA knowledge with the First Tee coaching philosophy. He’s a good teacher and enjoys working with the youth.”
Hare is the PGA Tennessee Section president and has been working in golf in the Chattanooga area since 1990. He will continue to give private lessons.
“It’s really exciting, especially with construction of the practice facility,” Hare said in reference to the former Hickory Valley course. “I’m looking forward to being able to work with kids and help them not only with golf but life skills and core values.”
City TPC events set
The schedule for the Chattanooga TPC series has been finalized. It begins April 24-25 with the Brainerd Invitational and concludes Oct. 3 with the finals of the Chattanooga TPC at Council Fire Golf Club.
The Red Bud Invitational is set for May 1-2 at Valleybrook, the Signal Mountain Invitational for May 14-16 and the Men’s Metro for July 9-11 at Creeks Bend.
The full schedule can be found at www.IfYouLikeGolf.com.