CONSIDERING THE LENGTHS I went in trying to encourage people to volunteer in a former job, I was slightly stunned when checking out the volunteer program for the upcoming 2010 U.S. Amateur Championship at Chambers Bay Golf Course in Tacoma.
Apparently some groups or events have enough social cachet that they can charge their volunteers for the time.
The United States Golf Association is one such group. The USGA gets enough interest from fans wishing to donate their time for this tournament that they charge $100 for the experience.
Of course there is the intrinsic value, pride and improved sense of self-worth that comes with nearly all volunteer positions, but in this case there are also some free embroidered polo shirts, a cap, a few meals on days you volunteer plus parking throughout the week to entice fans to help out with the tournament.
For more information or to volunteer for the 2010 U.S. Amateur, visit http://www.2010usamateur.com/volunteer-info.php.
FootJoy visits area
Western Washington FootJoy Golf Shoe representative Brad Barnett visits the Peninsula Golf Club clubhouse in Port Angeles for a trunk sale from noon to 3 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 21.
Barnett will bring along the full line of 2010 FootJoy products, including shoes, outwear and accessories such as hats, umbrellas and duffle bags.
FootJoy even has a nifty little custom design feature that allows you to adorn your own pair of golf shoes with your favorite team logo.
The Cougars and Huskies are both included on the FootJoy web site.
In conjunction with the FootJoy visit, Peninsula Golf Club will offer discounts on any item ordered that day, and club pro Chris Repass will co-host the event with Barnett.
The event is free, minus what you spend on what you take home, and open to the public.
Apple Cup tourney
North Olympic Peninsula Huskies and Cougars can battle it out on the links before the teams play the 102nd football version of the in-state rivalry with Peninsula Golf Club’s 18th annual Apple Cup Best Ball Tournament.
The tourney, sponsored by Marine View Beverage and Callaway Golf, tees off at 8:30 a.m. on game day, Saturday, Nov. 28.
Tournament format is a two-person best ball.
Cost is $80 per team, which includes team merchandise awards, food and drink after the competition and individual closest to the pin and long drive prizes.
Each player also receives a free glove from Callaway Golf.
Entry blanks are available at Peninsula Golf Club pro shop or online by visiting Peninsula’s website at www.golfinportangeles.com.
For more information, phone the golf shop at 360-457-6501.
This Cougar is sad to miss that tournament but I’ll be braving the conditions at Husky Stadium live and in-person on Apple Cup Saturday.
Braving the poor condition of the Washington State football program, that is.
Kaps Scramble
Local duffers can try to burn off some of those Thanksgiving calories by participating in the annual Rick Kaps Scholarship Scramble the day after the holiday on Friday, Nov. 27 at SkyRidge Golf Course in Sequim.
Donations, and a percentage of green fees go to funding scholarships for several Sequim High School seniors.
Tournament format is a four-person scramble with a 9:30 a.m. shotgun start.
Entry fees are $220 per team with an optional honey pot.
Golfers receive a T-shirt, a gourmet meal provided by Captain Henry and the good feeling of donating to the scholarship fund.
The field is limited to the first 20 teams that sign up.
This is one of the most popular tournaments of the year for SkyRidge, so early entries are advised and encouraged.
To register or for more information, phone SkyRidge at 360-683-3673.
Kaps was a legendary high school boys basketball coach and athletic director for the Wolves, leading Sequim to three straight Class AA state tournaments in the late 1980s, and most importantly, instilling respect, discipline and a thirst for success in all of his players.
He died of lymphoma in 1998 after a long battle with the disease.
Vahcic is golden
Port Ludlow Golf Club member Bonnie Vahcic took home top honors and a shiny gold medal after winning the Women’s Gross Division A 60-64 age bracket at the Huntsman World Senior Games in St. George, Utah.
The Huntsman Games are an Olympic-format international sporting event for athletes over the age of 50.
She shot a gross total of 169 for the two rounds on the Sand Hollow and Coral Canyon Golf Courses to win by three strokes.
More than 9,500 seniors from 20 countries and all 50 states competed in the two-week event.
Vahcic was a second-year competitor at the games.
She encourages seniors from around the North Olympic Peninsula who enjoy competing in sports and vacationing in that picturesque portion of the country to consider participating.
For more information on the games, visit www.seniorgames.net.
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Michael Carman is the golf columnist for the Peninsula Daily News. He can be reached at pdngolf@gmail.com or by phone at 360-504-0181.