Vaughn Taylor Championship presented by James Hardie honored with 2023 Volunteer Award
By AJGA Staff
AUGUSTA, Ga. – The Vaughn Taylor Championship presented by James Hardie has been honored with the 2023 Volunteer Award. This tournament marks the fourth Volunteer Award and ninth overall award in the event’s 17-year history.
Each year, the AJGA presents awards to the tournaments with the best individual hospitality, Junior-Am fundraising, charitable giving and volunteer base. Awards are also given to the events with engaged media and social media participation. Finally, the AJGA recognizes the year’s most outstanding golf professional, superintendent and golf course executive, as well as the most game-changing event, best new event, best Preview Series tournament, best Ninja Junior All-Star Series tournament, best Invitational and overall tournament of the year. Tournament awards for the 2023 season will be presented on-site at the 2024 tournament.
The most important and hardest task in hosting a tournament while providing the experience level to the juniors that we strive to do each year is recruiting and assembling a great team of volunteers. It is even tougher to accomplish this in the first year at a new host golf course. This would not have been possible without the support of Jason Page, the course owner, his staff, members of the club and some loyal volunteers that have stayed with us over the years. We could not be more proud of the recognition.
DAN TROUTMAN, TOURNAMENT COMMITTEE CHAIRPERSON
The championship had over 75 volunteers serving each day at Bartram Trail Golf Club in Evans, Georgia. Volunteers are critical to the success of each AJGA tournament, with duties that include, but are not limited to, aiding in timing stations, managing shuttles, attending to driving ranges and serving as spotters.
The Vaughn Taylor Championship presented by James Hardie’s volunteers went above and beyond in 2023. There were enough volunteers to set up the course entirely with tents, stakes and ropes and handle all Junior-Am and player registration, giving support to the AJGA’s tournament staff. Before each tournament round, volunteers also served as guest starters and set coolers on the golf course.
The tournament’s overflow of support from the community meant volunteers were able to cook breakfast, lunch and dinner for staff and players throughout the week. Each volunteer’s work augmented the tournament’s special experience for the juniors and their families.
This tournament is so successful because of our abundance of wonderful volunteers and all of their efforts. We have so many show up to give us the support necessary to put on a fantastic event for our juniors and their families year in and year out.
HOUSTON DENNEY, AJGA SENIOR REGIONAL DIRECTOR, SOUTHEAST
The AJGA recognizes and appreciates the work of the Vaughn Taylor Championship presented by James Hardie’s volunteers, as well as all volunteers at events throughout the year. Information about volunteer opportunities can be found on the “Get Involved” page on the AJGA website.
The Vaughn Taylor Championship presented by James Hardie returned to Bartram Trail Golf Club for a second year from June 10th through the 13th.
