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Volunteer Award: John Konicek

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Konicek recognized for more than 10 years of service to AJGA

The American Junior Golf Association has presented John Konicek of Orlando, Florida, with its 2015 Volunteer Award, for his more than 10 years of service at AJGA tournaments in central Florida.

Each year, the AJGA presents awards to the tournaments with the best individual hospitality, Junior-Am Fundraising Tournament, charitable giving and volunteer base. Awards are also given to the events with the highest media and social media participation. Finally, the AJGA recognizes the year’s most outstanding golf professional, superintendent and general manager, as well as the most improved event, best new event, best Junior All-Star tournament, best Invitational and overall tournament of the year. Tournament awards for the 2015 season will be presented on-site at the 2016 tournament.

“Receiving this award means a lot to me,” Konicek said. “This is something I was very surprised to get and honored to receive. I’m retired now and I’ve been very fortunate throughout my life. I love being able to give back time and help develop these junior golfers through various AJGA tournaments.”

Konicek has been a crucial member of AJGA tournaments in central Florida since 2007 when he first assisted at the Polo Golf Junior Classic at Reunion Resort. Prior to working with the AJGA, Konicek assisted with volunteer efforts at other amateur and professional golf tournaments in the area.

When plans were made to host the inaugural ANNIKA Invitational at Reunion Resort in 2009, the AJGA knew it could count on Konicek to head volunteer recruitment and training. Konicek has thoroughly enjoyed serving as the Volunteer Chairman for the ANNIKA Invitational for the past seven years.

“Seeing these kids from the ANNIKA Invitational grow up from the junior, to college, to professional level is amazing,” Konicek said. “It’s very rewarding to see the impact the volunteers and I can have on the careers of these young ladies as they grow up.”

In addition to his involvement with the ANNIKA Invitational, Konicek has also steered volunteer efforts for the Golf Pride / David Leadbetter Junior Classic and ANNIKA Intercollegiate presented by 3M since 2014.

“Being able to call John at any time about any event we have in the area is a huge asset,” said Ryan Tahara, AJGA southeast regional director. “He always does a great job and makes sure everything goes smoothly. We are extremely appreciative of all of the hard work John has put in over the years.”

Konicek looks forward to helping out at AJGA tournaments each year, but couldn’t do it without his loyal volunteer base.

“Every year is rewarding and I’m doing this for the love of the game,” Konicek said. “I look forward to seeing the staff and young ladies compete. I can’t say enough about the staff and how they treat my volunteers. I have a lot of faith in my volunteers and I take a lot of time to make sure they are trained experts for their given tasks.”

Konicek will continue his duties as the Volunteer Chairman for the 2016 ANNIKA Invitational , Feb. 12-15, 2016. 

 

See other 2015 AJGA Tournament Awards.