The American Junior Golf Association has awarded the Vaughn Taylor Championship with the 2020 Volunteer Award. The award was presented at a press conference at Mount Vintage Golf Club on October 5, just a week before the 2021 event which will run from October 14-17.
Each year, the AJGA recognizes top tournaments, committees, and individuals who produce outstanding work during the previous AJGA season in 15 categories. AJGA annual awards distinguish the effort of supporters who make each quality tournament experience possible.
"I think it's absolutely wonderful [to receive this award]. My husband and I just absolutely love whenever all these kids can get together here. It's just so inspiring to watch them, and I cannot believe some of these kids can hit a ball so far. We love volunteering."
The Vaughn Taylor Championship has an existing reputation for a strong volunteer base, previously recognized with the Volunteer award in 2014 and 2017. The 2020 award is the eighth recognition earned by a Vaughn Taylor event.
During unprecedented times, the 2020 event managed to secure almost half of its normal volunteer volume at 45 helpers per tournament day. Some volunteers donated not only their time, but also money to give back to the Achieving Competitive Excellence (ACE) Grant. Throughout the week, volunteers assisted with tasks ranging from standard volunteer roles to golf course operations and food & beverage operations. Their help with putting coolers out each morning, picking up trash, and course breakdown in the afternoon allowed AJGA staff to maintain reasonable and reduced hours.
"We have a lot of activities and things we do for the kids, and without the volunteers we can't do those things. I'm very appreciative of them and really happy for them. It just speaks to how much they've done for us."
AJGA tournaments are annually honored in the categories of hospitality, fundraising, charitable giving, volunteers, engaged media, and social media participation. The year’s most outstanding golf professional, superintendent and golf course executive are honored alongside the most game-changing overall event, best new event, and top honorees in each tournament ‘series’ (Preview, Junior All-Star, Open and Invitational).
About the AJGA
The American Junior Golf Association is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to the overall growth and development of young men and women who aspire to earn college golf scholarships through competitive junior golf. The AJGA provides valuable exposure for college golf scholarships and has an annual junior membership (boys and girls, ages 12-19) of more than 7,500 members from 50 states and 60 foreign countries. Through initiatives like Achieving Competitive Excellence (ACE) Grant, a financial assistance program, and Leadership Links, a service-oriented platform that teaches juniors charitable-giving skills, the AJGA fosters the growth of golf’s next generation.
TaylorMade and adidas are the AJGA’s National Sponsors, supporting the AJGA more than 25 years. TaylorMade has served as the Official Ball of the AJGA since 2016. adidas has been the Official Apparel and Footwear of the AJGA since 2017. Rolex, in it’s fourth decade of AJGA sponsorship, became the inaugural AJGA Premier Partner in 2004.
AJGA alumni have risen to the top of amateur, collegiate, and professional golf. Former AJGA juniors have compiled more than 1,200 victories on the PGA and LPGA Tours. AJGA alumni include Vaughn Taylor, Collin Morikawa, C.T. Pan, Rickie Fowler, Sergio Garcia, Dustin Johnson, Phil Mickelson, Patrick Reed, Jordan Spieth, Justin Thomas, Tiger Woods, Paula Creamer, Ariya Jutanugarn, Cristie Kerr, Stacy Lewis, Brittany Lincicome, Anna Nordqvist, Inbee Park, and Lexi Thompson.