Columnist Peter Benton: LPGA event organizers make call for volunteers

Peter Benton

Wednesday, Jan. 19, 2005 | 9:02 a.m.

Peter Benton's golf column appears Wednesday.

Kathy Williamson, operations director for the upcoming 2005 LPGA Takefuji Classic, along with tournament director Ava Kawana, has written an open letter to former volunteers of the event, and to those wishing to volunteer this year: "We would like to welcome back all the volunteers who have supported our tournament in previous years and performed such a tremendous job, as well as those wishing to join our team this year.

"This year's event will be played April 11-16 at the Las Vegas Country Club, and will feature defending champion Cristie Kerr, along with a field of the best women golfers in the world. With your help, we look forward to another memorable event.

"Most volunteers will be needed Thursday through Saturday, and the back of the volunteer application form lists the various committee descriptions along with the days they will be operational.

"We do have a fee of $25 to cover the cost of the uniform, which this year will be a yellow LaMode shirt with an embroidered logo, your choice of a cap, women's visor or unisex visor to be worn with your own navy shorts or slacks.

"Some of the volunteer perks include lunch on the days you volunteer, an extra weekly grounds badge for a family member or friend, and new this year, a reduced price on a Pro-Am spot (subject to availability,) plus entry into a volunteer drawing for some simply wonderful prizes.

"Immediately following the conclusion of the tournament on Saturday, you are invited to join us in celebration as we honor all of our volunteers and welcome the new LPGA Takefuji Classic winner. All volunteers will receive a drawing ticket for each day you work the event and for each new volunteer you recruit, with the drawing to be held following the crowning of our new champion.

"This is your opportunity to give something back to our community, so come join us and be part of the action. Enjoy the fellowship of other volunteers and be privy to some wonderful golf.

"Entry forms are available at the tournament office, located at the L.V. Country Club, 3000 Joe Brown Drive, where the office staff will be more than happy to answer any questions or address any concerns you may have.

"The designated charity, for this, our third Takefuji Classic, is the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation along with The Ovarian Cancer Alliance of Nevada.

"For further information, please call 898-4653 or visit our web site at www.lpgatakefujiclassic.com. Thank you again for your past services, and we look forward to seeing some old familiar faces plus hopefully, some new ones too."

Following this season opening event (of the tour's 25th anniversary season), players will travel to Oahu for the Turtle Bay Championship that was last held in October, 2003. After the tournament, the unofficial Wendy's Champions Skins Game, featuring Jack Nicklaus, Arnold Palmer, Craig Stadler and Tom Watson, is scheduled for Feb. 5-6 at Wailea Golf Resort in Wailea, completing the tour's three week stint in our 50th state.