Guillot, Forkner and Liewer earn respective Volunteer of the Year Awards
Behind every successful golf tournament are the dedicated volunteers who work tirelessly to ensure the game runs smoothly. From early morning tee times to the final putt, these individuals play an integral role in creating a seamless experience for players, spectators, and staff alike. This year, we are proud to recognize three outstanding golf volunteers as our Volunteers of the Year. The unwavering commitment, passion for the game, and selfless contributions have left a lasting impact on our golf community. Join us as we celebrate these remarkable individuals.
North Volunteer of the Year: Randy Guillot
For Randy Guillot, being named the Texas Golf Association’s North Volunteer of the Year is more than just an accolade—it’s a deeply meaningful honor. “I felt most appreciative of being selected,” Guillot shared. “There are so many dedicated volunteers who put in countless hours, and to be chosen from that group is truly humbling.”
Randy’s journey with the Texas Golf Association began long before his volunteer work. Having spent the last decade of his career as the TGA’s Managing Director of Finance, he witnessed firsthand the critical role volunteers play in the organization’s success. “I’ve been around the game of golf since I started caddying for my father at age 10,” he said. “Volunteering with the TGA felt like the perfect way to give back to a game that has been such a significant part of my life.”
For the past two years, Randy has been an active volunteer, contributing his time and expertise in tournament operations, rules officiating, and even course rating. Among his favorite responsibilities is working at tournaments and USGA qualifiers, where he takes pride in doing whatever it takes to ensure events run smoothly. He also finds joy in volunteering at junior events, where he witnesses golf’s positive impact on young players. “It’s rewarding to see how the game helps develop polite, respectful youngsters,” he noted.
One of Randy’s most cherished moments was volunteering at the inaugural qualifiers for the USGA Adaptive Championship and the Texas Adaptive Golf Championship last year. “It was easily one of the most rewarding experiences of the year,” he said, reflecting on the inclusivity and inspiration of these events.
Randy encourages anyone considering volunteering with the TGA to take the leap. “Come out to a local event and shadow a volunteer for a day,” he suggested. “It’s the best way to understand what goes into running a successful tournament and see where you can contribute.”
For Randy, the Texas Golf Association is more than an organizer of premier amateur tournaments—it’s the steward of the game for all Texas golfers. His commitment to the organization and the sport exemplifies the spirit of volunteerism and the impact one person can make.
South Volunteer of the Year: Dave Forkner
Volunteers are the backbone of the Texas Golf Association (TGA), and this year, Dave Forkner was recognized for his outstanding contributions by being named South Volunteer of the Year. This prestigious honor reflects not only Forkner’s dedication to the game but also the significant impact Forkner made since joining the TGA volunteer team in June 2023.
“It’s a great honor! It’s awesome that there’s a vehicle like volunteering with the TGA for those of us who love the game,” Forkner shared.
Forkners’s journey into volunteering was sparked by Al Grazis, a former colleague. After years of seeing posts from Grazis about his work as a starter at TGA events, Forkner reached out to reconnect and learn how to get involved. That conversation reignited a passion for golf and opened the door to new opportunities in retirement.
Among volunteers many responsibilities, Forkner finds the most joy in serving as a starter, welcoming players and building relationships. “I love getting to know the players! Since most of the players play multiple times a year, I enjoy building those relationships—even if I do butcher a few pronunciations,” Forkner joked.
Volunteering with the TGA has brought more than just a connection to the game—it’s given Forkner a renewed sense of purpose. “As a retiree, it assists in giving me purpose each week, each event! Working with the staff of the TGA has created new relationships that inspire me to do more. I can’t sleep the night before an event—I’m excited for that next situation and event!”
For those considering volunteering with the TGA, Forkner offers this advice: “If you love the game and want to learn other aspects of it, this is the place for you!”
While no single moment stands out as a favorite, the relationships with John, Justin and Owen last year were deeply meaningful. “The support of the other officials working the events and the teachings everyone was willing to share has been special,” Forkner said.
The Texas Golf Association is proud to celebrate Forkner’s commitment, enthusiasm, and positive impact. Forkner’s story is a testament to the power of community and the shared love of golf that brings us all together.
Course Rating Volunteer of the Year: Tom Liewer
Volunteering is often described as giving back, but for Tom Liewer, it’s been a journey of camaraderie, learning, and meaningful contributions. Recently named Volunteer of the Year by the Texas Golf Association (TGA), Liewer sees the honor not as an individual accolade but as recognition of a team effort.
“It’s an honor for the Houston area rating team,” Liewer shared. “This recognition is truly for the full team, led by Bill White and inspired by Carl Tongberg, who has been instrumental in my 15+ years of involvement. The dedication to course rating and developing volunteers has been a guiding force.”
Liewer’s path to volunteering began as a marshal for the PGA Shell Houston Open, where a conversation with John Cochran introduced him to broader opportunities with the TGA. From officiating tournaments to organizing Member (Fun) Tournaments, his roles have been diverse and rewarding.
His course rating journey began serendipitously when a friend asked him to substitute. “I met Carl and his team and found I really enjoyed it,” Liewer said. “My background in surveying during college summers helped me appreciate the process and teamwork involved.”
Since around 2005, Liewer has contributed to the TGA in various capacities. From coordinating schedules with club professionals to officiating at Legends Junior Tour events, his commitment has been unwavering. “I’ve enjoyed all the volunteer activities I’ve participated in,” Liewer said. “The TGA volunteer community in the Houston area is exceptional. The relationships I’ve built and the things I’ve learned have been invaluable.”
For those considering volunteering with the TGA, Liewer offers encouragement. “The TGA has a variety of opportunities to contribute. If you love golf and want to give back to the game, this is a wonderful organization to get involved with.”
When asked what the TGA means to him, Liewer reflected on how volunteering has enriched his life. “Volunteer work with the TGA and my early caddying opportunities at The Spirit have evolved into a second, albeit not full-time, career that I truly enjoy.”
Liewer hesitates to single out one favorite moment, viewing his time with the TGA as a tapestry of rewarding experiences. “It’s about the total effort over time,” he said. “The satisfaction I’ve had as a volunteer is immeasurable.”
For Tom Liewer, being Volunteer of the Year is not just about recognition—it’s a celebration of teamwork, passion, and the shared love of golf that binds the TGA community together.