2025 Texas Golf Association Volunteer Spotlight  

From early mornings to final putts, Texas Golf Association volunteers are the heartbeat of events and services across the state. Their steady presence, attention to detail, and passion for golf ensure that every TGA activity is conducted with integrity, consistency, and care.  

Each year, the Texas Golf Association honors a select group of Volunteers of the Year—individuals whose commitment stretches far beyond a single event or season. Through countless hours of service and a shared dedication to growing the game in Texas, these volunteers leave a lasting impact on players, clubs, and the statewide golf community.  

  

North Volunteer of the Year: Jerald Petterson  

For Venus resident Jerald Petterson, volunteering with the Texas Golf Association has been both a meaningful connection to the sport he loves and a rewarding way to contribute to its future. After retiring, he was introduced to the TGA by his brother, Jeff. Already an avid golfer, volunteering felt like a natural next step, one that kept him close to the game while allowing him to give back.  

Petterson describes his role as an opportunity “to learn, assist, and interact,” values that have shaped some of his most memorable moments. He recalls spending time around the clubhouse listening to seasoned Rules Officials share stories and walk through unique rulings and conversations that provided invaluable insight and fostered a dynamic environment of continual learning.  

What motivates him most is witnessing  junior golfers compete and grow. Following their development reinforces for him the vital role volunteers play in creating an environment where players can perform at their best.  

Petterson speaks highly of the camaraderie within the TGA community, noting the willingness of staff and fellow volunteers “to help, educate, and work together,” along with the gratitude often expressed by players. That mutual respect has strengthened his connection to golf and the people who support it.  

Being named North Volunteer of the Year was “unexpected and humbling.” Outside of volunteering, Petterson stays involved in the game by watching his nieces and nephew play—something he jokes has ensured he hasn’t yet sold his clubs. His advice for anyone considering volunteering: take the leap, enjoy the experience, and embrace the relationships built along the way.  

  

South Volunteer of the Year: Al Grazis  

  

For Al Grazis of Pearland, volunteering with the TGA has become a meaningful way to stay closely connected to amateur golf while giving back to the game. His involvement began as a marshal at the Shell Houston Open, where mentors Nick Bramlett and Woody Fail encouraged him to expand his volunteer work. Already active as a First Tee volunteer coach since 2011, Grazis soon joined HGA Junior Golf and TGA events, finding a role that fit naturally into his retirement.  

One early defining moment came during an incorrect ruling he helped make. Though it didn’t affect the competition’s outcome, the experience taught him a lesson that guides him to this day: when in doubt, call it in. With the support of his mentors, that moment became a turning point in his growth as a volunteer.  

What continues to inspire Grazis is simple: good times, fresh air, and good people. He values the camaraderie among volunteers, players, and staff, as well as the endless opportunities to learn from rules discussions and shared experience. These conversations have strengthened both his knowledge of golf and his appreciation for the volunteer community.  

Grazis believes volunteers are essential to the TGA’s success, serving as a foundation for the organization’s extensive calendar of events. The recognition as South Volunteer of the Year is an honor he holds in high regard. It also completes what he fondly refers to as his volunteer “Triple Crown,” joining his awards as HGA New Member of the Year (2014) and HGA Junior Golf Volunteer of the Year (2018).  

Though he plays less golf today, Grazis remains deeply engaged in the game. He continues serving as a First Tee Level 3 Recognized Coach and as a Rules Official for Greater Houston City Amateur tournaments, building lasting relationships throughout the community. His advice to new volunteers is straightforward: commit to the process, learn from others, and “when in doubt, use the radio.”  

For Houston’s June Thompson, volunteering with the Texas Golf Association has become more than a pastime—it has become a defining chapter of her retirement and her connection to golf. After stepping away from her professional career, Thompson immersed herself in the sport, exploring every aspect from playing to studying rules. A chance encounter at Jersey Meadows introduced her to the TGA course rating team, setting her on a new and meaningful path.  

During a Monday round at Jersey Meadows, she met Bill White and his rating team. Encouraged to get involved, she soon joined a patient, collaborative group of volunteers who helped her learn the complexities of course rating. Thompson found the work especially fulfilling because it allowed her to apply her professional expertise in process improvement and efficiency to a new setting.  

One of her most impactful contributions came in 2025, when she and her team transitioned from a largely manual rating process to a computer-based system. Their Excel-driven method streamlined on-course data collection and dramatically reduced post-rating administrative work, eliminating many manual calculations and documents previously required.  

The success of this improvement, and positive feedback from her team and TGA leadership motivated Thompson to continue innovating. She credits the mentorship of Bill White and Tom Liewer, as well as the diverse perspectives within the rating team, as highlights of her journey.  

Thompson believes volunteers are the lifeblood of the TGA. From course rating to rules officiating to tournament operations, she sees volunteerism as the foundation that allows the association’s statewide programs and events to thrive. Being recognized as Course Rating Volunteer of the Year is, she says, a true honor, particularly given the many dedicated individuals who serve across Texas.  

Golf remains central to Thompson’s life. She often jokingly calls it her “new job,” balancing course rating, playing, and expanding her knowledge. She also volunteers with PGA and LPGA events, intentionally taking on new roles each year to broaden her experience. Along the way, she has built friendships, deepened her understanding of the game, and strengthened her role as a knowledgeable and engaged ambassador for golf.  

Her advice to future volunteers is enthusiastic and heartfelt: take the leap. The chance to learn, contribute, meet new people, and see great courses makes TGA volunteering both professionally and personally fulfilling.