We are thrilled to announce the recipients of the 2021 George Holland Volunteer of the Year and Club of the Year awards. This year’s recipients were highlighted at the 100th WA Golf Annual Meeting, held virtually on November 6, 2021.
The George Holland Award annually recognizes volunteers who have made extraordinary contributions to Washington Golf and the game of golf throughout the WA Golf territory of Washington and Northern Idaho. These dedicated individuals contribute many hours of time and effort, as well as resources, to our Association, simply for the satisfaction of knowing they are benefiting the game of golf. They are truly the “unsung heroes” of WA Golf. It is named the George Holland Award in honor of longtime volunteer, contributor, and two-time past president, George Holland.
The WA Golf Club of the Year Award was established in 2019. The award recognizes the membership of a WA Golf Member Club for outstanding contributions to its community, the game of golf or the Association.
Championship Volunteers of the Year
Phil Kelley
Phil Kelley has been volunteering and rules officiating in the Washington Golf community for over a decade. Phil’s booming voice while starting golfers on the first tee of each round can be recognized by most competitive golfers in Washington. When Phil is not rules officiating for Washington Golf, you can find him lending a hand at Washington Junior Golf Association events across the state as well any other golf tournament that needs his services. An avid golfer, Phil can be found at Tumwater Valley Golf Club and The Home Course whenever he is not rules officiating. Phil’s experience and knowledge of the rules is among the best in the Pacific Northwest and he is an essential pillar of WA Golf events.
Kaydee Mounce
Known by all WA Golf competitors for her charm and humor at player registration and the scoring tent, Kaydee Mounce has been volunteering for Washington Golf since 1993 in many different aspects of the association. Kaydee is a leader among the volunteers and has been the epitome of dependable for players and staff alike. While consistently being impeccable in whatever role is asked of her, Kaydee still finds the time to train new volunteers and make them feel welcomed. Kaydee has also been a part of countless course ratings and has been the longtime club representative and handicap chair of one Washington’s largest clubs, the Boeing Employees Golf Association. In 2021, Kaydee led all volunteers in total days worked and is the backbone of making WA Golf championships what they are today.
Course Rater of the Year
Vern Tator
Vern brought a great passion for the game of golf with him when he joined the WA Golf Course Rating Team in 2016. That passion quickly translated to him becoming an enthusiastic and skilled course rater. Over the years, he’s been willing to jump in his RoadTrek camper van and meet the team at courses all across the WA Golf territory, always bringing the same positive attitude and passion for the game with him.
In 2021, Vern had planned a limited course rating schedule with a big family trip on tap but when those plans were interrupted after the schedule had already been set, he made himself available as a fill-in for every rating on the year. Each time he was called throughout the season he jumped at the opportunity to rate, often times on short notice and more than once when overnight travel was required. In the end, he took part in seven ratings and each one at a course located outside of the Seattle/Tacoma area.
Club Representative of the Year
Steve DeCoy – Gold Mountain Men’s Club
Steve DeCoy has been a member of the Gold Mountain Men’s Club since the early 1980’s and became the WA Golf Club Representative in 2014. Since that time, the club has grown from about 280 members to the current count of 894 in just 7 years. Not only does Steve serve as the Club Rep, but also the Handicap Chair, and Club President.
Members of the club nominating Steve say that he has given a tireless effort to provide the members with a fantastic club experience. Helping to put on well-organized events that promote participation across all levels, and communicate with members effectively throughout the year. At the WA Golf office we hear from Steve frequently, as he is continuously working to deliver upon all of the WA Golf efforts and initiatives, as well as bring questions and issues that arrive directly to our staff to work together to solve. As a staff, there is no better person to get a call from that Steve – he is steadfast in his approach to bring the best experience to the members at the GMMC.
Handicap Chairperson of the Year
Roger Kessler – Camaloch Men’s Club
Roger Kessler has been involved with the Camaloch Men’s Club since the mid-90s and continues to serve as the club’s handicap chair, even at 95 years of age. Roger has made many contributions to the club over the past 20+ years. Among them are transitioning the club to the new World Handicap System and to the USGA Tournament Management program. In addition, Roger oversees the monthly field day events and has done so for countless years. He also continues to be involved with the yearly Eclectic tournament; assists with the spring/fall Horse Race, along with the Junior Golf Program, and is a member of the Travel Club.
Club of the Year
Men’s Club at Auburn Golf Course
In 2021 the Men’s Club at Auburn Golf Course club grew to more than 900 members, hosting weekly and monthly events in addition to 13 annual majors. Their competitive season culminates with the Vinny Cup – a year-long FedEx Cup-style championship. The club also launched a new website this year where members can join, book tee times, find information about events and much more.
Additionally, the club gives back to the golf course by hosting annual work parties to improve the course and contributes to charitable organizations like The First Tee of South Puget Sound, and the American Cancer Society – donating $2,500 this year. Members of the club state that the quality of leadership and organization displayed by club president Steve Bosley makes the Auburn Men’s Club second-to-none.