Washington Golf is thrilled to announce the recipients of the 2025 George Holland Volunteer of the Year awards and the WA Golf Club of the Year award. This year’s honorees were celebrated at the 104th WA Golf Annual Meeting, held on October 25, 2025, at Bear Creek Country Club.
The George Holland Award honors volunteers who make extraordinary contributions to Washington Golf and the sport of golf across the WA Golf territory. These remarkable individuals generously devote countless hours, effort, and resources to our Association, motivated by the joy of positively impacting the game of golf. They are the true “unsung heroes” of WA Golf. The award is named in honor of George Holland, a longstanding volunteer, contributor, and two-time past president of WA Golf.
The WA Golf Club of the Year Award, established in 2019, celebrates a WA Golf Member Club for its exceptional contributions to its community, the game of golf, or the Association.
Club Representative of the Year
Randy Hoffert – Auburn Golf Course Men’s Club
WA Golf is pleased to recognize Randy Hoffert as the 2025 Club Representative of the Year. Randy was chosen for his outstanding leadership, tireless dedication, and positive impact on the Auburn Golf Course Men’s Club and on the broader golf community.
Randy leads, not for any personal recognition, but because he is passionate about the game of golf and the community it builds. Whether he’s setting up tournaments, helping with charity events, or simply greeting fellow members with his trademark smile, Randy brings a spirit of generosity and excellence to all that he does.
Described by his peers as a “vital piece” of the men’s club and “a true asset,” Randy has earned the admiration and respect of those who work and play alongside him. His selfless efforts and exemplary service represent the values of WA Golf, and we are delighted to celebrate Randy as the 2025 Club Representative of the Year. Congratulations, Randy!
Course Rating Volunteer of the Year
Bill Best
Bill Best has been volunteering for WA Golf for over 15 years. He has volunteered for Course Rating, Championships, and USGA events hosted by WA Golf. This year we are honoring Bill as the Course Rater of the year.
Bill has been a longtime member of Linden Golf & Country Club and local Boeing golf leagues. He volunteers to help the golf community in many ways. This past year Bill participated in over 20 Course Ratings with WA Golf. He was in the WA Golf van as it crisscrossed Washington state, traveling thousands of miles from Long Beach to Bellingham and Ocean Shores to Sandpoint, Idaho. Bill is a great presence to have on ratings, always calm and level-headed. He is always there to help but also continues to ask questions and grow.
Thank you to Bill for everything he has done and continues to do. We are happy to award him with this award as Course Rater of the Year. Congratulations Bill.
Handicap Chair of the Year
Kathy Zinkgraf – Trailhead Ladies Golf
We are pleased to announce Kathy Zinkgraf of Trailhead Ladies Golf as the 2025 Washington Golf Handicap Chair of the Year.
Kathy has worked tirelessly to support her club as they have more than doubled their membership since 2020. She has an untiring willingness to go above and beyond to help educate new and returning members on the World Handicap System and even creates special scorecards for their monthly shotgun starts that help the members navigate the round.
Many members of the club submitted nominations for Kathy. One member states, “Kathy has been such a steadfast contributor to the success of our Trailhead Ladies Niners Golf Club in the 13 years that I have been a member. I have watched her patiently explain to any and all new members everything from how to set up and then manage their GHIN apps and, each week, how to keep accurate scorecards. She is an incredible member of our club.”
Congratulations to Kathy Zinkgraf of Trailhead Ladies Golf. and thank you for your outstanding contributions!
Championship Volunteer of the Year
Ron Nelson and Jane Sossamon
WA Golf is proud to announce that Ron Nelson and Jane Sossamon have been named the recipients of the 2025 Washington Golf Volunteer of the Year Award.
Ron and Jane have dedicated countless hours to the game of golf, serving as long-time Volunteer Rules Officials for Washington Golf, the Pacific Northwest Golf Association (PNGA), and the United States Golf Association (USGA). Beyond their statewide and regional contributions, both remain deeply involved with their home club, Fairwood Golf & Country Club.
In addition to their work as rules officials, both Ron and Jane previously served on the Washington Golf Board of Directors, helping guide the association’s mission to champion and grow the game for all. Their passion, professionalism, and unwavering commitment to amateur golf have made a lasting impact on players, clubs, and fellow volunteers alike.
Their dedication is remarkable — over the past five years alone, Ron and Jane have collectively devoted 173 days of their summers to volunteering for Washington Golf and the PNGA. Their service exemplifies the spirit of the game and the community that makes golf thrive in the Pacific Northwest.
Club of the Year
Lake Padden Ladies Twilight League
We are pleased to announce that the Lake Padden Ladies Twilight League has been named the 2025 Washington Golf Club of the Year. This club exemplifies inclusivity, innovation, and a commitment to building a fun community. Their commitment to making golf fun and providing clinics for all skill levels has helped to grow their club to over 100 members in a few short years.
Beyond their work on the course, this club also has a strong commitment to supporting the greater Bellingham community. Funds from their annual golf tournament are donated to Blue Skies for Children in addition to a clothing drive for the same charity.
One program the club has had success with was the creation of “Dance Cards.” Each member is encouraged to take a “Dance Card” and collect the names of different players in the club. At the end of the season banquet, the member with the most names collected wins.
One member shared, “Great group of women where everyone is welcome. The members are very supportive of each other to ensure everyone has a great time.”
We are thrilled to honor the Lake Padden Ladies Twilight League as the 2025 Washington Golf Club of the Year and are grateful for their contributions to the game and their community. Congratulations!