Island Resort Championship Seeks Event Volunteers, Readies for Golf Tournament

Community Ambassadors Welcome Symetra Tour Players June 29, Earn Gifts and Privileges for their Support

(HARRIS, Mich.) - Volunteers are needed for the Island Resort Championship at Sweetgrass Golf Club, as the Island Resort & Casino in northern Michigan sets the stage to welcome 144 international women golfers of the Symetra Tour June 29-July 1.

"Our goal is to have a great tournament, and to have our volunteers watching as much as they are working," said Vickie Micheau, executive director of the Delta County Chamber of Commerce, whose team is coordinating the volunteer effort. "More so this year, the community is asking to be involved and be a part of the excitement."

More than 200 volunteers have already signed up to serve as scorekeepers, caddies, cart drivers and marshals for the 2012 Championship, the second in a three-year commitment by the Symetra Tour - Road to the LPGA to include a tour stop in Michigan's Upper Peninsula.

Micheau encourages others to volunteer their time to help spread the workload for the three-day event, June 29-July 1. All volunteers receive a staff shirt, free entry into the tournament, a round of golf at Sweetgrass Golf Club, and meals during their volunteer shift. There is no entry fee, which typically can be assessed to volunteers for professional golf events.

"It is an excellent opportunity to support the community and these girls, and enjoy the wonderful venue at Sweetgrass," says Dan Doyle, a retired teacher from Gladstone and second-year volunteer. "It is a no-brainer to be part of the event and give back."

Doyle's wife, Deborah, is also a volunteer; the couple is also one of several locals that will house a professional golfer in their home for tournament week.

"The overall experience is wonderful, and we wanted to be a part of it again," says Marquette retiree and avid golfer Charlie Gross, who will serve as a player caddie at this year's event. "I've been practicing every morning since my training, carrying my golf bag on the course, and building my stamina," says Gross.

Those interested should email lpgavolunteer@gmail.com or visit the Delta County Chamber of Commerce website at www.deltami.org and fill out the volunteer form on the website.

The volunteer program is one of several community-wide efforts of the Upper Peninsula to welcome the aspiring professional women golfers reaching for their LPGA Tour Card through the Symetra Tour.

The Chamber will also offer the "Keys to Success" program, offering players discounts and special offers to all players at area businesses. Several area non-profit organizations are also participating in the Championship ticket program, selling $10 three-day passes and keeping the profits for their respective charitable causes.

"There's less apprehension and fewer questions about what this tournament means to the U.P. this year, and more talk on how they will be involved, as a spectator or volunteer," said business owner Brad Mantella, owner of Dobber's Pasties. "It is a great success for the business community and all who are involved."

Spectators can see a complete list of non-profit organizations in Wisconsin and Michigan currently selling tickets at www.sweetgrassgolfclub.com, or purchase them at the Island Resort Showroom ticket office prior to the tournament.

Contact: AmericanGolferBlog@gmail.com