Local organizers of the Puerto Rico Junior Open, which took place Jan. 13-16 at Trump International Golf Club’s Championship Course in Rio Grande, P.R., have earned the Volunteer Award from the American Junior Golf Association. The Volunteer Award is given annually to an AJGA tournament committee that builds the model team of volunteers committed to the success of the championship.

              
Each year, the AJGA presents awards to the tournaments with the best individual media coverage, Junior-Am fundraising tournament, charitable giving and hospitality. The AJGA also recognizes the year’s most outstanding golf professional, superintendent and general manager, as well as the most improved event, best new tournament, best Invitational and overall tournament of the year.

               
Students from the Carvin School are a special volunteer presence at the Puerto Rico Junior Open. The students, under the guidance of Elaine Rivera, volunteer in all areas important to running a tournament. In addition to their help at the Puerto Rico Junior Open, the students volunteer at the Puerto Rico Open, the Puerto Rico Golf Association’s Island Championship, and the Junior Island Championship.

               
“Our incredible volunteer staff would not be what it is without Elaine Rivera and her students at the Carvin School,” said Tournament Chairman Sidney Wolf, President of the Puerto Rico Golf Association. “Ms. Rivera’s students are a key asset in assisting with scoring, standard bearing, pace of play, operations, and live scoring. Not only do these students effectively fill their duties, but many become fans of the game as well. The volunteers are a huge part of what makes this event the success that it is, and we absolutely could not do it without them.”

               
After being named AJGA Newcomer of the Year in 2011, the Puerto Rico Junior Open was another successful event in 2012, something that could not have been done without the help of its volunteers. The volunteers operated timing stations, conducted live scoring, drove shuttles and helped with data entry. From greeting the players and parents to restocking the water coolers, the dedicated volunteer base made the Puerto Rico Junior Open a success.

               
“I think amateur golf is an especially important opportunity to give our youth,” said Julio Soto, Executive Director of the Puerto Rico Golf Association. “This event is a great experience, not just for the players, but for all of those involved. We truly could not make this event what it is without the help and support of our volunteers.”

               
The tournament returns to the AJGA schedule in 2013 and will be played Jan. 18-21 at Trump International Golf Club’s Championship Course.

Complete list of 2012 Tournament Awards.