VOLUNTEERS NEEDED FOR 2011 IOWA OPEN
By Susan Thompson
More than 200 volunteers will be needed at the Brokers International Ltd. Iowa Open August 19-21 at Lake Panorama National.
This is the second year Lake Panorama National is hosting the annual tournament that brings Iowa’s top professional and amateur golfers together. A contract between the Iowa PGA Section and Brokers International, Ltd., brings the tournament to Lake Panorama National for at least five years.
There were 108 players in the 2010 tournament. Troy Christensen, executive director of the Iowa PGA Section, anticipates more players for 2011. “I’m hearing a lot of buzz about the tournament and am confident we will have a full field this year,” he says.
Roger McCarty, CEO of Brokers International, Ltd., has pledged the 2011 first place winner will receive $10,000, an increase of $3,000 over 2010.
In the past, the 144-player field has been open only to professionals and amateurs who reside in Iowa, as well as golfers with Iowa ties. This year, the first 104 slots still are reserved for Iowans. Another 40 slots are open to out-of-state players. Once those 40 slots are taken, others interested will be placed on a waiting list. If the 104 reserved slots aren’t filled by August 9, players on the waiting list can register.
Volunteers will work on tee boxes to keep spectators quiet as players tee off, plus signal other volunteers serving as spotters along the fairways.
New this year is a need for volunteers who can help put together scoring placards after Saturday’s round that will follow each group during the final round Sunday. Volunteers will be provided water and other refreshments throughout their shifts, and portable bathrooms will be available at several locations.
Volunteers who worked in 2010 will wear the red shirts and white caps or visors they received last year. New volunteers will receive these items at a kickoff party for all volunteers Aug. 17 at The Port.
Everyone who volunteers must complete a form showing the days and times they can work, plus shirt sizes for those who are new in 2011. The forms are available online at www.iowaopen.com or at the Lake Panorama National pro shop. Roxie Ruth and Kathy De Lucca are coordinating volunteers. For more information, contact Ruth at 515-987-3635 or De Lucca at 641-755-3116.
Brokers International, Ltd., committed $25,000 annually to the Iowa Open. Five additional corporate sponsors each have committed $5,000 to help cover tournament expenses. These are Allianz, American Equity, Aviva, Menadue Development, which owns The Port and Lakeside Inn, and People’s Trust and Savings Bank.
Hole sponsorships cost $200. Signs sporting sponsor logos will be placed on tee boxes around the course. Anyone interested in becoming a hole sponsor should contact Eldon Huston at 641-755-3095.
A pro-am tournament will take place Aug. 18. Based on paid entries and verbal commitments, it’s possible this event is already sold-out. Those who have made verbal commitments but not yet paid need to do so by July 15. A waiting list will be started if there is additional interest.
The entry fee for a four-person team is $1,000. Each team gets four gift packs that will include a Titleist Vokey wedge, a $10 Golf Galaxy gift certificate and a golf shirt, an Iowa pro on their team, and eight tickets to the draw party at The Port Aug. 17. For information about the pro-am, contact Larry and Mary Hills, 641-755-4016, larmar@netins.net.
More golfers coming from outside of Iowa will mean an increased need for private housing. Kent and Shirley Stephenson will be coordinating placing golfers in host homes. To volunteer to host a golfer, contact them at 641-755-3787.
More information is available online at www.iowaopen.com.
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