.thumb.100.png) | December Volunteer SpotlightMarilynn Rowe - Marilynn is a longtime Tipp City resident whose life reflects commitment—to her community, her family, and the game of golf. She has served as a Miami Valley Golf volunteer for one year as a scorer, spotter and registration assistant, offering her time and experience to support regional golf activities and events. Marilynn’s interest in golf began more than forty years ago, when she and a friend decided on a whim to take lessons. What started as a shared curiosity became a lasting part of her life. Over the years, she developed her skills, built... |
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.thumb.100.png) | November Volunteer SpotlightJeff Buerschen -Jeff Buerschen lives in Beavercreek, Ohio, where he enjoys an active and fulfilling retirement. After a distinguished career with the City of Huber Heights Division of Fire, Jeff retired from the fire service and began dedicating more time to his lifelong interest in golf. His passion for the game deepened following retirement, and he has since become a valued volunteer with Miami Valley Golf, contributing for one season so far. He is also a proud member of Walnut Grove Country Club. Beyond golf, Jeff remains deeply involved in his community. He serves on the board of... |
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 | October Volunteer SpotlightRob Aleksa - Rob has dedicated over a decade as a volunteer Rules Official with Miami Valley Golf , where his steady presence and deep knowledge of the game have made him a valued figure in the Ohio golf community. Beyond Miami Valley, he also serves as a Rules Official and Course Rater with the Greater Cincinnati Golf Association , continuing his commitment to fairness and the integrity of the sport. Born and raised in Asia, Rob grew up in a globally minded family—his father worked for the Voice of America (VOA) . That international upbringing spar... |
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.thumb.100.png) | September Volunteer SpotlightJohn Keferl - John Keferl has been a dedicated volunteer with Miami Valley Golf for more than ten years and is an active member of Walnut Grove Country Club. His passion for golf began at the age of ten, when a neighbor across the street gave him her set of MacGregor wooden-shaft clubs. Though the clubs were old, John cherished them and used them for two years. His brother introduced him to the game at Kitty Hawk, where John remembers shooting a 60 for nine holes in his very first round. That day sparked a lifelong love for the game—a journey that remains, in his own words, &... |
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 | August Volunteer SpotlightJanet Bly - Janet Bly is a passionate golfer, dedicated volunteer, and retired public service leader with deep roots in the Miami Valley community. She is a member of Sugar Valley Golf Club, and an active player with the Dayton Chapter of LPGA Amateurs, frequently enjoying rounds at Sugar Valley, Yankee Trace, and various other courses throughout the region. Janet has volunteered with Miami Valley Golf for about a year. Though her father introduced her to golf in childhood, it wasn’t until about 25 years ago—when her two sons began learning the game—that Janet... |
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.thumb.100.png) | July Volunteer SpotlightTheresa Ewing - Theresa Ewing of Tipp City is a passionate and active member of the MiamiValley golf community, serving for over six years as a dedicated volunteerscorer. A regular competitor in local leagues at Cassel Hills, Twin Base, andMeadowbrook golf courses, Theresa’s enthusiasm for golf is matched by herfrequent participation in the sport—often outplaying her original golfingpartner, her husband. A retired member of the U.S. Air Force National Guard, Theresa brings thesame spirit of service to her community involvement. She prepares casserolesfor St. Vincent de... |
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 | In the SpotlightJune Volunteer - Chuck Craft lives in Waynesville, where he enjoys an active and fulfilling retirement centered around family, fitness, and his enduring love for golf. A year into volunteering with Miami Valley Golf, Chuck serves as a walking scorer and forecaddie, offering his time and knowledge to support the game that has shaped much of his life. His interest in golf began in his teenage years and grew quickly. He spent seven years as a caddie at Moraine Country Club, followed by four years working in the pro shop. These early experiences form the foundation of a lifelong c... |
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 | May VolunteerIn the Spotlight - Roger Sorey, a Centerville resident, has been a volunteer with Miami Valley Golf for the past four years, serving variance roles. His love for the game runs deep, sparked early on through the influence of his father and grandfather. Today, Roger is a member of Sycamore Creek Country Club, where he not only plays frequently but was honored as SCCC 2024 Player of the Year. Golf isn't Roger's only passion. When he ’ s not on the course, he also enjoys target shooting, another hobby that reflects his competitive spirit. His athletic background is both... |
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.thumb.100.png) | April Volunteer SpotlightA Lifelong Commitment to Service, Golf and Community - Al Schoolcraft, a dedicated volunteer and community leader, has made valuable contributions to Miami Valley Golf over the past 11 years. As the Men's Course Rating Chair and a member of the Executive Committee, Al ’ s leadership and passion for the game have been instrumental in shaping the organization. He plays most of his golf at Beavercreek Golf Club and was inspired to take up the game by his father-in-law. Al ’ s professional career spans 27 years of distinguished service in the United States Air Force, w... |
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.thumb.100.png) | March Volunteer SpotlightBetse O'Keefe -Betse O'Keefe has been a dedicated volunteer with Miami Valley Golf for five years, bringing her passion for the game and love of community to the organization. A member of Sycamore Creek Country Club, her journey into golf began as a friendly push from her friends, who encouraged her to join the league. What started as a reluctant step quickly turned into a passion, and now she plays regularly—much to the delight of her husband, Doug, an accomplished golfer himself. Her dedication to the game was rewarded in 2024 when she made a hole-in-one on Hole 11 at Sy... |
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 | February Volunteer SpotlightRon Flohre - Ron has been a dedicated member of the Miami Valley Golf community for the past 10 years, resides in Beavercreek, Ohio and has volunteered as a forecaddie, scorer, and registration assistant. His commitment to the game stems from a lifelong passion ignited by rounds of golf with his older brothers. Now a member of Yankee Trace Golf Club, Ron finds joy in sharing his enthusiasm for the sport with others in his local community. Before retiring, Ron had an impactful career as a high school principal at Stebbins High School, where he inspired countless students. His own... |
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 | January Volunteer SpotlightJim Snyder - Jim Snyder, a dedicated golf enthusiast and Miami Valley Golf volunteer, lives in New Carlisle and has been a volunteer for five years. Jim has contributed as a walking scorer, including events such as the US Open Final. A member of Springfield Country Club, he first found his love for golf through the encouragement of his father-in-law. Over the years, Jim’s passion has translated into numerous tournament victories, including the Mercedes Championship at Yankee Trace in 2005, and a series of accolades at Greene Country Club, Springfield Country Club, and t... |
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 | December Volunteer SpotlightTracy Murray -Tracy Murray is a dedicated and passionate advocate for golf and community service, bringing her love for the sport and her commitment to education and volunteerism to every role she undertakes. A resident of Tipp City, Ohio, Tracy has been a Miami Valley Golf volunteer for six years, serving as a scorer at various events. Her interest in golf was inspired by her husband, who coached high school girls’ golf in Tipp City for 15 years. Tracy herself plays frequently and has enjoyed a successful journey in golf, placing sixth in a national event with the LPGA Ama... |
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 | Volunteer in the SpotlightLeigh Baumgardner - Leigh has been a Miami Valley Golf volunteer for four years. She is an active golfer, frequently playing at Dayton Country Club (DCC), where she has earned titles such as being on the DCC Team Player Net Championship Team, Mr. and Mrs. Club Champion 2023, and Member-Member Champion 2024. Leigh has also won Club Championions at Sugar Valley, Miami Valley, and Golden Horseshoe in Williamsburg, Virginia, and has participated in Tri-City competitions as well as a former All-American College golfer. Professionally, Leigh has worked as a Realtor with Irongate... |
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.thumb.100.png) | October Volunteer SpotlightSara Sorey - Sara Sorey is a familiar face in the Miami Valley Golf community, where she has spent the past five years volunteering as a scorer. She also finds immense joy playing golf regularly at Sycamore Creek Country Club, a course that has become a backdrop for many of her personal victories. Among her accolades are the Senior Championship in 2022, the Memorial Tournament titles in 2019, 2022, and 2024, the LGA Club Championship Low Net wins in 2017 and 2022, and her leadership in the LGA League in both 2018 and 2020. Recently, Sara’s dedication to... |
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.thumb.100.png) | September Volunteer SpotlightMike Walpole - Mike Walpole is a dedicated golf enthusiast and a resident of Kettering, Ohio. With a deep-rooted passion for the game, Mike has been an active volunteer with Miami Valley Golf for the past decade, contributing his time as a scorer and assisting in various support roles. His love for golf was sparked by his father and has been a significant part of his life since high school. Mike's golfing prowess is well-documented, with notable achievements including winning the 2009 Greene Country Club Senior Club Champion and the 2023 Miami County Super Duper Senior Champion,... |
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 | August Volunteer SpotlightPeggy Grunkemeyer - Peggy Grunkemeyer has dedicated herself to a life rich in family, business, and community service. For the past five years, she has been a valuable volunteer with Miami Valley Golf, serving as a scorer and information volunteer. Her enthusiasm for the sport extends beyond volunteering; she is an avid golfer, regularly playing at Walnut Grove Country Club and Cypress Lake Country Club. Peggy's love for golf began when her son started playing in high school and college, sparking a lifelong interest. This passion has allowed her to combine her enjoyment of the s... |
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 | July Volunteer SpotlightMeggan Weaver -Meggan Weaver, a devoted resident of Sidney, Ohio, has built a life rich in community service, family, and a love for golf. She lives with her husband, Jim Weaver, who introduced her to the game that has become a central part of their lives together. Meggan's journey into the world of golf began while she was dating Jim. Her father suggested she take up the game to develop a shared interest with Jim, and this advice proved to be transformative. In the summer of 1998, Meggan joined her first golf league, marking the start of her long-standing passion for the sport... |
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.thumb.100.png) | June Volunteer SpotlightJeff Ahrns - Jeff Ahrns lives in Minster and has been a dedicated volunteer for Miami Valley Golf for the past 6 years, where he contributes as a scorer. He is an avid golfer who enjoys playing regularly at Arrowhead Golf Course in Minster. Jeff's passion for golf began at a young age; he started playing at seven years old while caddying for his dad. A memorable moment in his golfing journey was when his grandfather gifted golf clubs to all his grandchildren during Christmas in the sixth grade. His grandfather would pick them up and take them to the course three mornings a week... |
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 | May Volunteer Spotlight Steve Hannaford - Steve Hannaford lives a life intertwined with the rhythm of golf, family, and service. He found his first love for the game alongside his father and brother at The Kitty, where his journey in golf began. In the swinging 60s, Steve and his family embarked on a new chapter as they joined Greene Country Club. Under the watchful eye of Head Pro Chuck Licher, Steve's passion for golf flourished. Chuck became more than a mentor, teaching Steve the technicalities of the game but also the virtues of sportsmanship and respect. Chuck's tournaments became a class... |
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 | April Volunteer SpotlightJeff Graham - For the past five years, Jeff has dedicated his time and energy to volunteering with Miami Valley Golf as a spotter and scorer. When he's not volunteering, Jeff can often be found golfing on the courses of Beavercreek and Yankee Trace. His love for golf stretches back to his days a t the DP&L club championship, where he and his older brother Scott would battle it out on the challenging 9-hole course. Despite losing to Scott in one of the finals, Jeff cherishes those memories of friendly competition. One of Jeffs first jobs was as a caddy at Walnut Grove whe... |
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 | March Volunteer SpotlightAndrew Boedecker - Andrew Boedecker has been a Miami Valley Golf volunteer for the past 5 years as a course rater. Since the age of five, Andrew's journey with golf began when his father introduced him to the sport. Armed with a collection of clubs, he took to the greens of his hometown in Howards Grove, Wisconsin, where he spent every summer perfecting his swing alongside his neighbor, a seasoned ballhawk. Throughout high school and into college at the University of Wisconsin-Parkside, Andrew's love for golf only grew. Winning junior tournaments in Wisconsin and captaining... |
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 | February Volunteer SpotlightJerry Mullen - For the past three years, Jerry has been a volunteer with Miami Valley Golf, as a forecaddie and scorer at various tournaments. He is always early and ready to help anywhere he is ask him too. His passion for the game began at an early age, when his father introduced him to the game at the age of 10. When not volunteering, Jerry plays a lot of golf, over 100 rounds this past season. As the off season sets in, Jerry changes his focus to another sport he enjoys, bowling. When not volunteering, play golf or bowling, the Kanzaki Specialty Paper retiree loves t... |
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 | January Volunteer SpotlightTom Walz - Tom has been a dedicated volunteer with Miami Valley Golf for over a decade, serving as a scorer for numerous tournaments and is a plays most of his rounds at WGC Golf Course. His love for the sport was kindled during his childhood, as he watched his parents play nine holes on sunny Sundays. It didn't take long for Tom to fall in love with the game, and he has been swinging clubs ever since. He became a two-time club champion at the DP&L Golf Club. His crowning achievement was setting a course record with a remarkable 8-un der-par 64. Tom retired... |
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 | December Volunteer SpotlightDon Vulgamore - Don is a newer Miami Valley Golf Volunteer. He stepped into the role of a Volunteer Support Person and Scorer for several Miami Valley Golf events this year. Don is no stranger to golf; he frequently plays at Heatherwoode Golf Club in Springboro. His fascination with golf began during his childhood, a tradition passed down by his father. Those early rounds with his dad instilled a lifelong passion. Don's love for the sport deepened when he worked at the Ohio University Golf Course during his college years. It was there that golf ceased to be just a pastime and t... |
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 | November Volunteer Spotlight Tony Auzenne - Tony Auzenne has dedicated his time and expertise to Miami Valley Golf as a Rules Official, Scorer, and Player Assistant for the past five years. He's a familiar face at the Miami Shores golf course in Troy OH., where he is also a member. Tony's love of golf began in 1968 when a baseball coach introduced him to the game. However, it wasn't until he moved to Ohio in 1985 that he started playing regularly. It was here that he honed his skills, becoming a force to be reckoned with on the local golf scene. Over the years, Tony has racked up an impressive list of... |
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 | October Volunteer SpotlightScott Roderick - Scott Roderick has been a dedicated volunteer with Miami Valley Golf for five years as a scorer and forecaddie. His journey with golf began at the age of seven, when he inherited his older brother's clubs. He would spend countless hours hitting practice balls around the backyard. One of the defining moments in Scott's golfing journey occurred during his time in the Army. In 2006, during a large golf outing with his unit in sunny Orlando, Florida, he found himself facing a 143-yard par 3 hole. He struck his tee shot and watched as it sailed through the air and l... |
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 | In the SpotlightLarry Litscher - For the past 15 years, Larry has been a dedicated volunteer with Miami Valley Golf, serving as a rules official and referee for numerous golf tournaments. His love for golf extends beyond officiating; he is also a member of NCR Country Club, where he plays golf frequently. Larry's journey into the world of golf began with a heartwarming story from his youth. In his early years, he along with a bunch of Iow a farm boys came together to play golf on a whim, bonding over the sport and creating unforgettable memories. This event sparked an interest in Larry... |
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 | August Volunteer SpotlightKen Herr - Ken Herr has devoted much of his life to the game of golf. For a decade, he has served as a dedicated volunteer starter and scorer at the Miami Valley Golf Association, bringing joy and professionalism to the golfing community. But his contributions to the sport extend beyond the local level. Over the last two years, Ken has been passionately involved in Golf Next and Madden Next initiatives, where he lends his consulting expertise to facilitate and focus on their development and execution. These initiatives aim to bring fresh perspectives and innovations to the go... |
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 | July Volunteer SpotlightDaryl Nels - I s a woman with a passion for golf and a heart full of dedication. For close to 30 years, she has been an invaluable volunteer at Miami Valley Golf, leaving her mark on the local golfing community. Daryl's involvement began when she joined the Board of the Dayton District Women's Golf Association (DDWGA) Course Rating Committee. Her meticulous attention to detail and love for the game made her an ideal candidate for this role. In the early 2000s, she extended her commitment and joined the MVGA Foundation Board, where she plays a vital role in promoting and... |
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- Marilynn is a longtime Tipp City resident whose life reflects commitment—to her community, her family, and the game of golf. She has served as a Miami Valley Golf volunteer for one year as a scorer, spotter and registration assistant, offering her time and experience to support regional golf activities and events.
