The Texas Golf Association (TGA) will honor Paris resident Jason R. Smith along with three others this summer for being Volunteers of the Year for the TGA and United States Golf Association (USGA). The recognition will take place at the Texas Amateur Banquet on Wednesday, June 13 at Whispering Pines Golf Club in Trinity, Texas. The banquet will kick off the most prestigious Amateur golf event in Texas and will be attended by the best amateur golfers in the state, along with all the volunteers in the state for the TGA and USGA, and their boards and staffs.
“I have been helping the TGA, the Legends Junior Tour, and USGA since 2010 and volunteer about 25-30 days a year for them,” said Smith. “All of these events are typically in the Dallas-Ft. Worth, Austin, and Houston areas. Most of the volunteers are retirees, which makes me the young guy. But, I can say I am very appreciated by all knowing I volunteer and have more than a full-time job.”
Smith is the Associate Band Director for North Lamar High School and has received the highest level of accomplishment on the USGA/PGA golf rules exam. He additionally serves as an official for two to three tournaments a year for the American Junior Golf Association (AJGA) and the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA).
“For me, this is a big deal,” said Smith of the award. “These people know of my passion for our school, teaching, and music. The people I volunteer with are lawyers, doctors, CEOs, and the like in The Metroplex area. The fact they choose me was very humbling, and most of them volunteer 50-60 days a year or more.”
Recipients of the Volunteer Award are recognized each year and are chosen from the North and South regions of Texas for their distinctive dedication to the game of golf and the tireless support of TGA’s mission.
Commenting on enthusiasts such as himself who donate their time and experience to the TGA, Smith said, “Yes, we may get lunch out of it, but it is for the love of the game.
