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October Volunteer Spotlight – Chuck Flowers
In 2004, Chuck Flowers was forced to make a life change. The then 58-year-old had been diagnosed with neuropathy and was forced to retire as the Director of Youth Evangelism for Texas Baptists.
“I was almost to the point where I was in a wheelchair,” Flowers said. “I had to take a disability retirement. I just could not function with the travel and, of course, it broke my heart.”
Flowers served in student ministry for over five decades. It was his calling, and walking away after so many years was difficult. He battled severe disability for nearly five years, but in 2009 Flowers’ renewed love for the game of golf inspired him to regain his health. Within 14 months, he lost nearly 70 pounds, regained his strength and began to pursue his other passion: giving back to the game.
Flowers first started volunteering at the 2010 Volunteers of America LPGA Texas Classic at Las Colinas Country Club in Irving, and eventually was named Volunteer Chairman. During his time working with the LPGA Tour, Flowers developed an interest in rules officiating. When the Tour announced the tournament was moving to Old American Golf Club in The Colony, Flowers opted not to follow. He wanted to learn more about rules officiating.
In Jan. of 2017, Flowers signed up for his first PGA/USGA Rules of Golf Workshop. The final exam at the end of the 3½-day session was much more difficult than he ever imagined.
“I thought I knew golf,” said Flowers, a former member of Oklahoma Baptist University’s Men’s Golf Team. “I found out quickly I didn’t know anything about the Rules. That first test blew me away.”
Flowers wasn’t discouraged by his poor performance on his first Rules of Golf test. To the contrary, it lit a fire deep inside.
“Rules officiating is really what I wanted to do,” Flowers said. “So, I began studying and became involved with the Texas Golf Association.”
Just months following the Rules of Golf Workshop, Flowers was working his first event at the Legends Junior Tour Bluebonnet Championship at Brownwood Country Club.
“After my first tournament I was hooked,” Flowers said. “And ever since then I’ve been studying all the time and officiating across the state.”
In his third year as a TGA Championship Volunteer, the 72-year-old averages over 50 days of officiating across TGA, LJT, USGA and NCAA tournament schedules. Giving back to the game brings fulfillment into Flowers life, and he values the lessons golf teaches.
“What has amazed me about it all is the integrity of the game,” Flowers said. “I love to see kids and players who have integrity. They want to be the best that they can be and to see them work that out on the golf course intrigues me.”
Flowers’ dedication to the TGA and his tremendous support of the LJT is unwavering. His efforts to help make TGA tournaments a success is a part of who he is: a man who strives for excellence.
“I have always had a real burning desire and commitment to whatever I do and try to do it to my best ability,” Flowers said. “I like being a part of an organization like the TGA that strives for excellence and being able to help an organization like that.”
The TGA extends its sincere appreciation to Chuck for his efforts in making our championships a success. The work and dedication from all our volunteers allows the TGA to grow and continue to support the game we all love.
To volunteer for the Texas Junior Golf Alliance Invitational, Women’s Texas Pinehurst, Alamo Shootout and/or any other upcoming TGA tournaments, click here. To register for a 2020 PGA/USGA Rules of Golf Workshop, click here.
