October 13, 2017
2017 NCGA Course Rater, Tournament Official of the Year
NCGA staff and volunteers celebrated yet another fantastic tournament and course rating season at the annual TOCR Day at Poppy Hills GC in Pebble Beach.
As per custom, a number of officials and raters were recognized for their commitments to serving the game. Among the awards and honors bestowed included Tournament Official of the Year and Course Rater of the Year.
Tournament Official of the Year—Michael Sheragy
As he neared retirement, 71-year-old Fowler resident Michael Sheragy began thinking about how he’d spend his time.
Then fraternity brother and former NCGA President Lee Gidney entered the picture.
“Lee talked to me about becoming a tournament official,” Sheragy said. “I decided it was something I wanted to do.”
A single-digit handicap player himself, Sheragy instantly got hooked. He’s now been an NCGA tournament official for over 12 years.
“I love playing golf. Being a Rules official is just as much fun. You get to use your mind so much,” Sheragy said.
One of the things Sheragy most enjoys is helping players understand the Rules—hopefully before it’s too late. He also feels a kinship with the NCGA.
“Being a member of the NCGA is something special. It’s great what the NCGA does for amateur golf,” Sheragy said. “To be a part of the NCGA is very special.”
Course Rater of the Year—Ed Hashim
In a twist of irony, it took a tournament official to get 67-year-old Fresno resident Ed Hashim to become an NCGA course rater.
“A friend of mine who was a tournament official talked me into volunteering,” Hashim said.
Having made the decision to dive in, Hashim sent in a tournament official application to the NCGA’s Vaughn Kezirian. Kezirian, however, suggested Hashim be a course rater instead.
A course rater for the NCGA now 10-years running, Hashim rated over 22 courses in 2017. Among the things he loves about his duty is the friendships he’s made with other course raters and NCGA staff members including Director of Course Rating and Handicapping Jim Cowan and Assistant Director of Course Rating Jeremy Gray.
“I have a passion for golf and being on the course,” Hashim said. “Being a rater, you get to see what makes up the slope and ratings. You get to go inside the course numbers.”
Other awards and honors handed out during the post-golf banquet:
- Tournament Officials Outstanding Service Awards: Bill Hayes, Lance Parker and Bill Telepak
- Course Raters Outstanding Service Awards: Tom Yuschak and Rick Shone
Years of Service Awards
- 5-Year Pins Tournament Officials: Jim Stout, David Tanaka, Kent Hirose, Stuart Shicoff, Dennis Barbata, Bob Goldstein, David Gowan, Ed Henton, John Kiely, Kirk Straw, Don Wilson, Richard Fong and Greg Galardy.
- 5-Year Pins Course Raters: None
- 10-Year Pins Tournament Officials: Maureen Earley, Charles Hancock, David Kaja, Fernie Tarango, David Smith, Robin Cooke, Roger Gray, Rick Luther, Byron Washburn, Paul Layrac, Gene Young
- 10-Year Pins Course Raters: Keith Schwartz
- 15-Year Pins Tournament Officials: Doug Beaumont, Vic Ventura, Joan Caldwell, Christopher Clark, Jay Clifton, Kerry Gordon, Frank Mann, Madeline Sally, Tyler Tharpe, Jimmy Tsuruoka, John Whitelaw
- 15-Year Pins Course Raters: Trent Cave, David Evans, Drury Schutz
- 20-Year Watches: Bill Downs, Paul Senft (Tournament Officials), Steve MacIlraith, William Hagen, Richard Schoellhorn (Course Raters)
- 25-Years Service: Bob Burt, Gary Nelson (Tournament Officials)
- 30-Years Service: Steve Treadway (Course Raters)
- 35-Years Service:John Nakamura (Tournament Officials)
- Retirement: None
