Henry 'Skip' Monge from Reno-Tahoe Tournament honored as 2018 PGA TOUR Volunteer of the Year
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RENO, NV - AUGUST 05: Kris Blanks prepares to take his second shot on the first hole during the final round of the Barracuda Championship at Montreux Country Club on August 5, 2018 in Reno, Nevada. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
PONTE VEDRA BEACH, FLORIDA– Longtime Reno-Tahoe Tournament volunteer Henry “Skip” Monge was honored by the PGA TOUR at the TOUR’s Tournament Meetings on December 6 as the 2018 PGA TOUR Volunteer of the Year.
Monge began volunteering at the Reno-Tahoe Tournament in 2004 as a marshal before moving into the position of hole captain. After a stint as both the front- and back-nine hole manager, he became the Marshal Chair, a post he has held since 2012. Since he took over as Marshal Chair, Monge increased the number of marshals from 80 to 185, personally recruiting and training new volunteers. While Monge lives in Arizona, he stays connected with his captains year-round. In addition to his role at the Reno-Tahoe Tournament, Monge has lent his time and talents to other PGA TOUR, PGA TOUR Champions, LPGA Tour and USGA events.
“In the past 16 years, Skip has volunteered more than 6,500 hours for the PGA TOUR, and that's just ‘on-course’ hours,” said Chris Hoff, Tournament Director of the Reno-Tahoe Tournament. “I could not postulate how many additional hours he has spent recruiting, planning and organizing volunteers for the numerous tournaments he throws himself into. Over the past few years, Skip has bravely battled cancer and multiple rounds of chemotherapy. Through all of this, he continues to be one of the tournament’s most treasured assets. I cannot think of a more deserving volunteer to receive this prestigious award. I thank our friend, Skip, for everything he has done for the tournament and countless others.”
Tournaments would not be possible without the support of volunteers, who not only help the event operate, but also contribute to the overall charitable impact. With the support of more than 100,000 volunteers annually, the TOUR is able to assist approximately 3,000 charities each year.
With the award, the PGA TOUR will donate $5,000 to Monge’s charity of choice. Monge selected My Hometown Heroes, a non-profit organization designed to provide scholarships for young adult cancer survivors.
The 79-year-old former Eagle Scout who served in the Marine Corps has 12 grandchildren and enjoys family, golf and travel, despite his recent health issues.
“I cherish the friendships that have been made over the years,” said Monge.
The 2019 Reno-Tahoe Tournament, won this year by Andrew Putnam, will be held July 22-28 at Montreux Golf and Country Club.