Ron Wright is a passionate volunteer for the Wells Fargo Championship, where he has served as the hole captain of hole 3 and tournament volunteer for 17 years. His efforts have earned him recognition as the “Mayor� of the hole captains, and he is regarded as one of the tournament’s most effective and respected of the tournament’s 2,300 volunteers. Ron is passionate about engaging with patrons of all ages and making sure they leave with the most positive experience possible while ensuring players have favorable conditions. He also started the Junior Marshal program at the tournament to increase youth engagement. “I am a people person,� Ron said. “The best thing I can do is send somebody home with a smile on their face.� Ron was diagnosed with Stage 4 lung cancer in June 2017. Sadly, after many months of treatment, his cancer progressed and is now at an advanced stage. He also recently spent time in the hospital after suffering a related stroke and is now focusing on spending quality time together with his wife, Sandy, and extended family. Ron returned to the course this week to receive special recognition for his dedication and enthusiasm that has inspired his peers. He was escorted by golf cart to his hole by close family friend Kendall Alley, Charlotte Regional President for Wells Fargo, where fellow marshal volunteers from hole 3, PGA TOUR Rules Officials Dillard Pruitt and Mark Russell, along with PGA TOUR Tournament Business Affairs (TBA) Community Impact team member Ericson Balcita, were waiting to help present Ron with tickets to the 18th hole hospitality for Sunday along with parking and tournament merchandise. Watching Sunday’s final action will be an exciting first; in past years, he has been unable to watch the final round given his commitment to tournament preparation and volunteering. Ron’s special recognition is part of the #IVolunteerBecause initiative. This onsite experience features volunteers at select tournaments and is part of the 2019 PGA TOUR Volunteer Appreciation Program Sponsored by Myrbetriq® (mirabegron). “I volunteer because I make a difference in somebody’s day,� Ron said. “If they are happy, I’m happy.� What’s your inspiration for volunteering in your community? Tag #IVolunteerBecause on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram and share your story.
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