Volunteer Spotlight: Air Force Veteran David Hon

For David Hon, the 2018 Volunteer of the Year for the SNGA, volunteering for golf events has become second nature. “I just enjoy it,” said the 66-year-old who is retired from the Air Force. “It’s a great way to spend the day. How much better can it be than being out on a golf course?” — By Bill Bowman, Las Vegas Golf Insider staff.

He began his volunteering in 1994 at the Shriners Hospitals for Children Open and this year will be his 25th year out at the event.

“I started volunteering as something to keep me busy after I retired,” he said. “It’s something I enjoy and I’ve just kept doing it.”

In addition to Shriners and SNGA events, he’s also worked USGA majors, LPGA, Champions Tour, WEB.com and college events.

Ah yes, the Champions Tour. That stirs up one of Hon’s fondest memories as a volunteer.

Flash back to the Uniting Fore Care Classic in Park City, Utah, in 2002. While Morris Hatalsky went on to win the event, that’s not what Hon remembers. In fact, it’s not even the tournament proper that stands out.

It was his time as the walking scorer in the pro-am round. While that also isn’t usually cause for celebration, this time it was.

Playing in his group that day followed by a sea of fans was Arnold Palmer.

“That was amazing,” he said. “All through the round, everyone he met wanted a piece of him and he didn’t say no to anyone. He still got in his 18 holes. Everything they say about the man is absolutely true. It was just a day to remember.”

So despite being retired, Hon is still finding plenty of opportunities to fill his days. He just thought it would be more playing golf and less work.

“I’m an avid golfer,” he said. “I’ve been playing since the mid-80s. I played a lot when I was in the Air Force and working for Lockheed Martin in the Salt Lake area but I’m playing a lot less now with all of the tournaments. I’m only playing a couple of times a month.”

But, he’s not complaining one bit.

“I just enjoy being out there,” he said. “I was looking for a way to give back to the community and for me, this is it. The SNGA has been great to me. I’m glad I can help out.”

To join Hon and volunteer, click here