VOLUNTEER SPOTLIGHT
John Marion
T
he CSGA is very proud to recognize past President, John Marion, as
the spotlight volunteer of the month. Growing up in Agawam, MA, he
didn’t get involved with the game of golf until he started reporting for
the school newspaper. Once he began editing the sports section, he became really
interested in golf but didn’t start consistently playing until he was about 30 years
old. Graduating from Cathedral High School, he decided he would go to college
in Long Beach, CA before returning to American International College where he
received a liberal arts degree. For 37 years, John was in the mortgage industry.
In the business world, golf can be a huge asset and John used this to his
advantage throughout his career. He brought clients and peers to play and he says
that the golf course is the best place to find out who someone really is. He has
kept golf in his life because he loves the history of the game and how it relates so
well to life in general.
After his retirement, John decided he wanted to stay in the game and
began volunteering for the CSGA. His first event was the 2003 CT Open at Black
Hall Club where he was on the 14th hole as a spotter. The following year he went
to as many tournaments as possible before eventually passing the rules test and
becoming an official. He loves helping the players, but refereeing matches is his
absolute favorite part of volunteering and he is known to be a great rules official
among both players and other volunteers.
John currently lives in Uncasville, and has been a member at Norwich
Golf Club for 40 years! He plans on playing golf and helping the CSGA as long
as he can, and he says that watching talented players really helps his game improve
and keeps him motivated to always get better. ~ By Jason Troll
38 | CSGA Links // September, 2017