Champions of the Fairway: Recreation Park’s Ambassadors Honored for Service and Spirit

Long Beach, CA – At Recreation Park Golf Course, a smooth and enjoyable Saturday morning round of golf is the result of the dedicated efforts of a special group of individuals known as the Ambassadors. Comprised mostly of retired men and women, they bring a wealth of experience, generosity, and good humor to the course.

Recently, the American Golf Foundation recognized the Ambassadors for their outstanding service. They are more than just volunteers; they are the heartbeat of the Recreation Park golf experience.

🌟 Keeping the Game Fun and Flowing
Decked out in their signature polos, Ambassadors are the friendly faces you’ll see everywhere:

• Greeting players with a warm welcome.
• Offering tips on navigating the course.
• Encouraging good pace of play so everyone enjoys their round.
  
  “We want people to leave here smiling,” says longtime Ambassador Roger Gilliam.

💚 Giving Back Beyond the Greens
The Ambassadors’ impact doesn’t stop at the 18th hole. They actively raise funds for local charities, channeling their collective energy into causes that matter — from youth programs and community food banks to veterans’ support initiatives. Their efforts have helped bring thousands of dollars to worthwhile projects, proving golf and community service are a perfect match.

Meet the Ambassadors

Roger Gillam – The Gentle Captain
A steady presence on the course, Roger’s background in community outreach makes him a natural leader. He’s known for his calm demeanor, quick wit, and knack for defusing tense moments with a smile. Roger organizes many of the group’s charity scrambles, ensuring they’re as fun as they are impactful.

Len Gantz – The Organizer
With a career in operations management behind him, Len brings structure and precision to the Ambassador crew. He’s the one fine‑tuning tee sheet rotations, checking pace‑of‑play stats, and making sure volunteer shifts run like clockwork. Len’s commitment keeps both the course and the community initiatives on schedule.

Brett Lang – The Connector
Brett’s energy is infectious. A leader in the Adaptive Golf Arena making connections — between golfers, between charities, and between Recreation Park and the wider Long Beach community. He’s often spotted at local courses giving Adaptive Golf Clinics for disabled vets. Brett has also competed internationally on several Adaptive Golf Tours. He’s a regular at Rec 18, where he’s swapping stories and ensuring everyone feels like part of the family.

📣 Why They Matter
Recreation Park’s Ambassadors are proof that customer service can be proactive, personal, and joyful. By keeping the course moving and the players engaged, they turn a good round into a great experience. By giving back, they make sure their work resonates far beyond the fairways.