More Than Golf: How the Recreation Park 18 Ambassadors Elevate the Game and the Community

LONG BEACH, Calif. — At first glance, you might think golf course ambassadors are simply there to greet players. They also help keep the pace of play moving. Their role ensures the course runs smoothly. But at Recreation Park 18 Golf Course in Long Beach, the Ambassador Program is much more than that. It’s a brotherhood. It’s a service organization. It’s also a driving force for good in the community.
For the past decade, Roger Gilliam has led the Ambassador Program. He is the Captain of the program. He proudly calls it “The best Ambassador Program at American Golf.” And he has the proof to back it up.

A Team Built on Love for the Game
The Recreation Park 18 Ambassadors are a diverse group of men. They share one thing in common: a deep love for golf. They also have a desire to give back to the course and community that has given them so much.
Among their ranks are retired fire chiefs, police chiefs, police officers, and special event specialists. These individuals have spent their careers serving others. Now, they channel that same dedication into the game they love. Many have been part of the program for years. They choose to be part of it, not because they have to be, but because they want to be.

More Than Just Pace of Play
While keeping the course moving is part of the job, it’s equally important to maintain a welcoming atmosphere. The Ambassadors’ impact goes far beyond the fairways. They serve as the course’s public relations team. Their role is to ensure every golfer feels valued and respected. This includes everyone from first‑time visitors to long‑time regulars.
They help keep the course clean. They assist with events. They act as the friendly, knowledgeable faces that make a round at Recreation Park 18 feel like playing at your home club. This is true even if it’s your first visit.

Champions for Charity
The most remarkable part of the Ambassador Program is their commitment to giving back. Throughout the year, they volunteer their time to raise money for a wide range of charities, including:

• Wounded Warriors
• US Vets
• Folds of Honor
• Boost Foundation (supporting cystic fibrosis research)
• Prostate Cancer research
• Long Beach Women’s Shelter
• Pathways hospice care
  When tragedy struck in January, the Ambassadors rallied to raise $4,000 for local fire victims.
  They do it all through creativity and camaraderie. They stage putting contests. They host fun challenges at selected holes. They turn a day on the course into an opportunity to make a difference.

A Record of Results
Their efforts haven’t gone unnoticed. The Recreation Park 18 Ambassadors ranked 6th out of 42 American Golf courses locally. They raised just over $20,000 in charitable fundraising last year. This year, they’re on track to top that number, aiming for an impressive $25,000.

A Fraternity of Friends
Ask any Ambassador what makes the program special. You’ll hear the same thing. It’s the friendships.
“Our Ambassador Program is like a fraternity of friends,” one member said. That sense of connection extends to the golfers they serve. It creates an atmosphere where everyone feels welcome. They feel part of something bigger.

The Heart of Recreation Park 18
More than a support team, the Ambassadors are the heartbeat of Recreation Park 18. They embody the values of service, sportsmanship, and community, proving that golf is about more than just the scorecard.
As Captain Roger Gilliam puts it, “This isn’t about me — it’s about the guys who love golf and now want to give back to their course. That’s what makes this the best Ambassador Program at American Golf.”

For more on the Ambassador Program and upcoming charity events at Recreation Park 18,
visit https://www.recpark18.com/