On Center

Charity Begins on the Course

Jason Creighton, 26, has been an avid golfer for 10 years. A self-described perfectionist and former co-captain of his high school golf team, Creighton loves aligning his body with the right club, he says, and striking the ball with just enough force to glide to its destination. Off the course, he gets vicarious pleasure following professional golf.

A volunteer hole marshal at last year’s event raises his arms
to silence the crowd.

So when Creighton saw an ad seeking volunteers for last fall’s Constellation Energy Classic Champions Tour at Hayfields Country Club in Hunt Valley, Md.—with a share of proceeds benefiting the Packard Center—he signed up to marshal the 17th hole. His duty? To track where balls come to rest and calm too-lively spectators.

The highlight of the week for Creighton, a Johns Hopkins research coordinator in neurology, was having the opportunity to see the pros up close. “I tried to look for small techniques I could pick up,” he says, “to improve my swing.” And, he adds, it was gratifying to support worthy causes in the process. Last year’s event raised funds for four Baltimore charities, including $100,000 for the Packard Center.

This year’s Champions Tour is scheduled for September 12–18 at the same location. Creighton will be back, this time as an assistant hole captain.

The Center is seeking 20 to 30 volunteers to marshal the 17th hole during at least two 6-hour sessions. Normally, the volunteer package—which includes a golf shirt, windbreaker, meals and other perks—costs $75. But thanks to Packard Center board member Don Hutchinson and SunTrust Bank, those fees have been underwritten.

To become a marshal, contact Mike Renwick, Johns Hopkins University’s assistant director of athletics, at 410-516-5138 or renwick@jhu.edu.

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