ESCANABA — Last weekend, while at my niece’s wedding reception, I heard the words that are music to the ears of a chamber director. Wedding guests from the metro Detroit area were seated at our table and said that they loved their first trip to Delta County. They visited wineries, restaurants, gift shops, and the Island Resort and Casino, and commented on the beauty of the area and the friendliness of the people who call our waterfront community home.

The husband-and-wife team said they like to hike, camp, fish, and golf and would plan a return visit to enjoy everything about our great outdoors. As soon as they talked about golf and a return visit, I encouraged them to come back in two weeks to volunteer and experience the energy and excitement of the Epson tour taking place at the award-winning Sweetgrass Golf Course.

If my new friends do make their way to the volunteer tent anytime on June 24 through 26, we certainly will have positions for them to fill. Actually, we still have a few openings for anyone who might be interested in being part of the success of the Island Resort Championship at Sweetgrass, an official qualifying tournament of the LPGA, now in its 42nd season.

Volunteer positions are available for anyone with or without golf experience. As an example, someone with very little experience might want to drive a cart that shuttles players between holes with long walks. No golf experience is required in the hospitality division – the only requirement is a helpful attitude to share general information about the tournament with guests.

Avid golfers could consider helping as a caddie or a cart driver that follows a team of golfers and records their scores. There are openings in the scoring division where volunteers are responsible for collecting unofficial scores and statistics for posting on the Epson Tour website.

Maybe you just want to spend a volunteer shift outside. If you do, we have the perfect job for you as a course marshal or spotter. Marshals are responsible for gallery control and safety. Spotters are stationed at a hole to watch players’ shots in case they go astray. Bring a chair and sunscreen and enjoy the day helping the golfers on their way to the LPGA.

If your interest is piqued and you want to meet wonderful players and their families, tour officials, and, of course, other fantastic volunteers, contact the Chamber early next week by calling 906-786-2192 and sign up to help. We greatly appreciate the support we receive from the volunteers who help to make the tournament one of the best for the extraordinary women golfers who are pursuing their dream of playing on the LPGA Tour.

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Vickie Micheau is executive director of the Delta County Chamber of Commerce.