More to the Story with Staley: FedEx St. Jude Championship

MEMPHIS, Tenn. (WDEF) — A professional golf tournament is fueled by its sponsorships. No sponsors means no tournament.

But it’s made to run smoothly because of the hundreds of volunteers. And we have any extremely dedicated volunteer right here in Chattanooga.

It’s that time of the year again in Memphis! The annual FedEx St. Jude Championship, Tennessee’s only PGA Tour stop.

A lot of people make the tournament go, especially the hundreds of volunteers.

But none of the volunteers are more dedicated than Myra Gill. For 32 years, she has volunteered at the tournament.

And this week, she’ll once again make the trek from Chattanooga to “The Home of the Blues,” five hours in the car, about 350 miles.

“For me, it’s a great way to give back to your community, as well as meet new people. And it’s fun. I don’t like to do things that aren’t fun,” Gill said.

Of the hundreds of volunteers at the St. Jude tournament, Gill is one of the longer tenured. She says probably in the top 20.

Many volunteers plan their vacation days around the St. Jude Tournament.

Lee Franklin will make the commute from Nashville. For the 8th year. Overall, he’s been a tournament volunteer for 19 years.

“It’s an opportunity to get together and do something for that community,” Franklin explained. “Each year I get excited. There are so many reasons to do it.”

Gill says volunteers love the St. Jude Tournament because sponsors such as Blue Cross Blue Shield provide shirts, caps and food.

But more than anything else, she says getting together with her longtime friends simply tops the charts.

“Once you volunteer for a long time, you get a sense of family. These people, I’ve known them for over 30 years. That’s what makes this tournament amazing,” Gill said.

The tournament starts Thursday, August 10. Gill has to be there earlier than that to, once again, lend a helping hand. For all of the right reasons.