Help wanted: It's LECOM Suncoast Classic Tournament time

It's considered more of a national event, and yet, the LECOM Suncoast Classic is as much a community event as any other.

If not for the community, it simply would not survive.

This is the seventh year the Korn Ferry Tour is bringing some of the top professional golfers in the world to Lakewood National Golf Club in Lakewood Ranch, and once again it's time for the community to support the event, which runs April 16-19.

What will make running this year's tournament a little more challenging is the fact Easter Sunday falls on April 20.

Normally a Thursday through Sunday event, the 2025 version is being backed up to Wednesday through Saturday so the championship round isn't played on Easter.

The challenge, once again, is filling out the volunteer corps for the event.

Joining the LECOM Suncoast Classic staff this year is Carley Kristich, the wife of Tournament Director Justin Kristich. A volunteer in the past, Carley Kristich is now the tournament services manager.

Justin Kristich was hired before the first event seven years ago, so it's always been his baby. However, now he has another baby.

Carley and Justin, who were married seven years ago, welcomed daughter Palmer to the family 16 months ago. If you were wondering, Palmer wasn't named for Arnold Palmer.

"It was just on a list of names," Carley Kristich said. "I wanted Scarlett, but Palmer grew on me."

Even with the additional family responsibilities, they thought it was time Carley joined the LECOM Suncoast Classic staff since things were going to be a little different putting on a tournament during Easter week.

"We have a lot of families (who served as volunteers in the past) who are leaving to go back north," Carley Kristich said. "And we have people here who are hosting families coming in."

The tournament was shifted back in the calendar last year from February and meant a large percentage of volunteers from the past couldn't work because they were Snowbirds who were going back north in April. But the scramble for help was successful in 2024 as 470 volunteers signed up.

This year, with the added holiday period running at the same time, the tourney has attracted 300 volunteers so far. Carley Kristich said they could use another 200.

For those who are interested, you don't need to be a golfer or golf fan to volunteer. Perhaps you just want to do something to keep a fun community event alive.

Volunteers are asked to work at least three shifts that usually run from four to six hours. Volunteers pay $50, but for that they get a polo shirt, hat, food and drink during all their shifts, four tournament tickets, a volunteer appreciation party, and a free round of golf at Lakewood National, which is a private course. You can figure your round to be worth more than $100 by itself.

Perhaps the best perk is being around the talented professional athletes, who have always shown their appreciation in past events. They genuinely are moved by the kindness of the people living in East County.

The tournament has different work tasks for just about anyone. You can be a golf course marshal, or a standard bearer. You can work in hospitality, or drive shuttles. They have people who take tickets, and those who help at the driving range. The list of volunteer duties goes on and on.

Volunteers 17 and under are free, and they receive all the aforementioned perks. Are you a high school golfer? Sign up and rub elbows with the pros. Are you worried that you have a handicap and can't stand all day? Carley Kristich said the tournament is willing to accommodate potential volunteers with handicaps.

There truly are tasks for everyone. Do you need to fill volunteer hours for your school? Go to LECOMSuncoastClassic.com and sign up. Everyone 13 and older is eligible.

Carley Kristich, who met her husband while they both worked for the Bradenton Marauders for 3 1/2 years, said she has seen many new volunteers this year who haven't worked at the tournament in the past. That new interest is exciting to her.

She is confident many other people would be interested if they knew about the opportunity, so it is important to her to "get the word out."

"Of course, we realize it is a big commitment at that time," she said.

While she hopes that potential volunteers sign up quickly, she will take volunteers right up until the volunteer packets are handed out on April 8.

Along with volunteers, another priority for the tournament is finding locals who are willing to host a golfer or caddy during the tournament. I have talked with several tournament hosts over the years who have developed friendships with golfers who eventually earned their way to the PGA Tour. In almost every case, it has been a positive experience for everyone involved.

"Housing is very important in a golfer's journey," Carley Kristich said. "We would do it, but I just turned our guest room into a play room."

While she said it's nice to have hosts in close proximity to the course, several potential hosts from Sarasota have reached out this year. Homes within a 20- to 30-minute drive of Lakewood National will be considered.

Carley Kristich also noted that all the players "will be gone by Saturday night," so hosts don't have to worry about having their Easter Sunday plans disrupted.

Those who are interested can find information on the tournament website. Questions also can be sent to [email protected]