Zabytko & Zelnar Named Volunteers of the Year

TAMPA, Fla. – Luanne Zabytko and Royce Zelnar were named the 2020 FSGA Volunteers of the Year. Zabytko received the Tournament Volunteer of the Year honor, while Zelnar was awarded Course Rating Volunteer of the Year.

Zabytko and Zelnar have both been with the FSGA for over 10 years and their time and dedication is evident.

Tournament Volunteer of the Year

Zabytko has been volunteering with the FSGA for over 10 years, beginning in 2006. Her commitment to the game is unmistakable, volunteering at over 50 events in the last five years alone. Zabytko is well versed in the Rules of Golf, as a Senior Rules Official, and also serves as a tournament chairman in Southeast Florida.

“It’s an honor to be an FSGA volunteer,” Zabytko said. “I’m thrilled that the FSGA had the confidence in me to give me this award and I’m honored to accept it. I appreciate everything the FSGA does and I appreciate being a part of the team.”

Although she had an interest in golf while growing up, the Pennsylvania native didn’t pick up the game until she married her husband, Stanley. Zabytko retired in 2005 after working for 28 years as a pharmacist for AstraZeneca in Delaware.

After retiring in 2005, Zabytko and her husband moved down to Florida. She got involved with the FSGA after attending her first USGA Rules Clinic and wanted to contribute to the game she loved by beginning to volunteer with the FSGA.

Zabytko is there for the FSGA whenever she is needed and goes above and beyond in everything she does working an even. The game of golf benefits from her passion and hard work.

“The people that I have meant along the way are what are most important to me,” Zabytko said. “I cannot even begin to talk about the great people and the friendships I have made across the country and in Florida because of the FSGA.”

Course Rating Volunteer of the Year

Zelnar has volunteering with the FSGA for almost 15 years, beginning in 2006. Due to his commitment to volunteering and leadership, Zelnar became a Course Rating Captain in 2013. He has worked hard to learn The Course Rating System and has demonstrated exceptional organization, attention to detail, and skilled knowledge.

“It’s means a lot, it’s just special,” Zelnar said. “It’s a real appreciation. It’s for doing volunteer work and that type of work just has a special meaning. I would like to thank the FSGA for this honor.”

The Ohio native began playing golf when he was 11 years old, when his father took him into the backyard to teach him. Zelnar, who is an Army Veteran, retired from Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company after 40 years as a senior engineer.

After retiring in 2005, Zelnar and his wife, Alice, moved down to Florida. Shortly after moving down, Zelnar began volunteering with the FSGA at the suggestion of his wife. He spent almost eight years as a tournament volunteer, before moving into the course rating side of volunteering. Zelnar currently leads a team of eight.

“I’d like to thank my teammates,” Zelnar said. “Sometimes I wonder if I’m even a captain. We have such a good time together. We work so close and we’re supporting one another continually. It’s an honor to be with those fellows.

The FSGA would also like to recognize volunteers who are celebrating anniversaries with the organization this year. The Association could not do what it does without all the volunteers around the state.