Some of golf’s biggest stars are in Raleigh for the UNC Health Championship, part of the Korn Ferry Tour.
The event kicked off Thursday at Raleigh Country Club off of Donald Ross Drive.
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While players take center stage, more than 750 volunteers help make the event possible.
“Last week we set all the leaderboards up and put up the boundaries,” said James McCullers Jr. “This week we clean up trash, get water out, and help out with the buildings.”
The Southeast Raleigh High School quarterback is part of the volunteer team helping power tournament week behind the scenes.
McCullers Jr. said he enjoys watching the golfers prepare for their swing and line up their shots.
“How they hit under pressure; it’s cool to watch them play,” he added.
McCullers Jr.’s father and coach, James McCullers Sr., told WRAL the volunteering is teaching his son and teammates about more than sports.
“Definitely leadership,” McCullers Sr. said. “Building the leaderboards is fun because we have a lot of different kids and different skill levels, and we are all trying to put everything together and make it work.”
The strength and conditioning coach said the experience has inspired his players to try something new.
“Thinking outside of the box and outside of football, and what are you going to do after football?” McCullers Sr. said. “A lot of kids tell me they want to pick up golf now.”
The team shared the event has been a positive way to give back to their community while meeting new people, saying “It’s like family.”
McCullers Sr. continued, “We love parking the cars too and meeting everybody. Everybody is talking and everybody is bonding.”
Proceeds from this year’s event support the future NC Children’s hospital, along with several nonprofit and health-focused organizations including the Grayson Murray Foundation.
Grayson Murray was a PGA star who took his own life in 2024 at the age of 30, inspiring his family and friends to establish a nonprofit to help others experiencing mental health challenges.
