GOLF HAS BECOME more than just a game for Phila- delphia Country Club’s Muffy McCabe. It’s become a way of life — and even a lifesaver.
In 2011, McCabe noticed something was
awry when she suddenly found herself
extremely fatigued, sleeping more than usual
and unable to complete a round on her home
course. She was soon-after diagnosed with
breast cancer.
“I wasn’t in great shape after all of that. I
went from walking and playing 36 holes a day,
to only being able to walk about four holes
at a time,” said McCabe, 45, of Glen Mills, Pa.
“That’s when I started volunteering, first as a
walking scorer as a way to get some stamina
back. It really helped me get through it.”
The sport has given much to her. Now,
Association of Philadelphia volunteer this year,
to be exact.
“Volunteering for the [GAP] has become a
big part of my life. I look forward to it every
time I have an event. It’s become a highlight
of every week for me,” she said.
McCabe fulfilled almost every role on the
volunteer sheet in 2017. She was assigned as
a starter, rules official, live scorer and even as
a member of nine course set-up teams. Her
versatility did not go unnoticed.
“Muffy was able to jump into any job we
needed her to do this year without any reservation,” said Kirby Martin, the Golf Association of Philadelphia’s Director of Competitions.
“That type of skill is what made her a great
asset to the Association this season.”
Because of her proven dedication, love of
the game and time devotion to the organiza-
tion this season, McCabe was named the first
female recipient of the Association’s Volunteer
of the Year Award. She was honored Oct. 19 at
Bala Golf Club during its annual Volunteers Day.
“It’s an incredible honor to be named the
first woman to receive [the award],” said
McCabe. “There are opportunities for women
out there to get involved. There are more and
more playing opportunities for women, too.
My time here has been incredible so far, and
I’m really just grateful.”
Looking back on all her experiences, McCabe
said one role in particular takes the cake.
“For me personally, starting is my favorite.
It’s always interesting meeting all of these
players and just talking with them on the first
tee. You really get to know people that way,”
said McCabe, who began volunteering with
Volunteer
of the Year
Muffy McCabe
of Philadelphia Country Club
BY DAN SCOFIELD
McCabe makes history, named first female Volunteer of the Year
