Volunteer’s top spot

During the weeklong Toshiba Classic golf tournament in Newport Beach Sue Rietzel works six- to 10-hour days, which wouldn’t be out of the ordinary if she were a paid staff member, but she’s a volunteer.

And the retired Huntington Beach woman’s work starts long before the tournament comes to town. As the person responsible for coordinating a staff of about 1,000 volunteers, Rietzel begins looking for volunteers in September.

Even a bout with breast cancer in 2007 didn’t stop her from giving her time and energy to the tournament, which benefits Hoag Memorial Hospital Presbyterian.

For her efforts, Rietzel won the 2008 Volunteer of the Year award from the PGA Champions Tour, beating out a field of about 24,000 others.

“We knew it benefited Hoag Hospital and my husband, Cal, is a golfer — I’m not, which always surprises people — and we just thought it was a good place to get involved,” Rietzel said.

Rietzel has been volunteering at the tournament for four years. She said she chose the tournament because it allowed her to dedicate so much time to one cause.

During the event, Rietzel can be found most days at the volunteer trailer alongside the ninth green of the golf course, making sure all of the volunteers are ready to go. The tournament relies heavily on volunteers to sell tickets, provide security and crowd control, sign in players, run the hospitality booth and provide other services.

“It was obvious to all of us at the tournament of Sue’s dedication,” said tournament Volunteer Chairman Brian Horn in a statement. “This is a testament that we truly do have the best volunteers on the Champions Tour.”

For Rietzel, the best part of working the tournament is getting to know all of the other volunteers and staff members.

“The tournament staff is fabulous,” she said.

Rietzel and her husband were flown to Boca Raton, Fla., to be honored at the season-opening awards dinner.

TOSHIBA CLASSIC FACTS

  In the last 11 years, the tournament has raised $11 million for Hoag Memorial Hospital Presbyterian.

  A grounds pass is $25 a day.

  The tournament runs until Sunday.

Reporter ALAN BLANK may be reached at (714) 966-4623 or at alan.blank@latimes.com.