1 – Where are you originally from? If not from Idaho, what brought you here?
Originally from Bayonne, New Jersey, I moved to California with my family. In 2014, we moved to Boise after accepting a position with the State. We love it here in Boise—from the people to the politics to the geography!
2 – What is/was your career occupation?
I spent 35 years in the software industry from building a small consultancy focused on security-based software development to working with most of the major consulting companies (such as Microsoft, Accenture and Deloitte) in a director-level role in selling, shaping, and delivering software solutions.
3 – What is it about the game of golf that you love so much?
I started playing when I was about 8 years old with my Dad. I’ve had a lifelong love affair with the game and during the mid-80s, I was playing tournament-quality rounds. In addition to falling short at eight different U.S. Open Qualifiers, I was the club champion at Mountain Meadows in LaVerne, California, never to repeat that again.
A late 30’s back injury also forced me to step away for a short 20 years. I have, over the past five years, tried to get my game back, no pun intended.
Rick Krajnik spending quality time with his granddaughter, Sophie.
4 – What made you want to volunteer for the IGA? When did you start?
As I mentioned, I’ve had a lifelong love for golf and came across the IGA as I was looking to try to get back into playing more regularly. I thought that by being around the game again I’d get myself ready to play again.
I started with the IGA roughly 6 years ago and have enjoyed the roles that I’ve helped with. I’m always looking to take on more responsibility, I look forward to continuing my work with the IGA.
5 – What do you hope to get out of volunteering for the IGA? What motivates you to keep coming back?
I enjoy watching good quality golf and the IGA tournament delivers that. I get a feeling of community and contribution when I participate in the IGA events, just as I do when I’m volunteering for the local food banks. So, both of these have been what I’m looking for and what keeps me coming back!
6 – What has been your favorite memory from volunteering for the IGA?
While working as a spotter, I had a ball whiz by my ear, and because I immediately dove to the ground (why?), I lost track of the ball, and we had to assume it went OB as it was nowhere to be found. It was quite embarrassing.
Another favorite memory has been each time I’ve watched the awards presentation for an event and seen the look of pride and relief from the winners - that’s a special moment.
7 – What would you say to someone who is thinking about volunteering?
Jump in! The IGA team (Nicole, Anne, etc.) makes the process easy and is always ready to answer any questions you might have. There are a number of roles, so you’ll very likely find your sweet spot within the team.
8 – What is your fondest memory on the golf course?
Two things jumped out for me… my first eagle (I was 12 years old, hit a three wood to about 4 ft and made the putt… My Dad made me buy beers for him and his friends we were playing with, and of course, they knew the people that worked there).
Secondly was probably the first time I beat my Dad and his buddies— legit, I was probably 13 or 14.
9 – When were you introduced to the sport? By who?
At the age of 8. My Dad would always be going out to the range at the Arcadia Par-3 Course. One day, he asked me to go with him and he’d show me the basics. It’s been a family activity ever since.
10 – What is your home club? How often do you play?
I am registered at Quail Hollow here in Boise, but unfortunately, I’m still having back problems that keep me from getting out too often. This past year I played three or four rounds, hoping to step it up this coming spring.
11 – What's something about you (a fun fact) that not many people know?
I play lead guitar in a worship band!
12 – Who would be a part of your dream foursome to play a round of golf with?
My Dad, my brother and Frank Sinatra.
13 - What has been your favorite golf course that you have played?
Here in Boise - I like BanBury GC and Quail Hollow GC (Jug Mountain Ranch, further north). Everywhere else, I like Pebble Beach Golf Links and/or Torrey Pines GC.
14 – Describe your golf game in six words
Painful to play, painful to watch
15 – What's one item that you can’t live without?
My Bible