It’s not often I write about items of a personal nature for this blog. It mixes work, so I guess it connects there too. Recently I volunteered for my 20^th tournament, and as of this writing I am undertaking my 21^st event. They are all special, different and memorable for a variety of reasons. There are some common themes and some uncommon circumstances. Often that is what makes each event so enjoyable. I’d like to dive into some of the things I have learned, experienced and continue to look forward to for the rest of event number 21 and beyond.

My earliest events were a bit scary. While recently removed from the superintendent life and unafraid to tackle any task, I was new to my field staff role. I was unsure where tournament volunteering fit into my position. My first event was the US Junior Amateur hosted by the Golf Club of New England in Stratham, N.H. It was the first USGA event played in the state of New Hampshire, and superintendent Jeff Baker and staff had the course dialed in. It was my first look at early hours, extremely large bunkers and the pride staff and volunteers took in preparing the golf course. I was offered the chance to stay in my cousin’s camper twenty minutes away to defray costs, but really began to see the role people played and the networking possibilities in event volunteering. A few shifts later in 2012 at the Deutsche Bank Championship under superintendent Tom Brodeur and the great staff at TPC Boston and I was hooked.  What a great opportunity to meet people and enjoy working on the golf course too!

At Sebonack Golf Club for the 2013 US Women’s Open, I learned what the definition of large bunkers actually was, with over six acres of sand! Whether it is mowing fairways, raking bunkers, filling divots, data and green speed, washing off equipment, or on a squeegee after almost six inches of rain at Baltusrol, every task is important to the overall goal of preparing the golf course for the best golfers in the world. Yes, even washing off nearly 90 pieces of equipment, twice a day, for seven days can be rewarding.

I find the people involved and the relationships that are built to be critical to my role as your field staff representative. Assisting the host superintendent and staff in achieving their goal is really the most important task. Spending time with local superintendents, meeting assistants who might never get the chance to attend a regular association event, interns looking to find a successful path into this industry are many of the regular volunteers at events and a pleasure to get to know. Having a chance to possibly impact their careers with GCSAA resources and following them as they advance is always rewarding. I’ve enjoyed meeting industry peers from UK, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, and many other countries, many of whom I still keep in contact with.  Thanks to her boss, superintendent Ben Bouchard, I had the chance to volunteer with my youngest daughter at the 2023 Travelers Championship, a memory I will never forget.

Every event I have attended have had the support of so many industry partners. I can’t thank them enough for their support of the events occurring so frequently around the region. The food, the swag and ultimately the enhanced enjoyment your generosity provides to the many volunteers wouldn’t happen without you. Please know how deeply appreciative all volunteers are of your support.

I’ve had discussions with many regarding paying those who spend the time working on the grounds at events. While I don’t completely understand the financial impact of hosting these events, it is a valid point of view. Perhaps the majors and other premium events could afford to do so, but I have worked events where it just didn’t seem like the revenue gained would make it possible. Also, would that change the dynamic of the individuals who volunteer? Would it be young professionals looking to learn and advance in golf course maintenance, or others looking just to get a few extra dollars? A discussion for another day.

Honestly, need to wrap this up and get back for my afternoon shift at the 2024 U.S. Senior Open at Newport Country Club. If you have never volunteered, consider it. If you have a young, aspiring professional who might benefit from the learning and networking experience, try and facilitate that opportunity. To our valued vendor partners, thank you again. I’m already looking forward to the opportunities and networking experiences 2025 has in store!