Mesa - Week 5

This is the week of the Waste Management Phoenix Open, at which I have a volunteer position with shifts on Wednesday, Friday and Sunday.   My job is to drive the hole marshals to the holes which are too far from the volunteer compound to walk to.  I am busy first thing in the morning and at the end of the golf.  In between I get to spend my lunch and drink vouchers and watch golf.

Wednesday was my training day.  

In Uniform and ready for "work."

I caught on pretty fast and learned the course layout and the roads and paths we are allowed to use.   Being a golfer certainly helped.  A couple of the other new drivers are not and are struggling a bit.  The celebrity pro/am was being played.  I met up with my friend Johnny,  who is a PGA scoring official and had a little visit.   I last saw him about 18 months ago at the Canadian Open at Glen Abby.

Friday was a pretty crazy day with large crowds.  John, who came back for another visit was able to get onto the grounds and into the Patriots Outpost due to his past service in the US Air National Guard.   

The outpost was located on the 18th hole and offered free food and drinks.   John was allowed one guest, which was me!  I felt privileged to be allowed in.  We spent some time in there during my midday break from volunteering.  It was his first time at the Phoenix Open, so he was pretty much in awe all day.

Sunday was a relatively quiet day by Phoenix Open standards.   I was glad not to have to get up quite so early, as my starting time is dictated by the tee times.  John stayed at the trailer to take in all the pre-Super Bowl coverage and to prepare our snacks.  I managed to get home in time for the kickoff. 

The cold snap had broken just in time for the golf tournament.  It went off without any weather delays, which was great for all involved. 

I enjoyed working the tournament and may consider doing so again next year as my spot on the team is assured and I won't have to repurchase my uniform as they keep it consistent from year to year.

Free breakfast for volunteers, take your pick.

"Stadium" 16th hole, Par 3, Quite before the fans arrive.