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Here’s the plan. I'll use this post as to chronicle my experience as a volunteer at the US Open which starts Monday the 14. I’ll give it my best shot to post something every day (I’m sure your excited about that). Writing is not my thing, but as most of you know, I’ll be in the company of a very prolific writer (Margaret) who may stand in on occasion. On those days be sure to set aside some time for a fairly long, but very interesting post.

So here is how this whole thing started. I received an email last fall from the 2010 US Open committee looking for volunteers. I had never worked a tournament before but thought it might be interesting. When I mentioned it to Margaret she encouraged me to apply - so I did. I really didn't think I would get accepted. They wanted to know if I had worked a tournament before - NO. Did I live near the tournament venue - NO. Had I ever officiated a tournament - NO. And then the big question - how old are you - I figured 60+ would certainly be a deal killer. Surprise surprise I got accepted. Then I found out they needed 5,000 volunteers!

Next we had to select our desired work assignments. My first choice was to work the driving range. There I would see every player and caddie and maybe get some tips on how they go about practicing effectively, from which I would learn, take home, and beat all my golf buddies. I didn't get that assignment - so golf buddies - you're safe for now.

My biggest fear was that I would get assigned to emptying the Port-a-Lets! But, I got lucky – I’m assigned to the Caddie Hospitality Committee - one of 67. What I know at the present is that our primary job is to issue the caddies their vest and a towel, then collect the vest and towel when their round is finished. Oh - and to make sure the player's name is spelled correctly on the caddie’s vest. Had they given me a spelling test on the application I wouldn't have gotten this assignment. I like this assignment. You don't hear much about caddies, so it will be interesting to get an inside look at a part of the professional game that isn't covered by the media. Should I ask Stevie for the sordid details of Tiger's demise?

Volunteering is a bit of a misnomer. You have to pay $165 for your "outfits" - which isn't a bad deal. If I’ve done this right there is a video below showing goods. The real volunteering cost is the hotel (minimum stay 7 nights at probably 4 times the normal rate) rental car, food and airfare...... it all adds up.

The bonus is that volunteers only work three shifts on three different days (each shift is about 5 hours) and when you're not working, the volunteer badge gets you into the tournament. And for those of you who might be asking - don't you get to play the course the Monday after the tournament for free - well that was my first question. Answer - NO. With 5,000 volunteers that would be logistically impossible – or at least that’s their excuse. Couldn’t they give us voucher?

Margaret will be joining me on the venture but has no interest in attending the tournament, so she will be chauffeuring me back and forth to the Volunteer’s Shuttle Bus Lot at Cal State U in Monterey. Other than that she’ll have a week to explore.

We leave Sunday morning for San Francisco where we’ll spend the before heading down to Monterey. My first assignment is the “late” shift at the Monday practice round. They probably figured a novice volunteer couldn’t do much harm at the end of the day on the first day of practice.

Next post will be late Sunday from San Francisco.



- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad


- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad