A Day with the Pros - Part 1

This is going to be a long post.  If you aren't into golf, you can take a mulligan. But if you are into golf, you know that mulligans aren't allowed...so keep on reading.

I'm sitting in my car waiting for the lady to return my driver's license and insurance card.  She is quick and I follow her directions to the next station.  The next stop takes less than 10 minutes.  I got the privilege of sticking a swab deep up my own nose aka taking the PCR test.

This is the new norm if you want to fly to some destinations.  I was trying to escape the cold Northeast.  It was time to trade in the sleet and snow for some sun and sea.

My PCR test came back negative a day before my flight.  If I had not received the results by the time I landed at SJU, the PR government would have required me to quarantine for 14 days.  My flight was delayed for 90 minutes because of the weather.  The plane had to go through the deicing process before takeoff.

Frozen Maryland

All in all, it was a bit hectic, but it all worked out.  Now, let's talk golf.

The PGA Tour has two events during the last week of February.  The main event is the WGC Championship in Florida and the second, smaller, tournament is the Puerto Rico Open in (you guessed it) Puerto Rico.  I really wanted to attend but there was a small problem.  The tournament had announced that this year no fans would be allowed.  Bummer.

I was searching for a way in.  A friend of mine told me that PR Open posted on their social media that they were still looking for few volunteers!  I emailed them and told them that I follow and play golf and would like to volunteer but that I do not speak Spanish.  I got an email back asking me for my age and physical condition (if I can walk the golf course).

We all know that parents with a one year old kid and jobs get plenty of sleep and exercise regularly...NOT.  I might not be in great shape but I definitely can walk 18 holes.  Heck, walking 18 is easier than having to walk and play 18!

The volunteer coordinator told me that they needed back up walking scorers and she put me on the list to attend a training session the Saturday before the tournament started.  She said that I would work the Pro-Am on Wednesday and potentially Thursday/Friday rounds if another walking scorer couldn't make it.  I was pumped.

A walking scorer (WS) volunteer walks the course with an assigned group of golfers during a round.  The WS carries a portable two-way radio and a phone loaded with ShotLink software.  After each shot, the WS inputs the data into the phone app.  The phone transmits the data back to the on-site truck.  From there, the data is uploaded to the internet websites such as pgatour.com.  The radios are used to communicate with the HQ team regarding scoring errors or to request a rules official.

On Saturday, I drove to the Grand Reserve Golf Club.  I found my way to the volunteers tent, and with about 15 other people attended the 45 minute training session.  It went smoothly.

Entrance to the Grand Reserve GC

On Monday, they informed me that my Wednesday tee time would be at 1:20 pm.  Fast-forward to Wednesday, I took the afternoon off from work and drove to the golf club.  I reported to the walking scorers tent where they issued me a walkie-talkie and a phone for stat tracking.  After a radio check with the scoring HQ, I found out that the four amateurs would first play nine holes with the pro, Sebastian Cappelen, and the second nine with the pro, Lee Hodges.  Sebastian plays on the PGA Tour while Lee is currently on the Korn Ferry Tour.  Lee is ranked in the top five and most likely will be on the PGA Tour next season.  I made my way to the 10th tee box which is right next to the practice area.

I've been to several PGA Tour events before as a spectator but this was different.  I was a bit nervous since I had a job to do.

To Be Continued...