I was assigned as crew leader to Jordon Spieth, Jason Day, and Patrick Reed for a 1:28 tee time. My four man mobile marshals crew included Larry, Doug, and Orson. Larry was a true veteran, having volunteered at over 20 tournaments, including multiple US Opens. With six hours to kill, I spent time hanging out with other marshals at the volunteer tent, getting caught up on everyone's lives over the past year; daughters getting married, medical procedures, work, life in general. Interesting to compare all of the personalities who are drawn to this same place year-after-year, completely devoted to the tasks at hand. Some take a full week's vacation on their own dime, working a variety of behind the scenes duties in the Monday to Wednesday pre-championship lead up; such as picking up VIP's at the airports in the courtesy cars provided by DBC. Had my usual two breakfasts, 7am and 10am, followed by lunch at noon, today catered by Bertucci pizza, a nice perk for the volunteers. I'd work all of that food off by walking 6-7 miles later on during the round.
At the first tee, I greeted Jason Day as he walked up, wished him luck, gave him a fist bump, to which he replied, "Thanks, Mate". My crew was excellent, Doug being a rookie with only yesterday's experience under his belt, so I focused on giving him some direction, while Orson and Larry positioned themselves to provide the spacing we needed to maximize our presence inside the ropes. We're here to be seen yet be unobtrusive, in the background but helping the gallery to enjoy a great golf experience. Escorting the players throughout the round, allowing the crowd to get in close as we walk through the round, but keeping things under control. Jason Day was having a terrific DBC, tied for the lead, so we were on TV all afternoon. Had many close encounters with Notah Begay, the NBC on-course commentator, exchanging a few comments with him now and then. Also exchanged greetings with Rex Hoggard from Golf Channel, walking along with us. Got a text from my sister-in-law Marge who captured us on DVR at the 12th hole when Day made a great chip from outside of the ropes.
We escorted our group off the 18th green, through the crush of fans, with brief stops at the interview and autograph areas, then into the clubhouse scoring area, and our job was done. I thanked my crew for doing a great job, another 12 hour day at DBC, see you guys tomorrow. I then drove to our Airbnb rental in Pawtucket where I met my buddy Jim who was going to marshal along with me for the final two days of DBC. Jim had been with me at the 2011 & 2013 US Opens, but had never been a mobile marshal and was looking forward to the experience. Over dinner, he asked me what I enjoy about it all. I tried to describe the intensity of the experience once we start at the first tee, which only builds as the round goes along. I really feel I have my own small part in making the whole championship happen. Not sure if I conveyed that feeling adequately to Jim, but I knew he'd find out for himself over the next two days.
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