US Open  Sunday June 19, 2022    

I checked out of the "Hotel Morton" in Waltham, home of my son Brian and his lovely wife Lauren, who had been allowing me to stay over these past four nights.  Without a doubt the best accommodations I ever had in thirteen years of volunteering at professional golf tournaments, especially being located only 10 miles from the volunteer parking.  I arrived at TCC at 10:15 and went directly to 19th hole HQ but Ralph and Diana weren't there; other committee chair staff suggested I check-in by text under the circumstances.  I received only a thumbs-up in response to my check-in, so I proceeded to the practice range to again offer any assistance but found it fairly deserted with only 4 players warming up and plenty of volunteers handy.  I knew my buddies Tom and Mike were in attendance again today so I tracked them down to the 8th green where we were able to observe some golf, including fantastic approach shots to this deceptively difficult par 5, where trying to reach the green in 2 often resulted in balls rolling 30 yards back down this diabolical false front. From our vantage point we were also able to view the 9th tee immediately off to our right, which made for some excellent golf as well. 

After about an hour and a half, I was beginning to feel the urge to further explore potential 19th hole marshal duties, so I got lunch nearby the 8th green and then made my way back to the log cabin, where Ralph and Diana had returned as well.  I was informed that the USGA wasn't sending out any walking marshals today, and that they had no other assignments for me.  I mentioned that at previous US Opens I had gone up to various hole captains to check if they could use any additional help, which was generally well received. They said "go for it" and thanked me profusely for my help this week.  I headed over to the 18th green and introduced myself to the Captain and his assistant, Liz, both of whom welcomed my services and directed me to a spot marshaling the crowd alongside the green.   I chatted with Liz for awhile, learning that she was a member at TCC and this was her first marshaling experience, which was quite something considering this challenging location at the 18th green on Sunday at the US Open.  The crowd surrounding us here at midday was huge, but had not yet achieved that spectacular buzz I had witnessed at other Sunday finishes since it was still early. It became apparent to me after awhile that they didn't really need me here at 18 quite yet, but that the need for extra marshaling would grow throughout the afternoon.  I  proposed that I would walk along with the final four groups as they played, then ending up at 18 for that final phase when things would achieve a fever pitch, as they always do.  They both thought this was a good strategy, so off I went to the first tee.  Before leaving, I asked if the USGA was going to be issuing a special 18th hole access lanyard for the end of play today, as I experienced at Oakmont in 2016, but they had no knowledge of this possiblity.  Of course, over-riding this idea was the fact that I did not have a green inside the ropes lanyard, so I was fully prepared to be politely directed to remain outside the ropes, however, this never happened along my entire journey through 18 holes.  At each point along the way, tee to green, I filled a definite need for extra marshaling, and certainly didn't draw any undue attention to myself, in fact receiving multiple thank-you's from various hole captains at many locations.

 

 

At the first tee, I joined the second from last pairing of Keegan Bradley and John Rahm, who received a resounding ovation after they hit their tee shots and walked down the fairway.  I walked the first 3 holes with these guys, then noticed on the leader board that Scotty Scheffler and Adam Hadwin's group immediately in front of us was on fire, drawing major roars as Scotty went to -6 and gained the tournament lead.  The crowds were surging toward these two, unfortunately leaving Bradley and Rahm behind, so I moved up to walk alongside them, occasionally getting as far ahead as the landing area for their drives, depending on where I was most needed.  Scheffler had definitely become a favorite of the Boston sports world, I heard some interesting shout-outs, ("Hey Scotty, Mr. Tall, Dark, and Handsome!" and "Marry Me, Scotty")!  I was indebted to my Boston brethren for keeping it relatively respectable, no knucklehead comments yet this afternoon.  I remained with these two for about 7 holes, then advanced forward to the group fourth from last, Rory McIlroy and Sam Burns, who I planned to accompany all the way to 18 so I could then finish with the last four pairings, ending up with Zalatoris and Fitzpatrick.

 I was walking along toward a forward position along the 8th fairway I came up alongside Notah Bigay, who turned and said "Hi".  I mentioned I'd met him over at TPC Boston a few years back and he said he'd miss that tournament, lamenting that Boston was such a strong market for professional golf.  I said I fully agreed, and that wouldn't it be great if TCC could become a regular tournament stop.  He said that would be fantastic.   Later at 15, Sam Burns hooked his drive into the trees, an area void of spectators.  I hustled down the cart path to this area, by happenstance walking almost in step with Smiley Kaufmann doing on-course reporting for NBC.  A group of marshals had located a ball about 10 feet into the trees, identifying it as a ''Callaway 4 with a black dot''.  I repeated this to Rory when he arrived on scene about 15 seconds later, to which he replied, "Yes, that's it".  I repeated this again to Sam when he arrived about another 10 seconds later, and he acknowledged that it was his ball.  He had to carefully remove several branches on the ground that impeded him, a process closely overseen by a USGA rule official walking with us.  He then hit a very respectable 75 yard shot to get back into play, but I don't think he was too happy with having gotten himself into that position in the first place.  He thanked us marshals anyway for our help.  I also ran into my new buddy Ben who was assigned to marshal at the 9th tee; he was surprised and happy to see me and gave me a fist bump.  

As Rory's group approached the 18th fairway I observed police officers were now stationed approximately    every 30 feet inside the ropes on both sides of the fairway from the landing area up to 100 yards from the green. There were also two USGA staff carrying yellow ropes which I figured were intended to be stretched across the fairway for crowd control.  I applaud the USGA for their foresight in executing this plan, allowing the spectators to fill the fairway once the last group passed by but avoiding the chaotic mass of humanity which had occurred at several championships recently and needed to be literally reined in.  As Rory walked up the 18th fairway the crowd roar got seriously loud.  I came up the right side of the fairway and noted there were about 10 marshals at the green, where previously there had been only four.  The spot I'd vacated earlier was vacant so I walked around the entire backside of the green and positioned myself there, receiving nods from the hole marshals and captain along the way.  The excitement was phenomenal for all four groups as they finished on 18.  Again I took a knee repeatedly to avoid blocking the view of the spectators packed in behind me along the barrier, and noted that several photographers followed my example, which drew appreciative comments from the crowd. 

The excitement continued to build as each pairing putted out, with Scheffler missing an opportunity to tie for the lead.  The final group of Zalatoris and Fitzpatrick arrived at 18, with Fitzpatrick hitting into the fairway bunker, resulting in the distinct possibility of a playoff.   This would have been unthinkably exciting, but logistically beyond my imagination, wondering how the players would get through this crowd over to the first tee, then back over to play 18 again.  Thankfully this didn't happen as Fitzpatrick hit a career shot out of the bunker to the green, followed by Zalatoris missing the tying putt.  I had no favorite between this players, so I was happy for Fitzpatrick, and thought at the time that Will Zalatoris has come so close repeatedly that it is only a matter of time for his major victory.  The crowd was going wild, family and media were swarming the green, us marshals were high-fiving each other.  The USGA immediately began setting up for the trophy award ceremony, surprisingly down on the fairway, away from the clubhouse, which would be much closer to the crowd which had assembled at 150 yards from the green.  It was kind of funny at this point because a red-shirted security official kindly said to us marshals that anyone without a trophy ceremony lanyard would need to move beyond the ropes.  I was more than fine with that, especially in light of what had happened at Oakmont back in 2016.  

There is a tendency after every championship to feel an immediate let-down, finally feeling the cumulative exhaustion of the past five days, in combination with the knowledge that another magnificent US Open has been achieved.  This one was especially meaningful being relatively closer to my home and logistically much less challenging.  In addition, I was left with the overall feeling of the history of The Country Club and its position in American golf, almost our version of St. Andrews.  I was honored to be a very small part of it.

    

As a final post-script, I would like to acknowledge the efforts of Lena Campbell, Championship Coordinator, 2022 U.S. Open.  Lena was very accessible via email, text, and phone calls to all my inquiries about gaining an assignment as a walking marshal at Brookline.  After my initial frustration on April 12, 2021 at 9AM when the USGA website first posted volunteer registration, to when it crashed within 5 minutes due to the overwhelming response, Lena graciously responded to my emailed concerns.  I respectfully mentioned that my prior experiences as a volunteer at the professional golfers level would be helpful, especially since the vast majority of volunteers at any U.S. Open are rookies, albeit very enthusiastic ones!  I was subsequently placed on a waiting list, followed by assignment to the 19th hole marshal committee.  I want to thank Lena for the time she took to respond to me personally and for making this U.S. Open the best in my experience.

 US Open Saturday June 18, 2022  

I received no text from my 19th hole marshal captains with any kind of assignment so I texted my buddies Mike and Tom from the Cape who had ground pass tickets for Saturday's and Sunday's rounds.  They were  on site, headed to the grand stand at the iconic short par three 11th hole, but later ended up at the 10th green grandstand instead.  I joined them there for about an hour of spectator golf, a bit of a different perspective from my vantage point having spent the last two days walking inside the ropes, but this was quite enjoyable as well.  The weather had taken a decided dive in temperature from yesterday's mid-80's, today only in the mid-60's but still sunny and pleasant this am.  

I got an assignment text at 12:45 to report to the 16th tee to reinforce the marshal staff there, so I said my goodbyes and made my circuitous way over with a stop at a concession stand for lunch.  I met the hole Captain, Corey Griffen, who said he'd requested six 19th hole marshals to help with this 180 yard par three hole, since he was finding his initially assigned staff were woefully inadequate to fulfill the demands of this hole. At the tee, Corey was handling the orange signal paddles for ball flight direction, and indicated that I might be most useful marshaling along the left side rope line eventually.  As we talked a bit further, he got a sense that I might be able to handle the paddles, which would free him up to move about the various positions which this hole presented to him from a supervisory standpoint.  I ended up managing the paddles for 2 1/2 hours in challenging conditions as the weather steadily deteriorated from sunny to overcast, the chilly wind picking up, swirling around this location which was presenting distinct challenges to players.  Managing the paddles became a precise process of closely monitoring the players on the nearby 15th green, signaling for the closing of the crosswalk on the 16th hole, then visually tracking the ball flight of every tee shot on 16 to indicate to the spectators up at the green, as well as the marshals there, where each shot had tracked.  Players took lots of extra minutes at the tee checking the confusing wind direction, as demonstrated by the flags above the grandstands surrounding us on three sides, often blowing in completely opposite directions.  Had an interesting moment when Bryson Dechambeau came to the tee, a single forlorn spectator shouting out "Brooksy", which thankfully drew zero response from Bryson or the crowd in general. I noticed he was adjusting a clear mouthguard on his lower teeth, which I figured was indicative of his very physical style of play.  Who says golf isn't a sport? 

Corey eventually posted me up to the crosswalk, where I ran into Lars who'd been there a few hours, who greeted me warmly.  I met a marshal at this location who said he'd been at TCC since Monday, this now being his 6th day, with one more to go!  There were now 4 marshals managing this crosswalk, where 2 would suffice, an overuse of the 19th hole reserve contingent, but since there were no apparent inside the ropes assignments today, this was acceptable.  I stayed here for an additional 1 1/2 hours until the crowds had diminished sufficiently due to the cold conditions, then checked out of my shift and rejoined my buddies at the merchandise tent.  We grabbed an ice cold beer, and headed to the 18th hole grandstand, would have been better to have had the option for a hot chocolate.  Go figure in mid-June.  Mike, being a 130 pound "heavy-weight'' was shivering.  The view from here along 18, just below the green was terrific.  We loudly applauded Keegan Bradley as he made his way up 18, just two stokes back of Will Zalatoris leading.  I imagined what it would be like tomorrow afternoon for the final groups coming up to finish the US Open.  

 US Open Friday June 17, 2022

I got a text as I was driving to TCC, informing me of my assignment to work a 2-man advance walking marshal group at 1:25pm with Rory McIlroy, Xander Schauffele, and Hideki Matsuyama.  I've got to admit, I did a little fist pump as I was driving down Route 128!  Since I had hours to kill on arrival, I went to the merchandise tent to see if I could connect with any of my marshaling buddies, chatting for awhile with Jack Tanner, Esq., manning a cash register and apparently loving it.  I was accosted by one of his fellows, a perky senior citizen, who took a close look at my credential on which I'd attached some pins from my previous FedEx and US Opens.  She asked about these, but then curiously stated, "Your picture ID doesn't look like you.  Are you sure that is genuine?" I assured her that it was but that I've been known to be pretty unphotogenic.  She laughed. 

After lunch, I returned to the 19th hole HQ cabin to obtain the inside the ropes lanyard and meet-up with Ralph and Diana to go over the guidelines for ''advance walking marshals''.  I met Ben, my partner for the day, as well as two other guys who would be walking with a different group, all of whom were rookies to marshaling, no pro-golf tournament experience of any kind.   Ralph and Diana briefly mentioned the rules which we had gone over yesterday, stating JR from USGA would provide more training details shortly.  After about a 15 minute wait, no JR.  Ralph came back and said since I had so much marshal experience, maybe I could train these guys!  They had already been asking me a steady stream of questions while we were waiting, so I guess this made it an official USGA training session!  We talked for another 15 minutes, then it was time for us to head to the first tee to join Rory, Xander, and Hideki.  I wished the other two guys luck, knowing they were about to jump into the deep end of marshaling.  Ben agreed, saying he was very relieved that he would have someone with experience to show him the way.  He was a 24 year-old kid from Brookline who'd gotten the invite to volunteer over 3 years ago which had been generously offered by the USGA to any resident 21 or under.  He said he had no idea that it would turn out to be an opportunity to be inside the ropes with such a marquee group of players.  Ben was a quick study, learning as we went along, taking in all the subtleties of what to do, were to go, what to say, and be unobtrusive without being a hindrance to spectators.  There were lots of extra photographers and videographers inside the ropes for this assignment, covering Matsuyama for Japanese media, often blocking the view behind them.  Ben and I were repeatedly thanked by spectators for taking a knee while signaling for quiet.  Lots of photographers eventually followed our lead.  

We had a great time marshaling such an excellent group of players, much like yesterday in that there wasn't a lot of mass crowd movement jockeying for position at each tee.  Rory was definitely the crowd's favorite, as judged by the amount of shout-outs he received, but X-Man and H-Mat also got their share. We got to witness Rory's very unfortunate attempt to hack his way out of the knee-high fescue at the 3rd green, a collective moan coming from the crowd as his first two shots went mere inches.  Ben and I varied our positions throughout the round, sometimes quite close to the players as they made their way down the narrow chutes from green to tee, other times hundreds of yards forward.  This became crucial on the 8th hole when Schauffele's drive went well left, 20 yards beyond the rope, coming to rest against a tree root.  We assisted the hole marshals who had already begun to clear a path back to the fairway by the time we arrived on-scene.  Since a USGA rules official had to be called in, the added time allowed for a continuous gathering of more spectators, eventually numbering over 500.  It required about 8 marshals to fully shift the crowd after repeated requests by Schauffele's caddie.  Xander hit a beautiful shot back to the fairway under challenging circumstances, avoiding a big number.  I said to Ben afterwards, "Welcome to the US Open!" 

The reception for all these players was magnificent as we walked up 18, Rory especially beloved in the Boston area.    Ben later said to me that the whole day was one of the best things he had ever gotten to do and that he really appreciated having me guide him along the way.  We went back  to the cabin to return the green lanyard, (I was hoping they'd say, "Just keep it for the weekend"), but they were again non-committal about the USGA's plans.  This was a classic day at the US Open, big crowds at a big course, big names playing spectacular golf, which we got to witness close hand.    

 

 US Open Thursday June 16, 2022 

First day of competition at the 122nd US Open, a tremendous day in my marshaling experience, but I'll get to all that.  Since my 19th hole committee chairmen were non-committal yesterday to my being assigned as a walking marshal, I was ecstatic to receive a text at 8:44am offering me a spot as an "advanced walking marshal'' for an unnamed group in the afternoon.  When I arrived at HQ for check-in, I was informed I would be marshaling a marquee group including Justin Thomas, Tony Finau, and Victor Hovland, teeing off at 1:14.  It was explained to me that the USGA was continually concerned with avoiding an excess number of marshals inside the ropes, consequently limiting advance marshals to groups of two, even going so far as to issuing the inside rope credential to only one member of these 2-person teams, the theory being to have one person inside, one person outside the ropes for 9 holes, then trading off for the back nine. It was further emphasized that we would be marshaling ahead of the players, never falling behind them.  My head just spun with these guidelines, which would then have to be implemented on a hole-by-hole basis, responding to each circumstance as it presented itself.  That is the essence of being a walking marshal, to continuously assess each situation as it unfolds, hole by hole, positioning in the most effective places without drawing attention to oneself, yet always bearing in mind what will help the players the most in making their way around this golf course in the best manner possible.  Having one of our 2-man crew outside the ropes was impractical and almost silly, how could you keep pace with the group while constantly battling the spectators crowded outside the ropes?  

Since we had a bit of a wait, I got lunch and was seated outside the volunteer village, when to my surprise I met up with my great friend Chris Rogers, who I'd worked with both at TPC Boston and River Highlands for multiple FedEx Cup events.  He'd been accepted into the US Open volunteer pool, but unfortunately been assigned to work in the merchandise tent, a complete waste of his marshaling expertise.  He mentioned several of our mutual friends, former mobile marshal volunteers, in merchandise who were in similar circumstances, all with decades of experience, wasted in folding shirts and operating cash registers.  He asked how I was able to arrange to get on the 19th hole committee, and I said I wrote emails and made phone calls to Lena Campbell and was ultimately transferred to this assignment.  All credit to the USGA for their willingness to assign me to a position where my prior experience was the most applicable.  Once again, I think the 19th hole marshal committee is a great advancement at the USGA, in having a ''bullpen'' from which marshals can be utilized to fill-in at any and all positions, due to their vast experience.  Chris asked if I thought I could request that he and our other friends could be re-assigned from the merchandise tent; I said it wouldn't hurt to ask.  I was later told that re-assignments at this late stage once schedules had been implemented was impossible.  

At 12:30 I re-convened at 19th hole HQ to meet my partner for our 2-man crew, and to receive the coveted green lanyard, designating 'inside the ropes' status.  It was impressed upon me that this would have to be given back at the end of our round today.  My partner was Lars Richarson, MD, Orthopedic Surgeon, practicing at MGH, and employed on the medical staff of the Boston Bruins and New England Patriots.  Lars was a TCC member and by his own admission was a total rookie to marshaling, this being his first experience at a professional golf event.  My long history of training mobile marshals continues!  He readily agreed to having me be his mentor as we made our way through 18 holes. Lars settled the issue quickly as to who would wear the coveted green lanyard to be inside the ropes by stating that as a member, "No one was going to tell me that I can't be anywhere I like, lanyard or no lanyard".  I knew I was going to like working with this guy!  What really made for a great day was that Lars knew every inch of this magnificent golf course, one not so easily deciphered by looking at a course map, especially when temporary structures blocked the natural flow from one hole to the next.  He was my marshal scout, like having a caddie at the Old Course at St. Andrew's.  He was impressed early on when I told him of the old caddie trick whereby the golfer's bags were always positioned greenside pointing at the next tee box.  He thought this was brilliant.   

As we worked tee to green with JT, Tony, and Victor, it became apparent that each of these three players was of sufficient status to the spectating public that we'd have the luxury avoiding the urge for crowds to  scamper forward to gain a better position once the 'name' player had completed his shot.  Probably turned out to be the best group of the afternoon.  Lars had his own gallery sprinkled throughout the course as he was frequently called-out by members of TCC.  He couldn't believe he was having an inside-the-ropes experience and commented it was much better than any day in surgery!  It was an almost indescribable sensation of being inside the ropes once again after a three year absence from professional golf, four years from my last US Open.  Boston had been waiting for this for a long time as well and the atmosphere was positively electric.   

 

 US Open June 15, 2022 Wednesday Practice Day

It finally got here after a very long wait of three years since my last marshaling opportunity.   Of course, the pandemic was the primary cause for being unable to work at Winged Foot in '20, but nothing was going to stop the return of the US Open to The Country Club in Brookline, Massachusetts, after 34 years.  You know enough about all the stories of TCC and its previous championships or you wouldn't be reading this blog. The place just has a definite aura about it that is visually stunning in its complexity and history.  In some ways it reminded me of a much larger version of Merion, both courses an integral part of their suburban communities, seemingly having been there forever.  

This being my fifth US Open, I've come to expect a certain level of complexity and delay in just getting to the venue from my accommodations.  I was quite pleased that the USGA was able to provide sufficient parking in a variety of locations, resulting in minimal wait times for parking, getting on the very comfortable shuttle buses, followed by a 20 minute ride to the entrance gate.  There were 10 gates in all surrounding TCC for absolutely no waiting to have my credential scanned. My arrival was a little strange in that a road had been cut through a farm, connecting to a quarter-mile long gravel path leading to the gate, entering the property along the 5th hole.    I then had to find my way to the volunteer village without a map.  The microscopic map on the US Open app was almost no help.  I'd met a very helpful woman on the bus who was driving the carts for disabled spectators access throughout the course, so she knew which direction to point me.  I checked in at the 19th hole desk, located in a lake front rustic log house adjacent to the volunteer tent; I later learned it received lots of use by TCC membership for winter skating and kids parties. I met the 19th hole committee chairs Ralph and Diana Vogel, both TCC members.  They asked me what I might like to do for my assignments and were visibly shocked when I told them briefly of my prior marshaling experience.  They admitted they were new to all this but presented such enthusiasm and confidence that I knew I'd enjoy working with them.  I said I'd hoped to be assigned to walk with a marquee players group, but was told that they did not coordinate this and it would need to be passed on to Lena Campbell, the USGA Tournament Director, who I had had previous contacts with leading up to the US Open.  They said they would alert her that I had checked in and that I'd hear back as soon as possible.  In the meantime, they said they had no assignment for me currently, it being around noon, but would text me if something developed.  This was going to be a first in that all communication was by text, no more headset radios for us on-the-ground marshals, only if you were a hole or area Captain. 

I visited the volunteer village and was impressed by its view of the lake, and amenities including non-stop beverages and snacks.  I then moved on in the general direction of the clubhouse and mechandise tent, having obtained a very useful printed course map, which I ended up using right away when a spectator asked me for directions almost immediately. I was motivated to visit the merchandise tent since I knew several of my friends from previous FedEx Cups venues were assigned there, having been shut out of any marshaling committees. The merchandise on offer at a US Open is a sight to behold, as I've previously referenced from my prior experiences, but it is still such an overwhelming atmosphere inside that it makes your head spin.  It's like the pro-shop at your course, only 100 times bigger and packed with shoppers, and this was only a practice day crowd. The USGA has got this business down cold and its just a remarkable thing to witness.  I wasn't ready to make any purchases today, just scoping out my shopping list.  I couldn't spot any of my friends here, so I decided to move on to the player's practice area, generally a place were additional help is needed.  I found the Captain and offered to help out, and he gladly accepted, pointing out the need to basically patrol the range, picking up empty baskets, unused balls, broken tees, that sort of thing.  I thoroughly enjoyed walking back and forth behind the players, seeing recognizable players such as Rose, Schauffele, Burns, Im, Fleetwood, Kisner, as well as lots of unknowns, basically all the qualifiers who'd made it here. I felt the range was set-up rather oddly, seemingly squeezed into the middle of the course, with minimal grandstand seating to view only one-half of the range.  I've always thought that the practice area at any tournament is the place were spectators have the best chance to see a lot of players in one location,  plus have the best view to see the incredible shots these players are able to make during their warm-ups.  Its definitely a window into the world of professional golf that doesn't get much attention on broadcast television. 

After about 2 hours of range duty I went back to the volunteer village for a Powerade and a granola bar (way too much sugar), and immediately got a text assignment to proceed to the 12th teebox.  There I met the hole Captains, Jimmy and Mike, very pleasant guys, who were primarily tasked with using the double orange signal paddles to alert everyone downrange about the flight of player's drives.  They were happy to hear that I'd done this before, so I was immediately able to step in to help.  They were using 2 marshals at this tee to signal, a practice I found was replicated at almost every hole.  Interestingly, this championship tee box was set-up with a semi-circle of cameras at ground level to provide a panoramic view of each players swing, basically nearly 100 cameras working in sequence.  In talking with Mike, I learned that some players and caddies were very much aware of not positioning themselves in their usual spot on the tee, so as not to block some of the cameras, and other players/caddies/couches could care less.  We had a great conversation with two local fire fighters standing outside the ropes, on-duty to provide on-course fire suppression, getting a tutorial on how that might be accomplished in some tough to reach areas in the course.  Basically they are equipped with a connector that allows them to tap into the irrigation system at any point needed. 

By 5pm it was apparent that the last players were finished with their practice for the day so it was time to pull out my map to find my way back to gate 7, logging 14,392 steps for the day!  I've been training for this but I still felt it and was pretty happy to have a beer once I arrived in Waltham at my son and daughter-in-law's apartment, (Hotel Morton), only 10 miles from TCC.