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| Out in full force: volunteers can be found working every aspect of the competition. (John Mummert/USGA) |
By John Companiotte
Ardmore, Pa. - Merion is known for its support of amateur golf, having hosted 13 USGA amateur championships prior to this year’s Walker Cup Match. One of the key factors contributing to the success of these events is the Merion membership’s dedication to providing an unforgettable experience to everyone who will visit the club, whether it is the competitors, golf fans, volunteers or the staff.
The Walker Cup Volunteer Committee wanted to make sure that the Merion staff and the volunteer green department, who would be working around the clock to prepare the course and maintain it during the event, would be treated well as they performed their duties. Thus they organized the Homemade Cookie Brigade to help provide treats to the more than 200 people assisting with course maintenance. Of this group, 150 are golf course superintendents from across the U.S. They have volunteered their time to help out. With more than 3 inches of rain Thursday and Friday, they dealt with issues such as standing water and rising creeks. Thusly their days began at 3:30 a.m. Friday under lights.
The volunteer initiatives extend all the way to members participating in trash cleanup and golf cart washing from 5-9 p.m. Merion member Brook Williams showed up for his shift for trash collection on Saturday night, only to be told that the club had more than enough people to handle the apparently sought-after task.
“My wife, Nonie, showed up at 6 a.m. on Saturday to help with admissions to the event,” said Williams. “I was glad there was something I could do to make my contribution.”
John Capers, Merion’s historian, pointed out that 100 volunteers signed up for the midnight to 5 a.m. shift every night of the event. The staff needed the help – Matt Shaffer, Merion’s course superintendent, got five hours of sleep the first three days of the event.
Merion is one of the most prestigious clubs in the world, with the East Course ranked among the top 10 courses on many lists. The club’s members, though, embody a culture of humility about their privileges. According to the visitors on the course during the Walker Cup Match, the members’ efforts have been successful. Ian Fennis of Liver pool, England, caddie for Tommy Fleetwood of the Great Britain and Ireland team, said: “The welcome has been fantastic by everyone here and the whole atmosphere is great. I attended the Ryder Cup at the K Club outside Dublin and that was much more contentious among the crowd – people only wanted to support their team.”
Bob Meston, the England squad manager, who helps select the players from England who participate on the Walker Cup team, seconded Fennis’ opinion.
“The crowd applauds any good shot, not just a good shot by the team they support,” said Meston. “It is also a crowd of true golf fans who are knowledgeable about the game and appreciate when the game is well played. That also extends to the players, who respect good play when they see it – they don’t restrain themselves for any tactical purpose.”
Meston pointed out that the GB&I team had a little different motivation than the U.S. squad, all of whom attend college.
“In Great Britain these golfers usually do not attend college,” said Meston. “A good performance in the Walker Cup is important in itself. It’s the pinnacle competition for an amateur golfer, but it also provides an opportunity to display their ability to agents and others who can assist their career as a professional golfer later on. What is obvious is that everything possible is done to assure a great competition. The players can focus on good play.”
John Companiotte is an author and member of the USGA’s Communications Committee.
