May 11-14, 2006
We have been volunteering at the Byron Nelson Golf Championship held in Irving , Texas, for a long time. Delton has served 32 years and Joni has served 20 years. We started working there together before we got married and have been working there ever since.
Here we are pictured standing on the tee box of Hole 17 looking down the fairway to the green. We work on the green of #17.
This year was a little special and a little different. Since we are traveling around the country, we had to figure out how we would get back to Texas in May. AND this year Delton’s brother, Ron, decided he would also be a volunteer.
We decided that the best and safest place to leave our “home” would be at Joni’s brother’s house in Dover, New Hampshire. We drove our car to New York City from there and spent the weekend with Joni’s son, Jim and then flew to Dallas for the Bryon. (See the previous story about the NY Bike Ride)
Delton’s brother, Ron, had been to the Bryon many times but not as a volunteer. Since he was now ready to retire and had some extra time, he decided this was the year to volunteer. We were thrilled. The Volunteer system is seniority based. Normally, rookie volunteers must work at least one day in concessions and sometimes don’t get the jobs they request. But that didn’t happen to Ron. He had friends (family) in high places. We were able to get Ron to work with us, on the best hole on the course – and no concessions.
When we arrived at the course to report for work, we renewed old friendships and introduced Ron to the job. He also had a friend there who worked with him at Southwestern Medical Center. After talking to our committee chairperson, we went to our spot on the 17th green.
We are Laser Operators. Did you ever wonder how the media knows how far a golfer hits the ball – from his tee shot, to his fairway shots, to his putts on the green and every shot in between? It’s because of what we do.
We are perched on a tower that stands about 10 feet high and overlooks the green. Using survey equipment and a palm pilot, we “shoot” the ball every time a golfer hits it. This equipment registers every shot that is hit on every hole on the golf course. The info is then relayed to the “ShotLink” tent and to the media.
Pictured is Sergio Garcia and his group making their way down the fairway onto the green.
Delton and Joni have a combined total of 52 years of service. And since we traveled from so far this year in such a unique fashion, the Nelson media was interested in our little story for a “behind the scenes” article in the Nelson News. We were thrilled at their interest in us. Below, in a separate story, is the article which was published in the “Nelson News”.
Since this was Joni’s 20 year to volunteer, we will have to come back again next year, so she can get her 20 Year Pin. Delton is the most senior volunteer on the laser committee and is in the top 10 people of all the approximately 1200 volunteers. Ron has his first year behind him and is on his way to many years of service.
The weather was beautiful all week and having Ron work with us, made for a great Bryon week.
