ANOTHER CHAMPIONSHIP TROPHY will wing its way to the Pacific Northwest in little more than a year.
A second Lombardi Trophy making the trip to Seattle Seahawks headquarters?
That idea is certainly in the realm of possibilities perhaps, but the simply named U.S. Open Trophy, given to the winner of the U.S. Open championship, is what I’m talking about.
Yes, in 17 short months, a winner will hoist the trophy at Chambers Bay in University Place on Father’s Day 2015, and before that glorious moment occurs an army is needed.
An army of volunteers, that is.
About 4,500 volunteers are sought to fill positions on 24 committees in areas such as hospitality, leaderboards, standard bearers, marshals, merchandise and spectator services.
It appears that an army is in place, or at least willing to show their interest in being a volunteer.
The USGA’s online volunteer registration site has received an “overwhelming response,” so all applications received since 11 a.m. Tuesday will be placed on a wait list and notified if a position becomes available.
I wouldn’t be discouraged from signing up. Many volunteers will be unable to handle some of the physical responsibilities of being a volunteer (it’s a strenuous course to walk), and others will have to drop out due to a variety of factors.
Volunteers assigned to the event must work a minimum of four shifts of five to six hours apiece.
All volunteers are required to purchase the volunteer package for $165. This package will include apparel specially designed for the 2015 U.S. Open, a credential valid for all seven days of the championship and a meal voucher for each assigned shift.
The volunteer apparel will consist of two Ralph Lauren golf shirts, a wind jacket and a hat or visor.
To access the online application and read full committee descriptions, go to www.2015volunteers.usga.org.
To request a mailed application, send an email to 2015usopen@usga.org.
Lived up to the hype
This year’s Arctic Open at Port Townsend Golf Course definitely lived up to the “We will play, no matter what type of weather” hype.
Last week’s prolonged cold snap had the course’s grounds frozen for Friday’s practice round and Saturday’s first round.
Then an inch or two of snow fell Saturday night, complicating things for course golf director Gabriel Tonan and course superintendent Scott Nelson.
The pair armed themselves with leaf blowers to clear each green in advance of Sunday’s 10 a.m. shotgun start.
Tonan passed along that despite the tough conditions, “the 28th annual Arctic Open was a success.”
It was also the first year without the event’s creator and Tonan’s mentor and longtime friend, former course operator Mike Early.
Early, of course, is working with former Peninsula Golf Club head pro Chris Repass at Veterans Memorial Golf Course in Walla Walla.
Tonan loves this tourney, saying its “always been my favorite event at Port Townsend Golf Course since the day I was able to play in it after graduating from high school.”
He has played this midwinter, 36-hole, two-person best-ball event when it was 50 degrees out, on days when it was below freezing, and he’s seen snowy tourneys back when he was in school.
Tonan didn’t play in the event this year as he was too busy running the show, but praised Nelson and friends Adam Barrows, Terry Berge, Bret Roberts, Hazli Katsikapes, Fred Heywood and his stepson Zack Glover for their assistance with the tournament.
“With their help we were able to get the greens cleared off and ready for the 10 a.m. shotgun start,” Tonan said.
Gross division winners were Adam Barrows and Eric Nelson, who tied with Peninsula Golf Club members Mark Mitrovitch and Gary Thorne at 141.
Andy Katsikapes and Roy Sutherland were third at 143 and Dean Rigsby and Jim Fultz were fourth with 145.
On the net division side, Woody Woodley and Scott Baker teamed for a 111 win, with Terry Berge and Bill McIntire second with a 119.
Father/son duo Roger and Scott Ramey were third at 120 and Dan Owen and Jerry Spieckerman were fourth at 124.
Congrats to everyone who played in the event and supported Tonan and Port Townsend.
Ladies meeting set
The Discovery Bay Ladies Club will hold a preseason kickoff meeting at the course’s clubhouse at 10 a.m. Thursday, Feb. 20.
Club members and any other ladies who would like to join the group are invited to attend.
Golf for Softball slated
A golf tournament to help the Sequim High School softball program raise funds for a new field, concessions stands and equipment is planned for SkyRidge Golf Course in Sequim on Saturday, March 8.
The four-person scramble has an 8 a.m. check-in with a 9 a.m. shotgun start.
Players will have the chance to swing away for a hole-in-one on the 165-yard par-3 fifth hole and anybody lucky enough to convert will win — cue game-show announcer voice — a brand new car from Price-Ford.
Cost is $50 per person, and carts are not included but can be reserved for $30 total or $15 per seat.
This event has a 20-team maximum and reservations are encouraged.
Phone SkyRidge at 360-683-3673 to get in the game.
Seahawks Special
I’ll freely admit it: I’ve watched my DVR-copy of the Super Bowl at least four times.
Revisiting the greatest accomplishment in Seattle sports history? I’m in.
SunLand Golf & Country Club in Sequim is on board as well and decided to honor the team and its fan base by extending its $12 deals to each weekend for the rest of February.
Members of the public can take advantage of $12 weekend green fees and $12 weekend cart rentals through the end of the month.
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Golf columnist Michael Carman can be reached at 360-417-3525 or pdngolf@gmail.com.
