Just when I needed a reminder that things are rarely as bad (or as good) as they seem, I took up my duties as a volunteer at the CPKC Women’s Open. The tournament is our national championship for the stars of the Ladies Professional Golf Association (LPGA). For 2024, the Open was being held at Earl Grey Golf Club in Calgary, which happens to be my home course.
I signed up for the gig months ago. That was before the downturn in my mother’s health, and her passing in early July. I almost forgot about the tournament; it seemed so far off. Then, suddenly, tournament week arrived.
After a quick orientation to the role of course marshal, we were thrown into the deep end, with practice rounds on Monday and Tuesday, and a pro-am on Wednesday. The four tournament rounds would run from Thursday to Sunday.
I’ve watched enough golf to have a good idea of my job description. Even so, seeing marshals on television is quite different from being a few feet away from the top golfers as they tee off or line up their putts.
Where Golf and Hockey Meet
One feature of this tournament promised to make it special. I was assigned to the “rink hole”, a recent but very popular addition to open championships in Canada. It’s now customary to convert a par 3 hole into a hockey rink, with boards around the tee box and a Zamboni parked beside the fairway.
For me and the other marshals, the transformation into a rink was complete when we received our referee shirts. I secretly hoped we were not going to be called upon to break up any fights in the stands. This was golf, after all.
Thanks to Wes Gilbertson of the Calgary Herald for featuring us in a story!
Our challenging par 3 9th hole was designated as the rink hole. For the tournament layout, it would be the 17th hole. That meant there was the potential for drama on our hole in the final round. It certainly delivered!
On to the Action
My first shift on Tuesday was a chance to meet my fellow refs… er, marshals… and practice our routines before the tournament started. I enjoyed the day, and I marveled at the skills of the top-tier golfers. It was amazing to see my course changed into a world-class sports venue. And that was before any fans were on site. I already felt better than I had in weeks.
When I returned for my weekend shifts, the energy was palpable. Now every shot mattered. The golfers had their game faces on. Television cameras broadcast the action live around the world. The crowds grew by the day.
Amidst the tension, I noticed a few things. Calgarians were doing what they do best… welcoming visitors to our beautiful city. Tournament volunteers were full of pride for what was shaping up to be an exciting (and record-breaking) event. And Earl Grey GC members were beaming, knowing that the world was discovering our gem of a course on the north shore of the Glenmore Reservoir.
This being Calgary, the weather had to play a role. From a heatwave just a few days earlier, things had changed totally. Wind, smoke and cool temperatures greeted the players on opening day. Visitors must have wondered how such a change was possible in just 24 hours. We locals have a word for that: summer.
By the end of the third round on Saturday, we had seen history, as tour rookie Mao Saigo of Japan tore up our course with 9 birdies and an eagle, for a stellar 61. It was the lowest score ever recorded in a Canadian women’s open.
Sunday brought more drama. Several players vied for the lead in the final nine. As marshals, we focused on our assignments, even as Lexi Thompson, Lydia Ko, Minjee Lee and other top players came through the gate into the rink. Brooke Henderson led a strong contingent of Canadians, including her fellow Paris Olympic golfer (and Hamiltonian), Alena Sharp. What a thrill!
The drama reached a peak as the last few groups finished their final round. Saigo watched in disbelief as she stubbed her chip on 17, leading to a bogey. The third-round leader, Haeran Ryu, found the greenside bunker and also struggled to a 4.
That left only Lauren Coughlin. The American veteran bravely hit a six-iron to the tough back left pin location, leaving a delicate eight-foot birdie putt. By chance, I was stationed at the back of the green, so I was only a few steps from Coughlin and her caddie as they lined up the shot. I had the best spot in the house to see her roll it in, guaranteeing herself a two-shot win with a 13-under score of 275. It was her first tour victory.
It was an exhilarating weekend, and an experience not likely to be repeated.
On the rink hole, there was plenty of good-natured cheering and banging on the boards. Fans showed their deep patriotic pride and love for our Canadian stars, especially Henderson. This is Canada, so everyone was polite. Thankfully, we didn’t even need to put anyone in the penalty box!
I walked back to my car on a perfect Sunday evening, exhausted but satisfied.
Maybe there is still hope for 2024.
My Second Running Life 