Club volunteers at Pebble Beach golf tourney

Canyon Lake Men’s Golf Club members volunteered at the prestigious AT&T Pro-Am Golf Tournament in Pebble Beach, California. The seven golfers set a record for the number of marshalls serving on two holes at the tournament. They are, from left, Rich Moline, Bob Jacobson, Steve McCain, Bob Scott, Fred Finger, Bob Stinson and Phil Lerch. Photo by Barbara Martinez

Perhaps to a golfer, a golf course is a golf course, some tougher than others, but similar. To witness the legendary Pebble Beach course, let alone get to play it, is like visiting the ‘Valhalla’ of golf.

The AT&T Pro-Am Golf Tournament at Pebble Beach in Northern California once again drew large crowds. To aid in the control of the crowd were seven men from the Canyon Lake Men’s Golf Club. With seven members from one country club, all serving as marshalls on the 17th and 18th holes, a record was set.

This tournament draws some of the top names on the pro circuit plus some 150 celebrities including Payton and Eli Manning, Aaron Rogers, Tony Roma, Larry the Cable Guy, Ray Romano, Clint Walker and Toby Keith to mention a few. To show their gratitude for the more than 3000 volunteers, these entertainers put on a memorable four-hour show on Friday night for the volunteers. The tournament, which is a local charity money-raising event, raised over $15 million for local charities in the area.

Departing at 6:00 a.m. Monday morning from the club house in Bob Jacobson’s motorhome were Bob Jacobson, Rich Moline, Bob Stinson, Bob Scott, Phil Lerch, Steve McCain and Fred Finger. This experience was all new for Bob Jacobson, Rich and Bob Stinson. This year was the 4th for Steve, Phil and Scotty while this was the 12th year for Fred.

Tournament time at Pebble Beach is known as “Crosby Weather” (cold, rain and wind). This year, the weather was unusually cooperative with temperatures staying mild with sunny skies. From the days on the course to an evening at Spanish Bay to witness a ‘bagpiper’ coming up the hills of the Spanish Bay course, the group reported that a good time was had by them all and they’re all looking forward to volunteering again next year.