‘Red coats’ help tournament visitors
FARMINGTON – Dressed in burgundy sports coats, the ambassadors at the 84 Lumber Classic at Nemacolin Woodlands Resort & Spa scoured the golf course at Mystic Rock, answering questions and pointing spectators in the right direction. Referring to themselves as the “red coats,” the ambassadors worked in shifts, many of them golf fans who were willing to drive from other towns in order to volunteer at the tournament.
The tournament ambassadors, a new addition this year, are stationed around the course in high-traffic spectator areas and carry Ambassador Reference Guides, course maps and radios. Their goal: to enhance the spectator’s experience and answer any questions that may arise.
“There are a lot of red coats out there running around,” said ambassador Dennis Noonan.
Noonan, who also works at the resort, said many spectators want to know where they can buy beverages and food and where the merchandise tents are.
Although the bright red coats are “a little warm,” Noonan said the blazers make it easier for spectators to find an ambassador when they need help or have a question.
“I enjoy doing it,” he said, “and I think everyone here is having a good time.”
Patty Long said she decided to become an ambassador after attending the tournament last year.
An avid golf fan, Long, who lives in Murrysville, said she doesn’t mind driving an hour and a half each day to volunteer, and said she likes meeting and trying to help out other people.
She said the question spectators ask her most often is what hole certain golfers are playing at during a specific time.
“Everyone has their favorite and they want to see him play,” she said, noting that spectators also ask for directions to various locations, such as the main gate and the restrooms.
She said people have also inquired about the handicap shuttles, which will pick up people who need to use the service and take them wherever they want to go on the course.
Like Noonan and Long, other ambassadors said they too enjoy volunteering and said the time is well spent.
“Anything that makes the spectators’ experience better,” Noonan said, “is well worth it.”