A good keen volunteer

A regular walker scorer, Martin Bell from Christchurch, is the epitome of a good keen volunteer.

His story of the 2024 New Zealand Open stint is well worth relating. Martin, and son Alfie, are both keen golfers and intended going to the open for six days from the Wednesday to get the full experience of the tournament and walker scoring.

However, after second thoughts, as Martin Bell related: “But as Alfie is off to the USA to play in a couple of major world junior tournaments in July, which he has qualified for, we decided to save the money for that trip.

``But I couldn’t resist the lure of scoring at the open and being there watching the pros. So on the Monday I got in touch with the volunteer manager Benn Ashford and asked if he could fit me in on Friday and Saturday to score. He did much to my delight.”

At 4.30am on the Friday, Martin set sail on the six hour drive to Millbrook. “I met the team, got my uniform and was on the course walking the fairways in the sunshine by 12.30pm. To keep costs down I had decided to sleep in my car that night.

“So after a quick trip to (the famous) Fergburgers for dinner (the queues there are usually long) with a fellow volunteer I knew, we headed to Arrowtown Golf Club where he is a member. We had got permission to park there for the night. I parked next to him, put the seats down and foam mattress and got some much needed sleep on the lovely warm, quiet and very dark night.”

The adventure continued next morning when he was woken at 6.20am by the rattle of golf clubs, car boots and doors being shut and of course pre-round optimistic chatter.

“Talk about early Saturday club day starters at Arrowtown and it wasn’t even properly light yet.’’ Martin continued.

“I got up and went to the swimming baths at Frankton for a shower and swim. Breakfast at the French bakery followed, then it was back to Millbrook for my second round of scoring on another beautiful day. Following the round I thanked the organisers and colleagues and set off back to Christchurch, arriving home about 11.30pm. All ready to be up early next morning to take Alfie to his golf tournament at 7.30am.”

Exhaustion was not a consideration.

“What a great couple of days, great weather, great people and great golf in a wonderful setting. I wouldn’t have missed it. Hopefully the full five-six days in 2025.”

Martin pretty much echoes the thoughts of all volunteers about what the pull of the open is. Yes Martin is a good keen man indeed.