GOLF MARSHALS GET CLOSE TO THE STARS.

Byline: Kathleen Sweeney Staff Writer

SANTA CLARITA - There's a different view of the fairway from the other side of the rope.

There aren't hundreds of people watching the pro practicing his swing before teeing off, there isn't the hush coming from an official or the pro stepping over to the marshal to shake hands and offer words of thanks.

After watching the professional golf tournaments for 40 years, Dick Chesnutt decided that the other side of the rope was the place for him. Bob Young couldn't resist either.

These volunteer marshals - the official gallery controllers and security enforcers - are preparing for the next tournament less than two months away and are looking for hundreds more to join them.

It costs $50 to volunteer at the SPC Senior Classic Tournament running March 5-11 at the Valencia Country Club.

With that comes a uniform, estimated at $80, which includes a golf shirt, a hat and wind shirt. It also comes with a parking pass, two additional admission tickets, badges, a meal voucher, a volunteer dinner and possibly a round of golf at the member-only club.

But pay to volunteer?

Absolutely, both Chesnutt and Young said. The proceeds benefit the City of Hope, and for a few days, a volunteer is allowed to cross that rope and stand close to the greats, such as Jay Siegel, Hale Irwin and Joe Inman.

``These are the guys who made golf what it is today,'' Young said.

What makes it even more worthwhile is the smile on the children's faces when one of seniors hands them a ball, or when a marshal gives a youngster a tee just used by a pro.

Even more rewarding are the handshakes from the pros, asking the marshals how they've been since the previous year and thanking them for their work.

These seniors were young players when Chesnutt, 62, and Young, 53, started playing. They are the ones who made it a more lucrative and spectator-friendly sport.

Chesnutt quit golfing about 10 years ago because of neck surgery, but volunteering allows him to stay involved with the game. He's even spent a week as a special marshal to Tiger Woods.

``Woods is super,'' Chesnutt said. ``He's a real gentleman.''

Young, who has been playing for about 25 years, said there is room for improvement in his game. But his reason for volunteering for about three tournaments a year is the players.

``Being marshals is our passion,'' he said. ``We really love it.''

Anyone who wishes to volunteer may call the tournament office at [phone].

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Golf fans Bob Young, left, and Dick Chesnutt have volunteered to serve as marshals at the SPC Senior Classic Tournament coming to the Valencia Country Club in March.

Shaun Dyer/Special to the Daily News