Group of longtime volunteers help bring Tom Hoover Ozark Invitational to life

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his weekend Steve Rhodes and Don Metz will be standing next to the No. 1 tee at Westwood Hills Country Club just as they have during the final weekend in April just about every year.

Their job is to make sure every single one of the 128 players start the Tom Hoover Ozark Invitational on time and answer any questions they might have before starting their round.

“I get to meet a lot of players, young and old,” Rhodes said. “Especially the old guys that I’ve known for years and years. They love coming back and playing Westwood Hills Country Club.”

Now in its 76th year, the tournament is a great pride for the club’s members and Poplar Bluff.

“They claim to us that they’re probably the top greens in the state of Missouri. Even though it’s not a very long course you can still get in trouble,” Rhodes said. “Just like hearing the guys talk about that.

“Plus, I like seeing these young college kids come in and just to see how really good these people are.”

Rhodes and Metz are among a handful of volunteers that help run the two-day, 36-hole tournament. Ed Norton and Trey Norton man the clubhouse, entering and posting scores, while Randy Rahlmann, Jim Markel, Kenny Maples, Kevin Barbour and John Pruitt are positioned throughout the course to help keep play moving.

There’s also a crew that takes care of the carts, driving range and, most importantly, the course itself under Course Superintendent Travis Whiteley.

Jimmy Vernon, the club professional and tournament director, said having volunteers and the tournament sponsor Michelob Ultra gives the tournament a professional feel.

“They do a professional job,” said Billy Pyland, a member and the high school golf coach who plays as a senior.

“I’m really proud when they’re out there because they represent us. It’s great they do that.”

Rhodes said he’s been volunteering for the past 25 years after then director Tom Hoover approached him for help.

“Just like he did with officiating,” Rhodes said. “Time to pay back your dues to society and so you’re up and I said, OK.”

Hoover took over as director in 1984 after the field had dwindled down to barely 40 players. The Ozark was renamed in his honor nearly 30 years later when it had grown into what it is today.

Players earn their first points of the season toward the annual state amateur player of the year award, making this weekend like The Masters for Missouri.

In 75 years, the winner has only been from Poplar Bluff 21 times and 14 belong to the Godwin family.

When a local player is among the final groups Sunday, Rhodes said, “it will be buzzing out there.”

Rhodes will try to catch the final three or four holes after sending the final group out on Sunday. Volunteers arrive a little after 7 a.m. with the first players teeing off at 8 a.m and the final group starting before 1:30 each day.

“Our goal is try to keep them moving and get them up there ready to go when the fairway clears and then just keep them moving,” Rhodes said.

Rain or shine — and it seems to rain every year — Rhodes and Metz will be at the No. 1 tee.

It’s a long two days and many of the volunteers are giving up their free weekends and will be back at work Monday.

“It’s quite an event for the club and Poplar Bluff,” Rhodes said. “We’re just real proud of it. It brings a lot of good players.”

Get updates from the tournament all weekend at www.twitter.com/semoballbrian and at www.semoball.com for stories and photos.