Snoqualmie Ridge resident Jane Humphries never envisioned becoming a golfer or golf fan, let alone a longtime PGA Tour Champions volunteer. In fact, the only reason she started playing the game was to spend more time with her husband and sons, who were hitting the links on a regular basis.
Although her sons, Jim and Scott, are responsible for Jane’s introduction to golf, it was Humphries who turned her brother, a Florida resident, onto the idea of volunteering at a PGA Tour Champions event. After volunteering at the Boeing Classic (coming up at The Club at Snoqualmie Ridge, Aug. 21 to 27) every year since it started in 2004, Humphries’ example convinced her brother to follow her lead and become an event volunteer. Since then, she has traveled across the country twice to join her sibling as a course distribution volunteer at the Allianz Championship in Boca Raton, Fla.
“It’s been a wonderful ride,” said Humphries. “I look forward to volunteering at the Boeing Classic every year. And I’m always impressed with the caliber of volunteers that Virginia Mason helps bring on board, year in and year out.”
Since Humphries’ role provides an up-close-and-personal opportunity for her and the other Concierge Room volunteers to see, visit with and assist Tour players, their wives and families, she takes pride in the fact that the golfers consistently mention how much they enjoy playing in the Boeing Classic and that it’s the volunteers – as much as the gorgeous views, challenging course and avid fans – that they appreciate experiencing year after year.
‘Wonderful relationships’
“We have wonderful relationships with the pros. We know them and their wives. We love that they sit down to talk when they can and that they really appreciate our collective ability to help make them comfortable while they’re here,” Humphries admitted.
When asked about examples of some of the things Concierge Room volunteers provide for players, Humphries said, “A to Z. If it’s something they need or want and we can somehow provide it, or at least help facilitate it, that’s what we do.”
The New Jersey native said some of those things include having locally made doughnuts on hand when golfers arrive in the morning, helping them find a nearby laundromat or drycleaner, rounding up Mariners tickets, or even recommending a nearby hike or fly fishing spot for them to enjoy in their free time.
“Heck, we’ve gotten to know some of the golfers so well that we know who likes maple bars and who prefers Red Vines over Twizzlers licorice,” she divulged with a chuckle.
Since she and the other Concierge Room volunteers are often the first volunteers that players meet upon walking into the clubhouse, it’s a fun experience for everyone and one that involves both familiar faces as well as first-year players.
“We love greeting, visiting with and assisting seasoned pros as much as the new blood,” said Humphries.
‘Eagle has landed’
The veteran volunteer shared a fun example of the unique perspectives that the Concierge Room provides, which involves Seattle native and hometown favorite, Fred Couples. “When he arrives at the course for the first day of the tournament, Freddy always walks in by himself at 6 a.m. to register. When he drives into the parking lot, security radios the Concierge Room with a humorous heads up that ‘The eagle has landed,’” Humphries said with a smile.
The enjoyment she has gotten out of volunteering at Boeing Classic for the last dozen years is both personally fulfilling and infectious. Humphries’ husband, Jim, is another example. He took her advice and has loved volunteering in spectator transportation at the event over the last few years.
“Like I told him, if you love the game or just enjoy being involved with a fun, charitable event, I highly recommend taking the opportunity to enjoy this experience of volunteering at the Northwest’s premier professional golf tournament,” said Humphries. “Legends of the game, breathtaking views of Mount Si and Snoqualmie Valley, beautiful summer weather … It doesn’t get much better.”
