WM Phoenix Open

For more than a quarter century, Nan Curran has been a familiar and trusted presence inside the ropes at the WM Phoenix Open. Splitting her time between Wisconsin and Arizona, Nan has spent 26 years serving on the Walking Scorers committee – first keeping score alongside the pros, and now leading the team with passion, precision, and a deep sense of family. From swapping hunting stories with Steve Stricker to organizing scorers with military-like efficiency, Nan embodies the spirit and heart that make volunteering at the WM Phoenix Open truly unforgettable.

Where are you from and where do you currently live?  

I live in Wisconsin in the summer and Arizona in the winter.

How many years have you volunteered for the WM Phoenix Open?

26

All in the same role/area or have you volunteered in many different capacities?

I have been on the Walking Scorer committee since I started.  First being a Walking Scorer, walking with the professional players keeping their official score for the first 15 years.  Then I became the chairperson with a friend for the last 11 years.  I now send out the Walking Scorers every day giving them their tee times and groups for each round.

What is your current volunteer role for 2026 and what did you do at the 2025 WM Phoenix Open?

I was the chairperson by myself in 2025 for the Walking Scorers and plan to chair the Walking Scorers in 2026.

What is your favorite memory as a volunteer at the WM Phoenix Open?

As a Walking Scorer, walking with Steve Stricker back in the early 2000’s during the Pro-am event on Wednesday.  We are both from Wisconsin, he plays golf at the same country club I belong to, and we both hunt and fish.  So, we spent the time talking about hunting and fishing rather than golf as we walked the fairways. I believe he got an 8-point buck that year and I got a 9-point buck.  We both had a good laugh about that!

Why should people volunteer at the WM Phoenix Open? 

There is no other tournament like the WM Phoenix Open.  I have worked and been a spectator at other tournaments and the atmosphere and the willingness of volunteers to help each other out goes above and beyond when needed.  You become family with the people you get to know.  Even the people you don’t know are willing to help you if you need it, without question.

What makes the WM Phoenix Open different from other volunteer opportunities? 

When you come back year after year, you look forward to seeing the other volunteers, because you have spent at least a week with these people every year and they are genuine people, not out for any notoriety, fame or financial gain in the long run.

Have you met a lot of PGA TOUR pros/celebs from your time as a volunteer?

Yes, I have 15 years of golf balls in a drawer, signed by many of the pro’s after scoring for them.  However, if you asked me to tell one from another now, the signatures are not very recognizable.  As I said earlier, the Pro-Am was the best time to talk with the players.  They were very friendly and courteous because they were just out to practice and not in a “zone”.

What keeps you coming back to volunteer? 

Mostly the Walking Scorers that I have gotten to know over the last 26 years.  Some have been volunteering as a Walking Scorer before I came on board 26 years ago.  It is a small group, with about 70 scorers, so everyone gets to know each other over the years.  We do not have much turnover, they come back every year.  They will do anything that is asked of them.  I have had people that have had to retire, a few that have passed away and truthfully, it is like losing a family member when a volunteer leaves for whatever reason.

Also, I look forward to seeing other committee chairs that I have gotten to know over the years and other volunteers that are always around to help out, no matter what.

What is the best part about volunteering at the WM Phoenix Open?

Knowing that volunteering helps donate money to needed charities every year.

Wildest moment as a volunteer at the tournament?

Scoring a Pro-am with Rich Beem as the Pro.  We started on hole 10, when we got to par-3 12^th hole, one of the amateurs in the group did not have a very good putt.  So, the amateur said to Rich Behm – ‘here, why don’t you throw my putter in the pond, its not doing me any good’. So, Rich did!  The amateur then had to play 15 holes without a putter as his was in the middle of the pond at 12.

Has volunteering led to any lifelong friendships? Is volunteering a great way to meet a lot of like-minded people with an interest in golf?

I have many lifelong friendships with volunteers I have met.  I have gone to other tournaments where my WM scorers are working and have met my PGA TOUR producers at other tournaments as well.  A couple that scores at the WM Phoenix Open are coming to Wisconsin to see me this summer.  I am going to a PGA TOUR tournament this summer where WM scorers are working.  I plan a trip to Arizona and go to dinner with other chairs from the tournament and play golf as well during the off season.

Anything else?

I hope to have a gathering for all the Walking Scorers and any volunteer chairs that I have met over the years before I retire from the WM Phoenix Open.  I am not sure when retirement will be, but I love seeing everyone and doing my job.  Like I said, everyone I have met over the years at the WM Phoenix Open are like family!

From England to Switzerland to the San Francisco Bay Area, Andrew Taylor’s journey has spanned the globe — but each February, he finds himself right at home inside the ropes at the WM Phoenix Open. A longtime Shotlink expert and seasoned tournament volunteer with experience at events from Napa to Pebble Beach, Andrew brings leadership, precision, and passion to one of the PGA TOUR’s most electrifying stages. Now entering his fifth year with the tournament, he shares what keeps him coming back to the Greatest Show on Grass.

Where are you from and where do you currently live? 

I was born in England and moved to the U.S. as a young boy.  My dad was in aerospace so we moved around a fair bit until I reached Junior High.  I consider Switzerland as a second home after spending 20 years there working for UN organizations in Geneva.  Home is currently the San Francisco Bay Area.

How many years have you volunteered for the WM Phoenix Open? 

My first year was 2022, though I have served as committee chair at the Napa tournament since 2013 and I have also volunteered at Pebble Beach and several LPGA events.

All in the same role/area or have you volunteered in many different capacities?

I have always worked on the Shotlink side, primarily for what used to be lasers and I have also done some stints for walking scorers.

What is your current volunteer role for 2026 and what did you do at the 2025 WM Phoenix Open?

This year was my fourth year as a Shotlink chair.  For 2026, my main focus will be serving as chair of the Shotlink Mobile Spotters and also helping out with the Walking Scorers.  The Tour has invested heavily in new technology for the Shotlink system. The newest evolution uses Trackman and cameras on each hole which has eliminated the need for volunteers to be operating lasers, but the Spotters still have a critical role as the cameras have limited field of view.

What is your favorite memory as a volunteer at the WM Phoenix Open? 

For sheer electricity, there is nothing like the feeling of entering the 16^th hole stadium for the first time.  But overall, the lasting memories are being part of the greatest tournament on the PGA TOUR calendar.  I feel so lucky to have a volunteer leadership role as part of the WM Phoenix Open.

Why should people volunteer at the WM Phoenix Open? 

The Open raises a huge amount of money each year for local charities, so it is a meaningful way of giving back to the Phoenix community.  For the Shotlink volunteers, you get to be inside the ropes and cannot be closer to the action.  If you are a fan of golf, it does not get any better than being a volunteer at the Open.  Kudos to The Thunderbirds for what they do every year.

What makes the WM Phoenix Open different from other volunteer opportunities? 

I am usually all over the course during each day and the size of the crowds is unbelievable.  I watched the tournament for many years on television, but nothing compares to being there in person.  The roars of the crowd from 16, the stadium course layout, the size of the hospitality suites and the size of our volunteer pool.  When you are a volunteer, it’s fun to just take it all in.

Have you met a lot of PGA TOUR pros/celebs from your time as a volunteer? 

Not many, though one time does stand out when I was volunteering at the Napa tournament.  I crossed paths with Jason Day as he was heading to the driving range and he stopped to thank me for being a volunteer and we chatted for a few minutes.

What keeps you coming back to volunteer? 

I love being part of the Shotlink team as we interface directly with PGA TOUR staff.  Our committee typically fills very quickly with over 200 volunteers each year. I have a great time working with my two assistant chairs as well.  We are all happy to help and to just be a small part of the Open’s success.

What is the best part about volunteering at the WM Phoenix Open? 

The Open truly is the Greatest Show on Grass and the atmosphere is like no other tournament.  By the end of the tournament, we are running off of pure adrenaline after four consecutive days of early mornings and late finishing times, but we are already looking forward to the next year. Meeting so many different people and being part of it makes all the hours more than worth it!

Wildest moment as a volunteer at the WM Phoenix Open?

The chaos of a hole in one at 16.  And it is fun to see the enthusiasm of people lining up at the entrance when it is still dark outside.

Has volunteering led to any lifelong friendships?

I now play golf regularly with a couple of volunteers I have met through the years.  Volunteering for any committee is a tremendous opportunity to share our love of golf and volunteering.  Just bring your energy and enthusiasm and you will have a great time at any tournament.

Anything else? 

If you love golf, either volunteering or attending the Open should be part of any bucket list.

The energy behind any great event comes from the people who pour their time and heart into it and at the WM Phoenix Open, that spirit shines through its incredible volunteer force. This legendary tournament, celebrated for its high-energy crowds and deep charitable roots, runs smoothly thanks to the behind-the-scenes efforts of passionate volunteers. One of those standouts is Frank Kohler, who’s been part of the team for an impressive 35 years.

We got an inside look at what makes this experience so special: the unforgettable moments inside the ropes, the sense of camaraderie that keeps volunteers coming back, and the real impact they have—not just on the tournament, but on the community it supports.

Here’s what Frank has to say about his time as a volunteer for “The Greatest Show on Grass”.

How long have you been a volunteer?

I have been a volunteer involved with golf for more than 35 years and have volunteered at numerous events including the WM Phoenix Open, the LPGA, the AJGA, ASU Women’s Golf and the Schwab Cup.

What different roles have you taken part in?

I have most recently been a marshal at the Open after serving as a Marshal volunteer, Hole Captain, Front nine supervisor, then Marshal Chair for the past 17 years.

What is your favorite memory as a volunteer at the WM Phoenix Open?

My most fond memory is simply being a part of the Open. Working to allow all the pieces of the puzzle to come together and produce a successful tournament. Simple thanks from the volunteers and The Thunderbirds mean a lot as many hours are put into the scheduling months before the actual event. Having the Tournament Chairman and Executive Director personally thank me for my efforts means a lot.

Why should people volunteer at the WM Phoenix Open?

People should volunteer to give back to the community through their volunteer support and love of golf. Make a contribution through the donation of your time in volunteering. Get out, meet new people, and enjoy the experience.

What makes the WM Phoenix Open different from other volunteer opportunities?

The WM Phoenix Open is one of the world’s largest sporting events and it’s magical to be a part of such a successful tournament year after year. I am honored to be able to contribute to its success.

Have you met a lot of PGA TOUR pros or celebs from your time as a volunteer?

I don’t get to meet a lot of players or celebrities while working as Gallery Chair and other volunteer positions. Volunteers remain pretty busy behind the scenes at most tournaments.

What keeps you coming back to volunteer?

I have returned each year to enjoy the tournament and continue to meet a lot of interesting people and see it all come together through the efforts of the volunteers.

What is the best part about volunteering at the WM Phoenix Open?

It is just a very fun and active tournament with tons of people. Lots of action, rarely a dull moment and a pleasure to be a part of.

Wildest moment as a volunteer at the tournament?

Wildest moments are usually during a playoff when crowds are surging, volunteers getting placed, and the final putt drops.  It gets pretty hectic but it’s still important to do our job and make sure everything goes as it should and everyone remains safe.

Has volunteering led to any lifelong friendships? Is volunteering a great way to meet a lot of like-minded people with an interest in golf?

I have made long lasting friendships with many people, some who I have volunteered with for 15-20 years, and we keep in touch throughout the year. Volunteering is a great way to meet people who have similar interests. It’s also very interesting to learn about other people’s backgrounds, experiences, and lives.I would urge everyone to volunteer as it will create long lasting friendships and possibly business relationships, and make a contribution to their community and the game of golf. Take the time and opportunity to get involved.

If you’ve ever taken in the sights and sounds of the WM Phoenix Open, chances are Gina Curtis had a hand in making that experience smooth and unforgettable. A dedicated volunteer for more than a decade, Gina has served in nearly every role within the Concessions Committee — from volunteer to Co-Chair — and brings unmatched energy and heart to the “People’s Open.” Her passion for giving back, supporting local charities, and rallying her fellow volunteers embodies the spirit that makes this tournament so special.

In this Volunteer Spotlight, Gina shares her favorite memories, why she keeps coming back, and what makes volunteering at the WM Phoenix Open a truly unforgettable experience.

How many years have you volunteered for the WM Phoenix Open? 

2025 was my 11th year volunteering for the WM Phoenix Open.

How many different roles have you volunteered for? 

I’ve always volunteered in Concessions but in different roles. I’ve been a Concessions volunteer, a Concessions Ambassador, a Charity contact, and now the Concessions Co-Chair.

What is your favorite memory as a volunteer at the WM Phoenix Open? 

There are countless memories, but my favorite moment each year is usually on Thursday afternoon, once the tournament is underway, all the concession volunteers for the day are checked in and the fans are out in full force. The energy is high, and the atmosphere is absolutely electric!

Why should people volunteer at the WM Phoenix Open?

It’s a fantastic way to not only support an incredible event but also give back to our local charities. We’ve worked hard to make this a premier volunteer opportunity for our community.

What makes the WM Phoenix Open different from other volunteer opportunities?

The scale of the tournament and the incredible effort of more than 3,500 volunteers needed to support it is truly remarkable. It’s amazing to see it all come together!

Have you met a lot of PGA TOUR professionals or celebrities from your time as a volunteer?

No, but it feels like I’ve met every fan out there! We often have to remind them that there’s actually a golf tournament happening.

What keeps you coming back to volunteer? 

I keep coming back because I not only love supporting my charity, Phoenix Panhellenic, but also find it incredibly rewarding to help so many other charities get involved.

 What is the best part about volunteering at the WM Phoenix Open? 

Knowing that our hard work directly supports the incredible charities in our community is so rewarding — and 99% of the time, the great weather is an added bonus!

Wildest moment as a volunteer at the tournament? 

Every now and then, a streak of hole-in-ones will happen on 16, and the crowd goes wild with each one — keeping up with the fans in those moments is an adventure all its own!

Has volunteering led to any lifelong friendships? 

Absolutely!   It’s always such a joy to see so many volunteers come back year after year.  It is also a great way to meet like-minded people with an interest in golf.

Parting words? 

As anyone who’s attended the WM Phoenix Open will tell you, you have to see it to believe it—it is truly a one-of-a kind experience that creates memories that will last a lifetime!