Couple volunteers at ninth hole for ninth year at Heritage golf tournament

BLUFFTON, S.C. (WTOC) - Nine years, nine holes, nine irons.

Halfway through the Heritage golf course, Rick and Pat Washnock have found their place as volunteers at the ninth hole.

The Bluffton couple are two of 1,800 volunteers who serve at the Heritage. This is Rick’s ninth year working at the first and only place they visited on their inaugural visit to the course.

“That’s where we sat the whole time and really enjoyed it,” said Rick Washnock, Heritage gallery management captain.

A dangerous spot

The ninth hole presents challenges for golfers and spectators alike.

“We call it the danger zone,” Washnock said. “We’ve already had three people hit today.”

Rick admits he may not be the best golfer to step on the greens this week, but he believes the ninth hole is one of the most important spots on the course.

“I’ve seen a couple golfers lose a tournament on the ninth hole. Dechambeau his first year here he was over here in front of the tee box by the lake three out of the four days,” Washnock said.

Working with his wife keeps Rick coming back. He enjoys their dynamic on the green.

“For four days of the week since I’m a captain I get to tell her what to do,” Washnock said. “She just chuckles about it, she goes ‘this is the only time I’m listening to you, basically four hours a day for four days, and that’s it.’”

Rick and Pat plan to continue volunteering at the Heritage.