Leo Nolan has been a volunteer, typically serving as a walking scorer, for more than 20 years in 127 professional tournaments. Leo also has volunteered for numerous amateur tournaments, including NCAA, USGA and junior events. He is coming up on his 21st year at the WM Phoenix Open.

VIP: Why did you get involved in volunteering?

Leo: I have always had an avid interest in golf, playing on my high school team and working as a caddie in my teen years. In 2003, I had a husband and wife couple at work who had been volunteers. They knew of my golf interest and encouraged me to volunteer. When I do a tournament, I get immersed in it. I jump in with both feet and do not like to be idle. My wife sometimes volunteers as a standard bearer with me, and one of my daughters volunteered with me for a few years as a laser operator.

VIP: What is your favorite memory as a volunteer?

Leo: The Shriners Children’s Open when I served as a walking scorer and was paired with two patient ambassadors. Every year, the tournament selects 20 patients from different Shriners Children’s locations to serve as standard bearers for the final 10 groups on Saturday and Sunday. One year, I was paired with a young man with a prosthetic leg and young woman treated for scoliosis. She shared with me how her treatment resulted in positive gains and after seeing them do such a great job and learning about what they have been through, it hit home very quickly about why I’m out there volunteering. That is who I am working for.

VIP: Do you have any advice or encouragement for your fellow volunteers?

Leo: Have fun! You have a job to do, but the whole idea is to be out there and have fun. It is a great way to get some exercise, especially if you have been a Type 1 diabetic for over 54 years like me. There are plenty of other spots if the walking scorer and standard bearer positions are too physically demanding. You just have to find something you like and stick with it. Also, be on time! Your committee chair has a lot on his or her plate. Being late creates a headache easily avoided.

VIP: What charitable organization is important to you?

Leo: The First Tee organization in Phoenix. They teach the youngsters not only how to play golf, but how to be good young men and women. In my volunteer endeavors, I have been lucky enough to get a lot of perks, and I try to spread those perks to the youngsters at the First Tee. If you start them young, then hopefully they will have a love for golf throughout the rest of their life. There’s so much more to it than golf, it’s a great program.