Twenty-Five Years at Number 10

During his days as an ETSU student, Scott Henson made time for golf as his schedule allowed. His duties with the Student Government Association kept him busy, as did working at the campus radio station serving as music director and recording news clips. 

But on weekends, as weather allowed, Henson could be found on the golf course, usually at Pine Oaks near campus or at courses in Elizabethton or Erwin.

While a student, he got to attend the Georgia-Pacific Atlanta Golf Tournament Classic and, when working for a local television station, he and the sports director were assigned to cover the opening of a Jack Nicklaus Golf Course in Banner Elk, North Carolina. Henson and the other sports reporters took a tour of the 18-hole course – led by Jack Nicklaus himself – and even got to do some playing.

Just a few years later, in 1986, Henson would attend his first Masters where Nicklaus claimed his sixth and final win. He’d return to the Masters a few more times, but in 2000, a unique opportunity presented itself.

“I knew someone who was responsible for coordinating volunteers for the Masters,” Henson said. “This would be an incredible opportunity and I decided to go for it.”
He was chosen as a volunteer and was assigned to be a Gallery Guard for the 10th hole. That was in 2000.

And for the next 25 Masters, Henson would return as a volunteer, keeping his same spot at the 10th hole.

"It is a true honor to be part of one of the most prestigious sporting events in the world.”
–Scott Henson

“Even though we are volunteers, it is a significant obligation,” he said. “You are committed to seven days, and depending on the weather, your day can start at 
7 a.m. and end after 9 p.m.”  Participants also have the opportunity to volunteer for the Augusta National Women’s Amateur as well as the Drive, Chip, and Putt, which adds other days.

Henson used vacation time from his job at the Medical College of Georgia in order to volunteer. He retired two years ago from the college as Associate Vice President for Alumni Engagement and Annual Giving.

As a Gallery Guard, Henson’s primary responsibility is to answer questions from the patrons: Where’s the concession stand? What kind of grass is this? Who hit the longest drive? Who just came through?

And, of course: Where’s Tiger?

Memorable moments from the 10th hole include Bubba Watson’s unforgettable recovery in 2012 when he shot from the pine straw in the trees and hooked it around to get back on the green, ultimately claiming his first Masters.

“It’s been an incredible experience,” Henson adds. “The people I work with are great people and there is a group of us that stays in contact throughout the year. The overwhelming number of the volunteers choose to stay on for years. It is so nice to spend time with the patrons, and they come back each year to visit and catch up on your year. It’s rewarding to know that you are doing something that is very special, and it is a true honor to be part of one of the most prestigious sporting events in the world.

“I would not give this up for anything or for anyone who is anybody."

By Joe Smith   |   Photo Contributed