The Vocal Volunteer
CLYDE LUTHER, 78
Teaching Tiger wannabes how to play by the Rules

"I've been a volunteer Rules marshal for almost 40 years. Let's see, that's 111 USGA championships, one Masters, 20 U.S. Opens, who knows how many junior events. An innovator? I don't know. Some people say there wouldn't be a Junior Amateur if it wasn't for people like me. That's flattering. I think everyone should do more to help golf. I do it because I love the game, and enjoy educating young people. After all, life is all about the people you meet. Tiger is a friend. Known him since he was 12. In a tournament, he'll walk right by everyone else, then see me and give me a big hug. That means a lot. He has a great sense of humor. At the '98 U.S. Open at Congressional, he almost shanked one into the rough, then walks by me and says, 'Clyde, I don't know why I play this stupid game. I oughta take up stamp collecting.' I've taught a lot of kids about etiquette and the Rules. I remember this 12-year-old. I saw him pick up his ball in the fairway and drop it. I came over to ask why he dropped — I figured he had an issue with a sprinkler head. He says, 'No, it wasn't that. My ball was in a divot. I don't have to hit it from there, do I?'"

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Update: The latest from Clyde Luther

Credit: Mark Kegans