Oakmont Country Club, September 2, 2025
News Summary
Connor Brown, an assistant superintendent at Oakville Golf Club, recently took part as a volunteer in the grounds maintenance crew at Oakmont Country Club during the U.S. Open. Working alongside 150 other volunteers and 50 maintenance staff, he contributed significantly to golf course preparations ahead of the tournament. His responsibilities included mowing, bunker maintenance, and participating in educational seminars. Brown’s experiences at Oakmont provided valuable insights into golf course management and strengthened his aspiration to volunteer at major golf tournaments.
Oakville
Connor Brown, the assistant superintendent at the Oakville Golf Club, recently volunteered with the grounds maintenance crew at Oakmont Country Club during the U.S. Open held from June 12-15, 2025. This experience has equipped him with invaluable insights into golf course maintenance at a major championship event.
Brown was part of a group of approximately 150 volunteers working alongside the 50-member maintenance staff at Oakmont. Starting as early as 3:30 a.m. during the three days leading up to the tournament, volunteers were essential to ensuring the course was ready for players. Each day’s work began around 4 a.m. and continued until shortly before the players arrived for their practice rounds around 7:30-8 a.m..
One of Brown’s primary tasks involved mowing the approach areas on the front nine holes of the course, both morning and evening. He also assisted with bunker maintenance and positioning turning boards for the greens mowers. The approaches were cut at a height of .220 inches, slightly higher than usual, as directed by the USGA to improve the definition between greens and approaches.
During the tournament, work hours remained extensive, often extending into the evening after the official play had concluded for the day. The preparation process included mowing roughs early in the morning, followed by a second team responsible for fluffing them up to achieve optimal playing conditions.
Brown described the experience as “long but well worth it,” noting he took advantage of any downtime to nap. One of his most memorable moments occurred during a rain delay on the final round when he participated in squeegeeing the 18th fairway. He observed that spectators showed considerable appreciation for the grounds crew during this challenging finish to the tournament.
In addition to practical maintenance duties, volunteers also had the opportunity to attend educational seminars focusing on topics such as people management, which aligns with Brown’s responsibilities at the Oakville Golf Club. His time at Oakmont allowed him to absorb insights into the club’s agronomic practices and operations management, experiences he found particularly inspiring for his career development.
Background Context
This was not Brown’s first experience with Oakmont Country Club, as he had previously completed an internship there, assisting with a significant renovation project. He has also volunteered at other notable events such as the Waste Management Phoenix Open and the U.S. Junior Amateur Championship in Michigan. His dedication to volunteering has fueled his aspiration to complete the “grand slam” of volunteering at major golf tournaments, which includes the Masters, PGA Championship, and Open Championship.
Despite concerns about crossing the U.S. border due to the political climate, Brown reported a smooth entry into the country. However, he referenced a prior experience involving another Canadian volunteer who encountered challenges entering the U.S. before the tournament.
Conclusion
Connor Brown’s dedicated participation in the U.S. Open at Oakmont Country Club highlights the critical role volunteers play in maintaining golf course conditions during high-stakes tournaments. By combining hands-on experience with educational opportunities, Brown continues to build a strong foundation for his career in golf course management.
FAQs
What was Connor Brown’s role during the U.S. Open?
Connor Brown served as a volunteer assisting the grounds maintenance team, primarily focusing on mowing the approaches, bunker maintenance, and performing other maintenance tasks.
What are the usual responsibilities of volunteers at the U.S. Open?
Volunteers at the U.S. Open typically assist with various maintenance tasks, such as mowing, watering, and preparing the golf course, often starting their days very early.
How did Brown prepare for his volunteering experience?
Brown had previously completed an internship at Oakmont and had prior volunteering experience at other golf tournaments, which helped him prepare for this role.
What did Brown learn from this experience?
Brown gained insights into agronomic practices and operations management, which he found motivating and helpful for his career in golf course management.
| Key Features | Details |
|---|---|
| Event | U.S. Open at Oakmont Country Club |
| Dates | June 12-15, 2025 |
| Connor Brown’s Position | Assistant Superintendent at Oakville Golf Club |
| Volunteer Team Size | Approximately 150 volunteers |
| Maintenance Staff Size | Approximately 50 staff members |
| Primary Responsibilities | Mowing, bunker maintenance, and greens maintenance |
| Notable Experience | Squeegeeing the 18th fairway during a rain delay |
| Future Aspirations | Complete the “grand slam” of volunteering at major tournaments |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Remains of Missing Tucson Man Found
Dress for Success Phoenix Relocates to Empower Women
Remembering Hero Arthur ‘Bo’ Mariano Bojorquez Jr.
Additional Resources
- Turf & Rec: An Assistant’s Chance of a Lifetime
- Wikipedia: Golf
- NH Register: Phoenix Stage Company’s Drinking Habits 2
- Google Search: Golf Course Maintenance
- Star Phoenix: Garrett Rank Makes the Grade
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Golf
Author: STAFF HERE PHOENIX WRITER
PHOENIX STAFF WRITER The PHOENIX STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREPhoenix.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Phoenix, Maricopa County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Waste Management Phoenix Open, Cactus League Spring Training, and Arizona State Fair. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Phoenix Chamber of Commerce and Visit Phoenix, plus leading businesses in technology and healthcare that power the local economy such as Intel and Banner Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERETucson.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Arizona's dynamic landscape.
