They Can’t Start the Tournament Without Them

Professional golf’s Nissan Open takes place February 15-18 at the Riviera Country Club in Pacific Palisades. Two of the many volunteers participating in this year’s event are local residents Ron Diaz and Mitch Lane. As official starters, their job is to insure each pairing begins the day’s round at a prescribed time. With a wink in his eye, Lane states, “they can’t start without us.”

In addition to keeping an eye on the official clock, the starter is also responsible for announcing to the spectators each professional golfer’s name and hometown. Lane has served as a starter since 1993. Diaz began his participation in 2004. Both men also work the AT&T; Classic, a Champions Tour event occurring in mid March at Valencia CC.

Locals who attend the Open are invited to stop by either the 1st or 10th tee and say hi to Diaz and Lane.

The tournament began in 1926 at Los Angeles Country Club. Over the years several LA area courses have hosted the event. Riviera CC has been home since 1973 with the exception of 1998 when the site hosted the U.S. Senior Open. In an effort to preserve the course, the tournament was moved to Valencia CC in Valencia.