PERSPECTIVE FROM THE 19^TH HOLE: This is the title I chose for my personal blog, which is meant to give me an outlet for one of my favorite crafts – writing – plus to use an image from my favorite sport, golf. Out of college, my first job was as a reporter for the Daily Astorian in Astoria, Oregon, and I went on from there to practice writing in all of my professional positions, including as press secretary in Washington, D.C. for a Democrat Congressman from Oregon, as an Oregon state government manager in Salem and Portland, as press secretary for Oregon’s last Republican governor (Vic Atiyeh), and as a private sector lobbyist. This blog also allows me to link another favorite pastime – politics and the art of developing public policy – to what I write.

The headline refers to the fact that the “Desert Classic” pro golf tournament starts next week in the California desert – and that brings back a flood of memories for me.

Why “The American Express?”

The good news is that the major American company has stepped up to the plate to sign a five-year contract to be the named sponsor of the iconic desert tournament.

Last year, there was not a named sponsor, so the tournament went by the moniker “The Desert Classic.” To be sure, there were a number of “secondary sponsors,” including the company called WorkDay, which, some thought could become the primary named sponsor.

Another piece of good news thie year is that one of America’s best and well-known golfers, Phil Mickelson, has become the “host” of the tournament this year. Last year, he was called the “Tournament Ambassador,” but his new name could mean that he will be the host for several years, following in the footsteps, it could be said, of Bob Hope who made the desert tournament famous.

Mickelson also produced a great first round last year. He shot 60 on the La Quinta Country Club course and almost won the tournament, eventually finishing in the top five.

Another reason the tournament conjures up memories for me is that I served last year as a “walking marshal,” a title that meant I walked inside the ropes each day of the four-day tournament and, with colleagues, was assigned to make sure spectators didn’t venture inside the ropes.

Frankly, I did not have much to do, so I got to watch a lot of good golf up close and personal.

I still remember the first day as a walking marshal. One of the two pros in the group to which I assigned (on the first three days of the tournament, two amateurs pay to play with the two pros) included the pro Jason Duffner who, at best, could be called a bit of journeyman, though he has won five PGA tournaments.

He was – and is – memorable because of his apparent attitude on the course. He always appears to be mad at something or someone. Perhaps he is not, but appearances count.

It was not a good experience to be to a group assigned last year that included Duffner. I hope for better as, again, I will be a walking marshal for all four tournament days next week.

Should be an interesting and worthwhile experience for me in the spirit of giving back to the game I love.

And, to be fair, last year ended with a great experience on the fourth day of the tournament – I walked with a group that included one of my favorite golfers, Zack Johnson, who always himself with skill and aplomb.