There won’t be any golf today because players got two rounds in Saturday. Some had to play even more than that — the final round went to a two-hole playoff and ended just before dark. Steve Flesch came out on top to claim his first title on the PGA Tour Champions.

But behind the plethora of golfers who walked the course throughout the week and the thousands of patrons that watched, scores of volunteers donated their time to ensure a smooth tournament.

The Mitsubishi Electric Classic has been at TPC Sugarloaf for the past six years, drawing local residents and volunteers from across the state to make the trip to Duluth.

Pat Farris, a Buford resident since 1986, has been coming to volunteer at the tournament each year.

An avid golf player, Farris developed an interest in working at the tournament to see some of the sport’s best players up close and personal.

“When the opportunity came to work this tournament, it was just a way to give back to the community,” Farris said.

Farris said that during the six years she has volunteered, she has forged friendships with many of the other volunteers working the event.

She began volunteering six years ago as a golf cart attendant pulling cables.

“I thought I’d be driving players around and getting the chance to talk to them,” Farris said. “Unfortunately, they burst my bubble and said I would just be watching the carts and making sure they were being charged.”

For the past five years, Farris has been working at the driving range, a place she looks forward to spending time at each year.

“I get to see all of the players,” Farris said. “They’re wonderful and always thanking us for volunteering and working. The driving range is a great opportunity to be there and experience everything.”

Each year, Farris and one of her close friends, Steve Partain, coordinate to make sure they work the same shift to catch up and share a passion for the game of golf.

“It’s wonderful because we get to see each other once a year,” Farris said. “I met Steve and we just clicked. We actually worked the FedEx Cup (Tour Championship) tournament together as well.”

A normal day of volunteering consists of Farris making the drive from Buford, which takes just under 30 minutes, for a shift that lasts from noon to 7 p.m.

She then checks in at the volunteer tent, which includes a spread of food for volunteers to eat for lunch and a place to relax away from the sun.

At the driving range, Farris will fill buckets of balls for players to perfect their swing, pick up empty buckets or tees that are left at the range, and collect golf balls on the pitching green.

“I have to work the afternoon shift,” Farris said. “I’m not a morning person and it helps that the commute isn’t that long for me.”

One of the benefits that Farris has because of volunteering is the ability to play the course for a reduced rate of $50 per round.

Juli Jackson is another volunteer who looks forward to each year the tournament comes to TPC Sugarloaf.

Jackson, who lives near the golf course at Sugarloaf Country Club, has been the neighborhood representative for the golf tournament since it began.

“I really had never done an event like this before, so I was initially hesitant to do this,” Jackson said. “They wanted somebody that lived in the neighborhood to help out and asked me to help out in the volunteer tent.”

Jackson, who says she has a handicap score of 15, spends a good amount of time playing golf and despite not working on the course has found enjoyment in her current position.

“If we didn’t have the volunteers, we couldn’t put on the tournament,” Jackson said. “Over the years, there has been an emphasis on making sure the volunteers feel appreciated and it’s a big compliment to be recognized.”

Jackson said tournament week is a hectic and busy time that involves her waking up at 5 a.m. to get ready for the first golfers to arrive.

“Normally, we’re here two hours before the first tee time and don’t leave here until around 7 p.m.,” Jackson said. “It’s a long day, but well worth it.”

One of the best experiences she has had over the years is meeting other volunteers and talking with players.

“The players are really laid back, so you have the opportunity to take pictures with them and talk with them,” Jackson said. “This is a really impactful event not only to the club, but also the community and the charities involved. It’s a great use of my time.”