GOOD WILL TOUR

Will Starcevich's summer trip to San Diego doesn't include any time at the beach or even a visit to the zoo.

Instead, Starcevich will spend his days and nights mowing grass and taking out the trash.

The Peoria resident couldn't be happier because he'll get to spend eight days working as a volunteer at the upcoming U.S. Open, being played June 9 through June 15 at Torrey Pines Golf Course in LaJolla, Calif.

"I'm going to get to see golfers I only get to watch on TV," said Starcevich, the superintendent at Riverview Golf Course in Sun City. "It doesn't get any bigger than the U.S. Open."

Starcevich will be among 20 golf course superintendents from around the country selected to assist the staff at Torrey Pines for the upcoming tournament.

The 36-year-old Starcevich applied for the position after reading about the volunteer opportunity in a trade publication.

"I decided to apply after reading that the director of golf for the city of San Diego used to do the same job in Mesa," said Starcevich, the married father of two girls, ages 16 and 10.

"I used to work at Superstition Springs Golf Course in Mesa so I don't know if that helped me land the position or not."

Rest assured, Starcevich will not be on a vacation when he arrives at Torrey Pines on the Sunday prior to the start of tournament week.

His itinerary includes 12- to 14-hour work days on Monday through Wednesday to get the course ready for the likes of Tiger Woods and company.

Once the tournament starts on Thursday, Starcevich will spend four hours each morning and four hours each evening working on the course.

"I will pretty much be available for any kind of duty," said Starcevich, a former Marine who served from 1989 to 1993. "I've asked to work on the greens, fairways and bunkers."

Starcevich said he looks forward to meeting his golf counterparts.

The Illinois native said he's also grateful that the Recreation Centers of Sun City has given him the time off to volunteer at the U.S. Open.

"We're very proud of William for being chosen for this exciting opportunity," said John Snyder, director of golf and grounds for the Recreation Centers of Sun City. "I am sure he will learn a great deal, and hopefully bring some championship knowledge back to Sun City."

Volunteers will stay in the dormitories at the University of San Diego.

That's about as close as he'll get to the ocean during his eight-day trip.

However, Starcevich will get a chance to watch the golf tournament during fourth-round play on Sunday.

"After the course setup is done on Sunday, we will be allowed inside the ropes to watch the tournament," Starcevich said. "I plan to follow the leaders for nine holes and then head to the 18th green.

"I'd like to be there for the trophy presentation."