Patrick Caulfield grew up in Jacksonville and has called the First Coast his home for some time. He has volunteered at THE PLAYERS for the past 41 years and is a staple in the media center for the event.
Tell us a little about yourself and your background.
I was born in New York City and raised in Jacksonville. I attended Englewood High School but graduated from Terry Parker High School.
I attended Florida Junior College for my freshman and sophomore years and then went on to the University of North Florida for my junior and senior years where I majored in health science.
I served in the United States Marine Corps for four years and the vast majority of my working career was with the U.S. Treasury Department.
I retired after 32 years in 2011, and my wife and I reside in Green Cove Springs. We have two sons and a daughter and eight grandchildren. Our family is made complete by Sparky our cavapoo dog.
What led you to volunteering at THE PLAYERS and how many years have you been doing it?
I first got interested in volunteering at the PGA when a gentleman from there offered to sponsor the Multiple Sclerosis 150-mile bike ride in which I took part.
We discussed volunteering opportunities for THE PLAYERS, and I soon signed on and have been working as a volunteer for 41 years now.
What are some of the ways you have helped as a volunteer over the years?
I have been chairman of the media center at the PGA for 35 of my 41 years with the organization.
It’s been interesting to be a part of the many changes that have taken place over the time. When I first started, the media room was located under the old clubhouse, and we were involved with less than 100 reporters.
In time, we outgrew the space, and a new million-dollar media center was built to accommodate our expanding needs and 48 to 52 volunteers.
Media needs were supported by a bank of eight to nine phones that fielded hundreds of daily calls and copy machines that ran 110,000 to 125,000 copies of pertinent information consisting of interviews, stats, and other information. Then along came technology; fax machines, computers and cell phones changed our world.
In 2024, we had seven volunteers, and our bank of phones has been replaced by individual cell phones and information is largely disseminated via computers.
This is also reflected by the fact that we now only make about 1,000 copies a week, and our involvement has expanded to hundred of reporters from more than 16 countries.
It has been an interesting experience to witness the changes over my 41 years.
What do you enjoy most about volunteering?
Volunteering at THE PLAYERS has given me a chance to meet some incredible volunteers and PGA staff personnel.
Some of these friendships have lasted several decades, and I have enjoyed this aspect very much.
Are there any fun memories you have from over the years?
I have so many great memories. I have met some of the greatest golfers in the world and have had the opportunity to talk and interact with many of them.
A lot of this interaction between me and the players occurred when we transported the players out for photo shoots. It gave me an opportunity to talk with them about their love of the game and outside interests as well.
The funny thing is most of the players are now on the Champions Tour. I guess that must mean I’m getting older.
Are you a fan of golf?
I initially got interested in golf when a co-worker at the Treasury Department asked me if I would be interested in playing golf. I said no, but he encouraged me to consider it.
He was a five handicapper, and he sold me his complete set of clubs, balls, gloves, etc. for $50, and I became a golf fan and player after that.
I did find out that the clubs and balls he sold me weren’t very good because the first time I played I scored about 110. Yep, naturally I blamed my score on his clubs.
What do you enjoy most about living in the North Florida area?
My wife and I are both retired so we have a lot of free time. We love Florida weather, people, beaches, and state parks.
We enjoy traveling and have several trips planned over the next few months. I am also involved with the North Florida Officials Association, volunteer at the Mayo Clinic and I am a member of The Elks.
