by Fred Seely
Editorial Director
Jim Fuller has two jobs this week.
One is in the Duval County Courthouse, where he’s the Clerk of Court; it’s 8-to-5 and pays well. The other is at The Players Championship, where it’s 5 a.m. to 9 a.m. and doesn’t pay a thing.
“It makes for an active week,” said Fuller, one of the tournament’s four vice chairmen. “I’m in constant communication with the office, and I’m in constant communication with the people here. It’s an interesting week.”
Fuller gets up very early and leaves his Bayard-area home by 5. He is in charge of the volunteers who work the Facilities Division, which means he’s all over the course.
His world this week includes most things you’ll see at the tournament: construction, shuttle buses, parking, signage, supplies ... and when the day is over and the spectators have left, he and his workforce have to take out the trash.
“I had the Volunteer Service job last year,” he said. “That was my first as vice chairman and I guess that’s the starting point. Curtis (Hazel, the newest vice chair) has it this year.
“The tournament is structured to put you through everything as you work your way up the ladder. When you get to the top, you’ve had a hand in everything.”
If all goes as usual, Fuller will be chairman of the 2011 tournament. It will mark the first time an elected official has ever headed the tournament; City Council member/state legislator Don Davis and City Council member Lad Daniels were in private business when they were at the top.
“I got into it because it’s good for the community,” said Fuller. “Look at the charity money this produces. Astounding (over $2.5 million last year.)
“You can be in public office and be part of the community, too. Others do it, and do it well. I chose the golf tournament.” (Examples: Tax Collector Mike Hogan is president of his Rotary Club; Property Appraiser Jim Overton was president of his Rotary Club last year.)
Fuller says the long hours are worth it.
“I really didn’t know what to expect,” he said. “When you get into something, you’re never sure how it will go. But this has exceeded all my expectations. Working with the other volunteers is great. Everyone works together when you need something done, everyone pitches in. No one says ‘That’s not my job.
“The volunteers make up a great family.”