by Mike Sharkey
Staff Writer
For 22 years Darlene Riggs has been taking the same week off from her job at SunTrust Bank to get up way before dawn and start cooking for a volunteer army that has swelled to 2,000. Without failure and with a smile and several pairs of shoes, Riggs has served the volunteers of The Players Championship breakfast, lunch and dinner.
At the recent volunteer packet pick-up day for this year’s tournament, Riggs got the surprise of her volunteer life.
The “Oasis” is where the volunteers for years have been able to eat, get a drink, get out of the heat, cold or rain or just take a break. It’s also where Riggs spends 12-14 hours every day, alternating between three pairs of shoes.
It’s not the Oasis anymore. Lured to the Oasis under the premise of it getting a new sponsor — which is true, it’s Land O Lakes — Riggs was asked to say a few words about her two-plus decades as a volunteer.
“I didn’t realize how much I enjoyed this,” she said, to a room filled with just enough Players Championship officials to generate a little suspicion. “I have a staff of hard-working people. You make us feel like what we do is helpful.”
Then, Players Chair Tommy Douglas got in on the act.
“Darlene, we set you up,” he said.
With that, the Oasis became Darlene’s Diner forevermore.
“I am overwhelmed. I love what I do and it’s challenging to get done,” said Riggs, who figures she gets to the course every morning about 4 and doesn’t leave until 6 p.m. or later. “When I originally started, the bank asked me if I wanted to help. I love people and I love the environment.
“I truly enjoy the people and I feel like the tournament gives so much back to the community. I’ll come back until they won’t let me come back anymore or until three pairs of shoes a day won’t work anymore.”
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