MESA, ARIZONA – For most Epson Tour golfers at the season-opening Visit Mesa Gateway Classic at Longbow Golf Club, which runs from February 21 through February 23, their lone job is to prepare to post low scores over the weekend on the course. For tournament participant and Mesa resident Becca Huffer, her responsibilities are split between preparing for the event and working her day-to-day job at the golf course.

Huffer, who won three events on the Cactus Tour in 2013, moved to Mesa a year ago from Denver, Colorado to play on the Cactus Tour and got a job in player services at Longbow Golf Club. She handles guests’ bags, assists with carts and anything else that members need.

She received the Visit Mesa sponsor’s exemption into the field for the Visit Mesa Gateway Classic at Longbow Golf Club.

“I was really excited that I could get it worked out because I was injured at Q-School so that didn’t go very well for me and this was the only way I could get into the field, so I was really happy,” said Huffer. “I’m glad that Visit Mesa was able to make it happen for me and it’s a lot of fun to be out here.”

This week, Huffer’s schedule has been a bit hectic balancing her two jobs.

“I worked Wednesday morning and then practiced afterwards and then played nine holes,” said Huffer. “Either I am working in the morning or closing so I plan my day whether I’m going to get up early and practice before work or practice after work so it makes it a full day but they (Longbow Golf Club) are super nice about giving me time off when I’m going to go play a tournament.”

Huffer’s day job has given her the unique opportunity to play Longbow Golf Club more than any player in the field. Her comfort on the course could give her an advantage over the field.

“I think my familiarity can help,” said Huffer. “It’s fun to be able to see that I’ve been in that bad spot before and know it’s ok.”

More than anything, Huffer is excited for the chance to compete and thankful that her employers at Longbow Golf Club have given her the opportunity.

“I had the good fortune of moving out here and being able to work and Longbow being very flexible knowing that my priority is playing,” said Huffer. “I ended up out here and it is a great place to be.”

Huffer will tee off at 8:50 a.m. on Friday in group 17, which also includes Emma Jandel and Rachel Rohanna.

It’s her first chance to make a push towards the ultimate goal of playing on the LPGA Tour. The top ten on the money list in the Volvik Race for the Card at the end of the Epson Tour season will receive their LPGA Tour card for 2015.

Huffer Receives Sponsor Exemption

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