Northern Trust Open gives military members chance to get up close and personal with pros Published Feb. 20, 2013 By 412th Test Wing Public Affairs PACIFIC PALISADES, Calif. -- Before John Merrick edged out Charlie Beljan for his first Professional Golfers' Association win at the Northern Trust Open Feb. 17, Airmen from Edwards got the chance to come down the week before and serve as caddies for the pros during a practice round Feb. 13. Part of the NTO's annual military appreciation program, military golf enthusiasts had to oppurtunity to also be pinholders on holes for the event. Staff Sgt. Adam Shura, Air Force Test Center; Staff Sgt. Jeff Powell, 412th Maintenance Group; and Tech. Sgt. Brent Jnofinn, 412th Aerospace Medicine Squadron, were three volunteers who got to meet some of the golfing world's top players during the event. "It was an awesome experience and really a chance of a lifetime to meet and caddie for a pro golfer," said Jnofinn who caddied for 2011 NTO champion Aaron Baddeley on the 10th hole. Powell caddied for English golfer Lee Westwood for three holes. "It was an outstanding experience just to be next to those guys," said Powell. For the past few years the NTO has provided free admission for active duty military members with their I.D.s.