Helpful Tips for Your Tournament Volunteers

Kimberly Senella, Brookside Golf Club

Just like the majority of non-profit events, it is almost a must to have friendly volunteers working your golf tournament to make sure it runs smoothly and successfully. Here are a few tips to guide your tournament volunteers in the right direction.

Leading Up to the Golf Tournament

1. Assign a committee member to be the Volunteer Chair. This Chair will be responsible for volunteer recruitment and management.
2. Determine what roles you’ll need filled by volunteers: i.e. registration check-in, raffle ticket sales, hole-in-one witnesses, etc., and take a count.
3. Create a list of possible categories of where to find volunteers; such as students, employees, sponsors, friends and family.
4. Set up a “Volunteer Sign Up” phone line, email address, or website where volunteers can sign up and send you their information: phone number, email address, T-shirt size for volunteer shirt, what hours they are available to volunteer, and what position they are interested in volunteering for.
5. Hold a volunteer training/information meeting, and during this meeting cover the following:

Logistics – Parking information, volunteer check-in and check-out, what position they will be assigned to, dress code, what they should bring, and any associated costs.

The Golf Tournament Details – Who is holding the event, why the event is being hosted, key sponsors, contests, format, and the event agenda.

If applicable, any technical training specific to the volunteer role.

Golf Cart Safety:

• - Never drive recklessly. Drive courteously.
• - Never drive intoxicated or under the influence of drugs.
• - Avoid distractions such as texting, eating, drinking, rowdy passengers, etc.
• - Only two persons per golf cart.
• - Keep all body parts inside the golf cart while in motion.
• - Do not stand in the golf cart or on the back of the cart.
• - Carefully turn and look behind the golf cart before backing up.
• - Avoid sharp turns and drive straight up and down slopes to reduce the risk of passenger ejections and/or rollover.
• - Do not leave keys in golf cart while unattended, unless you are returning the cart for the day.
• - Do not take cart keys home with you.
• - Always yield to golfers. Stop while golfers are hitting. Stay behind airborne golf balls.
• - If you're not playing golf, drive against golfers playing, to remain visual to players and alert to golf balls in play.
• - Keep golf carts 20 yards away from all putting greens and tee boxes.

Safety Training, such as course evacuation, severe weather, first aid, skin/sun protection, heat exhaustion, and how to handle an emergency situation.

Golf Etiquette and Knowledge of the Game:

• - Treat all players, patrons, fans, employees, and fellow volunteers with courtesy and respect.
• - Follow Golf Cart Safety Tips
• - Abide by all set tournament procedures, rules, agenda, etc.
• - No alcoholic beverages are to be consumed while volunteering, unless otherwise informed by the volunteer chair.
• - Do not interrupt or disrupt players during play.
• - If a player plays a ball in a direction where there is a danger of hitting someone, help that player and shout a warning. The traditional word of warning is "fore."
• - Ensure that any electronic device taken onto the course does not distract the players

Tournament Day

Before the Golf Tournament

1. Have all volunteers check in at the designated area.
2. Distribute T-shirts, radios, and event contact list.
3. Confirm volunteer assignments.
4. Announce specific instructions/updates for the golf tournament.

During the Golf Tournament, each volunteer should:

1. Preform their assigned task.
2. Answer questions.
3. Stay hydrated.
4. Wear sunscreen.

After the Golf Tournament, each volunteer should:

1. Turn in radios and check out.
2. Provide event feedback to the Volunteer Chair for event improvement.

Volunteers are an extreme source of assistance and help for your golf tournament. Make sure to prepare them and thank them accordingly for their donated time and efforts to your cause. After the tournament ends, either provide them with a Thank You gift that same day, or send them a gift or thank you card afterwards, thanking them for their participation and showing your appreciation for their hard work and dedication.