Matt Gourlay
I’ve experienced the opportunity to host 10 professional golf tournaments. I also have volunteered at another dozen or so tournaments throughout my career.
There are several compelling reasons why volunteers are beneficial for our tournaments and why volunteering at professional golf tournaments is a rewarding personal experience. Professional golf tournaments attract thousands of fans, and organizing such events requires a lot of support from volunteers who donate their time and skills to ensure the smooth operation of the tournament.
Volunteering at a professional golf tournament offers a unique opportunity to meet new people and network with individuals from diverse backgrounds. Golf tournaments attract people from all walks of life. Volunteers receive a chance to interact with golf enthusiasts, event organizers, professional golfers and sponsors.
This networking opportunity can be beneficial for students and young professionals who are seeking to build their professional network, gain new contacts and learn about career opportunities in the golf industry. Volunteering means learning new skills and gaining valuable work experience in areas such as customer service, event management, communication and problem-solving.
There’s also a higher purpose in volunteering. Many golf tournaments are organized to raise funds for charities and non-profit organizations supporting causes ranging from health care to education. Volunteers contribute to the success of the tournament, which ultimately benefits the community. Approximately 143,000 charity events are held annually in the United States, with 12 million participants at nearly 13,000 golf facilities, raising close to $4 billion in total, according to the American Golf Industry Coalition.
Professional golf tournaments attract the best golfers from around the world who compete for significant prizes and titles. Volunteers receive a chance to watch these top players in action and observe their golfing techniques and strategies. This can be a unique and exciting experience for golf enthusiasts who may not have regular access to elite players. I witnessed a fellow volunteer at a PGA Tour event apologizing to and talking with Tony Finau for three straight days on the putting green.
Many roles assigned to volunteers require physical activity, including walking or standing for extended periods, carrying equipment or directing traffic. These activities are beneficial to one’s health by promoting physical fitness, reducing stress, and improving mood and mental well-being.
Professional golf tournaments are held in different locations around the world. Volunteering might provide the chance to travel to different cities and countries. This can be an exciting way to explore new cultures, meet new people and broaden one’s horizons. I once traveled to The Bahamas to assist a Korn Ferry Tour event. Not a bad place to spend a week in January!
You will be working with other volunteers who share your passion for the golf industry, and you will have the chance to make new friends and create lasting memories. Plus, the sense of camaraderie and teamwork among volunteers can be incredibly rewarding.
Volunteering at a professional golf tournament can be a rich and fulfilling experience for individuals passionate about the golf industry. The experience provides opportunities for networking, skill-building, giving back to the community, witnessing top golfers in action, promoting physical fitness, traveling and having fun.
Consider it a great way to make a positive impact on society while gaining personal and professional benefits. As you can probably tell, I highly recommend volunteering at a professional golf tournament.
Matt Gourlay, CGCS, MG, AGS, is the director of golf course operations at Colbert Hills in Manhattan, Kansas.
