BMW Championship 2024- What to expect as a volunteer

[laopadak]

Have only been to one PGA and one LPGA Tour event, both were in Colorado some years ago and I was a spectator. BMW Championship will be at Castle Pines Colorado next August and when I first heard, I pre-registered as a volunteer. They sent me an email this morning and I've officially registered as a volunteer. Not sure if I get the gig or what I'll be doing but I did select my top 3 "want to do's" and paid $215 for the volunteer gear...

 

What should I expect as an event volunteer?

Long days, more work than fun? 

You have to commit to buying the volunteer gear in advance, really? $215 up front to be a volunteer? 

What perks comes with volunteering at these events? Hotdog and soda for $1.50?

 

Either way, super stoked I'll be at the event, hopefully for the entire week and the time invested, work has it's benefits and perks. 

[MK7Golf21]

ouch, have to pay $215 for volunteer gear? Would think they would give you the hat and volunteer shirt for free if you were a volunteer and working for free. Might as well just pay to attend the event instead. 

[Carolina Golfer 2]

The gear is usually very nice, a couple shirts, Windshirts, and hat I think is what I got when I did it a few years back.

 

I think you have to commit to at least 3 or 4  four hour shifts.   When you're not working you're welcome to watch as much golf as you'd like.   I believe you get two grounds passes for the week.   You get a meal voucher while you're working good for a sandwhich, burger and drink or things like that. 

 

I always preferred dong things like the transportation committee.  I sat on one of the holes near the BMW that would rive them off during a rain delay.   Took players to the airport after the round things like that.  Lots of great and different jobs you can do. 

[Titleist99]

56 minutes ago, Carolina Golfer 2 said:

The gear is usually very nice, a couple shirts, Windshirts, and hat I think is what I got when I did it a few years back.

 

I think you have to commit to at least 3 or 4  four hour shifts.   When you're not working you're welcome to watch as much golf as you'd like.   I believe you get two grounds passes for the week.   You get a meal voucher while you're working good for a sandwhich, burger and drink or things like that. 

 

I always preferred dong things like the transportation committee.  I sat on one of the holes near the BMW that would rive them off during a rain delay.   Took players to the airport after the round things like that.  Lots of great and different jobs you can do. 

What you describe is not a bad volunteering job. listen to some on this board and you come away with a different opinion.

[ghostrider]

I did it for about 7-8 years when Senior Tour came to Austin. Lot of fun. Had to buy shirts etc but not 200 bucks worth. If you can choose I did the driving range for most of the years. That was great to work and see/talk with pros while warming up. The Senior Tour was a little more relaxed and they had a lot of stories.

[TwistedSister]

2 hours ago, laopadak said:

Have only been to one PGA and one LPGA Tour event, both were in Colorado some years ago and I was a spectator. BMW Championship will be at Castle Pines Colorado next August and when I first heard, I pre-registered as a volunteer. They sent me an email this morning and I've officially registered as a volunteer. Not sure if I get the gig or what I'll be doing but I did select my top 3 "want to do's" and paid $215 for the volunteer gear...

 

What should I expect as an event volunteer?

Long days, more work than fun? 

You have to commit to buying the volunteer gear in advance, really? $215 up front to be a volunteer? 

What perks comes with volunteering at these events? Hotdog and soda for $1.50?

 

Either way, super stoked I'll be at the event, hopefully for the entire week and the time invested, work has it's benefits and perks. 

The API only requests $100 to volunteer.  It was a lot of fun... I would recommend that you volunteer for the practice round as the players are much more open. 

[Creedo77]

3 hours ago, MK7Golf21 said:

ouch, have to pay $215 for volunteer gear? Would think they would give you the hat and volunteer shirt for free if you were a volunteer and working for free. Might as well just pay to attend the event instead. 

They charge so people stay committed to volunteering. It’d be chaos if they just let people do it and then flake on the event 

[Carolina Golfer 2]

5 hours ago, Titleist99 said:

What you describe is not a bad volunteering job. listen to some on this board and you come away with a different opinion.

It really was. Other jobs I’ve done are the media center.  Nice as you are in AC as it got near 100 in Baltimore in the summer.   Also bring in media myself it was pretty routine stuff.   
 

I haven’t done the driving ramgw bit have friends that have and they really liked it.  
 

I also agree with the poster that said get as many of your shifts in during practice rounds as you can.  More relaxed and then frees you up to watch tournament days. 

[MK7Golf21]

3 hours ago, Creedo77 said:

They charge so people stay committed to volunteering. It’d be chaos if they just let people do it and then flake on the event 

 

I suppose but I'd think the perks of getting free gear like shirt/hat/windbreaker, couple free passes and food would be enough to keep people from flaking because of the free stuff they got. I would think if people payed $215 they would be more likely to show up to just get the gear they payed for and then flake out, lol. 

Edited October 31, 2023 by MK7Golf21

[TiScape]

I’ve volunteered at both the Genesis at Rivera and did the last US Open @ LACC. Did Shotlink at both and it was an incredible experience. Highlight was buddying up with the hole leader at 18 on Sunday and working the paddles at 18 tee box. Ppl also hated on what I payed to volunteer. Ignore em! If you get the right job, worth every penny! 

1-Paddles at 18 on Sunday at LACC

2-Me w/the sunglasses Inside the ropes at 17 tee box at Rivera

Edited October 31, 2023 by TiScape

[TiScape]

1 hour ago, MK7Golf21 said:

 

I suppose but I'd think the perks of getting free gear like shirt/hat/windbreaker, couple free passes and food would be enough to keep people from flaking because of the free stuff they got. I would think if people payed $215 they would be more likely to show up to just get the gear they payed for and then flake out, lol. 

Gear for the US Open at LACC was shipped to my house a couple weeks before the tournament. Keep the gear and miss out on inside the ropes at the Open… Not a chance!

[TiScape]

8 hours ago, MK7Golf21 said:

ouch, have to pay $215 for volunteer gear? Would think they would give you the hat and volunteer shirt for free if you were a volunteer and working for free. Might as well just pay to attend the event instead. 

Na, not even close to the same experience. I equated my vantage point at my tournaments to be like working the chains at an NFL game vs sitting front row. No comparison 

[laopadak]

Thanks for the responses- good stuff and info. Trying to recall what I signed up for, #1 Cart shuttle driver, #2 Walking scorer, #3 Shotlink mobile spotter. 

 

As for what's included at $215 and shift requirements, I found below on their website. I also think you get discounts on tourney merchandise, hopefully it's at/near cost..

 

Long way away but I'm super excited for the event / opportunity. 

 

Commit to work at least three shifts during tournament week. Shifts range from 4-6 hours in length, depending on assignment. Volunteers are also asked to purchase a uniform package for $215. Valued at $629, the package includes:

• Two Peter Millar golf shirts
• One Peter Millar outerwear piece
• One hat or visor
• One clear BMW Championship branded bag
• One volunteer credential, valid for entry all week
• Food and beverage vouchers on days you volunteer

[MK7Golf21]

6 minutes ago, laopadak said:

Thanks for the responses- good stuff and info. Trying to recall what I signed up for, #1 Cart shuttle driver, #2 Walking scorer, #3 Shotlink mobile spotter. 

 

As for what's included at $215 and shift requirements, I found below on their website. I also think you get discounts on tourney merchandise, hopefully it's at/near cost..

 

Long way away but I'm super excited for the event / opportunity. 

 

Commit to work at least three shifts during tournament week. Shifts range from 4-6 hours in length, depending on assignment. Volunteers are also asked to purchase a uniform package for $215. Valued at $629, the package includes:

• Two Peter Millar golf shirts
• One Peter Millar outerwear piece
• One hat or visor
• One clear BMW Championship branded bag
• One volunteer credential, valid for entry all week
• Food and beverage vouchers on days you volunteer

 

That's not too bad, Peter Millar stuff isn't cheap.

[laopadak]

10 hours ago, TiScape said:

I’ve volunteered at both the Genesis at Rivera and did the last US Open @ LACC. Did Shotlink at both and it was an incredible experience. Highlight was buddying up with the hole leader at 18 on Sunday and working the paddles at 18 tee box. Ppl also hated on what I payed to volunteer. Ignore em! If you get the right job, worth every penny! 

1-Paddles at 18 on Sunday at LACC

2-Me w/the sunglasses Inside the ropes at 17 tee box at Rivera

Had to be an epic experience. I'm a big golf fanatic and can't wait to get up close and personal. 

[Titleist99]

1 hour ago, laopadak said:

Thanks for the responses- good stuff and info. Trying to recall what I signed up for, #1 Cart shuttle driver, #2 Walking scorer, #3 Shotlink mobile spotter. 

 

As for what's included at $215 and shift requirements, I found below on their website. I also think you get discounts on tourney merchandise, hopefully it's at/near cost..

 

Long way away but I'm super excited for the event / opportunity. 

 

Commit to work at least three shifts during tournament week. Shifts range from 4-6 hours in length, depending on assignment. Volunteers are also asked to purchase a uniform package for $215. Valued at $629, the package includes:

• Two Peter Millar golf shirts
• One Peter Millar outerwear piece
• One hat or visor
• One clear BMW Championship branded bag
• One volunteer credential, valid for entry all week
• Food and beverage vouchers on days you volunteer

great deal if you ask me........

 

plus the experience of being there in person, priceless!

[manku]

I've volunteered at Riviera for about 5 years, as well as some USGA events here in LA.

 

I stopped last year.   Don't raise the purse by $8 million and then ask volunteers to pay more for their uniforms...I already sorta felt like a heel paying to work for free when EVERYONE else at the event makes money...and lots of it!   

 

I always enjoyed the event, especially since it was next to my kids school and I could drop him off and then go to "work"...and pick him up later.   Also, I'd get free passes for him and his friends to go (as well as free food vouchers).

 

It's worth doing if you're really into professional golf, and accept that it's not really a volunteer job...at least not in the traditional sense.   Being up close and inside the ropes can be a lot of fun.

 

The committee you're on will have a massive impact on your experience.   Someone here said they liked transportation...I quit that after an hour.   Acting like a valet/uber driver for free, and spending my time on the 405 was not something I signed up for.   Others on the committee were thrilled to drive Genesis cars...go figure!

[TiScape]

2 hours ago, manku said:

I've volunteered at Riviera for about 5 years, as well as some USGA events here in LA.

 

I stopped last year.   Don't raise the purse by $8 million and then ask volunteers to pay more for their uniforms...I already sorta felt like a heel paying to work for free when EVERYONE else at the event makes money...and lots of it!   

 

I always enjoyed the event, especially since it was next to my kids school and I could drop him off and then go to "work"...and pick him up later.   Also, I'd get free passes for him and his friends to go (as well as free food vouchers).

 

It's worth doing if you're really into professional golf, and accept that it's not really a volunteer job...at least not in the traditional sense.   Being up close and inside the ropes can be a lot of fun.

 

The committee you're on will have a massive impact on your experience.   Someone here said they liked transportation...I quit that after an hour.   Acting like a valet/uber driver for free, and spending my time on the 405 was not something I signed up for.   Others on the committee were thrilled to drive Genesis cars...go figure!

Yeah I wouldn’t do it if I had to do transportation or merchandise. If I’m doing it I’m on the course inside the ropes, period.