The opportunity to be a Marshal at the CPKC Women’s Open has had a very positive outcome and it has also raised some apprehension. The planning committee will be providing training and they have also launched a CPKC Women’s Open Volunteer Facebook group which will provide helpful resources, training materials and tips to enhance your volunteer role. Because Golfaround has adopted a hole and many of you have registered to help marshal this hole we want to assist in helping you understand your role and responsibilities. If you would like to volunteer on the Golfaround hole register by clicking here.
Volunteering is a very rewarding experience as you get to see the action up close and interact with the players and staff. However, it also requires commitment, patience and professionalism as marshals are expected to follow instructions and deal with various situations. The main function of all marshals is to provide a fair and safe environment for the competition. Keeping the gallery quiet and still during play and helping the players find their errant shots are the two main responsibilities of the marshals. This series of articles will address the responsibilities from tee to green.
THE TEE BOX It is up to the marshal to assure that players are afforded a quiet and uninterrupted opportunity when teeing off. Volunteers should provide a good example for the gallery and not chat with fellow volunteers, players or officials during play. Signal the gallery to be quiet by facing them and holding up your arms/sign. Follow the path of each players ball if possible to help spot stray balls. Cameras and picture taking is not allowed once the tournament commences and cell phones must be on silent. If you witness a spectator using his/her cell phone during the matches, please ask them politely to turn the cell phone off. Always anticipate a gallery. Keep ahead of them, talk to the first individuals who arrive, explain to them what you want them to do, why it is necessary, and ask for their help. In nearly all cases, they’ll be happy to cooperate. When the players leave the tee box ensure the way is clear of spectators.