by Rick K. P.G.A.
Why don't these entities just pull back some of the contributions they make to local charities and then they can pay the "volunteers". The USGA's job is to foster the game and run tournaments that takes money. Don't knock someone for wanting to see their favorite professionals up close and in person. Further, most country clubs are hurting financially at this time some need the revenues to keep up the course so that their communities can host these tournaments. Just ask the local Inns, eateries and local attractions how this one week effects their bottom line. I think they guy or gal who wrote this article is another whinning liberal who doesn't have a clue about giving back to the game.
P.S. By the way I do volunteer at the local soup kitchen as well as the local LPGA event in my town. And it gives me pride to know that the charities in my community benefits from this.

by Tom F
For $65 I roam the course during practice rounds. Next, I enjoy a bird's eye view of the world's best senior golfers, while I "laser" their ball position on the 15th green at Michigan's Dearborn TPC. Included is a quality Tommy Hilfiger shirt and the pièce de résistance, playing a round on a beautiful course, normally not available to me. I don't consider it work, but a pleasure and remember, it's MY choice.

by Ivory Rubin
I believe Chris goes a bit far in labeling those who volunteer. However, his point regarding the absurdity of having to pay to provide a service over a 3-4 day period, including numerous planning meetings and debriefings, is right on!! VOLUNTEER is supposed to mean the service provided is "uncoerced" and "unemunerated".
If there is a need for 2500 "volunteers" and they are paying $95-$220 for that "privilege", that means the PGA Tour possibly collects between $8,787,500 and $18,500,000 over 37 tournaments in a year. That is obscene!!!
And the USGA, they are being very hypocritical as an amateur golf organization by charging you to volunteer. Especially, when they disqualify you from participation in their events if you are paid or sponsored by a golfing entity.

by n henderson
I could not agree more. Charging people to volunteer is typical of the Golf powers to be today. Golf has become so popular they make a buck off of all of us who just love the game. Golf must get away from the rich folk only attitude. The average joe loves the game too. Just look at the cost for a round today. $65- $100. The PGA players should really look at who supports them, its not only the rich Country Club set.

by J. Wilson
I could not agree more, there was a time when volunteering for a PGA event was just that with no out of pocket money for the volunteer. It gave the individual an opportunity to feel like a small part in the tournament. But to actually make money off of them is just plain WRONG!
Now when players are playing for the amount of money that they are, and sometimes they don't even say thank you to the individuals in their own group of volunteers that too is wrong. I did witness two PGA Tour individuals that showed class above others. During the Doral PGA Tournament, I sat on the 1st tee and watch Jay Haas and Nick Price introduce themselves to every person (adult and child) that was volunteering their time in their group. Others never acknowledge the individuals, but that just shows what is widely know about Jay and Nick - two very repected Golf Professionals that recognize the importance of volunteer.
The USGA should a least recognize those individuals in some way or form like making them USGA members for the year, something that say thank you for your time....

by Kris Oftedahl
I cannot believe that you get paid to write this crap. Those of us that truly love this game of golf and love to watch provessional golfers display their skill know that, if not for the volunteer, these tournaments would not exist. For the one week that the tournament is in town, it gives the public a chance to be connected with some of the professionals they watch on televison. Many of these folks do volunteer the other 51 weeks a year for more worthy causes, but if they didn't get some enjoyment out of volunteering, they wouldn't come back year after year. How about donating the money you make for writing this garbage and donate it to charity.

by J. Sawicki
Right on. Clearly this nitwit never volunteered for anything. I marshalled at the US Open at Congressional and it was one of the more memorable experiences I've had not playing golf. I was there when Lehman hit it in the water on 17 and when Ernie came off the green on 18. I'd do it again in a heartbeat - For the love of the game.

by Vinny
Bravo! It's about time someone wrote about this ridiculous program. I spoke with a "volunteer" at the 2004 Ryder Cup at Oakland Hills and he informed me that it cost him $250 to provide his services. He did however, receive two pair of slacks and three shirts for the privilege of working. Face it, the golf enterprise is an elitist machine strongly dependent on the $20 million plus of us regular folks for survival. If the winner of a tounament can walk away with a cool million----the organizers can pay the help.

by Nick and Betty Aramino
Chris -- can we high five over the internet? This garbage is worse than absurd. Do you recall the woman bungie jumper who was killed at the Superbowl halftime rehearsal a few years ago? The equipment was being operated by untrained, or at least poorly trained, amateur VOLUNTEERS. With 2 million dollar commercials, and all the other money exchanging hands, they actually wouldn't pay for professionals to safeguard sometone's life. VOLUNTEER MY --S. If they can pay the kind of purses they pay, let them pay -- and pay well -- for whatever work needs to be done. When people get smart and refuse to volunteer, they'll have to.

by jay
I volunteered once for the Buick Classic in NY. NEVER AGAIN .hot as hell...waste of time and money..
now i either buy my tix or watch it from a bar stool.