by Shawna
Volunteering for ANYTHING is a good thing. Why does it make someone an idiot if they volunteer at a golf tournament? I want to be a Sports Agent someday, and volunteering at sports events allows me to give back to the sports I love and gain experience and network at the same time. Do you know how many wonderful friends I've made volunteering at golf events?
Maybe you should learn the meaning of volunteering before you chastise people about it.

by Sam Croce
I guess it always comes down to the money !!! Did you ever think that maybe some people really have a passion for the game and maybe want to give back a little something to this great game. I have volunteer at the U.S. Men's Open at Shinnecock(2004) and Winged Foot(2006)and during both weeks its some of the greatest experiences I have enjoyed.
All the people I dealt with for the USGA during both Open's were professional and a joy to be around. Its to bad more organizations don't have the intergreity and passion that the USGA does.
I guess I drank the kool-aid

by Richard Fuller
Hey,I volunteered for The President's
Cup last September and I had a great
time on the practice range and even
got to play a round at Robert Trent
Jones Golf Club and I met many nice
people and made new friends and
golfing partners as well as see some
golf,shake hands with Jack Nicklaus
and get hugged by Gary Player as well
as chat with some of the players. I
do believe it was well worth the cost
of volunteering! I would do it again!
I understand your point about the
USGA but how else could I have been
a part of a great Golf Tournamment!
I worked hard and walked away happy!
Richard :)

by JB BRAUN
Chris: (aka SPAZ)
I got an idea, why don't you write about pulling the wings off of flies or burning ants with a magnifying glass? You a) have no male friends, b) lead a shallow and cynical life and c) obviously were not hugged as a child.
Get a grip man.
Do you think that causing a stir for causing a stir's sake is news? YOU MANAGED TO LEAVE OUT THAT THE $95.00 FEE THAT VOLUNTEERS PAY TO THE ASSOCIATION PAYS FOR TWO PIECES OF LOGO WEAR AND THEIR MEALS. But hey, a REAL REPORTER would have included that.
Go get some friends and check into a little thing we like to call reality.

by marc rothenberg
I play in the bob hope tournament and the people who volunteer are the best, the event could not run without them. they seem to be enjoying themselves, so but out. you never have anything good to say about anything, i guess thats because you can't play golf so you have to pick on every one who can. get off this site and get a real job, if you can.

by Bill
Chris Balwin is an idiot...
Obviously, he has never done this, nor does he appreciate the rush in doing it.
He sits in his office, and writes nothing..and who cares.
B.

by k. drexhage
Yes, we do not get much...however, I work for the Mercedes Tournament on Maui, and we do in fact get two shirts, a hat, lunches, and two free rounds of golf on Kapalua courses...in addition we also get a full tournament pass to give to a friend. All in all a fairly good deal, but the history of this event on Maui has always paid us in material and golf rounds, so the PGA did not have too much wiggle room if it wanted to keep the volunteers coming back...

by J. Bensen
Great column, these entities are out to make a profit, not necessarily help the community like the Red Cross. If they want me, they can pay me with free rounds of golf, but don't pretend this is noble and helps anyone except the host organization and club make more money, period. Paying to volunteer? What's next volunteering at pro wrestling events! The USGA needs to go back to being a service and not a profit organization.

by Bill
I happen to be one of the dolts you mention because I volunteered at the 2002 U.S open at Bethpage. I drove the "PLAYERS" from the clubhouse to the 10th tee Mon-Fri. I dont really appreciate your comments. Direct the comments to the USGA and PGA (as to why they dont pay the volunteers) and not to the everyday person that may get a once in a lifetime opportunity to get up close with a player they follow.. No need for you to put these people down for this.
I met and conversed with some of the worlds highly ranked tour players on the 4 minute ride that I otherwise would never have had the opportunity to. The volunteer fee I paid was for the clothing that designated me as a worker. (Hat/visor/2 shirts and pullover)...the money paid was a small amount compared to the amount charged in the souvenir tent.
Dont try to guilt people into volunteering at a soup kitchen , because that goes to a better cause..
Have you considered volunteering to go to the Middle East to report on the soldiers who are defending our freedom (mine to volunteer and your freedom of speech).
Think about that the next time you look to put someone down while sitting in your air conditioned office or when you are out on the course trying to rub noses with some of the players yourself.

by Hoyt Decker
You're saying our soldiers in Iraq are getting killed defending freedom of speech and your right to pay big bucks to slather grown men because you're impressed with how they hit a ball!? Not sure you're accurate on either point, my friend.
On the first count, the last military conflict we were in that involved a direct threat to freedom of speech ended in 1783 (we won).
On the second, if you're going to drag our troops into this argument, it OUGHT to be to call for the USGA to give free admission to men and women in uniform (and the PGA Tour as well), not to claim they're DYING to defend your right to play the sucker.