Every professional and major amateur golf tournament depends on volunteers: hundreds, sometimes thousands, of them. Marshals keep crowds quiet, scorers track every shot, and drivers, standard bearers and hospitality teams keep the event running. For golf fans, volunteering is a brilliant way to get inside the ropes, see top players up close and be part of a big event. Here's how it works.
Common volunteer roles
| Role | What it involves |
|---|---|
| Marshal | Managing crowds, signalling for quiet, spotting balls and keeping spectators safe |
| Scorer | Walking with a group and recording scores, often on a handheld device |
| Standard bearer | Carrying the scoreboard sign showing players' scores in the group |
| Walking scorer or data collector | Recording shot data such as distances and lie |
| Forecaddie or spotter | Watching where balls land, especially on blind shots |
| Driver | Driving courtesy cars for players, officials or guests |
| Hospitality | Welcoming guests in hospitality areas |
| Information and admissions | Helping spectators with directions and tickets |
| Media centre | Supporting journalists and photographers |
| Practice range | Managing range balls and assisting players |
| Junior programmes | Running activities for young fans |
What volunteers usually receive
Perks vary by event, but often include:
- Uniform: a shirt, jacket or hat.
- Meals and drinks during shifts.
- Event access outside your shifts, sometimes with tickets for family.
- Parking or transport.
- A unique experience of the tournament from inside the ropes.
Many events charge a volunteer fee to cover uniforms and administration; check before applying.
Time commitment
- Shifts are often four to eight hours.
- Several shifts across the tournament week are usually required.
- Training sessions may be held beforehand.
- Early starts: some roles begin at dawn.
How to apply
- Find the tournament's volunteer page, usually on the event website, often several months in advance.
- Choose roles that suit your interests and fitness.
- Register early; popular roles such as scoring fill fast.
- Attend training and collect your uniform.
Skills and requirements
- Golf knowledge helps, especially for scoring and marshalling. Read golf rules every golfer should know.
- Fitness: many roles involve walking or standing all day on uneven ground.
- Good communication and a friendly manner.
- Reliability: turning up on time for every shift.
- Age requirements: some roles have minimum ages.
Tips for a great experience
- Dress for the weather: layers, waterproofs and comfortable shoes. Read our golf rain gear guide.
- Bring sun protection. Read sun protection for golfers.
- Follow instructions from supervisors and officials.
- Stay neutral and professional: don't ask players for autographs or photos while on duty.
- Keep quiet and still when players are hitting, and help spectators do the same.
- Know the safety and weather procedures. Read golf course safety.
Volunteering at local and amateur events
Club championships, amateur events, charity golf days and junior competitions also need volunteers. They're a great way to start, help your club and learn how events are run. Read amateur golf competitions explained and how to organise a golf day.
Frequently asked questions
How do I volunteer at a professional golf tournament?
Visit the tournament's website, find the volunteer section and apply, usually several months in advance.
Do golf tournament volunteers get paid?
No. Volunteers usually receive perks such as a uniform, meals and event access instead.
What is the best volunteer role at a golf tournament?
It depends on your interests: scoring and standard bearing put you closest to the players; marshalling keeps you at the heart of the action.
Do I need to know about golf to volunteer?
It helps, especially for scoring and marshalling, but many roles need no golf knowledge.
The bottom line
Volunteering at a golf tournament is a unique way to see top golf up close and be part of a big event. Choose a role that suits you, apply early, prepare for long days outdoors, follow the etiquette and enjoy the experience from inside the ropes. For more on attending events, read our golf tournament spectator guide.