What makes a good volunteer?

I have written in the past about the career benefits of volunteering at a professional event — from networking and educational opportunities to bringing back ideas that can provide enhanced playing conditions for your own club. Patrick Husby, golf course superintendent at Hamilton Farm Golf Club in Peapack, N.J., whose golf course most recently hosted The Sybase Match Play Championship, offered his volunteer outline and qualities.

Coordinating the enlistment of volunteers, whether in state or from across the country, takes time and preparation by the superintendent. Often, if an event is not deemed a “major,” smaller events often struggle to attract assistance.

At Hamilton Farm Husby begins his volunteer organization early by distributing volunteer forms to local and state associations.

If you are on the receiving end of an invitation and are interested in volunteering, consider the following:

• Return your form quickly. For a smaller event with limited needs it often works on a first-come, first-selected basis.
• Making arrangements for 25 or more visitors takes time, and the quicker the response the easier it is to get what you seek.
• Forms collected by the host superintendent are put into a master database, so it’s imperative the information submitted is accurate, especially contact addresses, email and phone numbers. List your experience level and maintenance ability accurately.
• Form data will be developed into a detailed schedule of operations, dates and times; morning or evening shifts hotels, transportation, directions and accommodations. 

Husby and I agree a volunteer is just that – a volunteer. If you are interested in contributing and have never been involved, remember advance and tournament weeks are hectic, so cooperation and dedication to the effort are required.

Before returning the volunteer form you may wish to evaluate your own strengths and weaknesses:

• Don’t fret if you do not have an agronomic degree. If you are willing to work hard and learn from the experience, that will satisfy most supers.
• Be willing to introduce yourself to others, join in conversation and network with strangers.
• Your attitude is to work hard, be eager when you arrive at the golf course and understand every job is important to the final goal.
• Be respectful of the job you are assigned and don’t overdo it.
• You place your ego aside and believe in the team concept of accomplishing a goal.

• Can you handle a job that may be perceived as “beneath” you?
• Can you take direction from the host course’s assistant golf course superintendent?
• Can you treat the host golf course as if it were your own? Can you leave it better than when you arrived?
• Are you a patient individual who can handle early mornings, late nights, rain delays and the snail-like pace of play of the highly skilled professional golfer?
• Can your ego handle working on an off-course project which may assist the host club, such as mowing greens on their other 18 hole golf course?
• Can you handle doing nothing at all during play?

Accepting the opportunity to volunteer is just the beginning of the experience. The most important and detailed portion of this process begins when you step foot on the property.

• The mandatory initial volunteer meeting usually occurs the weekend prior to the event. It’s a time to introduce yourself, get assignments, network and walk the course.
• The issues covered within this gathering will also provide directions to the course, uniforms, accommodations, shuttle routes and times and, most importantly, where to eat.
• You will be introduced to the members of the host course staff and whom you should contact as needed.

For university interns and assistant superintendents, Husby suggests the week be an educational tool:

• Come with a positive attitude and be ready to learn.
• Understand you represent your employer and your club.
• Keep a journal of the daily practices, new ideas, weather concerns and on-site troubleshooting.
• Take pictures when possible and appropriate of the entire experience. 
• Provide a final summary of the experience to your superintendent outlining what was gained during your time away from your home course.
• Most of all have fun!