Tim’s volunteer tips: Part 2

In our previous column, we introduced some practicalities surrounding the volunteer experience and how superintendents, assistant superintendents, and vendor and suppliers should approach tournament week. We’re going to provide guidance for a few other groups in this column.

Intern

Be prepared to work hard, eat well (not just coffee and donuts, although they’ll be plentiful), maintain your energy, and stay in good health. Intern work is hard and long, but if you can keep focused, the experience is invaluable.

There also will be many opportunities to party. Don’t; it isn’t worth the consequences. When you can sleep, do so. You should anticipate double shifts for 10 days, which means being well rested and alert. Not hungover.

You, too, are representing yourself, your home club, your school, etc. At this early stage in your career, the last thing you want is a reputation for being unreliable, uncooperative, or unfriendly.

A last word of advice: No matter what you’re asked, the answer should always be “yes.”

Golf professional

Look, listen, and ask questions. If you are a volunteer, don’t pick the hardest job but be prepared to lend a hand.

Watch all the other workers, what they’re doing and how. Especially tasks like bunker raking, divot filling, and other hand work. Besides giving you good ideas to bring home, you’ll gain a greater appreciation for the rest of the grounds staff at your club.

Being at another club is a great opportunity to look at other areas like golf shop operations, player registration, and merchandising. Whether you’re hosting a future event at your club or not, there are lessons to be learned.

Technicians

Show the utmost respect to the host’s equipment crew. They are under immense pressure, so stay out of their way but be prepared to help if asked.

While this is a good rule for all volunteers, it’s especially important for the techs: If you have an issue or suggestion, bring it to the crew leader, not the individual doing the job unless specifically asked. At the same time, stay alert for issues you understand, like a hydraulic leak or if a piece of equipment doesn’t seem to be running right. Use your knowledge, but also mind your manners.

Closing thoughts

No matter which category you’re in, keep a few rules in mind:

• This is not your course
• Be humble about what you do and do not know 
• Keep an open mind—and, usually, a closed mouth
• Take notes
• Approach every job you’re given with enthusiasm
• When it’s over, reach out personally to your boss and say thanks
• Have fun.