Volunteers
Welcome
Thank you for your interest in volunteering for the 2024 Farmers Insurance Open, which will be held at Torrey Pines Golf Course from Tuesday, January 23 (Pro-Am) – Saturday, January 27, 2024. The hard work and dedication of volunteers like you makes the tournament a success each year!
2024 Volunteer registration will begin in September.
New Volunteers: Please email volunteer@centuryclubsd.org to be notified when registration begins.
Returning Volunteers: Will receive an email when priority registration begins in August.
ON THIS PAGE:
Committees Committee Chairs FAQs
Committees
Committees require volunteers to work a minimum of three shifts or days (some committees require more days). Shift times vary depending on committee. During the volunteer registration process you will have the opportunity to select your availability. Please note, availability entered during the registration process is not your final schedule, but will serve as a starting point for your committee chairman as they create a shift schedule closer to the event. Your committee chairman will notify you by email when tournament schedules are available.
Tournament committee training and uniform distributions will be held on Saturday, January 21, 2023.
Caddie Services (Full)
Volunteers will assist with PGA TOUR caddie registration. Responsibilities include: inventory player names and caddie bibs prior to event, distribute and collect towels, bibs and nameplates. Volunteers will also maintain the caddie dining tent and acts as a concierge for the caddies. May also assist with equipment distribution on an as needed basis.
Requirements:
- Work at least four (4) all day shifts (Sunday – Saturday)
- Be willing to work early morning hours and stand for long periods of time
- Volunteers must be comfortable with technology as Caddie Registration is completed using a tablet.
- Knowledge of golf, the local area, and the golf course are recommended.
Competition Support: Spotters (Full)
Formerly a responsibility of the Marshals committee, this important roles’ primary responsibility is to support the Location-Based Operators in identifying and locating shots as quickly as possible so that they can get a shot of the ball in a timely and accurate manner. Volunteers will be assigned to one of two roles:
Ball Spotters: Ball Spotters assist the Fairway Location Based Operators and/or Greenside Tablet Operators with locating tee and/or approach shot ball positions and identifying situations where players’ shots may be obstructed.
Directional Tee Spotters: Directional Tee Spotters assist the Fairway Location Based Operators with directional knowledge and indications of a player’s ball flight from behind the teeing area.
Requirements:
• Spotters are required to work all four (4) tournament days (Wednesday – Saturday).
• Must complete a short online training course.
• These positions require a basic knowledge of the game of golf, as well as a commitment to timeliness, accuracy, and attention to detail.
• Spotters are expected to be mobile and walk as necessary to locate shots in their designated area (normally one side of a golf hole).
• They should be physically fit and capable of standing/walking for the duration of their shift in a variety of weather conditions.
• Must complete and sign PGA TOUR Disclosure Form.
Dew Crew (Full)
Dew Crew Team Members will be responsible for preparing the fairways in the morning prior to play every day of the tournament; will be assigned in teams to work on specific holes on the North and South Course. The work entails the use of a golf cart and rope to drag the fairways so as to knock down the dew as it accumulates on the fairways. The Dew Crew work begins only when/if instructed by the PGA TOUR before play begins in the morning and is completed after all fairways are properly prepared. Teams must be ready to go at 5:30a.m. with work finishing at approximately 8:30a.m.
Requirements:
• Work at least three (3) shifts (Monday – Saturday).
• Be willing to work early morning hours to ensure the fairways are in pristine condition prior to play each day.
• Understand the proper use of a golf cart.
• Dress warm, bring durable gloves and wear waterproof clothing.
• A mandatory training session will take place one week prior to the tournament to discuss the duties involved with the job.
Gallery Management Ambassadors
Formerly known as Marshals
Responsible for gallery/fan movement and noise control on the golf course. Gallery Management Ambassadors are assigned to the teeing area, fairway and green of a specific hole, or to high traffic areas such as cross walks. This committee is the largest group of volunteers and provides gallery control for the tournament and ensures PGA TOUR player safety and movement around the golf course.
A mandatory orientation will be held the Saturday prior to tournament week for 1st and 2nd year gallery management volunteers and will run approximately two hours in length.
Requirements:
• REQUIRED DAYS: Tuesday – Thursday (3 days) OR Tuesday – Saturday (5 days). Shifts are FULL DAY and starting and ending times may vary due to hole assignment. Priority is given to volunteers who are able to work all 4-5 days.
• Locate and protect errant golf shots.
• Control gallery noise, movement and cell phone usage (ensure phones are silent and flash is off).
• Maintain gallery control with raised arms, handheld signage, voice commands and patron ropes.
Several Gallery Management Ambassadors will be selected to serve on the following sub-committees:
EVACUATION TEAM: Several Gallery Management Ambassadors will be selected to serve on our Evacuation Team. Members of the Evacuation Team help carry out our emergency plan to transport PGA TOUR players and caddies on and off the course in case of inclement weather. In the event, there is no need for an evacuation, primary duties will be those of a Gallery Management Ambassador.
• REQUIRED DAYS: Monday – Saturday. Shifts are FULL DAY.
• A mandatory training will be scheduled on a Saturday (typically the 2nd Saturday) prior to tournament week.
• Must be 25 years of age, have a clean driving record and valid driver’s license.
• Be familiar with Torrey Pines Golf Course.
• A mandatory Motor Vehicle Record (MVR) check will be conducted on all volunteers of this committee.
ROVING AMBASSADORS: Several Gallery Management Ambassadors will be assigned to Roving Ambassador teams. Roving Ambassadors are assigned to a specific, high profile group of golfers for all 18 holes of their round and assist Gallery Management Ambassadors with crowd control of large galleries and guiding players and caddies at major crossings between green and tee.
• REQUIRED DAYS: Tuesday – Saturday.
• Volunteers MUST walk the entire course with the group they are assigned to and carry any food or drink items that they feel they need during their shift.
Guest Services (Full)
Responsible for overseeing the on-site information booths and providing general information to attendees. Volunteers will be stationed at both entrances and at various assigned locations throughout the golf course. You will be responsible for distribution of tournament programs and staffing of the information booths. Volunteers will need to become extremely familiar with course layout, locations of restrooms, concessions, hospitality venues, and first aid areas, etc.
This committee has two (2) assignments:
Information Booth Support & Entry Gate Welcome: staff the information booths at each entry gate and welcome spectators as they enter the course. Answer questions, provide course information, handle lost & found, etc.
On-Course Support: staff key gathering points on the course to provide course information and answer attendee questions
Requirements:
• Work a minimum of three (3) half day shifts (morning & afternoon) from Wednesday – Saturday
• Requires standing/walking for long periods of time
• Must be familiar with the tournament and the golf course as you are an information resource to attendees
• Be friendly and cheerful as you interact with tournament guests
Media Services (Full)
Volunteers will assist Tournament Media officials with the day-to-day operations of the on-course Media Center. Volunteers will assist with answering questions and addressing any issues that may arise.
Requirements:
• Work a minimum of three (3) shifts (Tuesday – Saturday).
• Assist with microphones in the interview room, transport media to various parts of the golf course via golf cart, assist with media check-in, pass out media materials, etc.
• Remain professional and courteous to all PGA TOUR players, PGA TOUR officials, and members of the media at all times.
• Basic understanding of the rules of golf, cart etiquette, and Torrey Pines Golf Course are preferred.
Player Services (Full)
Assist players with registration, reservations, social activities, childcare and special needs for players and their families. Strong interpersonal skills, outgoing, enthusiastic and flexibility needed. Volunteers must have knowledge of Tournament, golf course and surrounding areas.
Requirements:
• Assist with PGA TOUR Player registration, distribution of credentials, answer questions, etc.
• Be friendly and courteous.
Starters (Full)
Engage spectators with player introductions and relevant information as the players come through the #1 and #10 tee. Duties require standing for the duration of the shift in the sun. Also, responsible for announcing Pro-Am Players on Monday & Wednesday Pro-Ams.
Requirements:
• Work a minimum of three (3) shifts from (Tuesday – Saturday).
• Must be able to stand for long periods of time in all types of weather.
Competition Support: Location Based Operators (Full)
Definition of competition support volunteer roles:
Volunteers who perform competition support functions will enjoy a unique inside-the-ropes experience. Using ShotLink, a state-of-the-art system for collecting and distributing real-time scoring and statistical data, these exciting volunteer positions are essential to the success of the tournament and put volunteers right where the action is!
Volunteers on this committee are assigned to one of three roles: Laser Based Operators, Tablet Operators, and Rovers.
Laser Operators
The Laser Operator role is responsible for using a laser rangefinder to track the landing position of shots on and around the fairway. This important function of the ShotLink scoring system enables real-time distance data and statistics to be delivered to scoreboards, TV broadcast, internet, and mobile device applications.
Requirements:
• Given the training and certification requirements, all assigned Laser Operators will be required to work an all-day shift for all four (4) Tournament days (Wednesday – Saturday).
• Laser Operators must complete approximately one-hour of online training, an in-person training session the weekend prior to the tournament, and on-course training on Tuesday of tournament week to be certified to operate the production equipment for the tournament.
• A Laser Operator should have a basic knowledge of the game of golf, as well as a commitment to timeliness, accuracy, and attention to detail.
• Laser operators are stationed on a fairway and should be physically able to stand at their laser position for the duration of their shift in potentially varied weather conditions.
• Must be comfortable with technology and focused on capturing data in a timely but accurate manner.
• Must complete and sign PGA TOUR Disclosure Form.
Tablet Operators
The Tablet Operator role is divided into 3 specific roles: Fairway Quick Tablet Operator, Greenside Quick Tablet Operator and Greenside Camera Tablet Operator. Each position is responsible for using a handheld tablet device to plot the ending position of shots. This important function of the ShotLink scoring system enables real-time distance data and statistics to be delivered to scoreboards, TV broadcast, internet, and mobile device applications.
Requirements:
• Given the training and certification requirements, all assigned Tablet Operators will be required to work an all-day shift for all four (4) Tournament days (Wednesday – Saturday).
• Tablet Operators must complete approximately one-hour of online training, an in-person training session the weekend prior to the tournament, and on-course training on Tuesday of tournament week to be certified to operate the production equipment for the tournament.
• A Tablet Operator should have a basic knowledge of the game of golf, as well as a commitment to timeliness, accuracy, and attention to detail.
• They are expected to be mobile and walk around the green as necessary to gain accurate insight into ball location.
• Should be physically fit and capable of standing/walking for the duration of their shift in a variety of weather conditions.
• Must be comfortable with technology and focused on capturing data in a timely but accurate manner.
• Must complete and sign PGA TOUR Disclosure Form.
Rovers
The Rover position is responsible for rotating through each of the Location Based Operator positions on a specific golf hole to provide breaks, answer questions, and provide assistance as needed. In some cases, the Rover may serve as a liaison between the ShotLink Truck and the Location Based Operator volunteers on the Rover’s assigned hole.
Requirements:
• Given the training and certification requirements, all assigned Rovers will be required to work an all-day shift for all four (4) Tournament days (Wednesday – Saturday).
• Rovers must complete approximately one-hour of online training for each Location Based Operator position (Fairway and Greenside), an in-person training session the weekend prior to the tournament and will attend and/or assist with the on-course training provided to Laser Operators, Tablet Operators and Spotter volunteers Tuesday of tournament week to be certified to operate the production equipment for the tournament.
• A Rover should be an experienced volunteer that has completed the training for each type of Competition Support position, as well as training specific to the Rover position.
• Should have a basic knowledge of the game of golf, as well as a commitment to timeliness, accuracy, and attention to detail.
• They are expected to be mobile and walk between the various locations and/or around the green as necessary to gain accurate insight into ball location.
• Should be physically fit and capable of standing/walking for the duration of their shift in a variety of weather conditions.
• Must be comfortable with technology and focused on capturing data in a timely but accurate manner.
• Must complete and sign PGA TOUR Disclosure Form.
Team Support:
The CS Team Support volunteers provide dawn-to-dusk support for the entire Competition Support team. Responsible for providing cart transportation to and from Volunteer Headquarters (VHQ), lunch and drink pick-up, sorting, and distribution throughout the various course locations. They are on-call throughout the tournament day and may be required to fill-in at any location to provide breaks, or in the event of an absentee or illness/injury. They provide constant updates as to the conditions and/or requests from the various course locations and committee chair staff at VHQ.
Requirements:
• Given the training and certification requirements, CS Team Support volunteers will be required for assignment to work throughout all four (4) tournament days (Wednesday – Saturday).
• Must also complete approximately one hour of on-line training for each type of Location Based Operator position (laser and tablet operations for both fairway and greenside), as well as required in-person training session the weekend prior to the tournament, on-course training on Tuesday of tournament week to be certified to operate the production equipment for the tournament.
• CS Team Support should be an experienced volunteer, preferably in both fairway and greenside positions/operations.
• Should be physically fit, capable of standing/walking throughout their shift in a variety of weather conditions.
• Must have a current valid driver’s license and complete additional on-line training specific to Golf Cart safety and operations.
• Must complete and sign PGA TOUR Disclosure Form.
Competition Support: Walking Scorers (Full)
Responsible for walking with each group to keep statistics and hole-by-hole records for each player. Scorers will keep on course statistics and scores on a PGA Tour provided smartphone.
A mandatory PGA TOUR Instructor Led Training session will be held Saturday, January 21, 2023 and is approximately two hours in length.
Please contact Chris Ward or Kris Rollin if you are traveling more than 100 miles to Torrey Pines Golf Course or are pre-qualified for training by scoring another PGA TOUR tournament in January 2023.
Requirements:
• Work at least three (3) full days (Tuesday-Sunday). Availability all five (5) Tournament days is preferred. The Pro-Am is back on Tuesday as is the APGA Farmers Invitational and Scorers are needed.
• Understand golf rules and etiquette.
• Must be able to walk 18 holes tee to green, in all types of weather conditions, while wearing the proper equipment.
• Mandatory completion of online Walking Scorer training module.
• Must attend and complete a PGA TOUR classroom training session.
• Regardless of your years of service you must be available for standby or when assigned to shuttle other Walking Scorers and Standard Bearers to and from their assignments.
• May be assigned to our ShotLink Team for a single day shift if needed.
**NOTE: If Walking Scorer Positions become available, priority will be given to returning volunteers from the Competition Support: Shotlink Committee.
Divot Crew (Full)
Divot Crew Team Members will be responsible for properly filling divots every day of play during tournament week. You will be assigned in teams to work on specific holes on the North and South Course. The work entails walking the fairways and filling the divots with sand. It is critical that divots not be filled too much so a mandatory training session will take place prior to the event.
Requirements:
• Work at least four (4) Afternoon PM shifts (Monday – Saturday).
• Be on time and commit to assigned schedule.
• Be physically capable of walking the fairways while carrying small sand buckets while stooping as needed.
• Take specific directions from City staff and/or the PGA TOUR Officials.
• A mandatory training session will take place one week prior to the tournament to discuss the duties involved with the job.
Gallery Management Ambassador (Stand-By) (Full)
Gallery Management Standby Ambassadors will be asked to report to the Volunteer Headquarters each morning. This group of volunteers will be assigned to any known vacancies first and then subsequently to any other areas where a specific need is identified.
Gallery Management Ambassadors are assigned to the teeing area, fairway and green of a specific hole, or to high traffic areas such as cross walks and are responsible for crowd and noise control on the golf course
A mandatory orientation will be held the Saturday prior to tournament week for 1st and 2nd year gallery management volunteers and will run approximately two hours in length.
Requirements:
• REQUIRED DAYS: Tuesday – Thursday OR Tuesday – Saturday. Shifts are FULL DAY and starting times and ending times may vary due to hole assignment.
• Be flexible.
• Locate and protect errant golf shots.
• Control gallery noise, movement and cell phone usage (ensure phones are silent and flash is off).
• Maintain gallery control with raised arms, handheld signage, voice commands and patron ropes.
Hospitality Services
Volunteers will assist corporate partners in hospitality areas by checking and issuing proper credentials at venue entrances, oversee daily general flow, as well as provide information and friendly customer service to our corporate guests. Volunteers will assist in general upkeep and appearance of the hospitality venues during tournament week while continually showing appreciation to the guests.
Requirements:
• Work four (4) ALL DAY shifts (Wednesday – Saturday). Shift times are approximately from 8:00am – 5:00pm.
• Requires standing/walking for long periods of time.
• Be friendly and cheerful as you interact with corporate guests.
• Communicate hospitality needs with committee chair and tournament office if needed.
Player On-Course Shuttles (Full)
Volunteers on this committee are responsible for providing shuttle assistance on Golf Carts & 15-Passenger Vans for PGA TOUR players and caddies to take them to and from the putting green/driving range and to and from the 10th tee.
A mandatory Motor Vehicle Record check will be conducted on all volunteers of this committee.
Requirements:
• Work a minimum of four (4) days AM or PM shifts (Monday – Saturday).
• Must be able to drive a multi-passenger golf cart and a 15-passenger van (volunteers will be assigned to both).
• Must be 25 years of age, have a clean driving record and valid driver’s license.
• Willing to attend training sessions related to your assigned committee.
• All volunteers are expected to show up for their assigned shifts with a smile and to engage with spectators, players and staff in a friendly manner.
Standard Bearers (Full)
Responsible for accompanying each group of golfers while carrying a standard board (approx. 5-6 pounds) displaying that group’s scores in relation to par on a cumulative basis.
A mandatory training session will be held one week prior to the Tournament and will run approximately one hour in length.
Requirements:
• Be available to work at least three (3) days (Tuesday – Saturday). All Standard Bearers must be available to work the Tuesday Pro-Am and at least two (2) additional days.
• Understand golf rules and etiquette.
• Walk 18 holes, rain or shine, while wearing the proper equipment.
• Requires heavy lifting and physical activity.
Ticket Services/Admissions (Full)
Volunteers on this committee work to create a premium spectator experience for all. They support ticket purchases on guest mobile devices and educate attendees on how to display their mobile tickets for scanning at the admission gates. Ticket Service volunteers also help the ticketing system representatives troubleshoot ticket issues that arise in the ticket service center. Volunteers should be comfortable with operation of mobile phones. Ticket Service volunteers may also be assigned to entry scanning. Scanners welcome spectators to The Farmers Insurance Open and scan tickets and badges at admission gates. Ticket scanners direct attendees who need additional help to the ticket service center.
Requirements:
• Work a minimum of three (3) shifts from (Wednesday – Saturday)
• Must be able to work with a computer and are comfortable with mobile devices.
• Have good communication and people skills.
• In some circumstances, deal with sensitive patron(s).
• Requires standing/walking for long periods of time.
• Enjoys problem solving and guest interaction.
Committee Chairs
Our unsung heroes. The Farmers Insurance Open would not exist if it were not for the generous volunteer chairmen who year after year commit their time and effort to making San Diego’s premiere PGA TOUR event a success.
Ronnie O’Bard
FAQs
- Be in the inner-circle of a premiere stop on the PGA TOUR
- Support an event that helps our economy and local charities
- Boost your resume with volunteer experience
- Build lasting friendships and relationships
- Receive commemorative volunteer apparel
So that the Tournament charities can benefit as much as possible! Your registration payment helps offset the cost of the volunteer package.
Corporations, charities, community groups, students and individuals are all encouraged to become a part of the Farmers Insurance Open.
Yes! We need to know that you are coming back. Each volunteer is required to register online every single year. All 2022 returning volunteers will receive an email with registration information prior to registration opening.
Once registration opens in September, please register as a NEW VOLUNTEER. You will be asked to enter up to two (2) committee preferences. You may also indicate what committees you have worked on in the past. The Tournament Office will make every effort to place you in one of your preferred options.
All volunteers are required to purchase a volunteer package. This includes a volunteer badge, parking pass, apparel, hat and meals on days you work during tournament week.
We are requesting that volunteers wear khaki colored pants, skorts or shorts (No Cargo Style Pants/Shorts – Shorts must be to knee-length), Sneakers (no open-toed shoes or sandals) to keep everyone coordinated while out on course. NO JEANS.
Anyone age 18 and older by January 16, 2023 can take part in more than fifteen volunteer opportunities.
Within a few weeks of registering, you will receive an email confirmation that includes your committee assignment and your chairperson’s contact information.
Tournament Training and Uniform Distributions will be held on Saturday, January 21, 2023.
Your committee chairperson will notify you of your scheduled work times and any additional important information a few weeks before the tournament.
Individual committee-related inquiries, including questions about your assignment and schedule, should be directed to your committee chairperson. You may log into your account at any time to contact your committee chair, check your schedule and update your availability.
2023 Information coming soon.
The tournament is played on both the North and South courses of Torrey Pines Golf Course in La Jolla, CA.
Volunteers are mainly required Wednesday – Saturday of Tournament week, but assistance may be needed before and after the tournament. Some committees will begin volunteer work on Tuesday for the Pro-Am.
Please note, there is a minimum of three (3) work shifts/days required (some committees require a four (4) day minimum) in order to be a Volunteer but encourage volunteers to donate more time if possible.
If there is a delay, play may continue on Sunday, which will require some volunteers.
Depending on your committee assignment, the average day is 6-8 hours long. Some positions require longer days, particularly Wednesday and Thursday when the Tournament is played on two courses.
We currently have about 1,100 volunteers that help run the Farmers Insurance Open, but we could always use an extra hand! There is no set number of volunteers required to run the tournament. Volunteers are needed for all the committees. The Gallery Management Ambassadors committee is the largest and is always looking for additional members.