Those who served in the 1999 Open have already begun re-upping.
Volunteer recruitment has officially begun and over the next 20 months a volunteer organization of more than 5,000 will be assembled to cover the broad range of duties throughout the championship.
The 1999 U.S. Open used 4,500 volunteers and Reg Jones, director of Pinehurst Championship Management, doesn’t foresee any problem in attaining the increase.
“An event the magnitude of the U.S. Open wouldn’t be possible without dedicated volunteers,” Jones said. “For the 1999 U.S. Open, we recruited more than 4,500 volunteers from 47 states and seven foreign countries and had a waiting list of more than 500 people. Due to the success of the Open in 1999 and the tremendous participation we received statewide, we project all volunteer requirements will be filled by June of next year.”
Volunteers from previous championships in the Pinehurst area will receive applications to join the volunteer organization for 2005. Others interested in volunteering can obtain an application from the championship Web site by clicking on the logo at www.pinehurst.com or calling Lindsay Spitzer, volunteer coordinator, at the U.S. Open Operations Office at (910) 215-8220.
“We sent out a mailing to previous volunteers in mid-September and we’ve already received more than 3,000 responses,” Jones said.
More than 30 volunteer committees are being formed with responsibilities ranging from gallery control and scoring on the course to various committee functions such as contestant services and corporate hospitality. Volunteers are required to work at least 18 hours during the championship week and purchase a uniform package for $155, which includes a cap, shirt, pants and wind shirt. Orientation and training will be scheduled in the spring of 2005.
“By volunteering for the Open, not only do you have a front row seat, but you also have the opportunity to play an important role in the presentation of our national championship,” Jones said.
Tickets for the 2005 Open are expected to be in great demand. Last month the United States Golf Association announced the sellout of the 2004 U.S. Open at Shinnecock Hills, N.Y., the 18th year in a row that all tickets for the championship have been sold.
The increase in the number of volunteers comes because of the perception that more help will be needed for gallery control and with getting spectators through the gates. Tickets for the 2005 event will have a bar code that requires scanning prior to admission.
Ticket applications will be available following the 2004 U.S. Open. The USGA will hold a special random ticket drawing for active USGA Members after receipt of ticket applications between March 1, 2004 and April 15, 2004. Thereafter, a random drawing for the remaining tickets will be conducted for the general public. Ticket applications for the general public will be accepted between June 21, 2004 and August 15, 2004.
For more information on how to obtain tickets for the 2005 U.S. Open, please call the USGA ticket office at (908) 234-2300, extension 1407. In addition to individual ticket packages, an array of corporate hospitality opportunities are available, including corporate marquees ranging from 900 to 2,400 square feet.
Pinehurst is also offering an exclusive Trophy Club location in which companies can reserve tables for their guests. All of the corporate hospitality packages include varying numbers of tickets to the championship ranging from 12 weeklong ticket packages up to 150.
“One of the biggest advantages of a corporate package is the opportunity to not only entertain your clients in a superb venue, but to be assured of having tickets to the championship,” Jones said.
For more information, contact the Pinehurst Championship Management office at (910) 235-8151.
