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Post by HCFC45 on Jun 6, 2020 7:55:56 GMT -5
If I may weigh in on this, having volunteered for the past 11 years at the Deutsche Bank, Dell Technologies and now the Northern Trust golf tournaments at TPC Boston in Norton, all part of the FedEx Cup. I have worked on the course and in transportation. What you are going to be doing is working on a hole with the "Shotlink" system defined here: Description: Minimum Age 18. This committee’s responsibility is to measure and record the location and distance of every shot hit during the tournament using a PGA TOUR laser and tracking its coordinates into the shotLink scoring system. Each position will often be staffed with two volunteers who will work together. Golf knowledge is not required to operate a laser but is helpful. This is a fixed post that requires little to no walking or on-course movement. Volunteers will be trained on one hole and in one position but there may be opportunity to assist in other areas. PGA TOUR staff holds a training orientation for this committee that volunteers are asked to attend to learn how to use the equipment correctly. This position works outside all day and must be prepared for all weather conditions. . Training is MANDATORY (online and in person) and the use of technology is required in this position. Here's another Description: FAIRWAY LASER OPERATORSThe operation of the fairway lasers is a less intense process. This is a basic point and shoot rangefinder laser and it is very easy to spot the tee shot(s) and take the measurement. These volunteers are stationed just inside the ropes near the landing area of the drive. Each station consists of a laser positioned on a movable monopod. There is also a handheld device that captures and transfers the data of each players shot to the ShotLink system. In addition, a voice radio with headset will be provided to the volunteer so they will have constant voice communication with the ShotLink staff. All of the necessary equipment will be delivered each morning. We have found that a 2 person team is best for these positions. One person will operate the laser and the other person will record grid coordinates that will also be entered into the system to verify that the shot and the grid are within tolerance. Though I have not actually done this, I spoke with a friend who has. One person holds the camera and the other person a grid. He said that the only time the grid operator would have to go on the course is if the ball is hidden behind something where the grid operator cold not accurately identify the location of the ball. All the data recorded by the Shotlink system is instantly uploaded to a central station (IIRC - Orlando, FL) and then disseminated throughout the TV/Cable/Communications networks to the world. Here's a link to the entire Shotlink Volunteer package: www.shotlink.com/tournaments-on-tour/volunteer-needsA few tips: It can be a very long, long day if the weather is hot and humid! Make sure that you have or will be supplied with plenty of water and something to munch on! Don't be afraid to ask if someone will relieve you during the day, and don't expect that it will be done automatically! Lunch and bathroom breaks would be good! One last comment.... The first year I volunteered, I was a hole marshal. It was a very hot and humid week, We had to volunteer for 3 days, 8 hours each day, rarely got a break. Spent the entire 3 days "holding up my arms" to stop the crowds from moving when a golfer was about to hit the ball! That was the end of that! Found my way into transportation, driving golfers, wives, girlfriends, families to and from the course (airports/hotels). Much better working conditions with brand new Buicks, BMW's, Acuras. Though last year, in order to save money, we had 2 or 3 year old rental cars of all makes. Here's hoping that you both have an enjoyable and fun time at the tournament and smile for the camera so we can see you on TV!
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Post by KY Crusader 75 on Jun 6, 2020 9:59:37 GMT -5
It's amazing to me that golf has such an attraction for its fans that people will volunteer to work at no cost for a for-profit enterprise.
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Post by HCFC45 on Jun 6, 2020 10:26:38 GMT -5
It's amazing to me that golf has such an attraction for its fans that people will volunteer to work at no cost for a for-profit enterprise. "Volunteer" does not mean "no cost"! ! The last few years and this year at the Northern Trust, the cost to volunteer is $80.00. For that you get a golf polo shirt, a hat, 1 grounds ticket per day, complimentary food and beverage the day you work. We used to also get a piece of outerwear (wind breaker) but not this year. Food used to be any sandwich on the menu, but last year limited to only certain items. There are other perks such as a volunteer party and snacks during the day. We used to work 3 shifts of 8 hours, but this year it is 3 shifts of 6 hours. Many people would come from far to work even spending up to $1,500.00 for lodging for the week.The best thing about being on the transportation group was the parking pass which got you close to the event and shuttled to and from the course by Boston limo/coach. You did not have to wait for a school bus to fill as did other volunteers. I do not know what '92 is paying or not. I'm sure he knows somebody at Travelers who can get him a good deal! !
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Post by bison137 on Jun 6, 2020 10:51:07 GMT -5
It's amazing to me that golf has such an attraction for its fans that people will volunteer to work at no cost for a for-profit enterprise. The net profits from the majority of PGA tour events go 100% to charity. Of course, there are many expenses that get siphoned off first - and we can argue how much is appropriate - but a lot still goes to charity. For example, the Traveler's tournament, where HC92 is volunteering, gave over $2.1 Million to Connecticut charities last year. The tour and all of its events donated over $200 Million to charity last year. While not a perfect system, it is a lot better than the NBA/NFL/etc.
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Post by HC92 on Jun 6, 2020 10:52:03 GMT -5
It's amazing to me that golf has such an attraction for its fans that people will volunteer to work at no cost for a for-profit enterprise. In the case of the Travelers at least, all of the proceeds go to charities like the Hole in the Wall Gang Camp so all of the volunteers are essentially making a charitable donation.
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Post by hchoops on Jun 6, 2020 11:07:50 GMT -5
But of course that charity $ comes after the tidy sums for the golfers
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Post by HCFC45 on Jun 6, 2020 11:50:31 GMT -5
Since its inception in 2003 (FedEx cup tour began in 2007) this tournament has generated more than $27 million for charity, including the Boys and Girls Clubs of Boston and Dorchester, Mass General Hospital and at least another half dozen charities. Not included are the 2018 figures. The PGA changed the format a couple of years ago and the tournament evolved into The Northern Trust and began alternating between between the New York city area and TPC Boston.The Northern Trust, formerly the Barclays, was the first leg of the FedEx Cup series with field of the top 125 golfers on the FedEx points list.. Dell Technologies was the second leg played at TPC Boston and limited to the top 100 golfers on the FedEx points list. The 2019 edition was played at Liberty in New Jersey and has generated more than $50 million to charity since inception.
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Post by HC92 on Jun 6, 2020 11:57:38 GMT -5
But of course that charity $ comes after the tidy sums for the golfers Without the golfers, there is no $ for charity. In the case of Travelers, the golfers themselves have also been very supportive of our local charities. I’m sure that’s true elsewhere.
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Post by HCFC45 on Jun 6, 2020 11:58:14 GMT -5
It's amazing to me that golf has such an attraction for its fans that people will volunteer to work at no cost for a for-profit enterprise. In the case of the Travelers at least, all of the proceeds go to charities like the Hole in the Wall Gang Camp so all of the volunteers are essentially making a charitable donation. Not to nit pick, but you left out one important word: net From the travelerschampionship.com/quick-facts "The net proceeds realized by the tournament and other such activities and events are for the benefit of the citizens, social welfare organizations and other institutions of the community."
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Post by HCFC45 on Jun 9, 2020 6:33:46 GMT -5
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