Volunteers
Welcome
Thank you for your interest in volunteering for the 2025 Farmers Insurance Open, which will be held at Torrey Pines Golf Course from Tuesday, January 21 (Pro-Am) – Saturday, January 25, 2025. The hard work and dedication of volunteers like you makes the tournament a success each year!
Volunteer Requirements:
- Must work at least 3 days of Tournament week (Tuesday – Saturday; 6–8 hour shifts depending on committee)
- Able to attend Volunteer orientation on Saturday, January 18, 2025 (exceptions can be made for out-of-town volunteers)
- Have stamina to walk/stand for long periods of time in all-weather types
- Must be 18 years old by January 12, 2025
- Purchase volunteer uniform package: $85
Packages & Registration
Priority Registration for 2024 Tournament Volunteers Only:
Begins on August 12 at 12:00pm PST (registration emails are are sent out in groups, please wait to receive registration information)
New Volunteers & Previous Tournament Volunteers (2023 and previous years):
Begins on September 4 at 10:00am PST
New Volunteers
For volunteers who did not work the 2022 – 2024 tournament or are new volunteers.
- Official tournament uniform: polo, jacket and choice of unisex ball
cap or visor - Commemorative tournament lapel pin
- Clear drawstring backpack (approved for Tournament use)
- Volunteer credential valid for grounds access Wednesday-Saturday
- Volunteer parking pass (valid during assigned shifts)
- Breakfast, Snacks and Lunch will be provided on days worked
- Opportunity to win Daily Raffle Prizes
As an additional benefit for volunteering, you will receive:
- 4 Complimentary electronic tournament tickets (one
ticket per day Wednesday-Saturday)
New Volunteer Package $85
Returning Volunteers
For returning volunteers who are re-using the black Clique brand jacket from the 2022 – 2024 tournaments.
Returning volunteers who would like to purchase a new jacket will be given that option during the registration process.
As a returning volunteer, you’ll receive an email with registration information prior to registration opening. Please wait until you receive this email before registering as some committees are password protected.
- Official tournament uniform: polo, jacket and choice of unisex ball
cap or visor - Commemorative tournament lapel pin
- Clear drawstring backpack (approved for Tournament use)
- Volunteer credential valid for grounds access Wednesday-Saturday
- Volunteer parking pass (valid during assigned shifts)
- Breakfast, Snacks and Lunch will be provided on days worked
- Opportunity to win Daily Raffle Prizes
As an additional benefit for volunteering, you will receive:
- 4 Complimentary electronic tournament tickets (one
ticket per day Wednesday-Saturday)
Returning Volunteer Package $65
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.
Caddie Services (Full)
By Invitation Only
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: Shotlink Mobile Spotters (Full)
Under the leadership of a PGA TOUR Scoring Tech, spotters will help locate and flag shots that miss the fairway/green, assist with ball flight from the tee, and relay pertinent information to the Scoring Tech such as penalty situations, obstructed shots, and detailed from locations. This role will help deliver real-time distance data and statistics to be immediately computed and distributed to Scoreboards, TV, Internet, Gaming, and Mobile Applications.
Requirements:
- Work a minimum of four (4) full Tournament Days (Tuesday – Saturday).
- Any availability for a potential for a Sunday playoff finish would be appreciated!
- 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 areas (normally one side of a golf hole) and should be physically fit and capable of standing/walking for the duration of their shift in a variety of weather conditions.
- Tee Spotters must have good vision and be able to spot the ball from a distance.
- Spotters must complete a short online training course, a short Virtual training session and complete PGA TOUR ShotLink 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
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 on Saturday, January 18,2025, 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/ending times vary due to hole assignment. Priority is given to volunteers who are available all 5 days. Please note, the Tuesday Pro-Am will begin at 7:00am on the 1st hole of each course. Play will finish at the 18th hole on each course approx. 5 hours later with ALL play being completed by approx. 3:00pm.
- 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.
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 or 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
By Invitation Only
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. Some volunteers will be assigned as golf cart drivers for Golf Channel.
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)
By Invitation Only
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)
By Invitation Only
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: Walking Scorers (Full)
By Invitation Only
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 18,2025 and is approximately two hours in length. Please contact Chris Ward if you are traveling more than one hundred miles to Torrey Pines Golf Course for training.
Requirements:
- Work at minimum three (3) full days (Tuesday – Sunday). Availability all days is preferred.
- Understand golf rules and etiquette and be flexible with last minute changes.
- Must be able to walk 18 holes tee to green, in all types of weather conditions, while wearing the proper equipment.
- Must complete mandatory online training module, must attend and complete a PGA TOUR classroom training session and complete PGA TOUR Shotlink Disclosure Form.
- May be assigned a Walking Scorer Shift for the APGA Farmers Invitational on Saturday or Sunday.
- May be assigned to shuttle other Walking Scorers and Standard Bearers to and from their assignments.
- May be assigned ta Stand-By scoring shift
- May be requested to assist on another committee (Standard Bearers) for a single day shift if needed.
**NOTE: If Walking Scorer positions become available, priority is given to returning volunteers from other committees who have experience as Walking Scorer with other Tournaments.
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: Volunteer Pool
Gallery Management is the largest volunteer group of volunteers within the Farmers Insurance Open committee structure. As such it has a need to fill last minute vacancies as they begin to occur in December and early to late January.
Being initially assigned to the GMA Pool potentially provides volunteers with an opportunity to be assigned to holes on the North or South courses daily. Volunteers assigned to the GMA Pool will receive specific assignments as late as each day of the tournament. The duties and requirements for volunteers assigned to the GMA Pool are the same as those of the volunteers assigned to the larger Gallery Management Committee.
Detailed instructions will be sent out to all members of the GMA Pool prior to the mandatory training session on Saturday, January 18, 2025 for 1st and 2nd year gallery management volunteers and will run approximately two hours in length.
Requirements:
- Required Days: Tuesday – Saturday. Shifts are FULL DAY and starting/ending times 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.
Gallery Management Ambassador: Transportation Driver (Full)
Responsibilities include transporting gallery management ambassadors (and other volunteers as needed) To/From the Volunteer Headquarters to their hole assignments on both courses in the mornings and afternoons. Will also receive and deliver box lunches/drinks volunteers located on both courses.
Requirements:
- Work at least one (1) shift ALL five (5) days of the tournament (Tuesday – Saturday).
- Shifts are expected to be from approximately 6:00a.m. – 12:30p.m. and 11:00a.m. – 4:30p.m.
- Must be able to safely navigate through crowds of fans while being friendly and courteous.
- Learn the fastest routes to holes on North & South course.
- Understand golf rules and etiquette.
- Be flexible.
- Be comfortable using two-way radios for communications.
- Must watch a cart safety video and sign a related waiver.
Hospitality Services
Volunteers will assist corporate partners in hospitality areas by checking, scanning and issuing proper wristbands at venue entrances, overseeing 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 either three (3) or four (4) shifts from (Wednesday – Saturday) in the following ways:
Wednesday & Thursday: Full Day Shifts ***OR*** Wednesday or Thursday: Full Day Shifts
***AND***
Friday & Saturday: Full Day Shift; Required for all volunteers.
- Requires standing/walking for long periods of time.
- Be friendly and cheerful as you interact with corporate guests.
- Communicate hospitality needs, criticisms and comments 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 tasks, NO EXCEPTIONS).
- Must be 25 years of age, have a clean driving record and valid driver’s license.
- Must be able to attend training session 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. 6-7 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).
• 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
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 and 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 2024 tournament volunteers will receive an email with priority registration information in early August.
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 12, 2025 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 18, 2025.
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.
Please check the Volunteer 2025 Tournament information for details.
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 1,000 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.
