COMMITTEE DESCRIPTIONS
COMMITTEE ROLES AND DESCRIPTIONS
Admission Gates/Ticketing
Committee Chair: Jan Wheeler
Admission Gate volunteers will be stationed at three entrances to scan and check tickets of all patrons. If patrons need to purchase a ticket, the volunteer will direct them online. Volunteers will also assist with any issues or questions regarding tickets. Volunteers are needed Wednesday - Sunday. Age requirement of 18+. This is a private committee. Interested volunteers will need to contact Jaclyn Escareno at volunteers@astrosgolf.com.
Caddie Services*
Committee Chair: Kevin Comeaux
This committee provides support to the PGA TOUR caddies. Volunteers will assist with professional caddie registration, distribute and collect caddies bibs and towels, maintain the caddie lounge area, and act as a concierge for the caddies.
Cart Management
Committee Chair: Terren Roark
Volunteers will manage the distribution and return of all golf carts, assist with cart numbering and name plates, answer questions, and address cart maintenance issues throughout the day. At the end of the day, ensure cart keys are returned, carts are charging, cleaned daily, and staged appropriately for easy access in the morning. Volunteers are needed Saturday, November 5th - Sunday, November 13th. Age requirement of 21+.
Competition Support: Location-based Operations (ShotLink)
Committee Chair: Tony Torr
Experience the Cadence Bank Houston Open from inside the ropes! This committee is responsible for measuring and recording the location and distance of every shot hit during the tournament using the ShotLink scoring system. The measurements enable real-time distance data and statistics to be delivered to scoreboards, TV broadcasts, the internet, and mobile device applications. Volunteers on this committee are assigned to one of three roles: Laser Operations, Tablet Operations, and Rovers.
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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. It requires a basic knowledge of the game of golf, as well as 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. Laser operators should be comfortable with technology and focused on capturing data in a timely but accurate manner.
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Tablet Operators: The Tablet Operator role is responsible for using a handheld tablet device to plot the ending position of shots. It requires a basic knowledge of the game of golf, as well as a commitment to timeliness, accuracy, and attention to detail. Tablet operators are expected to be mobile and walk around the green as necessary to gain an accurate insight into ball location. Tablet operators should be physically fit, capable of standing/walking for the duration of their shift in a variety of weather conditions.
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Rovers: The Rover position is responsible for rotating through each of the Competition Support volunteer positions on a specific golf hole to provide breaks, answer questions, and aid as needed. In some cases, the Rover may serve as a liaison between the ShotLink Truck and the Competition Support volunteers on the Rover’s assigned hole. The 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.
A 1-hour online training course and in-person training on Wednesday, November 9th is required. Must be available to work all four days... full days, no shifts. Volunteers are needed Thursday, November 10th - Sunday, November 13th. Age requirement of 18+.
Competition Support: Spotters (formerly with Marshall Committee)
Committee Chair: Bill Scott
Formerly a responsibility of Marshals, this committee will assist fellow Competition Support volunteers in locating player's shots. Volunteers will be assigned to one of two roles: Ball Spotters and Tee Spotters. This Committee must be available to work at least four shifts.
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Ball Spotters: Ball Spotters assist the Fairway Location Based Operators and/or Greenside Tablet Operators with locating ball positions and identifying situations where players’ shots may be obstructed.
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Tee Spotters: Tee Spotters assist the Fairway Location Based Operators with directional knowledge of a player's ball flight from behind the teeing area.
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 1 side of a golf hole). Spotters should be physically fit and capable of standing/walking for the duration of their shift in a variety of weather conditions. Spotters must complete a short online training course and attend in person training at Wednesday’s Pro-Am. Volunteers are needed Monday, November 7th - Sunday, November 13th (except on Thursday, November 8th). Age requirement of 18+.
Competition Support: Walking Scorers
Committee Chairs: Doug & Stephanie Elsesser
The Walking Scorer role is a prestigious and critical volunteer position that requires mental and physical stamina, attention to detail, and a thorough understanding of the game of golf. The Walking Scorer accompanies a group of up to three players to keep score, track specific statistics, and capture real-time data that informs all aspects of the ShotLink system.
Walking Scorers must have the physical ability to easily keep pace with their group across all 18 holes without a break and in varying weather conditions (rain or shine). Scorers should be comfortable using a handheld digital device to record each shot, as well as the voice radio with a headset that allows for constant communication with the ShotLink staff. Scorers' “metrics” will be measured and reviewed each day with PGA ShotLink staff.
Walking Scorers must complete a 1-hour online training course at least once per PGA season, attend a 1-hour in person training the weekend prior to the tournament, and are required to work Wednesday’s Pro-Am and Thursday or Friday (before a weekend shift will be offered). Volunteers are needed Wednesday - Sunday. Age requirement of 18+. This is a private committee. Interested volunteers will need to contact Jaclyn Escareno at volunteers@astrosgolf.com.
Evacuation
Committee Chair: Bill Power
Volunteers will be tasked with staging carts the weekend before the tournament. Volunteers will assist with Player/Caddie/Volunteer evacuations in case of an emergency or inclement weather. If an evacuation occurs, evacuation volunteers will collect carts upon Player/Caddie arrival and will restage each cart for departure. This committee requires volunteers to standby all day and may not be utilized during tournament week if weather is perfect. This committee is subject to change. Age requirement of 18+.
Fan Engagement
Committee Chair: Shelley Fuller
Volunteers work directly with the guests, sponsors, and tournament staff in special Fan areas throughout the tournament. Volunteers will assist at vendor booths, distribute gate giveaways, and assist our youngest fans in the Kids Zone. Volunteers are needed Thursday - Sunday. Age requirement of 16+. This is a private committee. Interested volunteers will need to contact Jaclyn Escareno at volunteers@astrosgolf.com.
Food and Beverage Distribution
Committee Chair: Kirk Shepherd
During tournament week, the primary focus of the volunteers will be distribution of water, ice, food, snacks, and other supplies for the players, caddies, volunteers, and various special events. Some volunteers will be assigned to various holes to ensure other volunteers have enough water and snacks throughout the day. Requirements for this committee are the ability to lift 35 lbs. Volunteers must be prepared for all weather conditions. This position may be labor intensive. Sunday, November 6th is a prep day - washing ice chest and staging for the next day. Volunteers are needed Sunday, November 6th - Sunday, November 13th. Age requirement of 16+.
Gallery Management Ambassadors (formerly Marshals)
Committee Chair: Orval Marlow
Formerly known as the Marshal Committee, Gallery Management Ambassadors are given a unique inside and outside the ropes tournament experience. Volunteers are responsible for managing gallery noise and traffic, ensuring the safety of our guests by reinforcing health and safety policies, leading by example, and providing a world class guest experience. Volunteers are also responsible for locating balls that go outside the ropes in areas where there are no spotters, as well as, rope and stake control when the ball is near a rope or stake that interferes with the professional’s swing.
Gallery Management Ambassadors are assigned to the teeing area, fairway, and green of a specific hole, or to high traffic areas such as practice locations, cross walks, and hospitality areas. Volunteers are needed Monday, November 7th - Sunday, November 13th (except on Tuesday, November 8th). Age requirement of 16+. Golf experience is a plus.
Gallery Management Ambassadors: Putting Green Transitions
Committee Chair: Orval Marlow
Ambassadors will be assigned to each crosswalk surrounding the putting green area. Volunteers will pull the rope across the pathway to stop all carts, spectators, and staff to ensure the player can safely walk across the pathway. Volunteers are needed Monday, November 7th - Sunday, November 13th.
Honorary Observers
Committee Chair: Allison Tyra
Volunteers will assist with checking in sponsors and distributing credentials to each participant. Volunteers will provide a short training about the program and will escort each participant to Holes 1 and 10. Volunteers are needed Thursday, November 10th - Sunday, November 13th. Must be available to work two full days.
Hospitality
Committee Chair: Helen Duskin
Volunteers will be assigned to one of the hospitality venues/areas. Volunteers will monitor the entrances to the hospitality venues and ensure that only those with proper credentials/tickets are allowed in each specific area. Volunteers will also assist with welcoming guests and answering any questions. This position requires volunteers to stand throughout their shift. Must be available to work two full days. Volunteers are needed Thursday, November 10th - Sunday, November 13th. Age requirement of 18+.
Leaderboards
Committee Chairs: Doug & Stefanie Elsesser
Volunteers will provide status and scores on the manual leaderboards located on the course. This committee may require the ability to climb ladders and operate from elevated platforms. Volunteers are needed Thursday, November 10th - Sunday, November 13th. This is a private committee. Interested volunteers will need to contact Jaclyn Escareno at volunteers@astrosgolf.com.
Media Center*
Committee Chair: Clay Scott
Volunteers will coordinate the operation of the media center. The media center is the hub for television, print, and radio reporters during the tournament. Volunteers may be asked to stay late, depending on when the media is finished for the evening.
Medical
Committee Chair: Dr. Phil Jacobs
The responsibilities of this committee involve the coordination and assistance to all Medical personnel contracted for the event. Works directly with contracted medical staff. Must be a licensed medical professional. Medical volunteers are needed Wednesday, November 9th - Sunday, November 13th. Age requirement of 18+. This is a private committee. Interested volunteers will need to contact Jaclyn Escareno at volunteers@astrosgolf.com.
Merchandise
Committee Chair: Tim West
Volunteers will assist the Tournament Staff in stocking and selling merchandise in the official merchandise tent. Volunteers will help unpack, hang, and price merchandise before tournament week. During tournament week, volunteers will manage registers, provide customer service, and help keep the tent stocked. Must be comfortable standing for several hours and handling transactions on the registers. Volunteers are needed Tuesday, October 25th - Friday, November 4th and Wednesday, November 9th - Sunday, November 13th. Age requirement of 18+.
Parking
Committee Chair: Veronica Levet
Parking volunteers will ensure cars are entering the parking lots with the proper parking pass. Must be comfortable directing cars away if the proper parking pass is not presented. We will have multiple parking sites. Volunteers are needed Monday, November 7th - Sunday, November 13th.
Player Services*
Committee Chair: Vikki Hale
Volunteers will act as a concierge to professional players. This committee works closely with the Transportation Committee. Volunteers will also assist with professional player registration, vehicle assignments, manage the player hospitality area, and book dinner reservations for players and family members.
Practice Range
Committee Chair: Kent England
Volunteers on this committee will oversee the operations of the practice facility including the driving range and putting green. Volunteers are responsible for setting up nameplates for players, sorting golf balls, filling range buckets, and marshalling the putting green. This committee will have early mornings and late evenings. Volunteers are needed Sunday, November 6th - Sunday, November 13th.
Pro-Am
Committee Chair: Allison Tyra
Volunteers will provide support for all aspects of the Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday Pro-Am. Responsibilities may include greeting players at their vehicles and assisting with their bags, assembling/distribution of participant gifts, registering amateurs, and assisting with Pro-Am evening events as needed. Experience with excellent customer service is preferred and a professional appearance and attitude are a must. Volunteers are required to work the full day, all three days – no shifts. Volunteers are needed Monday, November 7th - Wednesday, November 9th. Age requirement of 18+.
Shipping and Receiving
Committee Chair: Ray Anderson
Volunteers will be stationed at the tournament’s shipping and receiving area and will ensure that all packages are distributed to Tournament Staff, PGA TOUR, Players, Golf Channel, etc. This committee will require some heavy lifting as packages arrive in different sizes. This position will work outside all day and volunteers must be prepared for all weather conditions. There may be times when this committee sits and waits until shipments arrive. Volunteers are needed Saturday, November 5th - Sunday, November 13th. Age requirement of 18+.
Shuttling
Committee Chair: Chris Fuller
Volunteers will shuttle spectators/VIPs in golf carts from parking lots to various entrances. Volunteers are needed Monday, November 7th - Sunday, November 13th. Age requirement of 21+. This is a private committee. Interested volunteers will need to contact Jaclyn Escareno at volunteers@astrosgolf.com.
Standard Bearers
Committee Chair: Jarron Papale
Volunteers will follow a group of golfers during their round of play, inside the ropes. Your primary responsibility will be to show the gallery who is playing in the group and to display their scores by carrying a standard sign presenting the information. A basic understanding of golf scoring and golf etiquette is required. Volunteers must have the ability to walk 18 holes while carrying a 5-pound sign. Volunteers are needed Wednesday, November 9th - Sunday, November 13th. Age requirement of 14+.
Television*
Committee Chairs: Doug & Stefanie Elsesser
Spotters: Each spotter is assigned a group and follows along inside the ropes. At all times they must know what each player lies, what player will be hitting next, and what club has been selected, which they communicate back to the television truck via radio. It requires a solid understanding of the rules of the game, good communication skills, and the ability to walk 18 holes each day. They are integral to the success of our telecast.
On-Course Commentator Driver: Each assistant is assigned a commentator. They must be able to drive a golf cart and have good communication skills. Each driver must be available all four days. This role is good for someone who wants to enjoy the action but, may not have the physical ability or the knowledge of the game to fulfill one of the other roles.
Volunteers are needed Thursday, November 10th - Sunday, November 13th.
Tournament Office
Committee Chair: TBD
Volunteers on this committee will be stationed in the Tournament Office at the golf course. The primary responsibility of these volunteers is to answer the Cadence Bank Houston Open phone lines and assist with questions or problems that may arise. This position will work inside all day. Volunteers are needed September 21st and 28th, October 5th, 12th, 19th, and 26th, and November 7th - November 13th. Must be available to work full day shifts and at least four days. Age requirement of 18+.
Tournament Operations
Committee Chair: Roger Kurtin
The Tournament Operations committee will assist the Operations Manager. There will be days when help is needed in October leading up to tournament week. All individuals must be comfortable working in the heat, rain, and all sorts of weather. This is a physically demanding committee. Lifting moderately heavy items, climbing ladders, building/assembling items, shoveling/digging holes and using power tools are just some of the tasks volunteers on this committee perform. Volunteers are needed October 24th, 26th, 28th, and 31st, November 2nd and 4th, and November 7th - 13th. Age requirement of 18+. This is a private committee. Interested volunteers will need to contact Jaclyn Escareno at volunteers@astrosgolf.com.
Transportation
Committee Chairs: Benjie Hernandez & Nick Bunkua
Volunteers will assist with the pick-up and return of golf professionals and management staff to both Houston Hobby and Bush International airports. May be asked to drive players, family members, and other VIPs to and from hotels and other destinations. Volunteers will also assist with the deployment of courtesy cars and the collection of the cars at the end of the tournament. Must be 21 years of age and provide a valid U.S. driver’s license. You will also have to undergo a mandatory motor vehicle record check, in addition to the criminal background check, prior to volunteering. Volunteers are needed Saturday, November 5th - Monday, November 14th.
Volunteer Services
Committee Chair: LaShabriel Keys
Volunteers will assist with the inventory and assembly of volunteer uniform packages. Volunteers will help distribute the uniform packages on the scheduled distribution/training days. During tournament week, volunteers will manage the volunteer tent, answer questions, exchange/sell uniforms, and maintain the volunteer hospitality area by restocking food/beverage and keeping the area clean. Volunteers are needed October 29th and 20th, November 3rd - 5th, and November 7th - November 13th. Age requirement of 18+.
*Signifies that the committee is not open for registration to new volunteers