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2019 U.S. Open: FAQs
Q: I want to volunteer for the 2019 U.S. Open Championship. How do I sign up?
A: Organizing a volunteer force of more than 4,500 individuals is an enormous task that necessitates long-term planning. Volunteer registration will be available online beginning February of 2018. Volunteer applications will be processed on a first-come, first-served basis. Please contact the USGA Championship Office at 2019usopen@usga.org for more information.
Q: My child wants to volunteer – what opportunities are available for juniors?
A: One volunteer committee, the Standard Bearers, is designated for junior volunteers, ages 14 – 21. This committee requires a very limited number of volunteers.
Q: It costs $185 to be a volunteer. What do I receive for volunteering?
A: Each volunteer receives:
- A week-long credential that allows admission into the championship for all seven days, including the days you are not assigned to volunteer. Your credential will allow YOU and only YOU access.
- Lunch vouchers on the days you are assigned to volunteer. These vouchers can be redeemed at concession stands throughout the course.
- Use of the Volunteer Hospitality Tent on the days you are assigned to volunteer. Relax, meet other volunteers and enter drawings for various prizes throughout the week of the championship.
- Your 2019 U.S. Open Volunteer Apparel (to ONLY be worn during your shifts).
Q: What’s included in the Volunteer Apparel Package? Who makes it and what are the sizes?
A: The volunteer apparel for 2019 will be provided by Ralph Lauren (Polo). Volunteers (within the continental U.S.) will be shipped two (2) golf shirts, a jacket and a hat or visor to serve as their apparel. The hats are one-size fits all. Men’s shirts and jackets are available in Small through XXX-Large. Women’s sizes for shirts and jackets are X-Small through XX-Large. Standard Bearers will receive one shirt and one hat. It is important you indicate whether you want Men’s or Women’s sizes.
Q: Do you have any sample apparel that I can try on to determine my size?
A: No, we do not have any apparel in stock for volunteers to try on; however, department stores such as Macy’s and Bloomingdale’s carry similar options. Apparel sizing will be similar to the Polo Golf Blue Label for men and the Ralph Lauren Green Label for women.
Q: What color will the actual apparel be?
A: The general volunteer apparel is currently being designed. Once finalized, samples will be provided on the volunteer website.
Q: How will I get my apparel?
A: Dates and times for apparel distribution will be provided as we get closer to the championship.
Q: How do I change my shipping address?
A: You may edit your shipping address by entering your volunteer username and password here.
Please contact the Championship Office at 2019usopen@usga.org if you have any questions.
Q: What if I need to exchange my apparel once I receive it?
A: There will be an opportunity for volunteers to exchange their apparel for another size. The date(s), time and location are still TBD. More information will become available once apparel is distributed.
Q: Do I have to wear the apparel provided? I have other golf clothing I can wear.
A: You are required to wear the apparel you purchased while working as a volunteer. All components of the volunteer apparel were designed exclusively for the 2019 U.S. Open volunteer program and are not for sale to those who do not participate as a volunteer.
Q: What color pants should I wear? Can I wear shorts?
A: Volunteers are required to wear khaki pants while volunteering. Women are permitted to wear shorts or golf skorts during the U.S. Open. If the week of the championship happens to be extremely hot, men will also be allowed to wear shorts.
Q: Do I have to wear any particular shoes?
A: We ask that you wear comfortable shoes, since a majority of volunteers will be standing for long periods of time. Tennis shoes, for example, would be fine. Metal spikes are not permitted.
Q: If I don’t like my committee assignment – can I move to another committee?
A: All volunteer committee assignments will be final once made available. We will attempt to assign each volunteer to one of his or her committee preferences; however, in many cases this will not be possible due to the requests for certain committees greatly outnumbering the staffing requirements of the committees. If the committee preferences you selected are full, we will assign you to another committee that still has availability.
Q: How do I sign-up to receive text alerts during the week of the championship?
A: Volunteers will have the opportunity to receive text updates regarding weather delays, local traffic, etc. during the week of the championship. To sign-up, enter your volunteer username and password here.
Please contact the Championship Office at 2019usopen@usga.org if you have any questions.
Q: Where’s the parking going to be for the championship?
A: The exact parking locations are still being determined and will be released in the spring of 2019. There will be complimentary shuttles running continuously from each parking lot to the course. PARKING WILL NOT BE AVAILABLE ON SITE AT PEBBLE BEACH.
Q: Do volunteers/his or her family members receive any discounted championship tickets?
A: No, however, they will have the opportunity to purchase additional tickets at usopen.com.
Q: Are there any golf privileges for volunteers?
A: Unfortunately, there are none at this time.
Q: What is the time commitment for volunteering? How many hours/shifts would I volunteer?
A: All volunteers for the 2019 U.S. Open Championship will be required to volunteer a minimum of four shifts with each shift lasting approximately five to six hours and will be responsible for arriving at their assigned positions on time. The USGA will conduct training sessions for each volunteer committee in the spring of 2019. Volunteers are expected to attend their respective volunteer training session which will generally take place on a weekend and last approximately one hour.
Q: The range of duties for volunteers is pretty widespread. What are some of the duties that surprise potential volunteers the most?
A: The 2019 U.S. Open Championship will require the assistance of more than 4,500 volunteers serving on 20 different committees. These committees cover a broad spectrum of responsibilities, including but not limited to: Hospitality Services, Marshaling, On-Course Operations, Scoring Functions, Spectator Services and Merchandising.
Q: When will I find out my volunteer schedule?
A: Volunteers will be emailed availability information toward the end of 2018. We will use the information collected to create the volunteer schedules for each committee. You will be notified of the dates you are scheduled to work in the spring of 2019. As always, we will make every effort to accommodate your availability preferences; however, we cannot guarantee each request will be granted. If you are traveling from out of state and made travel arrangements, please indicate that on the form.
Q: How do I sign up to volunteer with my spouse, family, friends, etc.? Can you schedule us for the same volunteer shift?
A: Volunteer availability forms will be sent out toward the end of the 2018 calendar year. Volunteers can coordinate schedules with their spouse, family, friends, etc. and will be able to indicate the date and shifts they can work on their availability form.
Q: When are the training sessions for volunteers?
A: Training sessions will take place in May and June, 2019. A presentation on both general volunteer and committee specific responsibilities will be addressed and you will be given your credential packet. Those from out of state or out of the country will be given the information either electronically via e-mail, through an interactive online video, or at the championship, depending on their volunteer committee assignment.
Q: What is the biggest misconception that people have about volunteering for a major golf championship?
A: Generally, the biggest misconception about volunteering for the U.S. Open Championship is the timeframe in which an individual can register to volunteer. Since it is such a large event, the planning process begins years in advance of the championship. Volunteer registration will begin in February of 2018 when the application will be available online. For more information, please contact the USGA Championship Office at 2019usopen@usga.org.
Q: Is it difficult at times to explain that it actually costs money to be a volunteer?
A: As is the case with most major golf events, there will be a fee associated with the volunteer package for the U.S. Open. The volunteer fee for the 2019 U.S. Open Championship will be $185. The fee does prove to be a worthwhile investment for someone who is not only interested in participating as a volunteer but is also interested in having the ability to attend the championship on a daily basis. The cost of volunteering covers the actual cost of the volunteer apparel specifically designed for the 2019 U.S. Open Championship, meal vouchers for each shift a volunteer works and includes a credential valid for all seven (7) days of the championship. The credential will serve as a ticket for admissions any day of the championship regardless of whether or not the volunteer is assigned to a shift.
Q: What are some of the thoughts volunteers share with you once the championship has concluded?
A: As an integral part of the championship, volunteers are given the opportunity to communicate through day-to-day interactions with USGA staff or by completing a survey during and after the championship. In most cases, the results and comments are very positive. Often, volunteers will echo their sentiments towards the unique experience volunteering afforded them during the week of the championship and how exciting it was to be actively involved as part of such a historic event. In some instances, volunteers will provide constructive feedback on how to improve the volunteer experience. USGA staff thoroughly reads through each survey and takes into consideration all of the feedback, good and bad, in order to improve the volunteer program and experience for future championships.