Windsor's premier golf event is seeking people to help get it off the tee.
The Windsor Championship, the new stop on PGA Tour Canada's Mackenzie Tour, is looking for 200 additional volunteers to work the tournament, set to take place July 2-8 at the Ambassador Golf Club.
Organizers are looking for friendly, community-minded people to help with all aspects of the tournament, according to Ryan Robillard, golf pro at Ambassador and a member of the tournament's host committee.
“Our volunteers are the backbone of this event,” said Robillard in a press release. “With their hard work and dedication, they will help raise the bar of the Windsor Championship. They truly are ambassadors for this region. It’s also a chance to get up close and personal with some of Canada’s best professional golfers. It’s a really special opportunity.”
The tournament is expected to feature 156 golfers competing for a $200,000 purse. A $100,000 donation has been set aside to benefit Hospice of Windsor and Essex County.
There are spaces available for caddies, walking scorers, standard bearers, spotters, and marshals. Robillard says these are ideal even for someone with little or no knowledge of the game.
Volunteers will be asked to work at least two six-hour shifts during tournament week.
With the Windsor Championship being a non-profit event, a $40 one-time fee will be assessed to help cover costs and maximize the donation to Hospice. The fee covers meals, a golf hat and shirt, tournament credentials and a companion pass for the week. It also includes two free tickets to a LaSalle Vipers hockey game next season, a voucher to purchase two Windsor Spitfires tickets, an invitation to the volunteer party and a 10% discount at Essex Home Furnishings.
Robillard says caddies will be paid directly by the golf pro. He also points out that high-school students looking for community service hours are encouraged to participate.
The Mackenzie Tour is a series of PGA Tour Canada events designed to show off the talents of up-and-coming golfers.
People interested in volunteering should visit the tournament website for details and more information.