About Volunteering

Because of their dedication, the Greater Cedar Rapids Open has been able to donate $200,000 to various non-profit organizations throughout the Corridor since the tournament’s inception in 1999. We’re proud of our efforts, and we’re grateful to people like you who want to help the tournament and our community!

Please take a moment to review the volunteer position descriptions below and select the areas that interest you the most. While your first choice might not be available, we can always find a position for people who want to help. While volunteering for more than one area is OK, please ensure you don’t commit to more than you can reasonably manage.

Volunteers will receive a Greater Cedar Rapids Open T-shirt, and are asked to work at least one, four-hour shift throughout the tournament, if possible. Those able to work only one full shift are still encouraged to volunteer. We need to find volunteers to work a total of 200 shifts over the three-day tournament.

To sign up and volunteer for the GCRO, please visit the link below. If you have any questions regarding volunteer opportunities, please contact GCRO volunteer coordinator, Brenda Fishel via email at brendafishel@gmail.com.

Flag Persons

Flag Persons assist spotters by signaling the direction of the ball’s flight path when the golfer tees off. Flag Persons are needed to work the entire tournament, Thursday through Saturday. If possible, you are encouraged to work four-hour shifts, ranging from 7:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Thursday and Friday. Fewer shifts will be needed on Saturday.

Hospitality/Host Homeowners

Each year, we rely on the wonderful residents of the Hunters Ridge Golf Course community and surrounding area to open their homes to our professional entrants. This year, we’re looking for homeowners willing to make their homes available beginning Tuesday evening, July 23, through Sunday morning, July 28. Players’ needs vary. Please consider housing an aspiring young professional golfer for a few days.

Pro/Am Event Volunteers

The best-shot Pro/Am golf tournaments—which combine our golf professionals with more than 200 local business executives—will be held on Tuesday, July 23, and Wednesday, July 24. There will be one tournament on Tuesday and one on Wednesday. Volunteers are needed to observe the Par 3 holes for four-hour shifts. Times to be determined.

Spotters

Spotters, the largest group of volunteers, work on the course to assist all players. This includes spotting balls that have strayed from the fairway, which enables players to find their balls and make their own decisions about how to proceed. Spotters are needed to work the entire tournament, Thursday July 25through Saturday July 27. If possible, spotters are encouraged to work four-hour shifts, ranging from 7:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Thursday and Friday. Fewer shifts will be needed on Saturday.

Some knowledge of golf is desirable, but not necessary. Walking is involved for some assignments. A short training meeting will be held when you arrive for your shift to familiarize you with spotting. So, please arrive a little early.

Caddies

Caddies are afforded the opportunity to meet and interact with our professional golfers. In addition to spending time outside and learning tips to improve their own game, our caddies will receive a minimum $35 per round, thanks to GCRO committee. The players are also encouraged to tip caddies over and above the $35 based on their work and effort. Caddies must be 14 to 21 years of age and must be able to carry a 25-pound professional golf bag for 18 holes.

The GCRO will provide two caddie training sessions for those interested. Attendance at one of these hour-long training sessions is required for this program. The sessions will be announced closer to the tournament.
Caddie vests are distributed on the day of the tournament and must be returned to the Caddie Shack at the conclusion of each round.

Remember, better caddies generally earn better tips. Prior to the tournament, be sure to brush up on the material provided during your training session.

Hospitality Lodge Support

Volunteers who sign up for Hospitality Lodge Support will manage the various snack, lunch, and beverage options available throughout the Tournament days – Thursday, Friday, and Saturday. These volunteers will be in charge of keeping beverages cold and food fresh and serving food that is available to players and their caddies, only. Lodge hours are 6am to 7pm. Four hour shifts are requested of the volunteers.