10 Nov 2012 - NZPGA
The call has gone out for volunteers to come forward and be part of the NZ PGA Championship to be held at The Hills in Queenstown next year from February 28 to March 3 2013.
The high profile event has grown significantly
following this year’s inaugural event, and will see 132 professional players
from around the world compete for a prize pool of $600,000.
The growth in size has prompted the need for up to 400
volunteers for next year’s event. Last year volunteers came from as far away as
Auckland, Christchurch, Invercargill, Dunedin and Ashburton as well as
Queenstown to take part.
Now in its second year, the championship has cemented
itself firmly on the Queenstown summer events calendar and with new dates is well
positioned to draw crowds from far and wide.
“We’re delighted to be back again with what is now
recognised as a significant event for New Zealand,” said NZPGA Tournament
Director Michael Glading.
“With amateurs and celebrities playing alongside some
of the world’s top pros in an incredible setting, this promises to be a spectacular
showcase Central Otago summer event.”
Event organisers have already announced defending Kiwi
champion Michael Hendry and Australian Brendan Jones in the line up with
further professional, amateur and celebrity players to be announced over the
coming months.
The 2013 event coincides with the English cricket
team’s four day match in Queenstown against a New Zealand XI team, meaning the
celebrity golf line up will feature cricket legend Sir Ian Botham playing in
the Pro Am.
This year’s event will see further emphasis placed on
entertainment with a concert at The Hills planned for the Saturday evening.
All of this will require the work of an army of
volunteers to carry out roles such as carrying scorecards, marshaling on course,
‘ball spotting’, overseeing the leader board, inputting data in the media
centre or working as a shuttle driver.
Keen golfer Sue McFarlane is once again organising the
volunteer brigade for this years’ event, and said she had already received enquiry
emails from people volunteered at the first event or who missed out on places.
“It’s a great fun experience for anyone thinking about
volunteering, in an absolutely beautiful location,” she said.
“Because the event has grown we’ll need around 350 to
400 volunteers which is considerably more than this year, so I’d encourage anyone
who’s interested to get in touch.
“It’s
a great chance to get together a group of friends for a trip to Queenstown, and
there’s also the opportunity for golf clubs or groups to ‘take charge’ of a
hole for the duration of the tournament.”
Volunteers are asked for a minimum commitment of six
hours on any given day, and in return will benefit from free tournament admission
and parking, a commemorative shirt and cap, lunch each day and a special ‘thank
you barbeque’ on the final night.
Those who volunteer for all four days will receive all
of the above plus a complimentary round of golf at the prestigious The Hills
course.
“An interest in or knowledge of golf is helpful, but
not actually essential to all roles,” said Mrs McFarlane.
“As well as people on the course we’re looking for
people to do things like drive courtesy cars, and these roles would be ideally suited
to Queenstown locals who know the area.”
Further information about volunteering at the NZPGA Championship can be found here.
To register as a volunteer please contact Sue
McFarlane on mcfluke@xtra.co.nz.
