The Open Volunteer Support Team

A team of BIGGA members, gathered from across the association and from all over the globe, has volunteered to support the home greenkeeping teams at every Open Championship since 1984.

Primarily, the role of the team is to support The R&A in the hosting of the championship by providing bunker raking for every match throughout the event. That means a BIGGA member joins every match throughout The Open each year, gaining a money-can't-buy look at golf's greatest championship.

The BIGGA team is also on hand should the home team need extra support, particularly in adverse weather conditions.

With more than 50 BIGGA members drawn from across the association, it's not just an exciting opportunity for golf fans, but there is also the chance to build a wide range of contacts, potentially opening doors for your future career.

Each year we select a team of experienced members and first-timers to ensure a wide spread of members experience this incredible opportunity, while also providing the support to aid the BIGGA staff team with organisation and transport of the volunteers.

Meet this year's Open Volunteer Support Team here.

I just want to say a special thank you to all the greenkeepers, especially those helping us at The Open championship, raking bunkers. My wife is especially grateful to the chap who went round with us as I gave him a lot of work!

Lee Westwood

Former world number one

On the eve of The 150th Open I just want to extend a massive thank you to all the greenkeepers, maintenance crew, who have come from across the world to be here this week and share in this experience. I'm grateful, I appreciate your hard work and it doesn't go unnoticed.

Zach Johnson

2015 Open Champion

"During this Open, BIGGA would assist with bunker raking, using greenkeepers from around the country and even overseas. The only compensation requested was recognition for the profession and their assistance at the Open Championship."

Walter Woods

St Andrews Links Superintendent at The Open in 1990