The Open Support Team: What do you need to know?
The R&A has once again requested the assistance of BIGGA members with the hosting of The Open, taking place this year at Carnoustie Golf Links.
In anticipation of the event, which takes place from Thursday 19 to Sunday 22 July 2018, we answered some of the most frequently-asked questions we get from members.
Where are we staying?
The accommodation is located at SRUC (Elmwood) College Campus, Carslogie Road, Cupar, Fife, KY15 4JB.
If you are arriving by car, parking is on site. Cupar train station is 10 minutes’ walk to the college.
Members of the support team will stay in single rooms with shared bathrooms.
What time should I arrive?
Arrive at the college campus between 1pm to 2.30pm on Wednesday 18 July.
The meeting point is in the second building on the left-hand side, in the second car park.
Collect your room key from reception and then Rachael Duffy and the other BIGGA staff will be on hand to welcome you and hand out your uniform, backpack and ID badge from the common room.
You will need to be in the reception at 3pm on Wednesday to catch your team bus to the golf course for the team meeting and bunker demonstration at 5pm.
In anticipation of this, change into a white polo shirt and bring your waterproof jacket from your uniform as there will be a team photograph.
Do not forget your ID badge, otherwise you won’t be able to get on to the course.
How do I get to The Open each morning?
There will be a notice board within the accommodation that details what time your bus will be leaving each morning.
Your team leader, detailed on the board, will tell you what time to meet each morning for departure. Usually this is 15 minutes before the departure time. Don’t be late, otherwise you risk losing your ride and you will have to find alternative transport in time for your match.
It is usually an idea to exchange phone numbers with the other members of your bus group, so you can keep a track of each other!
Make sure you get breakfast before you depart as it is paid for and any food purchased on the course will come off your prepaid card. Breakfast is served from 5.30am in the main college building.
The first bus each morning will have breakfast bags provided.
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How many extra tickets do I get?
The R&A does not provide any additional event tickets for members of the support team and your ID is non-transferable.
However, we do have a marquee on site for members of the team and any of their guests to sit, relax, watch the golf on television and avoid any inclement weather.
What uniform will I receive?
The uniform consists of four polo t shirts, a waterproof suit, baseball cap.
Jacobsen kindly sponsor a rucksack that you will receive and in which you can store extra clothing, sun cream, drinks and refreshment.
Two important items that you will receive are your armband and your ID badge. You will need both of these to get on to the first tee and join your match. Without those you won’t be able to join your match and another volunteer will be required to fill your spot.
What do I wear?
In addition, you should bring along dark grey or black trousers to wear with your allotted polo shirt for the day. If you have visible tattoos you have been requested to cover these up with a white base layer.
Sunglasses are recommended in bright sunshine, do not get your baseball cap signed and this must be worn at all times.
On your feet wear golf shoes or smart trainers but no work boots.
Shorts should not be worn during your match rake. You may change into these when off duty.
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What are the rules about taking to golfers?
Only speak to golfers or their caddies if they speak to you. You will meet the golfers on the first tee, where you may be introduced as part of the team. Out on the course, only speak when approached by golfers or their caddies and stick with the match team as much as you are able. Instructions will be repeated before each match.
What responsibilities will I have?
Prior to your match, arrive at the cabin 30 minutes early. This will give you time to deposit your belongings with the BIGGA staff, who will store them securely until you return. Hand in your mobile phone, switched off within the plastic bag provided in your rucksack, and any other personal belongings you wish to leave behind.
You will then be given a bunker card and shown how to complete it – this card is also useful for noting down anything interesting that happens during your round!
You will receive your rake and then you will be introduced to your team – the referee, scoreboard carrier and scorer – and taken to the first tee.
During the match follow the R&A guidelines that you receive about where to stand. Be vigilant at all times and stay out of the way of the golfers. Allow the group to complete their shots before entering the bunkers and be aware of line of sight around the putting green. Pick up any litter or debris that may be in the bunkers.
Once you have finished your match, register back in to the cabin, hand in your bunker card and your rake and collect your personal items.
It is your responsibility to make sure you have signed up for a bus to go back to the accommodation on the form in the marquee. Ensure you are back in the marquee 15 minutes before the departure time.
Remember that at all times you are representing the association and should behave in a responsible and professional manner.
Can I take some of the water that is on the tee?
You can take water from the tee once the playing group has left the area. However, this may not always be possible and so it is recommended that you take a couple of bottles out with you, which you can purchase from your catering card.
Don’t forget, it may feel cool but it is the height of summer and you can quickly become dehydrated.
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What if I have two bunkers to rake at the same time?
Do not panic. Alert the referee’s attention that you must rake one bunker, followed by another, and the referee will hold up play to ensure you can complete the task well.
Will there be a bunker raking competition?
Yes. Before it starts you’ll be given a ‘story so far’ sheet that details the total number of bunker rakes by members of the support team since 2006. There is a daily prize of a John Lewis voucher for the team member who estimates the number of bunkers raked in each of the four rounds.
What if something interesting happens out on the course?
We’ll be doing a huge round up in the August edition of Greenkeeper International, so make a note on your bunker card and don’t forget to let Karl know by emailing karl@bigga.co.ukor text your pictures to 07890179807.
You’ll also receive social media guidance over the next week, providing you with the appropriate Twitter accounts and hashtags to use during the event.
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Where do we get food from?
You will be given a catering card which is attached to your ID badge. This will have an amount loaded on to it each day. The catering point is the contractors’ catering tent – labelled QQ on the site map – which is located behind the 10thgreen and 11thtee.
This tent is open from 6am for breakfast on Thursday and Friday, but be sure to eat at the college because this has already been provided and you will be charged on your catering card. The catering point will close at 7pm.
On Saturday and Sunday the catering tent is open 6.30am-7pm.
Breakfast is served until 10,30am, lunch 11.30-4, dinner 5-7pm.
If you are on the last bus, ensure you have a main meal before you go out because there will be no food provided at the accommodation after your rake.
Will I be able to take photographs during my match?
Mobile phones must be left in the BIGGA cabin prior to your match and are not allowed to take images during your match.
However, once your duties are complete and you are free to wander, cameras and video cameras are allowed on course on all playing days. Flash and sound must be turned off.
Send your favourite images to karl@bigga.co.ukor text them to 07890179807 for inclusion in Greenkeeper International.
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What freebies will I get?
There is no guarantee of souvenirs from the golfers. Please do not ask them for souvenirs, however these may be given at the discretion of the golfers.
Will there be any spare time?
Yes. Once you have done your match each day, you are welcome to wander the course and utilise the marquee, where you can purchase hot drinks and refreshments. However, please don’t visit the cabin when not on duty, it’s too close to the tee and there is very limited space.
Will I get to look inside the Carnoustie facilities and meet the team?
We’re hopeful this will be incorporated with the team meeting on Wednesday, although this is time-dependent. At the team meeting, a member of the Carnoustie greens management will hopefully be around to answer any questions you may have.
During the event you will not be allowed access to the maintenance facilities. Ask in the marquee and a visit may be arranged if a group can be gathered together.
When can I leave?
After the tournament there is no photo opportunity with the winner, although for those who stay behind we attempt to get a photo around the 18thgreen after the conclusion of play. Meet in the marquee unless you are watching the golf or you are out on the course, in which case meet at the 18th.
After that, jump on any bus to go straight back to the college. Go straight into the dining room, unless you are heading off straight away.
Breakfast will be served on Monday morning at 8am.
If you have any further questions about the BIGGA Volunteer Support Team, email rachael@bigga.co.uk or call the office mobile number on 07933203645.
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