When planning the hosting of an international tournament at a golf club one of the key considerations is how the event will impact the clubs’ members. Frilford Heath recently had the honour of hosting the English Trophy and member engagement exceeded expectations. Over 120 members signed up as volunteers and played a huge part in running the tournament alongside the Frilford Heath team.
The camaraderie amongst member volunteers was clear to see throughout the week of the tournament with fun and smiles on every fairway. Supported by the club’s Head PGA Professional Tim Newton and PGA Professional Alex Beckett, the volunteers were involved in scoring, ball spotting, running the event driving range, hosting players and more.
Walking around the club during the tournament it was easy to spot the volunteers in their English Trophy marshall bibs and sporting their exclusive Pharaoh Golf Co tournament hats gifted to them as a thank you. It was clear that they were relishing the opportunity to be part of a great occasion for the club and witness some quality golf from such a strong field.
Also volunteering were members of other local clubs keen to experience the tournament and contribute. It was fantastic to see those individuals welcomed into the Frilford Heath fold and the club invited them to come back with a friend to play a round of golf in the future. All volunteers were fed and watered plus entered into some fun prize draws to win golf shoes, golf balls and a round of golf with two of the club’s golf professionals.
The feedback from the players was great, greens, course condition, food and service were all mentioned as excellent during the week. The feedback from the members who were at the club spectating or volunteering was also great. They all had a chance to play the Tuesday after as the club hosted a members English Trophy Black Tee Challenge of its own. The club also ran the same event for visitors on the Wednesday after the tournament and members will now benefit from the quality course condition for the rest of this autumn.
Everyone involved in the tournament praised the work and friendliness of the volunteers, including the promoters and players. The winner Jeremy Freiburghaus even took time out to pose for a photograph with the volunteers and events team during his celebrations.
