What does a Marshal do?

Marshals, the largest group of volunteers, work on the course to assist the players. This includes: spotting balls on the fairway, watching for errant shots and providing gallery control to keep play proceeding smoothly. They also assist the spectators to have the optimal view of play and enjoyment of the competition. Marshals work full day shifts and are needed Wednesday through Sunday with the largest numbers needed Wednesday and Sunday. Some knowledge of golf is desirable, but not necessary. Walking is involved for some assignments. 

PGA TOUR Marshals Training Video (9 Min)

All Marshal Positions: 

Ø       Be courteous to all Spectators and PGA Pros.

Ø       Only talk to PGA Pros when spoken to.

Ø       If a Spectator appears confused or lost, provide assistance. Know where the Rest Rooms and Refreshment Stands are located in relationship to your hole.

Ø      Always set the example; Speak in low tones, never yell, assist other Marshals and PGA Players when taking a break and walking around.

Ø       In case of “SEVERE WEATHER”, know the course evacuation plan so you can instruct the PGA Pro as to where he should go. (Walk to Club House, Walk to Course Road to get into a Van, Walk to an On-Course Evacuation Van.) 

Tee Marshal:

Ø       Prepare the Tee area prior to the PGA Pros coming to your position keeping the area clean of litter and the ropes in good appearance.

Ø       Stand to the back of the PGA Pro so he doesn’t see you during his back swing.

Ø       Lift the Quiet Sign and your other arm as the PGA Pro addresses his ball making sure the broad side of the sign faces the Fairway Marshal. This also signals the Spectators to stop walking and talking.

Ø       Your Quiet Sign is your communication to the Fairway Marshal indicating the flight direction of the ball.  It is difficult to see the ball in the fairway so this is a critical element to not losing the Pro’s ball.

1.       Lower the Quiet Sign straight down the fairway for a “In the Fairway Shot”

2.       Move the Quiet Sign in the direction the ball is going, how much you move it is the severity of the Slice or Hook which assists the Fairway Marshal in his effort. 

Fairway Marshal:

Ø       Determine if your fairway has an “Out-of-Bounds” (marked with white stakes) or “Hazard” (marked with red stakes)

Ø       Be aware of when the PGA Pros are ready to Tee off.

Ø       Watch the Tee Marshal to determine the flight of the ball as you may not be able to see it come off the tee.

Ø       If the ball goes “Out-of-Bounds” or into a “Hazard”, signal the Tee by standing in the Fairway edge motioning with both arms to the “Hazard”.

Ø       If the ball goes into the DEEP WOODS and you feel it cannot be found, signal the Tee as if the ball went into a “Hazard” so as to allow the PGA Pro to hit a “Provisional Ball”.  Do not look for the ball unless the PGA Pro instructs you to.

Ø       If the ball landed outside of the ropes, pull the stakes and/or remove the rope from the stakes as necessary so the PGA Pro has a clean line-of-sight (line-of-flight) to the Green.

Ø      Lift both your arms (Quiet Sign if you have one) as the PGA Pro addresses his ball to signal the Spectators to stop walking and talking. 

Green Marshal:

Ø       Watch the Fairway Marshal to determine when the ball is being hit.

Ø       If the ball landed to the outside of the ropes, pull the stakes and/or remove the rope from the stakes as necessary so the PGA Pro has a clean line-of-sight (line-of-flight) to the Green.

Ø       Lift both your arms (Quiet Sign if you have one) as the PGA Pro addresses his ball to signal the Spectators to stop walking and talking.

Gate Marshal:

Ø       One responsibility is to facilitate play by closing crosswalks to Spectators allowing the PGA Pros to walk from Green to Tee without interference.

Ø       A second responsibility is to protect the safety of Spectators from shuttle traffic when crossing the road between 9 Green and 10 Tee.