5,000 volunteers needed at Pinehurst
for 2005 U.S. Open Championship

TravelGolf.com Staff Report

PINEHURST, N.C. (Oct. 14, 2003) -- Volunteer recruitment for the 2005 U.S. Open Championship at Pinehurst has begun. Over the next 20 months, a volunteer organization more than 5,000 strong will be assembled to cover the broad range of duties throughout the championship.

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"An event the magnitude of the U.S. Open would not be possible without dedicated volunteers," said Reg Jones, director of Pinehurst Championship Management, which is handling logistics for the Open.

"For the 1999 U.S. Open, we recruited more than 4,500 volunteers from 47 states and seven foreign countries and had a waiting list of more than 500 people," he said. "Due to the success of the Open in 1999 and the tremendous participation we received statewide, we project all volunteer requirements will be filled by June of next year."

Volunteers from previous championships in the Pinehurst area will receive applications to join the volunteer organization for 2005. Anyone else interested in volunteering can obtain an application from the championship Web site by clicking on the logo at pinehurst.com or call Lindsay Spitzer, volunteer coordinator, at the U.S. Open Operations Office at (910) 215-8220.

More than 30 volunteer committees are being formed with responsibilities ranging from gallery control and scoring on the course to other various committee functions such as contestant services and corporate hospitality. Volunteers are required to work at least 18 hours during the championship week and purchase a uniform package for $155, which includes a cap, shirt, pants and wind shirt. Orientation and training will be scheduled in the spring of 2005.

"By volunteering for the Open, not only do you have a front row seat, but you also have the opportunity to play an important role in the presentation of our national championship," Jones said.

Tickets for the 2005 U.S. Open at Pinehurst are expected to be in great demand. Last month the United States Golf Association announced the sellout of the 2004 U.S. Open at Shinnecock Hills, N.Y. -- the 18th year in a row that all tickets for the championship have been sold.

Ticket applications for the 2005 U.S. Open will be available following the 2004 U.S. Open. The USGA will hold a special random ticket drawing for active USGA Members after receipt of ticket applications between March 1, 2004 and April 15, 2004. Thereafter, a random drawing for the remaining tickets will be conducted for the general public. Ticket applications for the general public will be accepted between June 21, 2004 and August 15, 2004.

In addition to individual ticket packages, a wide array of corporate hospitality opportunities are available for the 2005 U.S. Open, including corporate marquees ranging from 900 to 2,400 square feet. Pinehurst is also offering an exclusive Trophy Club location in which companies can reserve tables for their guests. All of the corporate hospitality packages include varying numbers of tickets to the championship ranging from 12 week-long ticket packages up to 150.

"One of the biggest advantages of a corporate package is the opportunity to not only entertain your clients in a superb venue, but to be assured of having tickets to the championship," Jones said.

For more information on the U.S. Open at Pinehurst, contact the Pinehurst Championship Management office at (910) 235-8151.

Any opinions expressed above are those of the writer and do not necessarily represent the views of the management. The information in this story was accurate at the time of publication. All contact information, directions and prices should be confirmed directly with the golf course or resort before making reservations and/or travel plans.