“Come and join us and have some fun” – that’s Staysure Tour star Ronan Rafferty’s message to any individuals of clubs or groups of friends looking to experience this year’s Sharjah Senior Golf Masters presented by Shurooq as a volunteer.
The second instalment of the Staysure Tour’s season-opener at Sharjah Golf & Shooting Club takes place from March 8-10 and Rafferty is keen to get to meet some new faces and enjoy some rapport with those willing to give up their time as he competes for a first Staysure Tour title.
“It’s a chance for you to build a relationship with the players,” says Rafferty, a Ryder Cup player in 1989. “The players can get to know you during the week. At events like the BMW PGA Championship at Wentworth, certain ‘teams’ of volunteers will work on each hole, and players then get to know those people day by day and year after year. They walk up onto the tee and they see a familiar face in a marshal’s uniform, and they recognise you and greet you.
“It would be great to get a bunch of people down from the local golf clubs or involve a group of people from a social club. Because every club has its groups of friends who play in a regular four-ball on a certain day. It’s more appealing to do things in a group, rather than on your own as an individual, so if you’re interested in volunteering – bring a friend or two.
“Last year’s tournament in Sharjah was the first one and now the event is up-and-running, so come and join in. Come and have a chat with the professionals."
Jobs are available as caddies, marshals and scorers for what promises to be a unique, fun filled and rewarding experience and one which will contribute significantly to the smooth running of the event (responsibilities allocated based on volunteers’ availability over the week).
The deadline for applying is on the February 16 and the people who have applied for the roles will be contacted February 23.
Rafferty is one of the most out-going players in the game and having played more than 450 European Tour events he knows a thing or two about relationships between players and volunteers – and he knows that the power of social media can also be effective.
“The senior players enjoy getting involved with the spectators and the volunteer marshals and the ‘selfie’ self-promotion thing. So, when I get onto the tee, the marshals looking after that hole take a selfie with me and they send it out there with the caption: “Here I am on the third tee with my mate Ronan.
“It can be sent out by both the volunteers and the players on social media and it generates interest among their followers and, hopefully, attracts people into becoming marshals on a regular basis.
“So get your friends together and join in the fun.”
To sign up as a volunteer please visit:
surveymonkey.com/r/SharjahSGMvolunteers
