Edina, Minn. (October 13, 2006) – Championship organizers for the 2008 U.S. Women’s Open, which will be played at Interlachen Country Club, will launch their recruiting efforts Monday, October 15, 2006. Over the next year and a half, a volunteer force of more than 2,600 people will be assembled to fill positions on more than 35 committees. Volunteers will receive a behind-the-scenes look at history in the making during the 63rd U.S. Women’s Open, which will be held June 23-29, 2008.
Interested volunteers may register to work in areas such as merchandise, leaderboards, admissions and gallery control. To see what positions are available and to learn more about volunteer opportunities or to register online, interested individuals may visit the championship web site at www.2008uswomensopen.com.
"We expect the Twin Cities to embrace the championship and thus anticipate an overwhelming response," said Championship Co-General Chairman Dave Mona. "Several area clubs and golf courses have already signed on to marshal holes and a number of our corporate patrons plan to recruit employees to become involved. Add those numbers to the amount of general public volunteers expected, and the opportunities to volunteer are going to fill up faster than we anticipated."
Volunteers receive two (2) championship golf shirts, a championship cap or visor, food and beverage in volunteer headquarters, a pass valid for all seven days of the championship, a one-time 20 percent discount in the Merchandise Pavilion, an invitation to the volunteer party, preferred parking, a commemorative pin and a water bottle. The volunteer commitment is approximately sixteen (16) hours, or four (4) shifts during the course of championship week.
"In order to host an event of this magnitude, we rely heavily on the local community, our corporate patrons and golf fans," said Mona. "Without the dedication, hard work and commitment of our volunteers, Interlachen Country Club would not be able to successfully host this championship."
With more than 16 hours of live television coverage anticipated to air from Edina on ESPN and NBC, and a who’s who of women’s golf, including Annika Sorenstam, Michelle Wie, Karrie Webb and Minnesota native Hilary Lunke expected to compete, the U.S. Women’s Open will generate worldwide attention in the Twin Cities. Tickets for the championship will be available beginning in May of 2007. For more information, visit www.2008uswomensopen.com or call 952-938-8796.
Contact:
Laura Caleal, Volunteer Manager
lcaleal@2008uswo.com
952-938-8796 Ext. 3