LAKE TAHOE, Nev. – While the celebrities and fan interactions are the face of the American Century Championship at Edgewood Tahoe, the volunteers working behind the scenes are what allow it to run smoothly. For many, volunteering at the tournament has become an annual tradition and comes with countless memories and bonds.
Tina Guerrero, Trez Stack, Geoff Smith and Ray Greger are all examples of volunteers who have been coming to help run the tournament for over 10 years. Greger, from Santa Rosa, Calif., has been volunteering at the tournament for 12 years, and Smith, who lives in Camino, Calif., has been volunteering for a little over 10 years. Additionally, Guerrero, from Lodi, Calif., has been working the tournament for 20 years, while Stack from Lafayette, Calif., has been working the competition for 27 years.
According to the group, all of whom work mainly at the driving range, volunteering comes with many responsibilities that allow for efficiency throughout the tournament. These tasks include putting the name plates on the A-frames after the practice round portion of the competition, putting balls on the practice range and making sure there are tees and towels available.
Additionally, a huge part of the job is making sure fans and members of the press do not interrupt the golfers.
The group, especially at the driving range, works to keep the public behind the restricted areas, and checks badges of those entering the range to make sure the rules are followed. They also restrict those on the range and in front of the fence line to keep people safe and give golfers the chance to practice.
Being in such close proximity to the players on the range, the group commented that one of their favorite parts of volunteering is interacting with players and the press.
“I love coming back and all of the celebrities and people,” said Guerrero. “They remember us, and as soon as they see us, it’s like, ‘Oh, hey!’ They give you a hug, and they’re like, ‘Thank you for being here.’ They’re very thankful, and 90 percent of them remember you and recognize you. It’s like coming back home.”
According to Guerrero, volunteering at the tournament comes with a price of $75, specifically for the volunteer shirt and hat. Yet, in exchange, the volunteers get free tickets for friends and family to come each day and experience the competition in person.
The group also stated that the price for volunteering also allows the opportunity to create lots of memories they will always remember, whether or not they include getting flashed.
“I went to college with Jason Kidd, and so I was excited he was in the tournament my first year working here,” said Stack. “They put me up there first thing in the morning, and there was nobody out. I thought, ‘I’m gonna go check out the course, you know, walk it and see it.’ This guy comes out of the bushes, opens up his trench coat, and flashes me! That’s what I’m noted for at this tournament.”
The setting of the tournament is another very notable aspect of the competition, and something the volunteers continue to appreciate year after year. From the weather to the people, South Lake Tahoe creates a family-friendly and unique backdrop for the competitive golf tournament that draws people of all ages.
“It’s just the weather, the grounds, the crowds, the players, all because of the beauty,” said Guerrero. “I enjoy it when the kids come out. I love it when the celebrities sign for kids. A dad holding his little baby girl on his shoulders, and she’s got a little thing and the celebrity goes over and signs it, I love that.”
The group mainly started volunteering because of their love for playing golf, said Guerrero, and for her personally, because she wanted to see the women golfers. Now, the group are longtime friends with countless memories and a strong bond, with Stack and Guerrero even sharing a house in Incline Village, Nev.
“The 12 years I’ve been here, we’ve all been together,” said Greger. “It’s like a mini family.”
