ERIN HILLS — World-class golfers, thousands of spectators, and 652 acres of a beautifully maintained course — Wisconsin is in the national spotlight this week as the best women's golfers teed off Thursday for Day One of the U.S. Women’s Open.
“The U.S. Women’s Open is just such an honor — to bring all these girls from around the world to Erin and to see this beautiful landscape and golf course — it’s a huge deal,” said Sophia Mazurek, a volunteer chair.
While golf fans take in the scenic views, about 2,000 volunteers are working behind the scenes to keep things running smoothly — from stocking drinks to cleaning bathrooms and transporting players.
“You think it would be simple, but there’s a lot more to it than you think,” said Doug Fry, chairman of Encore Distribution Committee.
Fry is volunteering by making sure people with physical disabilities can access the golf course. He’s also in charge of making sure the players are stocked up with food.
“Encore Distribution [is] getting water, Powerade, snacks, and ice to the tees for the players. They have to be stocked all the time,” said Fry.
While it sounds like an easy task, it can be challenging running back and forth with thousands of spectators to watch out for.
“Just planning routes so your people can get through there and not disrupt the play, training, and everybody. You think it would be simple, but there’s a lot more to it than you think,” said Fry.
Watch: Volunteers help make U.S. Women’s Open run smoothly for players, fans
Volunteers have come from across Wisconsin — including Waukesha, Milwaukee and Sheboygan counties — as well as from out of state and even outside the country.
“We have a couple of international people coming from Canada, which is amazing. Everybody loves golf and just wants to be part of it,” Mazurek said.
She said planning began in 2023, and with such a large footprint of rolling greens, volunteers are stationed in nearly every corner. Some are even assigned to assist the national TV crew.
“ShotLink is a big one — they follow all the shots and pinpoint them on the golf course for the TV producers,” she said.
While it’s a lot of work, volunteers say it’s also rewarding to be part of something that showcases Wisconsin on a national stage.
“Whether people come to Wisconsin or not, it shows us off,” Fry said. “Who doesn’t want to be out here and appreciate how great Wisconsin is?”
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