race-to-dubai-logo-smallFive Skipton Golf Club members have just returned from Dubai after working as volunteers on the season-ending DP World Tour Championship, the final European Tour event in the “Race to Dubai”. This is one of the most high profile events on the European Tour and brings together the top 60 golfers, the top 10 of whom compete for a Bonus Pool of some $5,000,000. The tournament itself has a prize fund of some $8,000,000! Needless to say, every golfer wants to be in a position to play for this Prize Fund.

Lee Westwood and Skipton member Alistair Coy

Lee Westwood and Skipton member Alistair Coy

The interest in volunteering began when Alistair Coy first went out to work on the tournament in 2009, a year when Lee Westwood won both titles and returned home with a cool £1.6 million! Alistair enjoyed the experience so much that he came back enthusing to other Skipton members, enthusiasm which clearly captivated them and this year saw Paul and Amanda Kilner, Sophie Eddison and Steve Willock join him on the fairways of the Earth Course.

Like Alistair, Paul and Amanda had worked on the tournament in previous years and are similarly enthusiastic about the volunteering opportunity. Not only does it give you the chance to work closely alongside and observe some of the world’s most famous golfers ply their trade, it also allows you to mix volunteering with a holiday in Dubai, all this under glorious and sun-filled blue skies.

Skipton GC volunteers and honorary Skipton member

Skipton GC members and honorary Skipton member

The volunteering opportunities on the tournament are varied and range from Marshalling, Scoring or acting as TV Support. It’s a personal choice and one that Chief Marshal, Jenni Hoskins tries to fulfil. In fact, Jenni is happy to welcome overseas volunteers because they are in Dubai specifically for the DPWTC and don’t have the same constraints experienced by local volunteers with work commitments! There was actually a shortage of volunteers during the 2016 event and she would be happy to hear from anyone interested in working there in 2017.

Alistair Coy actually writes a blog while working on the tournament and this provides a great insight for prospective future volunteers. Details can be found at http://www.alindubai.blogspot.com and if any member has any questions after reading, then Alistair or any of the other members would be more than happy to discuss their experiences. Alternatively, you can e-mail Chief Marshal, Jenni Hoskins directly at jengolfdxb@hotmail.com