The organisers of the ISPS Handa New Zealand Open are seeking volunteers for the professional golf tournament, which will be held at Millbrook Resort and The Hills golf courses on March 9-12.
As many as 450 volunteers are needed over the four-day event's first two days, to carry out tasks such as carrying scoreboards, working as course marshals or ball spotters, driving shuttles, controlling the leader board, scoring or helping out in the media centre.
Tournament director Michael Glading said volunteer assistance was ``absolutely key'' to its success.
Volunteers were needed for either the entire four days or the Thursday and Friday, and needed to commit to a minimum of six hours a day.
In return they get free admission and parking, lunch, a shirt and cap and go into a draw to win a spot as an amateur player in the 2018 tournament.
Managing the volunteer army for the first time is Arrowtown man Richard Hoskin, who has taken over the position from Christchurch's Sue McFarlane.
The former first-class Otago cricketer and former Sport Southland boss said volunteers did not have to be golf lovers, but it helped.
He was looking for people who could bring ``enthusiasm, motivation and passion'' to the event.
The New Zealand Open is a tier one event on the PGA Tour of Australasia.
Prospective volunteers can register by contacting Richard Hoskin at richard@theclubhouse.kiwi
