HAVEN, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) – When you think of the Ryder Cup, the first thing anyone thinks of is the action.
What many forget, is the volunteers.
It takes nearly 4,000 people giving their time. Each one has to work a minimum of four four-hour shifts. They also get a personalized credential with free admission onto the grounds when they aren’t working.
Russ Wittkop has volunteered at multiple golf events over the years, but because of his bad knees, this will be his last.
At 69 years old, he tells FOX 11 there’s no better way to end his time volunteering.
“It’s the Ryder Cup. I mean, lets face it. There’s one event that takes place every two years. When it comes to the weekend, this place is gonna go crazy. And that’s gonna be something special.”
Volunteers said they paid about $250 to take part in the event. In return, they receive food and drink vouchers, credentials and their Ralph Lauren uniform.
“I can’t put a price on it because to me, as far as what I’m doing here, is priceless,” said Whittkop. “I love doing what I do, and I love the fact that we’re able to be inside the ropes.”
It’s not just Wisconsinites donating their time this week. One volunteer drove over 2,000 miles from Washington state.
Connie Ormiston was one of about 30,000 people who registered to give her time by the March 2019 deadline.
“I didn’t get in in 2019. I was an alternate. And because it got moved due to COVID, so many people couldn’t make it that had previously committed. So then alternates got to fill those spots.”
Ormiston has the weekend off and will be taking advantage of her volunteer perks by walking the grounds on Saturday and Sunday.
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