Number of American Express volunteers down a quarter from previous years

Many things are different about this year's American Express tournament, including the number of volunteers.

Head volunteer Rob Appel said his committee normally has 45 to 50 people to help with crowd control and player security. This year there are only 9.

Most volunteers in his committee are veterans, with two rookies, Appel said.

“We’re able to keep the crowds under control… that’s for sure!” Barry Rutz laughed, it's his eighth year volunteering at the tournament.

Tournament Director Pat McCabe said that in a normal year, the tournament would have near 1,200 volunteers between PGA West and La Quinta Country Club. This year there are only about 300, about a quarter of normal.

“We had a number of people who chose not to volunteer this year on their own accord, but then said, ‘I’ll be back in 2022!’” Appel said.

“We have volunteers who have been with us for 30, 40-plus years, and really that core group is the ones who are here with us this year,” McCabe said.

The American Express fully expects to welcome ticketed spectators and host the three-day pro-am again next year. But for now, these volunteers are enjoying being able to relax a little bit and enjoy their insider’s view.

“There’s nobody here, so we basically, basically have more time to look around and see what’s happening and maybe watch the players a little bit more, because normally, we don’t,” said Rutz.

“Good camaraderie between the players, the caddies and the volunteers this year,” said Appel.

“They are so important to this event. We truly couldn’t do it without them,” McCabe said. “The ones who are here are so passionate and the most passionate ones, working hard, morning, noon and night, not just this week, but really all year.”