American Express volunteers aid operations, give back to the community

LA QUINTA, Calif. (KESQ) – There are 1,200 volunteers who work the American Express Tournament and help to make sure all operations go smoothly. For each of them, they do their job with a smile, as they said the venues and proximity to players is unmatched.

“I love the atmosphere. I love golf. I love being a part of this whole thing and giving back," Sharon Marshall, a volunteer, said.

Volunteers come from across the nation and the world to be a part of the tournament. Their jobs vary and can heavily impact the success of each day.

“We come in in different services, such as hospitality or it could be a standard bearer, carrying the big signs," Lauren Christiansen, from volunteer services, said.

“Usually our job is to just direct the players through the crowd and keep the crowd control,” volunteer Thomas Berger said.

“We have a lot of people who don't know the difference between the courses, and they're trying to find their favorite golfers, and so I always keep a tee sheet," Marshall said. "That's what I love doing.”

As they help fans and professional athletes, volunteers said their impact goes beyond the course as the American Express primarily gives back through the Impact Through Golf Foundation, supporting over 100 non-profits in the Coachella Valley.

“Supporting a charity like this in the Valley is important," Christiansen said. "Even though I'm not from this area, but I spend my winters here. I want to contribute and give back. ”

“We were told, when we started this year, that this tournament has generated over $65 million for the community in the 60 some years it's been doing it," volunteer Glenn Deobald said. "We're excited to be able to help the community.”

Stay with News Channel 3 for continuing coverage on the American Express Tournament.