This year marks the sixth consecutive U.S. Women's Open to include a group of women in turf volunteering to assist with course preparation. Twenty-five women, representing a wide range of experience levels and roles within the golf course maintenance industry, are volunteering at The Riviera Country Club in Los Angeles to help mow greens, rake bunkers, and complete other course preparation tasks.

I have been incredibly fortunate to be one of the women who volunteered at two of those six championships: the U.S. Women’s Opens at Pebble Beach Golf Links in 2023 and Erin Hills in 2025. Anyone who has worked double shifts, seven days in a row, alongside 30 to 40 strangers knows that by the end of the week, there are no strangers anymore. Friendships are formed and lasting memories are created. This is especially true for the women in turf who have come together to volunteer for the U.S. Women’s Open over the past six years.

I have had the privilege of experiencing USGA championships from both the hosting and volunteering perspectives. I was the senior assistant superintendent at Chambers Bay during the 2022 U.S. Women's Amateur, and a small group of women from across the Pacific Northwest joined us as volunteers for the week. After the championship concluded, one of my regular staff members approached me and asked if there was any way we could "keep all of the girls." I laughed as he went on to explain how much he enjoyed working alongside them because of their exceptional attention to detail and strong work ethic.

I have heard similar sentiments from others who have hosted championships where a group of women in turf volunteered. Bubba Wright, superintendent of Pebble Beach Golf Links during the U.S. Women’s Open in 2023 and now director of agronomy at Big Cedar Lodge in Missouri, shared a similar perspective when he remarked: "The one thing that stuck out the most was how well the group interacted with the team at Pebble Beach. There was almost an immediate synergy between the groups, and they worked together to achieve a common goal."

For the various women in turf who have come together to volunteer for the U.S. Women’s Open over the past six years, the connections extend well beyond the volunteer experience. When asked what being part of this group means to them, volunteers participating this year frequently used the same words in their responses: support, motivation and community. After these events, we do not simply part ways. What began with the first group of volunteers at the 2021 U.S. Women’s Open at The Olympic Club grew naturally from a desire to stay connected and continue providing support and encouragement. Updates on promotions, new positions, job openings and volunteer opportunities are regularly shared within this community.

For those who have been in the industry longer, there is a growing sense of pride in watching women who entered the profession as assistants in training (AITs) or entry-level maintenance crew members take the next steps in their careers and follow their professional journeys. Beyond sharing news, this network provides an opportunity for individuals to seek advice from peers who deeply understand the challenges faced throughout the golf course maintenance industry, while also recognizing the unique experiences of being a woman in a traditionally male-dominated field. The work these women do to help prepare iconic golf courses for the U.S. Women’s Open also shines a light on the opportunities available in the turf industry for women.

Every one of the women volunteering to help with course maintenance at this year’s U.S. Women’s Open is passionate about what they do and, in my opinion, they are among the strongest women you could ever have the pleasure of meeting. As many will tell you, perseverance is one of their defining qualities. They are standouts in the workforce who have been recognized and elevated through their expertise and accomplishments. I have greatly enjoyed working with them as a USGA agronomist helping to prepare Riviera for a great championship.

West Region Agronomists:

Brian Whitlark, regional director, West Region – bwhitlark@usga.org

Ross Niewola, agronomist – rniewola@usga.org

Heather Schapals, agronomist – hschapals@usga.org

Information on the USGA’s Course Consulting Service

Contact the Green Section Staff