Members of this committee will be trained to operate specialized credentialing equipment and the proprietary software, which will include data entry, taking photos, and printing badges. Volunteers need to be comfortable with several Microsoft computer programs, as well as the internet/email.
Responsibilities prior to tournament week—in April:
- Produce and verify thousands of credentials
Responsibilities during tournament week:
- Maintain the credential trailer on-site to provide photo credentials for specified volunteers, media, staff, club staff, and others – two volunteers per shift
Please understand that this committee is somewhat unique—the majority of our work is done in the months before the actual tournament.
Featured Story: Frank Kapelar 2005
Mobilizing a corps of more than 2,000 volunteers for a nationally televised sporting event is a major undertaking. To do it flawlessly, which is the standard set by officials of the Wells Fargo Championship, is the ultimate challenge in the light of today's security-conscious world.
That's why Frank Kapelar and other members of the Credentials Committee assume their responsibilities with great conviction. Prior to and during the event, they prepare photo credentials for volunteers, event staff, media, club staff and others. The badges provide access to designated areas. It's a safeguard that allows players, spectators and club members to relax and enjoy the experience.
Throughout the tournament, committee members remain accommodating but guarded. Frank double checks each name before handing out badges. Now in his third year on the Credentials Committee, Frank explains, "In the South, we want to trust people. Culturally, it's our nature. Unfortunately, in this day and age, we have to be on our toes."
For Frank, getting free tickets to a round of golf was not his goal. He became a Wells Fargo Championship ambassador "to share his enthusiasm for the grand game of golf" and "to convince the PGA TOUR to keep the tournament in Charlotte".
With volunteers like Frank, the Wells Fargo Championship will be here a long time.