COLORADO SPRINGS, COLO. -- The U.S. Women's Open is in full swing at the Broadmoor, as golfers got a feel for the course Monday during practice rounds.
But the athletes were not the only ones working hard. Behind the scenes, volunteers are helping run the tournament.
About 2,700 volunteers are scheduled to work the event.
Their duties include crowd control, among other things.
Organizers said this year is special because volunteers from all 50 states are traveling to Colorado Springs to be a part of the U.S. Women's Open.
"Came out here in 2008 for the senior tournament, and loved it, loved the area and the people, so decided to do it again," volunteer Cindy Renard said.
Renard traveled from Wichita, Kan. to be a part of the open.
She, along with her fellow volunteers, are working to keep the tournament running smoothly.
One of their jobs includes safety.
"I stand by to drive players off the field if we have inclement weather, particularly lightning in the forecast," Bill Morton, a volunteer from Wichita said.
While for some that might sound boring, the volunteers said they enjoy touring the Broadmoor, watching the golfers, and visiting with one another.
One woman from Springfield, Mo. said volunteering at the open was a no-brainer.
"My best friend from gradeschool lives out here, so it is kind of a vacation, and liking golf we just thought that was the perfect combination," volunteer Mary Tourville said.
And you can not of course forget all the cool stuff the volunteers get in return for their efforts, including meals throughout the day.
But for the real die-hards, it is the free golf tips they are picking up while watching that is the ultimate payback.
"Slow back swing and then let it rip, sometimes I think I swing too fast," Jerry Tourville, a volunteer from Springfield said.
The tournament officially kicks off Tuesday, and the players begin their first round of play Thursday.
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