STATIC MARSHALS
There is not a more visible committee at a golf tournament than static marshals. By using simple common sense and diplomacy with players and spectators, static marshals can improve the quality of the event. The main objectives for marshals are to ensure fair play for the players and the physical safety of the spectators.
GREEN MARSHAL
The green marshals will need to be particularly aware of shots on and around the green as more strokes are played in this area than other location on the hole. Be sure to give your voice command before a player takes a stance to play a stroke. Stay next to the rope lines, out of the player's line of sight and face the gallery with arms held high until you hear the ball struck.Be alert for stray balls that may go outside the rope lines. If a ball may be out of bounds, signal to the fairway marshals as described above.Replace gallery ropes and stakes, as described above, but only after the group has finished play on the green. In between groups, make the following announcement to the crowd: “Ladies and gentlemen, we ask that you please respect the players by not using your mobile device in this area or any area of play at any time. Thank you.”When there is a large gallery following a group, at least one marshal should be positioned OUTSIDE THE ROPE LINE BETWEEN THE GREEN AND THE NEXT TEE. If the marshal sees or sense the gallery is about to move before the player is to putt, the marshal should give a loud voice command before the player putts to stop the crowed from moving or disturbing play. The position of the marshal, to be SEEN AND HEAR BY THE GALLERY, is most important in this instance.
CROSSWALK MARSHAL
Crosswalks are the area where spectators may cross the fairways. There should be a marshal on each side of the crosswalk. Marshals should become familiar with the nuances of the hold and establish guidelines for each crosswalk.Crosswalks should be open only when there are no strokes being played in the area of the crosswalk and after the entire group has passed through.Crosswalks should always be closed from the time the players prepare for their tee shots until the entire group has passed the crosswalk.
TEE MARSHAL
Marshals should be sure that the entrance gate or path is clear of spectators so the players coming from the previous green can enter the tee area easily. If there is a crosswalk in the fairway, the tee marshals should signal to the crosswalk marshals to close the crosswalk AS SOON AS YOU SEE PLAYERS APPROACH YOUR TEE. By doing this, the fairway will be clear for the players to play when they arrive to the tee. Be sure to give your voice commands BEFORE THE PLAYER TEES THE BALL. Stay next to the rope lines, even with the tee markers and face the gallery with arms held high until you hear the ball struck. Tee marshals should SIGNAL TO THE LANDING AREA MARSHALS the direction of the tee shots. Clearly indicate whether the ball’s direction is left, right or down the middle. This will enable the landing area marshals to prepare for balls heading toward the rope lines.Coordinate signals with the landing area marshals to KNOW WHEN A STRAY BALL MAY BE OUT OF BOUNDS. If the landing area marshal signals “out”, notify the player that the marshal thinks the ball may be out of bounds. This should be enough information for the player to play a provisional ball. Never position yourself on an extension of a player’s line of play behind the ball. Stay next to the rope lines, even with the ball an face the gallery with arms held high until the ball is struck. In between groups, make the following announcement to the crowd: “Ladies and gentlemen, we ask that you please respect the players by not using your mobile device in this area or any area of play at any time. Thank you.”
LANDING AREA MARSHAL
Watch all the balls that come into your area. If you are uncertain whether a ball may be out of bounds, signal “out” to the tee marshal to notify the player. If the ball comes to a rest outside of the gallery rope lines, quickly protect the ball so a spectator doesn’t move it. Protect the ball by getting into the crowd and asking them ALL to “Please stand behind me to give the player view of the ball and enough room… THANK YOU” Say this clearly as you back away from the ball at least 15 feet. Remember not just the player needs unobstructed access to the ball … The Player, Caddy and potentially Rules officials need access to the area. Please engage other Marshals on your hole to help out with keeping the Gallery away from the ball. Only after the ball is secured, and upon request from the Caddy or Player, do you pull rope stakes and lower the ropes. Rope Stake holes are typically painted, but fade during tournament, it is recommended that ALL on course Marshals carry a Long Tee for placing into the ground the location of where the Stake was pulled. THIS IS WHERE THE MARSHAL BEST CONTRIBUTES TO FAIR PLAY FOR THE CONTEST AND SAFETY FOR THE SPECTATOR. Give your voice command before a player takes a stance to play a stroke. Stay next to the rope lines even with the player’s ball and face the gallery with arms held high until you hear the ball struck. REPLACE GALLERY ROPE LINES AND STAKES. If the stake holes are not painted, put a tee in the ground where the stake was removed for easier replacement. A clove hitch knot is best fork keeping the line pulled tight.