1,200 Volunteers Power $65M Charity Golf Tournament

Twelve hundred smiling faces make one of golf's premier tournaments possible, and they wouldn't want to be anywhere else.

The American Express Tournament in La Quinta, California, runs on an army of volunteers who travel from across the nation and around the globe to help professional golfers and fans navigate the event. Their jobs range from hospitality to scorekeeping to crowd control, but they all share one thing: a passion for giving back.

"I love the atmosphere. I love golf. I love being a part of this whole thing and giving back," said Sharon Marshall, a volunteer who keeps detailed tee sheets to help fans track down their favorite players. Her preparation ensures that excited spectators never miss a moment with the pros they came to see.

Thomas Berger handles crowd control, guiding players safely through enthusiastic fans. Lauren Christiansen, who spends winters in the valley, coordinates volunteer services across multiple courses. Each role requires precision and warmth, and volunteers deliver both.

The tournament offers volunteers unmatched access to world-class golf and professional athletes. But most volunteers say the real reward goes far beyond the fairways.

The Ripple Effect

The American Express Tournament primarily supports the Impact Through Golf Foundation, which channels funds to over 100 nonprofits throughout the Coachella Valley. Since its inception over 60 years ago, the tournament has generated more than $65 million for the local community.

"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."

That commitment transforms a sporting event into a community lifeline. The foundation's support touches everything from youth programs to health services to educational initiatives across the valley. Every scorecard carried, every crowd managed, and every fan directed contributes to that larger mission.

Volunteer Glenn Deobald captured the spirit perfectly: "We're excited to be able to help the community." His enthusiasm reflects what draws hundreds of people back year after year, creating a volunteer corps that's as dedicated as it is skilled.

When passion for golf meets commitment to community, everyone wins.