Bay Hill, Fla. – As the Arnold Palmer Invitational unfolds this week at Arnold Palmer’s Bay Hill Club & Lodge, several longtime volunteers are reflecting on decades of service while encouraging the next generation of women to pursue their goals.
March marks Women’s History Month, and two women who have volunteered with the tournament for more than two decades say their experiences highlight the growing role of women in the sport.
Susan Reeves has been volunteering at the tournament for 22 years.
“More and more women are coming out and doing this kind of thing,” Reeves said. “And I think that if you care about what you’re doing, you can do well.”
Christine Bishop, a member of the tournament’s volunteer executive leadership team, is marking her 23rd year helping organize the event. Bishop oversees several critical operations that help the tournament run smoothly.
“Well, I handle player relations, so I’m responsible for player services, player transportation, driving range, putting green, the gallery management, starters, announcers and the professional caddies,” Bishop said.
Bishop also made history within the organization.
“I was the first woman to be appointed to the board,” she said. “Before then, it was very new for me to be appointed, but I don’t really look at it as being treated any differently.”
Other women at the tournament shared similar advice for those hoping to follow in their footsteps.
“You hear ten no’s before you hear the first yes,” Lia Zavisho said. “So persistence — and don’t let somebody tell you that you can’t do something.”
“If one path kind of has some barriers, choose another path, get some allies on your side and go for it,” Samantha Allo said.
“Have your eye on the prize,” Deisa Martin added. “That’s going to be your motivator.”
Bishop said dedication and hard work can open doors.
“Give it 110% and somebody is going to recognize you,” she said.
Reeves offered a simple but familiar piece of advice.
“It sounds cliché, but if you do what you love, you’ll never work a day in your life,” Reeves said.
How to Volunteer at the Arnold Palmer Invitational
Those interested in volunteering at the Arnold Palmer Invitational can apply through the tournament’s official volunteer program.
Volunteers support many areas of the event, including player services, transportation, scoring, gallery management and hospitality. Applications typically open several months before the tournament each year.
To learn more about volunteer opportunities or apply, visit the tournament’s official volunteer page through Arnold Palmer Invitational at arnoldpalmerinvitational.com and navigate to the “Volunteer” section. Volunteers must register online and select the committee they are interested in serving on.