Marshals have it made at British Open

St. Andrews was the picture of calm as final preparations were made for the British Open.

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ST. ANDREWS, Scotland – The best deal at this year’s British Open is something that costs absolutely nothing except your time, and gives you pretty good access to the best players in the world on the oldest track in the world. If you haven’t guessed, its marshaling.

Photo Gallery

British Open (Monday practice round)

Sights from the Monday practice round in advance of the British Open at St. Andrews.

Marshals at this year’s British Open pays nothing for the official hat and jacket that go along with the job. They also receive lunch vouchers for each day they work, which is usually four hours a day for six or seven days.

This is a big deal when you consider that at most events on the PGA Tour schedule – and that includes the U.S. Open – the volunteers are charged more than $100 for their uniforms. This year at Pebble Beach, the cost per volunteer was around $160.

In talking to a volunteer on the second tee here at St. Andrews, it was clear he was very comfortable with the arrangement, and it sounds like they are always looking for people to perform different tasks.

So if you’re so inclined to take a break for a week, working at the British Open is not a bad deal.