Letter: Volunteers abused

First, I'd like to confess that I am a big golf fan and thoroughly enjoy watching the world's best golfers compete against each other. However, a small article in a recent Northbrook Herald provides glaring evidence of something amiss in the sports world and our society in general.

I'm referring to the innocuous little article that describes how the BMW Golf Championship is looking for volunteers to assist the PGA in putting on this event. Volunteers must be prepared to work "at least" three four- to six-hour shifts during the tournament at Olympia Fields Country Club. Additionally, "Volunteers" must be willing to pay $175 to the BMW Championship for the privilege and honor of working for the golfing aristocrats.

After paying $175, volunteers will receive a goodie bag that will include their work uniform. Of course, how do you put a price tag on the chance that a volunteer may get a glimpse of one of golf's superstars, or better yet, the possibility that a volunteer could pick up one of the golfer's discarded water bottles or candy wrappers?

The PGA and the Saudi-backed LIV is awash in cash. This has allowed the entire professional golf structure to make staggering amounts of money. Every tournament needs thousands of volunteers in order to conduct them efficiently and safely.

These volunteers are golf's biggest fans who selflessly give their time and effort in order to bring these tournaments to their communities. These volunteers are not millionaires. Chances are they are the golfers who play at public courses and have to account for every dollar they spend.

I have to hand it to the PGA. They are attempting to get golf's fan base to minimize their own self-worth and pay multimillionaires for the perverse pleasure of getting close to these golfing celebrities.

Unfortunately, this is only a small sports example of our cultural appetite for greed and celebrity glorification. My only suggestion to all those trying to be manipulated is: just say NO!

Wayne Micek

Northbrook