Nice work if you can get it

The Open Championship is a massive logistical operation. From grandstands to burger stands, there are a million and one things to consider in the set-up and running of this great event.

The tournament also provides a week’s work for a huge number of people in a myriad of different roles. Aside from all those who are involved on the course – raking bunkers, carrying scoreboards, marshalling spectators etc – there’s an army of people working behind the scenes to provide all the facilities and services necessary to look after the 140,000 or so spectators expected to travel to Turnberry through the week.

Now, working at a golf tournament might seem like the ideal way to earn a few quid and in many cases I’d agree. If you’re employed as a scorer and you’re given the Woods, Ishikawa, Westwood grouping for instance.

There are, however, quite a few jobs here that aren’t quite so appealing. As an example – I feel quite sorry for the security guard who stands outside the Media Centre from 8am to 7pm with the sole task of checking you’re wearing a press pass. The car park attendants don’t get to see a huge amount of the action and all those who have anything to do with the Portaloos deserve our sympathy.

But, when it comes to the most obscure job at the Open Championship, the prize has to go to a chap Neil and I met yesterday. He was out driving round the course in a buggy with only a duster and a bottle of pledge in the trailer behind. He has just one role - to clean the Rolex clocks that sit on many of the tees.

We were wondering just how you go about advertising for such a position? “We are looking for a meticulous and tidy person with an interest in timekeeping. They should be proficient in the handling of cleaning products and able to buff glass to a high standard.”

Where next?

- Open Champions 1860-2008