What Is a Standard Bearer in Golf?

You’re glued to the final round of a major championship on a Sunday afternoon. The camera follows the lead group down the 18th fairway, and walking just ahead of them is a young person carrying a large sign displaying the players' names and scores. That person is a standard bearer, one of the most unique and important volunteer roles in professional golf. This guide will walk you through exactly what a standard bearer does, who gets to do it, and even how you could land this incredible on-course job yourself.

What Is the Primary Job of a Golf Standard Bearer?

At its core, the job of a standard bearer is to provide real-time, analog scoring information to the gallery following a specific group of players. They carry a large, pole-mounted sign, often called a "standard," that shows the names of the one, two, or three players in the group and their cumulative scores relative to par. After each hole, the standard bearer manually updates each player's score so the spectators on the course can see what's happening at a glance.

The standard itself typically has slots where numbered placard tiles can be inserted.

• A red number indicates a score under par. For example, a "–5" in red means the player is five-under.
• A black or green number (often accompanied by an "E") signifies a score of even par.
• A black or green number with a plus sign indicates a score over par. For instance, "+2" means the player is two-over.

The standard bearer's responsibility is to listen for the official scores from the walking scorer (another on-course volunteer) and quickly and accurately change the numbers. It’s a simple but vital task that predates the giant electronic leaderboards and a an absolute necessity for fans who aren't near a large-screen display.

More Than a Sign Carrier: The Rules and Experience

While outsiders might think the job is just a long walk while holding a sign, being a standard bearer comes with a set of important rules and a once-in-a-lifetime experience. They function as part of the official on-course crew, which means they get to walk "inside the ropes" - an area inaccessible to the general public. This gives them an unparalleled view of the action, often just a few feet away from the best players in the world.

On-Course Etiquette and Responsibilities

To have this privilege, standard bearers must follow a strict code of conduct. Nothing is more important than remembering they are there to perform a job, not to be a fan.

• Silence is Golden: The primary rule is to remain completely silent. Cheering, sighing, or any reaction to a shot is strictly forbidden. They cannot talk to the players, caddies, or other officials unless spoken to first.
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• Pace of Play is Paramount: A standard bearer must keep up with the group's pace. This means walking briskly down the fairway right after the players hit their shots and being in position near the next green to display the standard. There's no time for dawdling.
• Strategic Positioning: They are trained to position themselves in a way that is visible to the gallery but never distracting to the golfers. This means staying out of a player's line of sight, away from their through-line on the green, and knowing when to move and when to stand completely still. They are a ghost in the machine of a professional golf group.
• Updating the Score: This is their key task. After a hole is completed and the official walking scorer confirms the scores, the standard bearer steps to the side, quickly and quietly updates the placard numbers, and then walks ahead to the next teeing ground.

This role offers a unique perspective. You hear the crisp sound of a perfectly struck iron, the strategic discussions between player and caddie, and witness the intense focus that professional golf demands. It's often described as the "best seat in the house."

Who Becomes a Standard Bearer?

The army of standard bearers you see at a professional tournament is made up almost exclusively of volunteers. They are not paid staff. In most cases, these roles are highly coveted and are often filled by young golfers, typically teenagers and college students. Tournaments often partner with local chapters of The First Tee, youth golf associations, or high school golf teams to find enthusiastic and knowledgeable candidates.

You might be surprised to learn that even future golf stars have served as standard bearers. A young Jordan Spieth, for example, carried the standard for Tiger Woods at the 2006 Byron Nelson Championship. Many Tour pros can look back at their time inside the ropes as a standard bearer as a formative experience that fueled their passion for the game.

However, the role isn't limited to youngsters. At many tournaments, any adult who meets the physical requirements (the ability to walk 18 holes carrying a 10-15 pound pole) can apply to be a standard bearer. It's simply about having a passion for the game and a willingness to volunteer your time.

A Step-by-Step Guide to Becoming a Standard Bearer

So, you're sold. You want that inside-the-ropes experience. How do you actually make it happen? Volunteering at a professional golf tournament is more accessible than most people think. Here’s a general roadmap to follow.

Step 1: Identify Your Target Tournaments

First, figure out which tournaments are held near you. Check the schedules for the PGA Tour, LPGA Tour, Korn Ferry Tour, and PGA Tour Champions. Major championships organized by the USGA (U.S. Open) and PGA of America (PGA Championship) also rely heavily on volunteers. Create a list of events within a reasonable driving distance.

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Step 2: Find the Volunteer Information Page

Once you have your list, visit the official website for each tournament. Almost every event will have a "Volunteers" tab in the main navigation. This page will have all the details you need, including the roles available, volunteer package costs (yes, most volunteers pay a fee for the uniform and credentials), and the application timeline.

Step 3: Apply Early and Choose Your Role

Volunteer registration often opens many months, sometimes even a year, before the tournament date. Popular roles like standard bearer, walking scorer, and services for the practice area fill up fast. When you fill out the online application, you'll typically be asked to select your top three preferred committee positions. If being a standard bearer is your goal, make it your first choice.

Step 4: Understand the Commitment

Being a volunteer is a significant commitment. Most tournaments require volunteers to work a minimum number of shifts, often three or four days throughout the week. For stander bearers, this means you are on-callfor your assigned day. The day is long - you'll need to arrive well before your group's tee time and stay until they finish their round, which can be a 5-6 hour walk. You'll also be required to attend an orientation or training session prior to the tournament.

Expert Tips for First-Time Standard Bearers

If you're lucky enough to land the role, you want to perform like a pro. As a golf coach who sees the ins and outs of tournament play, here's my practical advice for making your day a success.

• Invest in Your Feet: You will be walking five to seven miles, much of it on uneven ground, all while carrying a pole. Do not wear new golf shoes. Choose your most comfortable, broken-in pair of walking or golf shoes. Your feet will thank you.
• Be Prepared for Any Weather: A golf tournament continues in light rain and changing conditions. Bring layers, a good quality rain jacket (and rain pants), sunblock, and a hat. Being prepared shows professionalism and keeps you comfortable.
• Hydrate and Fuel Up: Drink plenty of water before and during your round. There are usually water stations for volunteers, but carrying your own bottle is a good idea. Make sure to eat a solid meal beforehand, as you won't get a lunch break.
• Be Invisible: The best standard bearers are the ones you hardly notice are there. Do your job quietly and efficiently. Stay aware of your surroundings to ensure you're never in the way.
• Soak It All In: While maintaining your professionalism, don't forget to appreciate the experience. You are getting a golf education that money can't buy. Listen to how players plan shots, watch how they handle pressure, and observe their routines. These are lessons you can take directly to your own game.

Final Thoughts

The standard bearer is an iconic and indispensable part of the fabric of professional golf. This volunteer role offers an unforgettable way to get closer to the game, providing a behind-the-scenes look at the sport's biggest stars while serving an important function for players and fans alike.

While being a standard bearer gives you an amazing look into how the pros craft their strategy, they’re a bit too focused to offer you advice for your own game. That’s where we come in. With Caddie AI, you can get the same kind of expert-level course management and shot strategy on demand. If you're stuck on a tricky lie or unsure about the right play, our app analyzes your situation and gives you clear, simple advice in seconds, so you can play with more confidence every time you tee it up.