The stage is set for one of the most prestigious events in collegiate golf as the NCAA Women’s Golf Regional descends on Keene Trace Golf Club in Nicholasville, Kentucky, from May 5 to May 7. As the nation’s top collegiate athletes prepare to compete for a spot in the NCAA Championship, Keene Trace will transform into the epicenter of elite women’s golf, and with it comes a unique opportunity for the local community to be part of something special. Volunteers are being called upon to help bring this tournament to life—most notably to serve as live scorers, playing a crucial role in the real-time broadcast and documentation of every birdie, bogey, and brilliant shot that unfolds across the pristine greens and fairways.
The NCAA Women’s Golf Regionals are one of the most intense and exhilarating stages in collegiate sports. With six regional sites being hosted simultaneously across the country, each venue becomes a battleground where dreams are either realized or deferred. At each regional, twelve teams and six individuals not on those teams will compete, with the top five teams and the low individual not on an advancing team earning the right to move on to the NCAA Championships, set to be held later in May. It’s not only a showcase of elite athleticism but also a testament to the years of discipline, dedication, and determination that each of these student-athletes has invested in the game of golf.
Keene Trace Golf Club is no stranger to the spotlight. Known for its challenging layout and scenic beauty, it has previously hosted the PGA Tour’s Barbasol Championship, drawing professional players from around the globe. Its championship course, Champion Trace, is widely regarded as one of the finest in the Bluegrass State. The meticulously maintained course features tight fairways, fast greens, and strategic hazards that will test every aspect of a golfer’s game. Hosting a regional tournament at such a venue provides a perfect canvas for elite collegiate athletes to showcase their skills, and it’s certain that the players competing here will be pushed to their limits.
With the magnitude of the NCAA Women’s Golf Regional comes the need for a strong supporting cast, and that’s where the call for volunteers becomes vital. Tournament organizers are seeking community members to serve as live scorers throughout the three-day event. These scorers will walk with groups of players, inputting scores into handheld devices after each hole. This information is then transmitted in real-time to scoreboards on-site and online leaderboards, ensuring fans, coaches, media, and NCAA officials have immediate access to tournament standings.
While live scoring may seem like a simple task, it is among the most important volunteer roles in any golf tournament. It requires attention to detail, the ability to walk several miles, and a keen eye to ensure that scores are accurate. Live scorers act as the connective tissue between the athletes and the public, helping ensure that the unfolding drama of the round is shared moment by moment with the broader world. For those who love the sport of golf, it’s an immersive way to experience the game from inside the ropes, following elite players shot by shot as they compete for a national title.
What makes this opportunity even more special is that it allows volunteers to witness future stars of the game up close. Many players who compete in NCAA regionals go on to become successful professionals. Whether it’s earning LPGA status, qualifying for major championships, or representing their countries in international competition, the next generation of golf greatness often passes through events just like this one. Volunteering gives fans a front-row seat to the early chapters of these athletes’ journeys.
Volunteers at Keene Trace will also become an integral part of a tournament environment that prioritizes excellence, sportsmanship, and community spirit. The NCAA places tremendous importance on the student-athlete experience, and volunteers are often key in helping create a welcoming, supportive, and organized atmosphere. From assisting with pace of play to helping maintain the flow of the tournament, volunteers help ensure that players can focus entirely on their performance, knowing the event is being managed with precision and professionalism.
Organizers are encouraging volunteers of all backgrounds and experience levels to sign up. Training will be provided in advance of the tournament, including tutorials on how to operate the scoring devices and protocols for interacting with players. Those who have previously volunteered at local or regional golf events will already have some familiarity with the format, but newcomers are equally welcome. What matters most is a willingness to learn, a love for the game, and a desire to contribute to an event that celebrates both athletic excellence and the student-athlete experience.
In addition to live scoring, volunteers may also be asked to assist with other duties, including shuttle driving, player registration, and gallery control. However, live scoring remains the primary need and the most immersive way for volunteers to engage with the tournament. Each scorer will be assigned to a specific group, walking alongside them throughout their round, entering scores hole-by-hole, and ensuring that updates are relayed promptly.
The May 5-7 timeframe falls just after the conclusion of most local high school and college semesters, making it an ideal opportunity for students, retirees, golf fans, and anyone with flexible availability to take part. Volunteers will receive official apparel, complimentary meals, and the satisfaction of knowing they played a part in one of the NCAA’s premier postseason events. For many, it’s also a chance to network with other golf enthusiasts, coaches, and event organizers, deepening their connection to the sport and the broader community.
Beyond the action on the course, the NCAA Women’s Golf Regional at Keene Trace promises to be a celebration of sportsmanship, perseverance, and excellence. It brings together players from across the country, each with their own stories, struggles, and triumphs. For every long putt holed and every fairway found, there are countless hours of practice, early mornings, and sacrifices that preceded it. By volunteering, individuals become part of that larger story—helping bring visibility and support to women’s collegiate sports and contributing to the elevation of the student-athlete experience.
In a time when women’s sports are receiving increasing recognition and support, events like the NCAA Regional provide a platform for female athletes to shine on their own stage. The intensity of competition, the strategy required on every hole, and the mental toughness demanded by tournament play are on full display. Volunteers help amplify that stage, ensuring that the spotlight remains bright and that every competitor is seen and celebrated.
The regional will also serve as a major economic and cultural boon to the local community. With teams, coaches, fans, and NCAA officials traveling in from across the country, local hotels, restaurants, and businesses will see a surge in visitors. The event helps shine a positive light on Nicholasville and the Lexington area, reinforcing its reputation as a premier destination for championship golf. By volunteering, residents can show off the region’s hospitality and pride, making a lasting impression on everyone who attends.
As the countdown to May 5 begins, excitement is building at Keene Trace and throughout Kentucky’s golf community. Preparations are underway to ensure the course is in peak condition, logistics are finalized, and volunteers are in place. The next few weeks will be critical in building the team that will help bring this tournament to life—and it all starts with those willing to step forward and raise their hand to be part of something bigger than themselves.
Whether you’re a lifelong golfer, a fan of collegiate athletics, or someone looking for a meaningful way to give back, volunteering at the NCAA Women’s Golf Regional at Keene Trace offers a rare and rewarding opportunity. You’ll witness elite competition, support student-athletes, and become a vital part of an unforgettable event. The tournament may only last three days, but the impact of your contribution will extend far beyond.
Those interested in volunteering can visit the official Keene Trace Golf Club website or reach out directly to tournament organizers for more information. Roles are filling quickly, and the need for reliable live scorers remains high. No prior experience is required—just a willingness to be part of a team, attention to detail, and a passion for the game of golf.
This May, when some of the country’s finest young athletes tee off with dreams of national glory, you could be right there with them—not as a spectator, but as a participant. Join the team, walk the fairways, and help make the NCAA Women’s Golf Regional at Keene Trace a shining success.