When you look inside every successful organization, you usually find one person who keeps the trains running on time.

They are the kind of people who care more about making sure everything is done right than taking a turn in the spotlight.

At the BMW Charity Pro-Am Presented by TD SYNNEX, that person is Nancy Smith, the longtime volunteer chairperson.

Smith’s role with the event is part recruiter, part teacher, part drill sergeant, and part cheerleader—working with over 800 volunteers every year.

She began as an event volunteer 25 years ago when the tournament adopted its current celebrity-inclusive format.

“Doug McGrath (one of the founders of the current BMW tournament) was on the board at the time and made such a passionate speech to the volunteers that day,” Smith recalled. “I got that passion in me that day, and I still have it.”

Over the years, her quiet dedication to the BMW tournament has brought her back year after year—not just to a golf tournament, but to what feels more like a family reunion.

“It is like a reunion. The volunteers are my family,” she said. “So many of these dedicated volunteers have been with the tournament for years—I mean, some of these people I’ve known for 25 years. I met them through the tournament, and it’s just been wonderful. I look forward to seeing them every year.”

As the tournament grew into its current format, Smith’s importance to the event’s success grew as well.

She has become a valued source of institutional knowledge, frequently consulted by sponsors and Korn Ferry Tour officials.

In her time with the tournament, Smith has done just about every volunteer job imaginable.

Managing such a large number of volunteers isn’t about forcing a square peg into a round hole. Instead, Smith’s skill lies in placing the right person in the right role to be most effective.

“We have so many jobs at the tournament—we can find a role for just about everyone’s talent and time. The best part about being a volunteer is you don’t need to know a lot—or even anything—about golf,” she joked.

Of course, there are volunteer jobs where golf knowledge is helpful, but there are also dozens of essential housekeeping roles that allow the tour pros to play and the fans to enjoy the experience.

“I have a great group of chairpersons who know how to get things done. These days, I spend a lot of my time problem-solving and hugging the volunteers to let them know how important they are to the event,” she said.

BMW volunteers receive more than just a thank-you. There’s a whole series of perks available to them.

“I’ve volunteered at some PGA Tour events, and I don’t think any of them do as much for the volunteers as we do at the BMW,” Smith said.

Volunteers pay a $50 fee to cover their uniform costs.

In addition to a shirt and cap, volunteers receive tickets to the event, meals while on duty, a happy hour in an air-conditioned tent at the end of each day, an invitation to a volunteer golf tournament, and several other appreciation events.

“The volunteers also help raise money for the charities benefiting from the tournament. Each day they work adds $20 to the total contributions made from the tournament,” said Smith.

Before you think Smith is all business, you should know she occasionally allows herself to enjoy being a fan and spending time around the celebrities and golfers.

“I’ve got some favorite celebrities from the ones who have been here. Most of them are nice, but a few of the bigger names have been a little snooty,” she admitted.

If you’re at the event as a fan, you might only catch a glimpse of Smith on the 18th green at the end of the tournament, when the people behind the scenes form the backdrop for the awards presentation.

“It’s exciting to be there when the awards are presented. The winners always compliment and thank the volunteers. They know the tournament wouldn’t be possible without them,” she said.

In addition to the winning Korn Ferry pro, celebrities, and amateurs, the event also names a Volunteer of the Year.

“We have so many who are deserving, it’s very hard to pick out just one or two. I try to make sure they all know how much I appreciate what they do and how the tournament couldn’t be a success without them,” Smith said.

The tournament can always use more volunteers—if not this year, then next. Volunteer information can be found on the event website at www.bmwcharitygolf.com.

After 25 years, Smith shows no signs of slowing down. She has the same passion for volunteering as she did at the very first BMW tournament at Cliffs Valley.

It is among the highlights of her year being able to catch up with so many good friends she has valued for so many years.

“I’m so happy to see so many volunteers return year after year. Once we get them, they keep coming back. I think it’s because we are family—and that’s what makes volunteering special,” Smith concluded.