Project Description

By Brenda McGrane and Brenda Hernandez

The stylish, four-day sporting event built for golf-enthusiasts known as the 2015 WGC-Cadillac Championship took place March 5-8 at the Trump National Doral located at 4400 NW 87 Ave.

While hundreds of fans gathered to greet their favorite PGA Tour players and await tee times, UMiami’s PREP students worked diligently behind-the-scenes, even days before the start of the event, to ensure its success.

PREP students went on a weeklong journey working for the Cadillac Championship by familiarizing themselves with the media center, where they spent most of the their time trying to get as much information as possible to the different media outlets.

Jobs in the media center included timely distribution of media credentials, dining vouchers, transcripts and factsheets. Each morning students worked together to restock fridges with refreshments and prepare daily newspaper clippings before media began to arrive.

After the first round of the tournament concluded, students assisted in preparation of press conferences, setting up the stage and running microphones to the media. Press conferences were held each day thereafter; including an appearance by 2015 Cadillac Championship winner, Dustin Johnson.

In addition to the media center, PREP students had a chance to work with Trump Doral and Cadillac Championship’s official social media teams. PREP was assigned different tasks that ranged from engaging spectators through pictures, contests and giveaways while also promoting ticket access upgrades for fans to gain access to special lounges around the course.

“This event provided me with real insight into what goes in to making an event media center fully functional, it was a great experience to learn, watch and gain media connections,” said PREP student Claire Skinner.

With hospitality in mind, PREP students worked hard to meet the needs of spectators and collaborate efficiently with multiple media outlets, Trump Doral staff and the PGA Tour. It was an honor to work for the Cadillac Championship again.