(Naples, FL) — The PGA Tour’s Champions Tour has selected Nicole Anderson of the 3M Championship in Minneapolis, MN as its 2005 Volunteer of the Year, it was announced today by PGA TOUR Commissioner Tim Finchem and Champions Tour President Rick George. The presentation was made at the Champions Tour’s annual Player Awards Dinner held in conjunction with this week’s ACE Group Classic in Naples, FL.
Anderson, 24, garnered the honor via a balloting process that included nominations from tournaments on the 2005 Champions Tour schedule.
A native of Bloomington, MN, Anderson has played an active role as a volunteer at the 3M Championship since it’s inception in 1993. She began running scorecards to the outdoor calligraphy boards and the media tent at the age of 12. Despite dealing with severe ankle problems stemming from a childhood infection, Anderson’s volunteer responsibilities have continued to grow. After countless attempts at surgery, the pain led to Anderson’s decision to undergo amputation. In 2005, she postponed her surgery two weeks so it would not interfere with her volunteer duties, which included overseeing the Junior Skills Challenge, a new event for 150 youths from the Fairway Foundation and The First Tee.
"When you have over 1,600 volunteers who work their tails off each year to make this event the huge success it has become, it is very hard to pick just one to nominate for an award" said 3M Championship Tournament Director, Hollis Cavner. "Except in the case of Nicole, who started 14 years ago in our very first year volunteering in scoring. Even while she was dealing with all of her medical problems, she never stopped smiling. She certainly deserves the honor of 2005 Champions Tour Volunteer of the Year."
"I am but one, out of 1,600 volunteers who work every year at the 3M Championship" said Anderson. "To be recognized by the Champions Tour in this manner is truly an honor. I share this award with all of my fellow 3M volunteers."
"Nicole Anderson is an inspiration to all volunteers on the Champions Tour," said George. "Her dedication and drive are incredible. There were a number of other wonderful nominees, but Nicole stood out. She’s a great person and a real asset to the 3M Championship. We’re proud to honor her as the 2005 Champions Tour Volunteer of the Year."
Also recognized at the Dinner were the previously-announced 2005 Champions Tour player award winners; Dana Quigley (Player of the Year/Jack Nicklaus Trophy, Arnold Palmer Award), Tom Watson (Charles Schwab Cup), Jay Haas (Rookie of the Year), Peter Jacobsen (Comeback Player of the Year) and Mark McNulty (Byron Nelson Award). Blank Children’s Hospital of Des Moines, IA, a beneficiary of the Allianz Championship, was named 2005 Champions Tour Charity of the Year.
The 2006 3M Championship will be played July 31-August 6 at the Tournament Players Club of the Twin Cities in Blaine, MN. Tom Purtzer is defending champion.
Other finalists for the Volunteer of the Year were Patrick Heath (Commerce Bank Championship, East Meadow, NY), Mike McIver (Outback Steakhouse Pro-Am, Tampa, FL), Steven D. Shaw (Regions Charity Classic, Birmingham, AL), Gary Vasquez (Administaff Small Business Classic, Spring, TX) and Jeff McClaran (Allianz Championship, Des Moines, IA).
Champions Tour events generate significant sums of money for charity. The three tours of the PGA TOUR and their tournaments reached the $1 billion mark in charitable giving, dating back to the first donation in 1938, last Ocotber.
Contact:
Jeff Adams
Director of Public Relations, Champions Tour
Tel: 904-273-3397
Email: jadams@pgatourhq.com
Hollis Cavner
Tournament Director, 3M Championship
Tel: 763-783-8232
Email: cavner@3mchampionship.com
Jennifer Hines
Media/PR, 3M Championship
Tel: 763-783-9000
Email: jhines@3mchampionship.com
