Nationwide Tour honors Utahn as top volunteer

By Mike Sorensen
Deseret Morning News

The PGA Tour has named Mike Smith of the Envirocare Utah Classic as the Nationwide Tour Volunteer of the Year. Smith has been a volunteer at the tournament for six years and has been the Volunteer Chairman for the past four.

Smith will receive a special trophy honoring his selection as Volunteer of the Year at a ceremony to be held 6:30 p.m. Wednesday at Willow Creek Country Club.

" To be recognized as the Volunteer of the Year for the Nationwide Tour is truly humbling," Smith said. "This honor is really a reflection of the great family of volunteers we have here in Salt Lake City. I feel fortunate to have given my time to help make a difference in my community with the Nationwide Tour event and the benefits the event provides to so many."

Smith was selected from a group of volunteers submitted by tournaments across the Nationwide Tour.

" We are very pleased to honor today's winners who stood out among a strong list of candidates," said Bill Calfee, Chief of Operations for the Nationwide Tour. "The Volunteer of the Year is a very significant award that allows us to give recognition for their efforts."
The Envirocare Utah Classic is the only PGA TOUR event held in Utah. The tournament attracts some of the world's best golfers and future stars of the PGA TOUR. Ernie Els, David Duval, John Daly, Jim Furyk and Tom Lehman are all past participants who have gone on to successful careers on the PGA TOUR.

" The presence of the PGA TOUR in Utah and the caliber of players the Envirocare Utah Classis attracts is an incredible asset to our state," said Jeff Robbins, President & CEO of the Utah Sports Commission. "We are incredibly fortunate to have dedicated volunteers who have helped position the Envirocare Utah Classis as one of the premier events on the Nationwide Tour."