The gift that keeps on giving: Nancy Jackson returns for an astounding 38th consecutive year of volunteering at the Chubb Classic
By Doug Milne
NAPLES, Fla. - It’s one thing for a handsomely paid professional golfer to return to the same event every year. But, to find an individual willing to return to the same event every year…as a volunteer…facing long hours, short breaks and no pay? Well, that’s a different story.
But, there actually is something alluring about tournament golf volunteer gigs that keep a handful of hardcores coming back year after year. One would be hard-pressed, however, to locate a volunteer anywhere – on any Tour – who has surpassed the 30-consecutive-year mark at the same event.
That’s a difficult unicorn to track down, indeed…unless you happen upon Nancy Jackson front…center….and, well, pretty much everywhere at this week’s Chubb Classic presented by SERVPRO. And, 30? That’s rookie material to her. Nancy blew past the 30-year mark eight years ago. In two years, she will cross the big 4-0 mark.
And, she intends to do so with enthusiasm.
Since the very first Chubb Classic at Pelican Bay in 1988, won by Gary Player, Jackson has been on site and firing on all cylinders in a volunteer capacity. Between the fun she’s had, people and players she’s met and rubbed elbows with, Nancy has memories of a lifetime.
“I was working at Pelican Bay before the first Chubb Classic where I learned they were looking for volunteers,” she recalled. “I thought it sounded like fun, but I had never played golf.”
Up for the experience, she got what some may consider christening by fire: walking scorer for Lee Trevino. Credited perhaps, to Jackson’s infectious and memorable charisma and charm, Trevino would come back after that initial 1988 event and win the Chubb Classic in 1990 and 1991.
Her duties since have included – but not been limited to – greens reporter (prior to the Shotlink era), laser operator and – for the last 20 years – in volunteer services.
“Every year has been great seeing old friends, people and all the golfers,” Nancy said. “It’s just a great thing to do.”
Over the span of 38 years as a volunteer, Nancy has certainly enjoyed unique opportunities to meet – and even assist – the greatest players to ever stick a tee in the ground.
“Meeting Arnold Palmer, Jack Nicklaus and Gary Player were incredible experiences and opportunities,” she said. “They were all so nice and such wonderful gentlemen.”
So, the question begs; how has Nancy’s own game come around by the osmosis virtue of being around the game and its most legendary players over the decades.
“I didn’t even play golf when I started volunteering,” she laughed. “But, I started and have been playing for a long time now. It’s just been an incredible experience across many levels. Not only have I had these amazing experiences out here as a volunteer, but it got me to start playing the game, too. In so many ways, golf really does bring people together.”
Not only does a big congratulations go out to Nancy for nearly four decades (and counting) of volunteering, but an equally enthusiastic congratulations extends to all those players, fans and other volunteers who’ve had the chance to get to know a remarkable person who shows up at the Chubb Classic every year, “in it to win it” – entirely as a volunteer.
That’s the difference. In large part, it’s money that motivates a player to return and compete. For a volunteer, it’s all heart.
