Joan Smith named 2008 Volunteer of the Year

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MORE: PGA TOUR announces Charity of the Year for 2008

The PGA TOUR announced Wednesday that Joan Smith has been named the 2008 PGA TOUR Volunteer of the Year.

Smith has served as a volunteer for nearly 50 years at the PGA TOUR's San Diego stop, the Buick Invitational. For 40 of those years, she has chaired or co-chaired the Walking Scorers Committee.

"Congratulations to Joan for being named 2008 PGA TOUR Volunteer of the Year," said Tim Finchem, PGA TOUR commissioner. "Our gratitude goes to her for her service to the Buick Invitational and the PGA TOUR for almost a half a century. She not only demonstrates the best of the volunteer spirit, but also exemplifies the PGA TOUR's commitment to charity."

Known as "Mrs. Golf" in the San Diego community, Smith has been active with the San Diego County Junior Golf Association, the Junior World Championship and served as a member of the San Diego Junior Golf Board of Directors for more than 30 years. Many young men and women have benefited from her work with the San Diego Junior Golf Association during this time, including two of the PGA TOUR's biggest stars, Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson.

"Joan's dedication is unsurpassed, having served both the Buick Invitational and the San Diego Junior Golf Association for nearly 50 years," said Tom Wilson, executive director of the Century Club of San Diego. "Anyone who served under Joan has seen what a genuine person she is, the grandest of all grand ladies."