Jerry Duncan, left, receives the Jerry Pennington Volunteer of the Year Award from tournament chairman John Fairbanks at the AJGA Circle K Junior Championship Hosted by Otter Creek banquet Sunday evening at The Commons.
Ted Schultz | The Republic
Jerry Duncan has worked as a spotter, scorekeeper and other various roles in his nine years as a volunteer for the AJGA Circle K Junior Championship Hosted by Otter Creek.
Sunday night, the 80-year-old Duncan was recognized for his service by being named the local tournament’s Volunteer of the Year.
“It’s a surprise,” Duncan said. “I’m just tickled to death to do it. I had no anticipation of being this (winner), but I’m glad the recognize somebody every year. I just never thought it would be me.”
Duncan is the grandfather of Columbus North and Purdue graduate and current PGA Tour pro golfer Tyler Duncan.
“I love golf, and I love watching the kids play,” Jerry Duncan said. “I’ve watched Tyler play ever since he was knee high to a grasshopper.”
Jerry and his wife are members at Otter Creek, and they try to play at least a couple times a week. He has worked in mayor’s office for 21 years since retiring from Arvin Industries, where he had worked for 33 years.
This year’s AJGA Circle K Junior Championship Hosted by Otter Creek will be Tuesday through Thursday, with tee times from 7:30 to 9:30 a.m. There will be a Junior Am this morning and afternoon, and there will be a free Junior Clinic at 1 p.m. today in the practice area.
Jerry thinks he likely will be working as spotter this week.
“I’m already pumped,” he said. “I’ll be there Tuesday and Wednesday, and they’re trying to talk me into going Thursday.”
