Longtime John Deere Classic volunteer Charles "Chuck" Austin III is being honored as the PGA Tour's Volunteer of the Year.
Austin died at the age of 68 earlier this year in an accident while helping prepare the John Deere Classic in Silvis.
The PGA made its announcement of the award Thursday night at its annual Tournament Meetings in Florida. The award comes with a $5,000 donation to a charity of his family's choosing. Austin's widow, Ann Austin, says the donation will go to the Charles O. Austin, Jr. Leadership Scholarship for graduating seniors at Rock Island High School.
Austin served on the Rock Island City Council for more than 10 years, and taught math at Rock Island High School for more than 30 years.
Our late friend Chuck Austin was recognized as the 2017 Volunteer of the Year across the entire @PGATOUR! We are honored to accept on behalf of his family and the entire QC community. pic.twitter.com/MghkOGtzAN
— John Deere Classic (@JDCLASSIC) December 8, 2017
The John Deere Classic tournament itself was also honored at the ceremony with the Most Engaged Community award and the Best Social Media Activation award.