Ron Natherson has been selected as vice chairman of 2003 Players Championship, filling the spot vacated when Kevin Robbins moved up to first vice chairman. The selection was by the tournament’s past chairmen.
HIS BUSINESS
Natherson (the accent is on the first syllable) is the director of public affairs and consumer services for the Florida Windstorm Underwriting Association. It’s an insurance company with 400,000 customers, most of them in South Florida. The company’s offices are in Southpoint.
WHAT HE’LL DO
He’ll be the vice chair for volunteer services. In addition to Robbins, the other returning vice chairs are Tommy Lee, players services; Rusty Pritchett, spectator services; and Tim Tresca, facilities. Marc Smith is the 2003 chair.
PLAYERS EXPERIENCE
Natherson started volunteering in 1995 and has chaired four committees: Course Ecology, Special Events, Transportation and Standard Bearers.
HE’S AN ATHLETE
An Orlando native, Natherson came to Jacksonville on a baseball scholarship at Florida Community College. After two years there, including a trip to the junior college World Series, he moved to the University of North Florida and played on that school’s first baseball team. He was a second baseman.
HOW HE GOT INVOLVED
“I met [past Players chairman] Gerry Hurst through UNF and he got me involved in things at the school, like the booster club and the alumni association. I guess he liked what I did, because he recommended me to the Players. I served as alumni director at UNF for six years and I also got to know Tom Healy, a former chairman [Healy was a UNF vice president, and now works at the state university in Fort Myers.]”
HIS GOLF
“I used to be a member at Windsor Parke and now I play all over. I really don’t have much time to play. I guess my handicap is about 8.”
FAVORITE COURSE
“Long Point, closely followed by Marsh Landing.”
FAMILY
He’s 35 and single, but that may not last long — his girlfriend just moved here from Tampa.
WHAT HE THINKS
“I’m thrilled. I just feel so much gratitude to those who have confidence in me to give me this position. I wish I could thank every one of the volunteers who worked with me, and whose hard work helped me move up.”
WHAT OTHERS THINK
“It’s no surprise he’s willing to increase his commitment to this event,” said Smith. “In 1999, he received the Paul C. Warren Spirit Award for his leadership and commitment. It’s great that he’s moving up.”
— by Fred Seely