About Us
A legacy of community giving, continuing the fight against cancer through golf.
Our Story
For years, multiple community-organized golf tournaments in the Austin, Minnesota area raised money for cancer research at The Hormel Institute, University of Minnesota. Tournaments like the Ryan Gordon Memorial Golf Tournament (started in 2013) brought the community together for a common cause.
Over time, many of these beloved tournaments began to sunset as the organizers who poured their hearts into running them needed to pass the torch. The Ribbon Research Open was born out of the desire to continue that generous, lasting legacy.
Rather than trying to pick up any individual tournament, Nu-Tek BioSciences partnered with The Hormel Institute to create one unified event that brings all of these families and supporters together under one banner—celebrating all types of cancer research.
The Ryan Gordon Story
One of the tournaments that inspired the Ribbon Research Open was the Ryan Gordon Memorial Golf Tournament. Ryan Gordon was an Adams, Minnesota native who lost his battle with cancer at age 42. An avid golfer, Ryan's golf bag sat in his living room because, as he told his wife, "Because I like to look at it."
His parents, Roger and Shirley Gordon, created a memorial tournament in 2013 that has donated over $100,000 to The Hormel Institute for cancer research.
"Each dollar we give gets us one step closer to not losing someone we love. Our goal is to be able to say, 'Remember when people used to pass away from cancer?' Someday, we'd like for it to be a thing of the past."
— Chad Gordon, Ryan's brother, speaking at the 2025 inaugural event
Supporting The Hormel Institute
Founded in 1942 by Jay C. Hormel and The Hormel Foundation, The Hormel Institute, University of Minnesota, advances science through research, education, and community to enhance wellbeing and extend human life. For more than 80 years, the Institute has pursued its mission to conduct research and provide education in the biological sciences with applications in medicine and agriculture.
Today, scientists at The Hormel Institute focus on all major cancers—breast, prostate, skin, lung, brain—as well as lesser-known cancers and related diseases. With over 40 modern laboratories and partnerships with Mayo Clinic and the Masonic Cancer Center, your support helps fund a global network of research making a real difference.
100% of proceeds raised through The Ribbon Research Open go directly to cancer research. Thanks to The Hormel Foundation covering administrative costs, every dollar you contribute fuels discoveries that save lives.
Learn About The Hormel Institute
Nu-Tek BioSciences
Nu-Tek BioSciences is the market leader in animal-free peptones and yeast extracts, producing cell culture ingredients critical to therapeutic manufacturing. Located in Austin, Minnesota, Nu-Tek leverages a purpose-built, state-of-the-art facility to serve global leaders in biotech and pharma.
"Nu-Tek is very proud to be a part of The Ribbon Research Open. It is a privilege to work with The Hormel Institute to establish this tournament, as it's one of the best ways we can help create a better future for those impacted by cancer and to support the community that means so much to our Austin team."
— Tom Yezzi, CEO, Nu-Tek BioSciences
Innovation
Nu-Tek leads in bioscience solutions, bringing the same innovative spirit to community giving.
Community
Deeply rooted in Austin, MN, they understand the importance of local impact.
Founding Partner
Nu-Tek is not just a sponsor but a co-host and founding partner of the event.