About the Southwest PGA

About Us

The PGA of America is the world's largest sports organization, comprised of 28,000 men and women golf Professionals who are the recognized experts in teaching and growing the game. Founded in 1916, the PGA of America has enhanced its leadership position by conducting premier spectator events – PGA Championship, Ryder Cup, Senior PGA Championship presented by KitchenAid and PGA Grand Slam of Golf – as well as significant philanthropic outreach initiatives, and award-winning golf promotions.

The Southwest PGA is one of forty-one sections of the Professional Golfers' Association of America. Its boundaries include the state of Arizona and Clark County in Southern Nevada. There are three chapters within the Southwest
PGA - the Southern Chapter, Metro Chapter and Southern Nevada Chapter. Each chapter aims to further facilitate programs and support their members specific needs in those areas.

Our Mission

The object of the Professional Golfers' Association is to elevate the standards of the Professional Golfer's vocation; to promote interest in the game of golf; to protect the mutual interest of members; to hold meetings and tournaments for the benefit of its members; to assist deserving unemployed members to obtain a position; to improve the economic opportunities of members by the encouragement of contracts of employment that contemplate improvement in the profession through substantial adherence to Guidelines and Goals of Employment established by the Board of Directors; to institute a benevolent fund for the relief of deserving members; and to effect any other object which may be determined from time to time by the Association.

Officers

Al Sutton, PGA
President
Paradise Valley CC

Steve Leonard, PGA
Vice President
Talking Stick GC

Bernie Eaton, PGA
Secretary
El Conquistador Golf and Tennis

Jay Larscheid, PGA
Honorary President
Apache Wells CC

Directors

Le Ann Finger, PGA
Arizona Golf Association

Mark Gurnow, PGA
Superstition Mtn. Golf & CC

Mike Hodgins, PGA
Camelback Golf Club

Travis McCutchan, PGA
Grayhawk GC

Danny Medina, PGA
The Stone Canyon Club

Steven Outlaw, PGA
Wickenburg Ranch Golf & Social Club

Min Park, PGA
Talking Stick Golf Club

Kiel Wolf, PGA
Grayhawk GC

Andrew Yang, PGA
Sun City CC

Mark Deatherage
Independent Director

Ken Kellaney
Independent Director

Chapter Presidents

Justin Bubser, PGA
University of Arizona
Southern Chapter

Karl Larcom, PGA
Coyote Springs GC
Southern Nevada Chapter

Past Presidents

2019-2021 — Jay Larscheid
2017-2019 — Jamey Lewis
2014-2017 — Greg Leicht
2013-2014 — Don Rea
2011-2013 — Michael Haywood
2009-2011 — Michael Wright
2007-2009 — Brett Upper
2005-2007 — Albert Murdock
2004-2005 — Joe Shershenovich
2003-2004 — Rick Price
2001-2003 — Jim Murphy
1999-2001 — Kevin Lewis
1997-1999 — Jeff Lessig
1995-1997 — Brian Whitcomb
1993-1995 — Phil Green
1991-1993 — Ralph Bernhisel
1989-1991 — Dennis Hogan
1987-1989 — John Jackson
1985-1987 — Craig Sloan
1983-1985 — Craig Sloan
1981-1983 — Craig Sloan
1979-1981 — Ralph Bernhisel
1977-1979 — Mack McCarley
1975-1977 — Cliff Whittle
1974-1975 — Joe Bartko
1972-1974 — Don LeHew