EVENTS & highlights

Indoor Pro-Am @ Studio Golf Scottsdale

February 1-28

Assemble your team of one Southwest PGA Professional or Associate playing with three amateurs, schedule an open time with Studio Golf, play your round and you'll be eligible to win! Tournament round takes place at the virtual Oakmont Country Club. $300 per team.

9-Hole Social Skins Game at Ancala Country Club

Monday, February 16th
Ancala Country Club

The Social Committee is pleased to announce a 9-Hole Skins Game to be held at Ancala Country Club on Monday, February 16th with a 3:00PM shotgun start! The event is open to all Section members and associates.

Education Series - Monday, Feb 23rd Webinar

3:00PM - 5:00PM
Join Monte Koch, PGA who will be covering Leading with Emotional Intelligence for the first hour, and Desi Speh, CCM discussing the Essentials of Board Governance during the second hour. PGA Members in attendance will receive 2 PGa Required PDR credits.

PDR Opportunity - PGA HOPE Instructor Training

Rolling Hills Golf Course - Tucson, AZ
Thursday, February 26th

This FREE one-day educational workshop for Southwest PGA Members and Associates will explore the skills of teaching adaptive golf to those who may have physical, cognitive or sensory challenges, discussing how golf is utilized as a vital element in their rehabilitation and recovery. PGA Professionals attending this workshop become eligible to coach clinics and programs being planned within Arizona and Nevada. 8 PGA Required PDR credits.

Cologuard Classic Section Qualifier

Wednesday, March 4th
Oro Valley Country Club

The Cologuard Classic Section Qualifier is an 18-hole individual stroke play event to qualify one (1) Southwest PGA Professional into The Cologuard Classic Event Qualifier on Monday, March 26, 2026 at Oro Valley Country Club.

Pro-Am at Moon Valley Country Club

The first Southwest PGA Pro-Am in the 2026 Series is scheduled for Monday, March 23rd at Moon Valley Country Club. Teams will play in a one gross plus one net ball of the foursome with amateurs winning gift certificates to the golf shop. Professionals scores will also count in a separate stroke-play contest.

Southwest PGA Member Spotlight

The Southwest PGA wants to highlight its members and their accomplishments. If you or anyone you know in the Section is contributing to their community, their Section, their golf club, or you just want to brag a little - this is where you can submit your story.

NEWS AND RELEASES

February 11, 2026
Southwest PGA Welcomes Staff Member Cesar Balgañon II. Read more

February 4, 2026
Tommi Avant Set to Make PGA TOUR Debut at WM Phoenix Open. Read more

February 2, 2026
Episode 4 of the Southwest PGA "On Par Podcast" presented by PING with Jason Eisenberg. View video

November 25, 2025
2025 Southwest PGA Players of the Year Read more

November 21, 2025
Southwest PGA Welcomes Staff Member Adam Andrade Read more

November 18, 2025
Abby Parsons Headlines 2025 Southwest PGA Award Recipients Read more

Who We Are

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 two chapters within the Southwest PGA - the Southern Chapter and Southern Nevada Chapter. Each chapter aims to further facilitate programs and support their members specific needs in those areas.

 

Southwest PGA Mission Statement

We exist to foster the fellowship and career development of our Section professionals, create playing opportunities and support our Foundation’s charitable programs.

Board of Directors

Le Ann Finger, PGA/LPGA

President Desert Mountain/Renegade

Steven Outlaw, PGA

Vice President Troon

Brent Lingel, PGA

Secretary Rolling Hills GC/Dorado CC
Ben Baldwin

Ben Baldwin, PGA

Board Member Signup.Golf
Matt Brooks

Matt Brooks, PGA

Board Member Superstition Mountain Golf & CC
Ryan Lanzen

Ryan Lanzen, PGA

Board Member Pinetop Country Club
Travis Moore

Travis Moore, PGA

Board Member Pinnacle Peak Country Club
Andrew Morris

Andrew Morris, PGA

Board Member Desert Highlands
Min Park

Min Park, PGA

Board Member SouthShore Country Club
Abby Parsons

Abby Parsons, PGA

Board Member Pinnacle Peak Country Club
Megan Scholl

Megan Scholl, PGA

Board Member UNLV PGA Golf Management
Andrew Workman

Andrew Workman, PGA

Board Member Augusta Ranch Golf Club
Landyn Lewis

Landyn Lewis, PGA

Southern Chapter President Tucson Golf Program
Mike Magnera

Mike Magnera, PGA

So. Nevada Chapter President GolfNow
Jason Keesling

Jason Keesling

Independent Director
Tommy McKone

Tommy McKone

Independent Director

Section Past Presidents
2023-2024 — Steve Leonard
2021-2023 — Al Sutton
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

Section Past Presidents
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

National Past Presidents
2017-2018 — Paul Levy
2007-2008 — Brian Whitcomb
1983-1984 — Mark Kizziar

Our Staff

Bernie Eaton, PGA

Executive Director 480-443-9002 x102

Bill Ibrahim

Senior Director of Operations 480-443-9002 x101

Mike Martino, PGA

Director of Rules and Competitions 480-443-9002 x107

Hannah Kolesar

Director of Junior Golf Operations 480-443-9002 x113

Baxter Parrott

Director of Sales and Marketing 480-443-9002 x106

Mike Schoaf

Director of Communications & Technology 480-443-9002 x105

Cesar Balgañon II, PGA

Southern Arizona Chapter Director 520-954-5583

Adam Andrade

Southern Nevada Chapter Director 808-345-8985

Southwest PGA Awards

  • Mark Gurnow, PGA

    Superstition Mountain Golf & CC Golf Professional of the Year

    Collins Tamashiro, PGA

    Southern Highlands Golf Club Assistant Golf Professional of the Year

    Jeff Fisher, PGA

    Fisher Bryan Golf Academy/Longbow GC Teacher of the Year

    Blake Isakson, PGA

    Perfect Circle Golf/Moon Valley CC Youth Player Development Award

    Brent Lingel, PGA

    Rolling Hills GC/Dorado CC Bill Strausbaugh Award

    Justin Bubser, PGA

    Tucson Golf Program Player Development Award

    Kevin Reagan, PGA

    Granite Falls Golf Club Professional Development Award

    Landyn Lewis, PGA

    Tucson Golf Program Patriot Award

    Robert Spikes, PGA

    El Rio Golf Course Deacon Palmer Award

    Samantha Sorensen, PGA

    Las Vegas Country Club Merchandiser of the Year - Private

    Aaron Slonim, PGA

    TPC Las Vegas Merchandiser of the Year - Public

    Eric Dettman, PGA

    We-Ko-Pa Golf Club Merchandiser of the Year - Resort

    Jesse Mueller, PGA

    Grand Canyon University GC Rolex Player of the Year

    Tommi Avant, PGA

    Lone Tree Golf Club Assistant Player of the Year

    Jim Carter, PGA

    Omni Tucson National Resort Rolex Senior Player of the Year

    Southwest PGA Award Winner History

  • 2023

    Kevin Lewis, PGA
    Lynn Marriott, PGA
    Scott Watkins, PGA

    2020

    John Gunby, PGA

    2017

    Al Birmingham
    Dick Hyland, PGA
    Tom Lambie, PGA
    Ron McPherson
    John A. Solheim

    2013

    Karsten Solheim

    2012

    Jerry Roberts, PGA
    Dana Garmany, PGA
    Phil Green, PGA

    2011

    Chuck McCool, PGA
    Bobby Phillips, PGA
    Craig Sloan, PGA
    Ed Francese, PGA
    Gene Lesch, PGA

    2010

    Brian Whitcomb, PGA
    John Jackson, PGA
    Roger Maxwell, PGA
    Johnny Bulla, PGA
    Willie Low, PGA

    2009

    Arch Watkins, PGA
    Dave Engelking, PGA
    Bill Farkas, PGA
    Mack McCarley, PGA
    Cliff Whittle, PGA
    V.O. "Red" Allen, PGA
    Joe Bartko, PGA
    Jack Morrison, PGA

  • The Anser Award was created by the Southwest PGA and PING in 1991 as a way to recognize individuals who have made significant and impactful contributions to advancing or promoting the game of golf throughout the state of Arizona. Over the past years the list of recipients has grown to include some of the most influential names in history of golf in Arizona.


    2025 - Daryl & Derek Crawford
    2024 - Gregg Tryhus
    2023 - Alice Cooper
    2022 - Lou Grubb
    2021 - Kathy Wilkes
    2020 - No Recipient
    2019 - Dana Garmany
    2018 - Tim Kloenne
    2017 - Dave Engelking
    2015 - Tom Cunningham
    2014 - John A. Solheim
    2013 - Ron McPherson
    2012 - Tucson Conquistadors
    2011 - Brian Whitcomb
    2010 - Dot Straw
    2009 - George Boutell
    2008 - Heather Farr
    2007 - Louise Solheim
    2006 - Al Birmingham
    2005 - V.O. “Red” Allen
    2004 - Willie Low
    2003 - Jay D. Woodward
    2002 - Sister Lynn Winsor
    2001 - Thunderbirds
    2000 - Bill Dickey
    1999 - Linda Vollstedt
    1998 - Lyle Anderson
    1997 - John Riggle
    1996 - Harry Cavanaugh
    1995 - Arch Watkins
    1994 - Ed Updegraff
    1993 - Bill Farkas, Sr.
    1992 - Bob Goldwater
    1991 - Karsten Solheim

Contact Us

Our Address

10607 N. Frank Lloyd Wright Blvd.
Suite J103
Scottsdale, AZ 85259

Call Us

480-443-9002