EVENTS & highlights

Pro-Pro - Under the Lights

Monday, December 9th
Grass Clippings at Rolling Hills (Tempe)

Join us for a unique Pro-Pro event held under the lights. 6:00PM shotgun. $250 per team.

WM Phoenix Open - Section Qualifier

McCormick Ranch Golf Club - Pine
Tuesday, January 7

Open to Southwest PGA Members and Associates, this 18-hole, stroke-play event qualifies the top (3) three finishers into WM Phoenix Open Monday Qualifying February 3rd at Pinnacle Peak Country Club.

Pro-Lady at Seville Golf & Country Club

Monday, January 13th
A Southwest PGA Professional or Associate will play with a female partner in this select drive, two-person best ball event with amateurs receiving 50% of their adjusted handicap. Teams will compete in both gross and net contests

Pro-Am at El Conquistador

Tue-Wed, January 21-22
This is the first Pro-Am event on the 2025 Southwest PGA tournament calendar. Teams of one Southwest PGA Professional or Associate with three amateurs will play in a one gross plus one net ball of the foursome. Professional 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

November 18, 2024
Mark Gurnow Honored as 2024 Southwest PGA Golf Professional of the Year. Read more

November 12, 2024
Episode 1 of the Southwest PGA "On Par Podcast" presented by PING.  View podcast

November 7, 2024
Don Rea Jr. of the Southwest PGA Elected 44th President of the PGA of America.  Read more

October 7, 2024
Associate Spotlight - Carsen Negrete Read more

September 4, 2024
Marvol Barnard & Cindy Miller to be Inducted Into LPGA Professionals Hall of Fame.  Read more

August 30, 2024
The 2024 Southwest PGA Champion - Jesse Mueller (4k UHD) View video

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

Interim President/Vice President Desert Mountain/Chiricahua

Steven Outlaw, PGA

Secretary Troon

Al Sutton, PGA

Honorary President PGA Life Member
Ben Baldwin

Ben Baldwin, PGA

Board Member Signup.Golf
Ryan Lanzen

Ryan Lanzen, PGA

Board Member Pinetop Country Club
John Lyberger

John Lyberger, PGA

Board Member Desert Mountain
Min Park

Min Park, PGA

Board Member SouthShore Country Club
Abby Parsons

Abby Parsons, PGA

Board Member Pinnacle Peak Country Club
Kevin Reagan

Kevin Reagan, PGA

Board Member Granite Falls Golf Club
Roy Smith

Roy Smith, PGA

Board Member Talking Stick Golf Club
Chris Thomson

Chris Thomson, PGA

Board Member Camelback Golf Club
Andrew Workman

Andrew Workman, PGA

Board Member Augusta Ranch Golf Club
Brent Lingel

Brent Lingel, PGA

Southern Chapter President Rolling Hills GC/Dorado CC
Brian Sanders

Brian Sanders, PGA

So. Nevada Chapter President DragonRidge Country Club
Tommy McKone

Tommy McKone

Independent Director
Mark Deatherage

Mark Deatherage

Independent Director

Section Past Presidents
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
1997-1999 — Jeff Lessig

Section Past Presidents
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

Sydney Teneycke

Southern Chapter Director 520-820-5257

Southwest PGA Awards

  • Jay Larscheid, PGA

    Apache Wells Country Club Golf Professional of the Year

    Kiel Wolf, PGA

    Desert Mountain Assistant Golf Professional of the Year

    Justin Klemballa, PGA

    Paradise Valley Country Club Teacher of the Year

    Chris Hubbard, PGA

    Girls Golf of Tucson Youth Player Development Award

    Rick Price, PGA

    The Views Golf Club at Oro Valley Bill Strausbaugh Award

    Josh Wilks, PGA

    Quail Creek Country Club Player Development Award

    Mike Karpe, PGA

    Preserve Golf Club at Saddlebrooke Patriot Award

    Mark Croft, PGA

    Yuma Golf and Country Club Deacon Palmer Award

    Nigel Spence, PGA

    Arizona Country Club Merchandiser of the Year - Private

    Jesse Mueller, PGA

    Grand Canyon University GC Rolex Player of the Year

    Tommi Avant, PGA

    Lone Tree Golf Club Assistant Player of the Year

    Dean Vomacka, 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.


    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