Arizona Golf Insider - April/May2023

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GOLF GATHERINGS AT SADDLEBROOKE TWO UNRIVALED SETTING, UNPARALLELED SERVICE

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MORE THAN A GAME: GOLF IS GOOD FOR EVERYONE |

By Jeff Locke

The Arizona Alliance for Golf was formed to reinforce and communicate golf’s commitment to sustainable environmental practices, ensuring the future health of the game in Arizona.

Q&A WITH USGA AGRONOMIST BRIAN WHITLARK |

By David Bataller

USGA West Region Agronomist Brian Whitlark offers thoughts on the water challenges the golf industry in the southwestern United States is set to face in the coming years.

WINDS OF CHANGE AT THE AGA | By

Joe Passov

Of the 100 years of Arizona Golf Association history, 1985-1999 was epic for its flurry of game-changing, dramatic developments.

2022 AGA PLAYER AND SERVICE AWARDS |

By Brandon Genson

The Arizona Golf Association held its Annual Meeting in February at Phoenix Country Club, with player awards handed out for each division as well as four service awards.

58. RULES

By Logan Rasmussen

One of the highlights of the 2023 refresh to the Rules of Golf was the "Rickie Fowler Rule," made after his win at the 2019 WM Phoenix Open.

62. OUT OF BOUNDS

By Ed Gowan

The distance debate has flared up once again, and at least one lifelong player hopes for major changes that will affect both amateurs and pros.

8. SIGNATURE HOLE

10. MEMBERS ONLY

50. JUNIOR GOLF

64. 19TH HOLE ARIZONAGOLF

ON THE COVER

While golf is facing an uncertain future in the southwest due to proposed water restrictions for facilities, the Arizona Alliance for Golf is proactively protecting our game through education and awareness.

From the Executive Director

BY JOE FOLEY

For me and for many others, golf is a transcendent game. But the game we love is in danger of su ering harmful change here in Arizona over the next decade. Even though we were blessed with a wet winter, the region remains in the midst of a 25+ year “superdrought” that has forced our state legislature to consider additional cuts in water usage – including golf facilities. Drastically altering the same industry that has contributed to the recent nancial boom across the state seems counterproductive, though that’s where we nd ourselves today.

A recent study commissioned by the Arizona Alliance for Golf (AAG) showed the game’s annual nancial impact on the state economy to be $6 billion – yes, that’s with a b. Golf is thriving thanks to the 700,000 full-time residents here in Arizona who play golf, and perhaps just as many visitors every year enjoy our rst-class golf courses, restaurants, resorts and of course, weather. According to the study, golf courses use only 2% of daily statewide water. at’s quite an economic return for such little water usage, and leaves little wiggle room for cuts without potentially harmful economic impact.

e AAG was created to highlight all the Arizona golf industry has done, and is currently doing, to address the evolving environmental issues we are facing. It is comprised of members of the state’s allied golf associations, and I sit on the Board of Directors. I regularly visit azalliancegforgolf.org to get the latest

information on current events, and those across the golf community can learn about the latest in our e orts to protect our game. e latest news on turf research and its relationship with the USGA’s Green Section is available, as well as the economic impact study, and how the local golf industry is serving as leaders in water reduction measures as it maintains compliance within its governmentmandated allocations.

e AAG is not just for industry professionals – the entire Arizona golf community is invited to join our e orts to save our game. More than half a million players and enthusiasts can make an impact if we stand united. Stay tuned to Arizona Golf Association communications platforms as we share the latest information available. We are committed to transparency and progress on this crucial topic, and look forward to working with many to do our part.

Finally, this issue was developed as a reference guide for you – the golfer – to stay informed and engaged on this most pressing topic. In follow-up, all questions and inquiries can be sent directly to info@azgolf.org.

Dive in and let us know what you think.

ARIZONAGOLF INSIDER

7600 E. Redfield Rd., Suite 130, Scottsdale, AZ 85260 (602) 944-3035 | www.azgolf.org

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE OFFICERS

PRESIDENT ............................................... Tim Brown

VICE PRESIDENT .......................................... John Souza

VICE PRESIDENT ....................................... Tim Hulscher

SECRETARY .......................................... Jackie Bertsch

TREASURER Vera Ciancola

GENERAL COUNSEL ......................................... Greg Mast

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MEMBERS

Dr. Harry Cavanagh Jr., Joe Foley, Tameka Fox-Hartman, Bryan Hoops, Mark Jeffery, Leslie Kramer, Ann Martin, Scott McNevin, Jay Pennypacker, Rod Tomita, Victoria Totlis

AGA STAFF

Joe Foley, David Bataller, Anj Brown, Le Ann Finger, Amy Fruhwirth, Brandon Genson, Sharon Goldstone, Vivian Kelley, Kathy Laux, Mike Mason, Meagan McEnery, Derek McKenzie, Chris Montgomery, Robyn Noll, Austin Pelias, Everett Priddy, Logan Rasmussen, Daniel Shoup, Peg Tanner, Alex Tsakiris, Susan Woods

Partnership Contact ................................ Chris Montgomery cmontgomery@azgolf.org - (602) 872-7011

National Advertising Contact ........................... Brian Foster bfoster@azgolf.org - (602) 909-7799

AZ GOLF INSIDER STAFF

EDITOR IN CHIEF David Bataller

AGA EDITORS ..................... Brandon Genson, Meagan McEnery

CONTRIBUTORS Joe Foley, David Bataller, Anj Brown, Brandon Genson, Ed Gowan, Le Ann Finger, Jeff Locke, Cori Matheson, Robyn Noll, Joe Passov, Logan Rasmussen, Brian Whitlark

PRESIDENT AND CEO ........................... Robyn Lambert Lynch

SENIOR ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES Lisa Grannis, Michelle Schneider

ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE ...............................Morgan McClellan

OFFICE & EVENTS MANAGER ............................. Gina Pinaire

PRODUCTION MANAGER ................................... Julie Vance

CREATIVE DIRECTION Haines Wilkerson, Hither & Wander Inc.

ART DIRECTION ......................................... Michael Min FOR PRINT ADVERTISING SALES CONTACT: SALES@ONMEDIAAZ.COM

Arizona Golf Insider (ISSN 2765-9054) is published four times per year by the Arizona Golf Association. It is supported by members’ dues, utilizing $5 per member per year. We welcome all editorial submissions, including letters, but assume no responsibility for the loss or damage of unsolicited material. They will not be returned unless accompanied by a self-addressed, stamped envelope. Views expressed within these pages do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the editors or official policies of the Arizona Golf Association. No part of this magazine is intended as an endorsement of any equipment, publication, videotape, golf course, or other entity. No part of this magazine may be reproduced for use as an advertising, publicity or endorsement item without written approval of the AGA. Arizona Golf Insider is offered on a subscription basis for $12.95 annually. Individual copies may be obtained by forwarding $5 to the address above. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Arizona Golf Association, 7600 E. Redfield Road, Suite 130, Scottsdale, AZ 85260-1101

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More Than a Game

Golf Industry Continues to Conserve Arizona’s Precious Water Resources

WORDS BY JEFF LOCKE

Golf is a vital part of Arizona’s economy and lifestyle, with 700,000 Arizonans and millions of travelers contributing $6 billion to the state’s economy. Yet, despite the value, a small but vocal group within the state legislature would like to see the game die out entirely in the Grand Canyon State. Their reasoning stems from a misguided belief that golf is a waste of Arizona’s water.

Instead – at only 2% – Arizona’s golf industry has been maximizing every drop all along, and the Arizona Alliance for Golf (AAG) was recently formed to reinforce and communicate golf’s commitment to sustainable environmental practices. This ensures the future health of the game in Arizona along with all of the positive benefits it offers, even to those who have never picked up a golf club.

Broad Coalition, Unified Voice

“The game’s many benefits support a vast and diverse group of Arizonans,” said Gregg Tryhus, President of the Board of Directors for the AAG. “Our goal is to showcase golf’s impact on their lives through tens of thousands of direct and indirect jobs in addition to recreation, socialization, health and wellbeing opportunities for everyone.”

Groups include golf courses, nonprofits, and other regional and statewide organizations dedicated to growing the game, and local affiliates of national golf associations covering everything from agronomy to hospitality. Recognizing the water conversation was only going to become more challenging; issues affecting this natural resource drove the AAG’s formation, with the purpose of unifying the industry’s voice in discussions with regula -

tors, policymakers, and other influencers in the public and policy sphere.

“The AAG knows how important it is to tell our story of water leadership and actively educates policy makers at all levels of government on the positive impact the golf industry has on Arizona,” said AAG Executive Director, Katie Prendergast. “Golf needs to be at the table as important infrastructure and water augmentation solutions are developed, while continuing to lead on innovative technology and water management practices that have established the industry as a national leader in water conservation. In preparation for additional cuts to the Colorado River system and as the state grapples with growth and other big policy issues, it is more important than ever for the golf industry to unite as future water decision are made.”

AAG Legislative Action

Past AAG efforts with present implications include working with the Arizona Department of Water Resources (ADWR) during the development and solidification of the 5th Management Plan, which will guide Arizona’s groundwater use in 2025 and beyond. Throughout those conversations, a broad array of golf industry voices coalesced to successfully highlight the industry’s sustainability practices to ensure the future vitality and viability of the industry.

Additionally, the AAG engaged with federal, state, and local policymakers to garner broad support for water legislation important to the industry. From a state legislative perspective, the AAG supported the historic $1 billion investment in water infrastructure and funding in 2022, as well as other priority legislation impacting golf. The alliance supported the fruitful efforts of Arizona U.S. Senators Kyrsten Sinema and Mark Kelly, as they worked to secure billions of dollars of federal funding for Arizona and the West to support drought planning and improve infrastructure –key steps toward solving the state’s current water challenges.

AZ Golf Economic Impact: $6 Billion with 2% Water

“Former Governor Babbitt’s forward-looking 1980 Ground Water Act prompted Arizona golf to become a leader in water-usage efficiency and sustainability practices,” Tryhus said. “Today golf uses less than 2% of all water in Arizona. Yet, the industry knows it must continue to advance and do its share for long-term sustainable water resource allocation for everyone.”

The AAG commissioned a study released in January 2023, “The Economic Contribution of Arizona’s Golf Industry,” conducted by Rounds Consulting Group, which quantified the economic and environmental impacts directly and indirectly attributed to Arizona’s golf industry in 2021. It estimated Arizona’s golf industry produced $6 billion in economic activity while using only 2% of daily statewide water to serve 16.6 million golf rounds in 2021. This economic output supported nearly 66,200 jobs, provided $2.3 billion in wages, and generated $518 million in state and local tax revenues.

“The positive financial impact to our community provided by the golf industry is good for everyone, even for those who don’t play,” said Joe Foley, Arizona Golf Association Executive Director and AAG executive committee member. “It’s one of the most impactful ways we give back, with many community-support organizations hosting their own golf fundraisers every year, as well as direct support from events like the WM Phoenix Open. And using 2% of the state’s water in the process plainly shows that the golf industry efficiently manages the vital resources we all depend on.” Furthermore, a significant portion of the water used by the golf industry is renewable, recaptured water. How does this stack up? For context, the study found crop irrigation was the largest water use category, with 73.5% of Arizona’s total daily withdrawal. Public supply, which includes domestic and commercial water usage, accounted for 20.7%. Industrial and manufacturing used 2.6% of daily water use,

Our goal is to showcase golf’s impact on their lives through tens of thousands of direct and indirect jobs in addition to recreation, socialization, health and wellbeing opportunities for everyone.”

and the “other” category, livestock, and aquaculture water accounted for 1.2% of Arizona’s daily water use.

Conservation and Arizona Golf – Past and Present

The golf industry’s current willingness to tighten its belt is simply a continuation of past cooperation and ongoing efforts to improve an already efficient industry.

As Tryhus mentioned, 40-plus years ago, the ground water act was adopted to address the growing need for better management of the state’s water resources amid an ever-growing population and economy. Five Active Management Areas were established where groundwater was in the

highest demand. Since then, aggressive management plans have rolled out progressively stringent requirements for agriculture, municipal and industrial use. This included golf courses, with each one in the state required to abide by the conservation system implemented as a result.

“The first and second management plans were a good start, and the third and fourth restrictions started to become tighter,” said Marc Snyder, now retired golf course superintendent for Scottsdale’s Desert Mountain Club, who was involved in the process at the time. “Among other standards, they set a per-acre limit based on calculation to sustain bermudagrass in the desert under normal conditions.”

Hornstein Creative

In addition to the cap on water per acre, the total acreage of turfgrass allowed was set at 90. This spurred an already conservation-minded golf industry to tighten even more.

“It’s part of the nature of the game,” Snyder added. “Over the years, the industry has responded with a slew of new conservation practices and technologies to do more with less. Overseeding has declined dramatically over the years. We’re working on turf varieties that use up to 40% less water. Modern irrigation systems are lightyears ahead of where they were.”

Irrigation Tech and Toil

Expense and playing conditions already drive golf course agronomists like Snyder to use just enough water. Too much, and the club’s financial health suffers along with the golf experience. How do they figure out the right amount?

“We have an onsite weather station that gathers daily data to determine a number of things but one of the most important is the evapotranspiration [ET] rate,” said Ernie Pock, third-generation golf course superintendent, President of the Cactus and Pine Chapter of the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America, and Director of Agronomy at Grayhawk Golf Club, which is located down the road from Snyder. “This is the amount of water leaving the plant [turfgrass], soil and other surfaces.”

Pock explains that ET tells them how much water to put back: “no more, no less. The system even accounts for recent rainfall.”

Another cornerstone water conservation practice requires more hustle than science.

“We have two specialists per golf course that focus exclusively on irrigation,” Pock said. “They monitor, adjust, repair and replace the roughly 1,200 sprinkler heads and Caption

PVC lines on each golf course. They do nothing else besides keeping the system tight.”

Other innovations include applying surfactants to make “water wetter” and harnessing the power of tiny microbiomes to cultivate healthy plants that require up to 25% less resources.

Positive Socioeconomic Impacts

The AAG-commissioned report also shows Arizona’s golf industry drives hundreds of millions of dollars in charitable fundraising for local non-profits such as Hospice of the Valley, Boys and Girls Clubs, and the Special Olympics, to name a few. The WM Phoenix Open, alone, raised $10 million for local Arizona charities in 2022. And since 2012, it has raised a jaw-dropping $110 million.

“Every child needs a champion, and we have that with the Arizona golf community,” said Torrie Taj of Child

The Thunderbirds

Crisis Arizona. “Golfers are generous people. It’s incredible the amount of money they raised for Arizona kids and families. Just look at the WM Phoenix Open, the biggest charity moneymaker in the state. And that’s just one event. ere are dozens of charity golf tournaments every week. I don’t know much about golf, but I do know that without it, there would be a lot more people in need.”

Youth Development

A need, perhaps, even more important than money: Youth golf programs, which provide opportunities to learn, grow and maintain physical and mental health. It provides exercise, requiring four hours of signi cant walking, even with golf cart. And the social bene ts of interacting with friends and family also provide proven mental health rewards.

With more than 150,000 kids participating annually through the school system, e First Tee of Phoenix teaches life skills to improve self-con dence and self-image. Taught through golf-related exercises, these skills also encourage problem solving, decision-making, and reinforce the importance of integrity, perseverance, and sportsmanship, empowering students to overcome the challenges they face both on and o the golf course. In addition, mentorship programs and scholarship opportunities encourage accountability and character development consistent with the foundational principles inherent in the game of golf.

A “proud member of e First Tee of Phoenix” for as long as she can remember, Ashley Shaw fell in love with the game shortly after her dad bought her a set of clubs and told her to “go have fun.” She now mentors the next generation of First Tee students, along the way instilling the tenets of the program such as accountability and respect, as she dreams big of playing professionally one day.

“We hope to solicit the personal time of any interested individual willing to help grow Arizona golf’s social fairness and inclusive outreach programs,” Tryhus said about the

WM Phoenix Open

Child Crisis Arizona

Child Crisis Arizona

need for mentors like Ashley to serve Arizona’s thriving junior golf scene operated by Alliance member groups. “Teaching our youth golf’s life lessons such as honesty, integrity, confidence, perseverance and respect not only protects the game, it protects the overall community.”

Tourism Tug of War

With dozens of places worldwide to choose from for their next golf vacation, it’s a win every time travelers pick Arizona. The dollars left behind are a critical driver for local economies.

“An affinity for this sport is not a prerequisite to benefit from its reach,” said Ron Price, President and CEO of Visit Phoenix and AAG board member. “Tourism is big business in Arizona. The quality and variety of golf courses here play a major role in helping the state attract millions of travelers each year. In 2021, the City of Phoenix welcomed more than 16 million who spent more than $3.2 billion. This impacts a broad range of businesses, both small and large, throughout greater Phoenix and the state.”

Halting the Heat Island Effect

Another environmental benefit revealed in the study, golf courses mitigate the urban heat island effect due to abundant tree cover and green spaces. Particularly severe in areas of extreme heat – like the “Valley of the Sun” – The Nature Conservancy estimates that without taking any mitigation measures in Maricopa County, the rising temperatures and increasing pollution will cost an estimated $1.9 billion annually by 2050.

Enhancing tree canopy coverage and other vegetation is one of the most effective strategies to reduce the heat island effect. Maricopa County, City of Phoenix and City of Tempe are partnering with urban forestry groups to achieve 25% tree canopy coverage. The Urban Climate Research Center reckons even a one-degree reduction in the average annual temperature would save Phoenix residents an estimated $15 million annually for the reduced demand on the electrical grid.

Golf courses offer abundant tree cover and green spaces,

and to achieve 25% tree canopy coverage throughout Maricopa’s urban areas, a total of 133,300 acres need to be covered, likely with the help of public/private funding. Existing golf courses e ectively save future tree canopy programs an estimated $500 million in publicly funded installation and maintenance costs.

Proud to Sign the Scorecard

A positive development to be sure, winter storms poured buckets of rain on Arizona’s deserts and buried the high country in snow, if not the drought along with it. While the respite is welcome, long-term solutions would be better. During the process, Arizona’s golf industry will continue to innovate and collaborate, just as it has for decades.

Arizona golf’s economic, socioeconomic and conservation “scorecard” is one every member of the industry should be very proud to sign, and as any golfer will attest, their caddie is a critical part of the winning team. We need you on the bag! It’s up to everyone who loves the game of golf to educate, communicate and even nancially support the AAG’s e orts.

e vitality of Arizona’s golf industry is a serious and urgent matter, one the industry is con dent through collective advocacy will be resolved to ensure a bright future for the community. Visit AZAllianceForGolf.org to get involved today!

Another environmental benefit revealed in the study, golf courses mitigate the urban heat island e ect due to abundant tree cover and green spaces.

A Conversation with USGA Agronomist Brian Whitlark

WORDS BY DAVID BATALLER

As the southwestern United States works its way through a 25-year drought, water restrictions have come to the forefront of the golf industry. Most notably, players want to know if, or how, their playing experience will change in the years to come. Golf facilities, meanwhile, are preparing for new methods in agronomy and course maintenance to help mitigate any future cuts in water allotment.

The United States Golf Association (USGA), and more specifically its Green Section, has been developing sustainable management practices with the goal of helping golf courses achieve optimal playing conditions for more than 100 years. USGA West Region Agronomist Brian Whitlark is an Arizona resident and University of Arizona graduate, where he received his Bachelor of Science and Master of Science degrees from the Department of Soil, Water and Environmental Science, with an emphasis in turfgrass science. Whitlark makes regular visits to courses across the southwest to help improve the golfer experience through better turf and resource management. He recently sat down with the Arizona Golf Insider to discuss the water challenges the golf industry is set to face in the coming years.

ARIZONA GOLF INSIDER: In your opinion, what does the state of golf look like in relation to environmental challenges the region is facing?

BRIAN WHITLARK: We’re in a period of change. The water discussion is at the top of the priority list due to historically low levels at Lake Mead and Lake Powell. Overdraft of the Colorado River and the low reservoir levels are changing the discussion as far as water availability in Southern Nevada and in in Southern Arizona. In response, the industry is poised to make significant changes in the way golf course superintendents manage turf in Arizona. It will be a slow process, but we already see courses that are converting to new hybrid bermudagrasses, we see numerous courses that are in the process of evaluating different bermudagrasses and even Zoysia grass.

The motivation to evaluate those new grasses is to eliminate overseeding and still provide quality conditioning and aesthetics year-round. Those courses that have made the conversion find that they’re able to provide good playing conditions for more days out of the year for their members and guests compared to an overseeded golf course – they don’t have to close in the fall for three or four weeks. So they’re open at a time of year that is just fantastic for golf in Southern Arizona, and while the aesthetics may not be as awe-inspiring as the striped up ryegrass golf course, the non-overseeded bermudagrass or Zoysia grass can still provide good aesthetic green color and playing quality, I would even argue, could be even better.

The question is, how are we going to position these golf courses to be more sustainable for the next 50 years? I think moving away from overseeding and converting to one of these grasses that has better traffic tolerance ‒ that can still provide good playing conditions during the winter months ‒ can still attract our winter visitors. When you put the non-overseeded bermudagrass up against ryegrass, 99 times out of a hundred people are going choose the ryegrass just because it’s prettier and darker green. But that doesn’t mean that if the industry pivots away from overseeding that facilities won’t be able to provide good playing conditions, provide good aesthetics and continue to drive revenue. Non-overseeded golf courses can be treated with pigments to provide green color during the winter months and I’m optimistic that golfers will be quite happy with that product. We have already seen evidence of that. Golfers are especially happy when they recognize the amount of roll that they get on their drives!

“ I think moving away from overseeding and converting to one of these grasses that has better traffic tolerance ‒ that can still provide good playing conditions during the winter months ‒ can still attract our winter visitors.

AGI: There has been information released in various reports detailing a 35% cut in water allotment for golf courses in Southern Nevada beginning in 2024, and a similar cut for Arizona facilities in 2025. What are some of the ways golf courses can prepare themselves for these significant changes?

BW: Golf courses can save 30-35% of water usage just by not overseeding. Now when upgrading to one of these grasses like TifTuf, there’s the potential to reduce water use even further. I don’t know that number yet – no one does – but research suggests it’s another 10%, maybe even 15% above and beyond the 30% reduction. So potentially, you may be looking at 40% reduction if you change to something like a TifTuf bermudagrass, which has excellent drought tolerance.

The USGA is also doing a really cool project at Paradise Valley Country Club, where we’re planning to install subsurface drip irrigation on an entire hole. This has never been done before to my knowledge, but we have used subsurface drip irrigation in places like bunker surrounds. It’s been really successful for many years. We’ve done some research on this strategy at Las Campanas in Santa Fe, N.M., where we installed subsurface drip in teeing grounds. The research demonstrates that the savings are 50 to 80%! That’s a legitimate savings, not to mention other benefits: less soil compaction, less disease, no off-target watering, which means a lot less weeds in areas outside of the turf. There’s a lot of benefits. I don’t know if we can do it on an entire hole or not, because of slopes and challenges like that but we’re going to find out. It’s an exciting project.

To stay up to date on the USGA’s latest initiatives and reports on agronomical best practices, search for the Green Section Record online at www.usga.org. There, you will find the latest videos and articles on various topics from across the country.

AGI: As you visit golf facilities and research centers throughout the Southwest, has anything stuck out to you that has proven to be a successful new wave of for agronomical or environmental best practices?

BW: There’s some low hanging fruit: Irrigation maintenance like raising and leveling sprinklers, changing nozzles, doing an audit ensuring that all the heads are adjusted properly and the pressure and the flow are optimized. Golf courses want to produce firm and fast conditions. There’s no incentive to over-water, because golfers don’t like to play wet golf courses. So there’s every incentive for revenue to produce a firm and fast and dry golf course. Additionally, when you apply only the amount of water that is needed, you reduce excessive amounts of organic matter and turfgrass growth, which requires additional labor and fuel to manage that growth and organic matter accumulation. Golf course superintendents are really motivated to only apply the minimal amount of water needed to sustain healthy grass.

And then there’s the increase in data collection that’s spreading across the industry. Golf courses are much more active in data collection and using that data to make decisions on the golf course. You may have heard about the USGA GS3 smart ball, which is a Bluetooth ball that we are using to collect greens performance data, speed and firmness and smoothness. We can use this device to collect data, and to make decisions on the golf course. Superintendents are also using in-ground soil moisture meters and handheld soil moisture sensors to make site-specific irrigation management decisions.

There’s new technology that can be equipped on a utility cart or mower that measures soil moisture, delivering thousands of data points on every fairway, or rough area. This type of technology has potential to change the way courses make irrigation management decisions. The overarching data collection topic, and making data-driven decisions, are the new ways in which golf course superintendents are managing their courses to be more sustainable and to produce better playing conditions using less resource inputs.

Winds of Change at the AGA

Of the 100 years of Arizona Golf Association history, 1985-1999 was epic for its flurry of game-changing, dramatic developments

WORDS BY JOE PASSOV

Ed Gowan

By 1985, Arizona’s reputation as a collection of dusty, slowpaced Western towns was giving way to a new moniker: a bustling metropolis capable of accommodating rapid growth. The state’s population was booming and had just crossed the 3 million mark for the first time ever. Attempts were underway to add the Valley to the National Football League’s map; a franchise was just a couple years away from relocating to Phoenix. And Proposition 300 was passed to start a transportation infrastructure project which would eventually result in the Loop 101, Loop 202, Loop 303 and State Route 51 freeways helping to connect a rapidly growing state.

All signs pointed toward Arizona being the right place at the right time for many, and the Arizona Golf Association was no exception. That May, Ed Gowan started his job as the AGA’s executive director – a role he would occupy for an astounding 37 years. Golf in the Grand Canyon State would never be the same.

HANDICAPPING

After consulting with Colorado officials, who had tested the GHIN system in 1982-’83, Gowan brought it to the AGA in 1985. “Prior to my time in Arizona, handicaps were handled by the Continental Bank,” recalled Gowan. “The bank simply created scoring averages. The USGA handicap system (now the World Handicap System as of 2020) estimates your best play. Many were upset because their handicaps went down. Our system was not based on the rules and was not efficient. There was no database. It took us two months to implement the GHIN system.”

When Gowan began his tenure as AGA executive director, membership was small — 23,000 by one estimation, 33,000 by another — and funds were hard to come by. That was about to change.

“We were in the right place at the right time,” remembered Gowan. “The USGA course rating system [Slope] was just being unveiled, along with the GHIN system — a national handicap system, as opposed to everybody making their own local arrangements. Most associations were private clubs-only at the time, with handicapping services available only to private club players. What the new system allowed us to do was to reach out to all of the

Tom Cunningham

AGA HISTORY

public men’s clubs — the Papago Men’s Club, the Encanto Men’s Club, the Randolph Men’s Club were the leaders — and bring them into the handicap system. That fostered a growth profile that continues to this day. And that’s been the heart blood of the Association, that Arizona is for all golfers.”

COURSE RATINGS

As the Slope concept took hold, which accounted for a course’s obstacles and other challenges beyond simply overall yardage to arrive at a course rating, the AGA crisscrossed the state, re-rating all of its courses in the mid-1980s. Bob Warren, past AGA president from 1963-1967, did 75% of those ratings, in 1985, according to Gowan. After Warren, volunteer Al Potts became the course ratings guru. For the better part of six or seven years, he devoted 50 to 60 hours of his time and was involved in virtually every course rating. One of Potts’ good friends, Robert “Doc” Graves, joined the effort and expended similar energies, in what amounted to a 30-year course ratings run. With courses requiring a reevaluation every ten years, these volunteers were invaluable to the AGA. When the AGA initiated its Volunteer of the Year Award in 1991, Potts was the first recipient and Graves followed in 1992.

KEY CONTRIBUTORS

While Gowan’s administrative experience and progressive thinking paved the road ahead, he was quick to credit the team in place that played large roles in the transition of the AGA into the modern era. Tim Kloenne was AGA president from 1984-1986. Al Birmingham, the region’s Titleist rep from 1968-2002 was also an influential board member, serving as president in 1987-‘88. Tucson attorney Fred Hickle, AGA President in 1989, was another who served with distinction on the board during this dynamic period. Kloenne not only oversaw the executive director transition from John Riggle to Ed Gowan, but was instrumental in the creation of the The Karsten Turfgrass Research

Facility at the University of Arizona. As his Arizona Golf Hall of Fame bio states, he championed the “Lakes Bill” and property tax reform in the mid-‘80s, which to this day provides golf courses with a stable basis for survival. For tax purposes, the AGA filed to become a 501(c)(4) non-profit organization. More sophisticated accounting was required to get IRS approval, so CPA Jim Raftery was brought in to facilitate. All of those actions were fostered by Lewis and Roca attorney Gerry Smith, who remained counsel for the Association for another 25 years.

WATER WORKS AND MONEY WOES

In the mid-1980s, the proposed Lakes Bill appeared before the state legislature. According to Gowan, if passed, it could

have had the effect of eliminating lakes on golf courses due to perceived water shortages. Along with that, there was a legislative effort to essentially tax golf courses out of business through real estate property taxes. After a few years of rising AGA revenues through GHIN handicap signups, the association’s war chest grew to around $400,000.

“We were told by the golf courses that if the AGA could help them fight and win the battle, they would pay us back,” recalled Gowan. “We won, but we didn’t end up getting their financial support. It took the Association’s treasury down to zero. The person behind rebuilding our coffers was primarily Bill Rodie [AGA President from 1990-’91], who also helped re-write the Association’s bylaws. And Fred Hickle gave up a year of his presidency [in 1990] to drive this forward.

First Tee-Phoenix

Fred, Gerry, Tim, Bill and another Director, Phil Edlund, all worked on the water law [Rodie served on the Groundwater Users Advisory Council of the AZ Dept. of Water Resources from 1995-2001]. That took us to the early ‘90s where we rebuilt the treasury to a reasonable amount.”

Eventually, the AGA adopted a strategy of illuminating the legislature on research done by the University of Arizona, financed in part by the Karsten Solheim family, that showed golf’s economic contribution to the state. “We showed them that golf was economically viable, important to the future of tourism in the state. The research showed that golf courses didn’t mis-use water, and that they were such an economic driver in the community that taxing them out of business made no sense,” Gowan said.

The legislature agreed. So long as lakes were limited to three acres worth of water and that golf courses could only irrigate 90 acres of turf, golf could continue in Arizona.

NEW TOURNAMENTS

Amid the backdrop of so many changes for the AGA, Gowan returned to the primary objective that prompted his hiring: Creating new events for the membership. The first of those took place that same year, 1985, when the four-round Arizona Stroke Play Championship debuted — and followed up a year later with an instant classic.

“In 1986 it was played at Pinnacle Peak Country Club and Billy Mayfair won,” reflected Gowan. “That’s why we have our Mayfair Award [created in 1993], which is for low

stroke average for the year. Billy and ex-Tour player Joe Porter were tied in the last round. Joe made the comment to a sportswriter, ‘This little college kid can’t beat an ex-Tour player.’ They got to the 18th green and Billy makes about a 40-footer to win. I don’t think Joe ever got over it.”

Among the other new state championships introduced by the AGA in that era were the Publinks, the Mid-Amateur, the Four-Ball, the Senior Amateur and the Divisional Stroke Play, all of which debuted between 1985 and 1991.

JUNIOR GOLF

In 1986, the AGA formed the Junior Golf Association of Arizona. 14-year-old Shiloh Hagey put down five dollars and became the first member. A Junior Clinic at the Phoenix Open was its kickoff event; subsequently, there were yearround activities such as free weekly instructional clinics in the spring and weekly tournaments in the summer. Membership was free and open to kids aged 6-17, later changed to 3-18. In its first year, the organization enjoyed a membership of 200 juniors. By the end of 1993, that number had grown to 2,100. “I give Tom Cunningham and Tim Greenwell, who started it all the credit, by bringing other people in: Karsten, the Thunderbirds, putting together volunteer groups and outreach,” said Gowan.

GREAT PLAYERS

Outstanding winners populate the AGA championship trophies from 1985 through 1999 — with many more names than ever before, thanks to the proliferation of new events in the 1980s and early 1990s. Three names stand out, however: Mark Sollenberger, Billy Mayfair and Ken Kellaney. Sollenberger, who played at Arizona State and had a short stint on the PGA TOUR before regaining his amateur status, won his first three State Amateurs in 1974, 1982 and 1985. In 1988, he won his fourth title in emphatic fashion, crushing Ed Grant 11 & 10 at Desert Forest Golf Club. In so doing, he equaled Dr. Ed Updegraff’s record of four State Amateur crowns. Sollenberger would go on to capture the

JGAA

Stroke Play in 1989, the Four-Ball (with Dennis Saunders) in 1990 and the Mid-Amateur in 1991.

Mayfair dominated the junior ranks in his native Phoenix, earning him the cover of Boys’ Life magazine in 1981 as “Golf’s junior hotshot.” A standout at Arizona State, he won the Haskins Award in 1987 as the nation’s top collegiate golfer, the same year he triumphed at the U.S. Amateur Championship. Because he turned professional in 1988, his career in Arizona’s most prestigious adult amateur tournaments was relegated to only a few years, but he made the most of them, winning the Stroke Play in 1985 and 1986 and Men’s Player of the Year in 1987.

The breakout star of the 1990s was Ken Kellaney. In 1993, the Phoenix banker accomplished what no player had done before or since, when he grabbed his third consecutive State Amateur. Competing at Troon Country Club, Kellaney downed 57-year-old sentimental favorite Frank Boydston, 5 & 4 in the final.

Kellaney wouldn’t win the Match Play again for another nine years, but he did corral the Stroke Play title in 1997 and 1999 plus three shared triumphs in the Four-Ball. He twice finished runner-up in the Match Play, losing the finale in 1996 and 1999. The former, at Legend Trail in Scottsdale, was considered the upset of the decade, when he was defeated by 47-year-old mailman Terry Beels, 3 & 2.

HONORS AND AWARDS

In 1990, the AGA established what would immediately be considered its most prestigious honor — the Updegraff Award. Given in recognition of those, who, by their actions, exemplify the Spirit of the Game, the award is named after Dr. Edgar Rice Updegraff of Tucson, honoring his lifetime contributions and dedication to amateur golf in Arizona.

Winners from 1990 through 1999 were Trev Anderson, Bill Dickey, Dick Rolls, William and Dot Straw, GM “Solly” Sollenberger, Bob Kirkendall, Al Potts, Jim Ronstadt and

We showed them that golf was economically viable, important to the future of tourism in the state. The research showed that golf courses didn’t mis-use water, and that they were such an economic driver in the community that taxing them out of business made no sense.”

AGA HISTORY

Robert “Doc” Graves. No award was given in 1995. Special recognition took other forms as well during this period. The Men’s Player of the Year was established in 1987, the Volunteer of the Year in 1991 and the Mayfair Award in 1993. Most welcome, in 1998, was the resumption of the Arizona Golf Hall of Fame. Created in 1968 to preserve the state’s golf history, its goal was to honor those, living or deceased, who by achievement have produced lasting contributions to the sport of golf in Arizona. No new members had been elected since 1975 and the AGA decided it was time to give the old shrine a kick-start. After a solid year of deliberations, a new class of ten individuals was elected in 2000.

AGA FOUNDATION

In December 1995, Gowan and AGA President Steve Richards created the Arizona Golf Foundation (AGF), a 501(c) (3) public charity affiliated with the AGA. The Foundation assists numerous organizations throughout the state of Arizona that either promote the game of golf or use golf as an opportunity to enrich the lives of their beneficiaries. “We were doing charitable things through the Association, but as a (c)(4), we couldn’t do fundraising,” said Gowan. “This led to the creation of the Patriot All-America tournament.”

A LOOK BACK AND A LOOK AHEAD

As the year 2000 dawned, the Arizona Golf Association had every reason to reflect with pride on its accomplishments of the previous 15 years. Massive change was the norm during the era, yet the AGA handled the new direction nimbly and skillfully. It had morphed from the equivalent of a men’s golf group at a country club to the most respected and influential advocate for golf and golfers in the state. The Association now numbered more than 65,000 individual members, double the figure from 1985. It was running 23 annual tournaments and seven USGA qualifying events with a volunteer force of 150. In reality, the AGA had only started to realize its potential. From 2000 to the present, the AGA would find another gear and soar to unprecedented heights.

2022 AGA Player of the Year and Service Awards

WORDS AND PHOTOS BY BRANDON GENSON

Throughout each season, players compete in Arizona Golf Association tournaments in hopes of landing atop the Player Rankings. ose who nd themselves in the number one spot etch their names into the AGA’s history books - joining an esteemed list of individuals who have been named Player of the Year in their respective divisions.

e AGA held its Annual Meeting in February at Phoenix Country Club, with player awards handed out for each division. Four service awards were also presented to individuals or organizations who have exempli ed sel ess commitment and contribution to golf in Arizona.

2022 PLAYER AWARDS

Chris Kamin

AGA Player of the Year, Masters Player of the Year, Mayfair Award

Countless players have teed it up at Arizona Golf Association tournaments over the last century, but few have had a stretch of dominance comparable to Chris Kamin’s 2022 performance. On the strength of four championship wins, Kamin earned the AGA Player of the Year, Masters Player of the Year and the Mayfair Award for lowest scoring average at 68.51.

“There are so many great names who have won the AGA Player of the Year over the years and I am both excited and humbled to be part of that list,” Kamin said. “2022 was a great year on the course and winning the Player of the Year, Masters Player of the Year and the Mayfair Award along with four wins was certainly the highlight of my amateur career.”

Almost like clockwork, Kamin won on the AGA’s biggest stages and bested its top fields. His four championship wins came at the Arizona Stroke Play, Arizona Mid-Amateur Championship, Northern Amateur and Players Cup Championship. Behind the stellar stroke average, Kamin often did more than outlast the competition – he dominated it.

At Stroke Play, he shot -12 overall, including a round one score of 65, and won by nine strokes. In June, he topped that performance with a fourday score of -15 at the Mid-Am – an 11-stroke victory. In his four wins, he never carded a round worse than even par.

Kamin also showed off his game on the national stage, qualifying for the U.S. Amateur and U.S Mid-Amateur. At the Arizona Open, he made the cut and finished seventh place in the Amateur Division.

Kamin’s play earned him spots on the 61st Bob Goldwater Cup Team, as the AGA outlasted the Southwest Section PGA for a second year in a row in the Open Division. He also served as captain of the Arizona vs. Utah Shootout team, represented the AGA at the Pacific Coast Amateur and earned the AGA’s exemption into the Patriot All-America Invitational.

2022 PLAYER AWARDS

Tori Totlis

Women’s Player of the Year

Tori Totlis set a goal at the beginning of 2022: Winning the AGA Women’s Player of the Year. She knew achieving it would force her to sign up for tournaments out of her comfort zone and put her skills to the test against Arizona’s best amateurs. By consistently placing in the top five at tournaments and earning the most points throughout the season, she accomplished that goal.

“I can work on my game as consistently as possible but if I’m not putting it to the test under tournament conditions, then what’s the point?” Totlis said. “Was every tournament a win or top-five finish? Hardly, but each event gave me the opportunity to learn, better myself and improve my golf game.”

True – not every tournament ended up with a top-five finish. But Totlis did rack up seven of them in 2022, and five of those were runner-up finishes. Individually, she placed second at the Women’s Mid-Amateur Championship and the stroke play qualifying at the Women’s Match Play Championship. At the latter, she made it all the way to the championship match against star junior Ashley Shaw.

It was in Partners tournaments where Totlis shined the brightest. In gusty conditions at Flagstaff Ranch Country Club, she and Molly Steffes fired -8 to win the Scotch Play Tournament. Totlis and Steffes also finished in second place at the Women’s Four-Ball Championship, and posted a T2 at the Women’s Season Opener. Totlis was also one of two women who represented Team AGA at the Arizona vs. Utah Shootout.

“I am very grateful to be a member of a golf association that supports the women’s golf community and puts on incredible events for golfers of all levels,” said Totlis.

2022 PLAYER AWARDS

Alex Stamey

Senior Men’s Player of the Year

Nearly every time Alex Stamey teed it up in an AGA tournament, he won. The 2022 Senior Division Player of the Year played in six tournaments and won five of them. On paper, his year was almost perfect, but he needed to overcome a few obstacles to get the job done. After an early-season win at the San Tan Amateur, he battled injuries and a mid-year slump, which he broke out of with a change in his swing.

The swing modification propelled him to a stretch of wins in the Senior Division that included the Divisional Match Play Tournament, Arizona Four-Ball, Northern Amateur and the Players Cup Championship. In the only tournament he played and did not win – the AGA Championship – he still shot well enough to make the cut in one of the year’s deepest and most competitive fields.

“After going through a swing change, I started playing very well in July and won the last four tournaments of the year to achieve Senior Player of the Year,” said Stamey. “This is my first award of this kind and earning the Arizona Senior Player of the Year is certainly one of the highest achievements in my amateur golf career.”

2022 PLAYER AWARDS

Robin Krapfl

Senior Women’s Player of the Year

Whether it was in singles, partners or national tournaments, 2022 Women’s Senior Player of the Year Robin Krapfl shined. Although there were no first place finishes for Krapfl last season, she was one of the Arizona Golf Association’s most consistent players – and in the hunt at almost every tournament she played.

Her season started strong with a second-place finish at the inaugural Women’s Short Course; her other runner-up finish came at the AGA’s largest senior women’s event of the year, the Women’s State Senior Stroke Play. Individually, she rounded out the year finishing third place at the Players Cup Championship and winning the Consolation Championship at the Senior Women’s Match Play. Alongside AGA Women’s Player of the Year Tori Totlis, she was one of two women to represent the AGA at the Arizona vs. Utah Shootout.

Krapfl also excelled in Partners events with her highest finish being third place at Women’s Partners. She added a fourth place finish at Women’s Scotch Play and fifth place finishes at the Women’s Season Opener and Four-Ball Championships. In addition to her AGA performances, Krapfl finished runner-up at the Ladies National Golf Association Senior Division and finished T12 at the Inaugural Marilynn Smith Arizona Women’s Senior Open. On the national stage, Krapfl earned an exemption into the U.S. Senior Women’s Amateur Championship, where she made the cut into the Round of 64.

“It is an honor to win the AGA Senior Women’s Player of the year, due to the quality of the competition,” Krapfl said. “I love competing in AGA events because of the great golf courses we get to play, how well the tournaments are run and the camaraderie amongst the players. I love representing Westbrook Village and it’s gratifying to have the hours of practice pay off.”

Tim Blau

Legends Player of the Year

While resting in Talking Stick Golf Club’s clubhouse after winning the Divisional Match Play, Tim Blau reflected that it was his second year in a row winning the event. Earlier in the year, he had also won the Arizona Divisional Stroke Play for a second time in his career, but 2022 marked the first time that he accomplished both feats in the same season.

Those two championship wins propelled him to winning the Arizona Golf Association Legends Division Player of the Year in a season that included several top-five finishes. Among them, he finished second place at the San Tan Amateur and Players Cup Championship; he also finished fourth place at the Northern Amateur and T5 at the Southern Amateur.

His play throughout the season also earned him a spot as a representative of the AGA during the 61st Bob Goldwater Cup at Phoenix Country Club. There, he outlasted Southwest Section PGA members (2 & 1) in the singles match portion.

“I love the competition in the Legends Division. It’s an honor to win any tournament with the quality of players we have in the division, and it’s only going to get tougher,” said Blau. “Can we please keep those youngsters from turning 65?

“We all appreciate the time and effort it takes to run the events by the AGA and volunteers. With God’s Grace, we can all stay healthy and have another great year of tournaments.”

2022 PLAYER AWARDS

John Parker

Dr. Edgar Rice Updegraff Award

When John Parker moved to Tucson in 1989, it was hard to imagine the impact he would have on the game in Arizona and the relationships he would build over the decades to follow. After his career with the University of Arizona golf team, Parker joined Titleist as a sales representative and traveled the country while working in various roles. He was based in California when he was offered the opportunity to return to Arizona and work under the legendary Al Birmingham.

While in college, the Wildcats golf team played every Friday at Tucson Country Club. There, Parker developed a personal relationship with Dr. Ed Updegraff and an admiration for him that resonates to this day.

“When I think of Dr. Ed Updegraff, I think of class, humility, grace,” Parker said. “There’s too many superlatives to even list, but it means the world to me. And when I think of the game of golf, and those who have come before us and paved the way for us to have the type of game we have in our state, it’s guys like Dr. Ed that we look to for that kind of leadership. For me to be even mentioned in that same breath is a true honor.”

In addition to his work with Titleist, Parker has gone above and beyond to assist the Arizona Golf Association in any way possible. For many years, he served on the AGA Board of Governors; he also played in many AGA majors – including the Stroke Play, Arizona Amateur and Club Team Championships – and supported those events and others, like the Goldwater Cup, through his work at Titleist. For Parker, giving back to the game so that those who come after us can enjoy it the same way is of utmost importance. As a result, his dedication to amateur golf will forever be felt in Arizona.

“When I think back over the last 30-plus years of my association with the Arizona golf community and all the tremendous friendships I have in the game, that’s what is so meaningful and what I’m most grateful for,” said Parker.

Marta Felix

Dorothy Pease Achievement Award

Born and raised in Nogales, Ariz., golf was not part of Marta Felix’s life until she was in her 30’s, when she was introduced to the game by Barbara Rumberg, a woman to whom she delivered mail while working for the United States Postal Service. When Rumberg invited her to play with the women’s club at Rio Rico Golf Course, Felix thought, “how hard could it be?”

She showed up in jeans and tennis shoes with no equipment and was met with raised eyebrows and stern stares. Felix decided that if she wanted to play this game, she was going to have to look the part. One day soon after while on her mail route, she found her first set of golf clubs at a garage sale for $50. “Today, there isn’t a club in my bag that cost $50, let alone all of them,” Felix said.

Since her retirement from the USPS in 2021, Felix plays three times per week at Sewailo Golf Club in Tucson. She also competes in AGA Women’s Tournaments as her schedule allows. In 2014, Felix was recruited by Pima Community College to play on their Women’s Golf Team. She went back to school and her team made it all the way to the National Championship. In 2022, Felix qualified to play in the U.S. Women’s Senior Amateur Championship, but due to her volunteer commitments, she was unable to participate in the event.

2022 PLAYER AWARDS

But just playing golf is not enough for Felix. She has a deep desire to share her love of the game with kids. In 2021, Felix joined the AWGA Board of Directors and quickly gravitated toward the High School Build A Team Program. She became a volunteer advocate with the Nogales High School Co-Ed Golf Team attending practices and matches throughout the season. She somehow found enough girls who wanted to participate so that Nogales could field a girls’ team as well as a boys’ team. Because she was so successful recruiting girls to the team, they asked her to be the Girls Golf Coach – and she hasn’t looked back. Now in her second year as the head coach, Felix makes sure that her team has the equipment, uniforms, and the instruction they need to not only look the part, but to be successful.

Because she has experienced the benefits of playing golf first-hand, Felix still thought she could do more. She partnered with the City of Nogales in 2022 to start a summer junior golf program for kids ages 7-17. Before the program started, she had no balls and no equipment, but she had a field in a park and no idea how many kids would show up. By the end of the program, Felix had 57 kids who were all developing an appreciation and hopefully a lifelong passion for the game, just as she has.

2022 PLAYER AWARDS

Jay Anderson Champion of Golf

As a young boy, Jay Anderson watched Jack Nicklaus and Arnold Palmer on television; he credits watching the golf greats as his inspiration to get into golf at an early age. A talented player throughout his youth and collegiate career in Illinois, Anderson shifted his career focus from golf professional to financial broker during the 1980s. By 1987, he would call Arizona home as he took on a new position with his company.

Shortly after his move, Anderson became a regular competitor in Arizona Golf Association events, where his influence was noted by former AGA Tournament Director, James Waitt. Anderson accepted an offer to join the Men’s Tournament Committee in 2000, utilizing his background as a competitive player to elevate the tournament player experience.

His positive impact on the Association and golf community eventually led to a position on the AGA’s Executive Committee, and by 2010, he was elected AGA President. In addition to his AGA roles, Anderson serves as a USGA Committee Member – an opportunity he cherishes. He attributes his love of being a starter to Ron Reid, a former USGA Regional Affairs Director, who taught him everything about the craft.

These days, you will find the Past President volunteering at AGA tournaments, USGA Qualifiers, and the Patriot All-America on the first tee, putting players at ease and sending them off on time. In his role on the Council of Past Presidents, he continues to provide guidance in nominating future AGA Executive Committee members. On occasion, you may still spot him on the tee sheet of an AGA event.

Ellen O’Hara

Doc Graves Volunteer of the Year Award

Ask anyone who has tried: Becoming an expert Rules Official is no easy task. Achieving that status takes a staggering amount of studying, time, dedication and passion. Since 1999, when 2022 Doc Graves Volunteer of the Year Ellen O’Hara’s volunteer journey began, she has displayed each of those traits in surplus.

Her first volunteer opportunity came when she accepted a role as part of the Women’s Amateur Public Links Committee on the recommendation of her friend, Barbara Douglas. Although it was just her first stint as a volunteer, she quickly excelled at raising funds which sent players to the Championship. With her role on the WAPL Committee, she knew it was her responsibility to become proficient in the rules. With the encouragement of Robin Farran and her father, she attended her first Rules of Golf Workshop in 2000, achieved expert status in 2013 and started volunteering for the Arizona Golf Association.

Also a talented golfer, O’Hara’s playing career includes a trip to the 2001 U.S. Women’s Senior Amateur. She had to put the clubs away due to a series of shoulder operations but began to dedicate even more time to the Rules of Golf. Over the years, O’Hara has officiated countless USGA Championships, served on the Joanne Winter Arizona Silver Belle Board and is currently a USGA Committee Member. In 2022, she assisted over 50 days as a Rules Official for the Junior Golf Association of Arizona and the AGA.

“It was a big surprise to me when I was told that I would be the recipient of the Doc Graves Volunteer of the Year Award,” said O’Hara. “I am greatly honored to receive this prestigious award from the Arizona Golf Association. Doc Graves was a good friend and for me he was the ultimate dedicated volunteer for the betterment of golf in Arizona.”

Upcoming Social Events

AZ Under30 Club

April 30

Lone Tree Golf Club

May 21

Verrado Golf Club - Victory

June 25

We-Ko-Pa Golf Club - Saguaro

July 16

TPC Scottsdale - Champions

Scramble Days

May 19

Verrado Golf Club - Victory

June 11

Legacy Golf Club

July 9

Phoenician Golf Club

August 27

Ak-Chin Southern Dunes Golf Club

September 10

Papago Golf Club

AZ eClub

May 5

Copper Canyon Golf Club

June 26

Prescott Golf Club

Just For Fun Stay & Play

October 12 - 13

Sedona Golf Resort & Oakcreek Country Club

Senior Cup Series

May 24

The Westin Kierland Golf Club

June 12

Oakcreek Country Club

June 19

We-Ko-Pa Golf Club - Saguaro

July 11

Capital Canyon Golf Club

July 27

Camelback Golf Club - Padre

August 14

Moon Valley Country Club

August 28

Phoenix Country Club

September TBD

Championship

azgolf.org/event-directory

Meagan McEnery

Think back to when you first picked up a golf club. Maybe you were fortunate enough to play at the junior, high school or collegiate levels or perhaps you picked it up more recently following a successful career or raising a family. Regardless of when you started playing, it is likely that you were introduced to the game by someone close to you ‒ a parent, grandparent or friend.

According to the National Golf Foundation, female golfers are the largest growing segment of golfers in recent years; the number of female adults and junior on-course golfers surpassed the six million mark for the first time since 2007. Locally, there were 25,000 active women’s golfers in Arizona at the time of the Arizona Women’s Golf Association’s 2019 merger with the Arizona Golf Association. Despite the growth, in a recent survey of female golfers in Arizona, many respondents said that they felt their skill level was not good enough to play in women’s events and tournaments.

Luckily, the AGA offers several programs to meet golfers at all skill levels and encourages you to invite a friend to play and introduce them to the game the same way you were introduced.

For the newest golfers, the AGA offers Nine and Wine mentoring opportunities and Game On Golf Clinics. Both give players of all skill levels a chance to learn from seasoned golfers in an easy-going environment and hopefully, transition into playing the game comfortably on their own.

For recreational players, the AGA has multiple Social Golf options, including Scramble Days, Just 4 Fun Days, AZ eClub and AZ Under30 Club. Although prizes are handed out at the end of some events, these events re-

volve around fun more than competition- using scramble or partner formats or no format at all. Active golfers have a number of travel opportunities throughout the year to golf destinations spanning the United States, Mexico and Europe.

If you are looking for a little more competition, the AGA also holds the Arizona Senior Series ‒ one-day partner events open to any member aged 50+ with a handicap index. Teams are flighted, use a four-ball stroke play format and teams accumulate points throughout the season; the top winners are invited to participate in a championship at the end of the season.

New in 2023, the AGA is starting up its One-Day Series ‒ a tournament experience for members (men and women) of all skill levels to compete at premier courses,

often on weekends. Tournaments are flighted based on format, field size and playing ability; players are invited to play in single events, but those who earn the most points throughout the season will be invited to compete in a championship at the end of the season.

For our Membership looking for the most competitive experiences, the AGA offers opportunities for singles or two-teams to test their mettle against the competition. Grab a partner or challenge yourself individually by securing your entry azgolf.org.

You are strongly encouraged to step outside your comfort zone and participate in an AGA Women’s event this year! You will meet new friends, play new golf courses throughout the state and most importantly, get to play the game we all love.

2023 ARIZONA GOLF ASSOCIATION Tournament Schedule

DATE COMPETITION SITE HOST SITE TOURNAMENT

JANUARY

Jan. 9 AZ eClub Rancho Mañana Golf Club AZ eClub

Jan. 13 - 15 Women’s State Medallion Oakwood Country Club Women’s Tournament

Jan. 12 - 15 Latin America Amateur Grand Reserve Golf Club - Puerto Rico USGA Championship

Jan. 22 - 23 Arizona Short Course Augusta Ranch Golf Club Men’s Tournament

Jan. 29 Winter Shootout Bellair Golf Park AZ Under 30 Club

FEBRUARY

Feb. 3 AZ eClub Laughlin Ranch Golf Club AZ eClub

Feb. 18 Women’s Season Opener Robson Ranch Golf Club Women’s Tournament

Feb. 25 - 26 San Tan Amateur Oakwood Country Club Men’s Tournament

Feb. 26 Winter Classic Bellair Golf Park AZ Under 30 Club

MARCH

Mar. 11 - 12 Women’s Short Course Augusta Ranch Golf Club Women’s Tournament

Mar. 16 - 19 AGA Championship Aguila Golf Course Men’s Tournament

APRIL

April 6 AZ eClub Oakcreek Country Club AZ eClub

April 20 - 23 Arizona Stroke Play Championship Wigwam Golf Club - Gold Course Men’s Tournament

April 25 - 26 Marilynn Smith Arizona Senior Women’s Open Longbow Golf Club Women’s Tournament

April 30 Spring Classic Lone Tree Golf Club AZ Under 30 Club

MAY

May 1 U.S. Open Qualifier #1 Tucson Country Club USGA Qualifier

May 2 U.S. Open Qualifier #2 Ak-Chin Southern Dunes Golf Club USGA Qualifier

May 5 AZ eClub Copper Canyon Golf Club AZ eClub

May 6 One-Day Series Ak-Chin Southern Dunes One-Day Series

May 10 U.S. Open Qualifier #3 Talking Stick Golf Club USGA Qualifier

May 11 Arizona Amateur Qualifier #1 Talking Stick Golf Club Men’s Tournament

May 13 - 17 U.S. Women’s Amateur Four-Ball The Home Course - DuPont, Wash. USGA Championship

May 15 U.S. Open Qualifier #4 Phoenix Country Club USGA Qualifier

May 19 Scramble Days Verrado Golf Club (Victory) Scramble Days

May 19 - 20 West Valley Amateur Falcon Dunes Golf Course Men’s Tournament

May 20 - 24 U.S. Amateur Four-Ball Kiawah Island Club - Kiawah Island, SC USGA Championship

May 21 Summer Classic Verrado Golf Club (Victory) AZ Under 30 Club

May 24 Senior Cup Series Kierland Golf Club Senior Cup Series

May 27 One-Day Series Rancho Mañana Golf Club One-Day Series

May 30 U.S. Women’s Open Qualifier Gainey Ranch Golf Club USGA Qualifier

May 31 Arizona Amateur Qualifier #2 Ak-Chin Southern Dunes Golf Club Men’s Tournament

JUNE

June 2 One-Day Series Wickenburg Ranch Golf and Social Club One-Day Series

June 3 - 4 Father & Son Antelope Hills Golf Courses AGA Member Day

June 5 U.S. Senior Open Qualifier Arizona Country Club USGA Qualifier

June 6 - 7 Women’s Four-Ball Championship Verrado Golf Club (Victory) Women’s Championship

June 8 - 11 Arizona Mid-Amateur Championship TPC Scottsdale - Champions Course Men’s Tournament

June 11 Scramble Days Legacy Golf Club Scramble Days

June 12 - 14 Arizona Women’s Mid-Amateur Championship TPC Scottsdale - Champions Course Women’s Tournament

June 12 U.S. Junior Amateur Qualifier Desert Highlands Golf Club USGA Qualifier

June 12 Senior Cup Series Oakcreek Country Club Senior Cup Series

June 14 Arizona Amateur Qualifier #3 Lone Tree Golf Club Men’s Tournament

June 15 U.S. Girls’ Junior Qualifier Pinnacle Peak Country Club USGA Qualifier

June 15 - 18 U.S. Open Los Angeles Country Club - Los Angeles, CA USGA Championship

June 19 Senior Cup Series We-Ko-Pa Golf Club (Saguaro) Senior Cup Series

June 23 One-Day Series Verrado Golf Club (Victory) One-Day Series

June 24 U.S. Women’s Amateur Qualifier Briarwood Country Club USGA Qualifier

June 25 Duel in the Desert We-Ko-Pa Golf Club (Saguaro) AZ Under 30 Club

June 24 - 27 Arizona Match Play Championship Ak-Chin Southern Dunes Golf Club Men’s Tournament

June 26 - 27 U.S. Amateur Qualifier #1 Verde River Golf and Social Club USGA Qualifier

June 26 AZ eClub Prescott Golf Club AZ eClub

June 29 Arizona Amateur Qualifier #4 Poston Butte Golf Club Men’s Tournament

June 29 - July 2 U.S. Senior Open SentryWorld - Stevens Point, WI USGA Championship

Women’s Championships and Tournaments USGA Qualifier

Men’s Championships and Tournaments AGA Events/Series

Collegiate Events USGA Championship NEW: One-Day Series

JULY

July 6 - 9 U.S. Women’s Open Pebble Beach Golf Links - Pebble Beach, CA USGA Championship

July 7 One-Day Series We-Ko-Pa Golf Club (Saguaro) One-Day Series

July 9 Scramble Days The Phoenician Golf Club Scramble Days

July 11 - 13 Women’s Match Play Championship Falcon Dunes Golf Club Women’s Tournament

July 11 Senior Cup Series Capital Canyon Senior Cup Series

July 14 One-Day Series Papago Golf Club One-Day Series

July 15 Arizona Amateur Qualifier #5 Papago Golf Club Men’s Tournament

July 17 - 22 U.S. Girls’ Junior Eisenhower GC @ Air Force Academy - C. Springs, CO USGA Championship

July 16 Summer Shootout TPC Scottsdale (Champions) AZ Under 30 Club

July 20 - 21 U.S. Amateur Qualifier #2 Poston Butte Golf Club USGA Qualifier

July 22 - 23 Southern Amateur Tucson National Golf Club Men’s Tournament

July 24 - 29 U.S. Junior Amateur Daniel Island Club - Charleston, SC USGA Championship

July 27 U.S. Senior Women’s Open Qualifier Papago Golf Club USGA Qualifier

July 27 Senior Cup Series Camelback Golf Club (Padre) Senior Cup Series

July 29 - 30 Mixed Stix Tournament Oakcreek Country Club Women’s Tournament

July 31 U.S. Senior Amateur Qualifier TBD USGA Qualifier

AUGUST

Aug. 1-3 Women’s Amateur Championship Desert Highlands Golf Club Women’s Championship

Aug. 7 - 13 U.S. Women’s Amateur Bel-Air Country Club - Los Angeles, CA USGA Championship

Aug. 7 - 12 99th Arizona Amateur Championship Desert Highlands Golf Club Men’s Tournament

Aug. 14 - 20 U.S. Amateur Cherry Hills CC - Cherry Hills Village, CO USGA Championship

Aug. 14 Senior Cup Series Moon Valley Country Club Senior Cup Series

Aug. 16 U.S. Mid-Amateur Qualifier Tonto Verde - Ranch Course USGA Qualifier

Aug. 17 U.S. Women’s Mid-Amateur Qualifier The Mirabel Club USGA Qualifier

Aug. 19 One-Day Series Sterling Grove Golf + Country Club One-Day Series

Aug. 22 - 24 Arizona Senior Amateur Championship TPC Scottsdale - Champions Course Men’s Tournament

Aug. 24 U.S. Senior Women’s Amateur Qualifier Pinnacle Peak Country Club USGA Qualifier

Aug. 24 - 27 U.S. Senior Women’s Open Waverley CC - Portland, OR USGA Championship

Aug. 26 - 31 U.S. Senior Amateur Martis Camp Club - Truckee, CA USGA Championship

Aug. 26 One-Day Series Camelback Golf Club (Ambiente) One-Day Series

Aug. 27 Scramble Days Ak-Chin Southern Dunes Golf Club Scramble Days

Aug. 28 Senior Cup Series Phoenix Country Club Senior Cup Series

SEPTEMBER

Sept. 8 - 9 Arizona Four-Ball TBD Men’s Tournament

Sept. 9 - 14 U.S. Mid-Amateur Sleepy Hollow CC - Scarborough, NY USGA Championship

Sept. 9 - 14 U.S. Women’s Mid-Amateur Stonewall (North Course) - Elverson, PA USGA Championship

Sept. 8 One-Day Series Augusta Ranch Golf Club One-Day Series

Sept. 10 Scramble Days Papago Golf Club Scramble Days

Sept. 18 - 20 Women’s Senior Amateur Championship Briarwood Country Club Women’s Tournament

Sept. 16 One-Day Series Championship Corte Bella Golf Club One-Day Series

Sept. 21 U.S. Amateur Four-Ball Qualifier TBD USGA Qualifier

Sept. 25 Goldwater Cup Matches Phoenix Country Club AGA Team

Sept. 28 U.S. Women’s Amateur Four-Ball Qualifier Moon Valley Country Club USGA Qualifier

Sept. 30 - Oct. 5 U.S. Senior Women’s Amateur Troon Country Club - Scottsdale, AZ USGA Championship

TBD Senior Cup Series Championship TBD Senior Cup Series

OCTOBER

Oct. 1 - 3 Arizona vs. Utah Shootout Flagsta Ranch Golf Club AGA Team

Oct. 7 - 8 Northern Amateur Oakcreek Country Club Men’s Tournament

Oct. 9 - 10 Women’s Scotch Play Tournament White Mountain CC Women’s Tournament

Oct. 12-13 Just 4 Fun Days Sedona Golf Resort and Oakcreek CC Just 4 Fun Days

NOVEMBER

Nov. 5 - 6 Women’s Partners Tournament Tubac Golf Club Women’s Tournament

DECEMBER

DEC. 29 - 31 Patriot All-America Wigwam Golf Club - Gold Course Collegiate

DEC. 29 - 31 Thunderbolt TBD Collegiate

Junior Golf Association of Arizona: Fitness and ‘Golf For Life’

Golfers are always looking for anything to give them an extra edge. Anything to add a few extra yards on their drive or improve their accuracy has to be considered, especially for those at highly competitive levels like JGAA members. One way JGAA members are gaining an edge is in the gym. Although golf is not as physically demanding as other sports, the advantages of gaining strength to enhance execution and avoid injury are obvious.

“At its core, our mission is simple; we make your body move better, so you can do the things you love,” said Carson Kemp, a professional trainer at Scottsdale’s Motionlab. “We help juniors work specifically on developing the prerequisite mobility required to swing a golf club and the mobility required to be a functional human.”

As player swing speeds increase and outpace the body’s ability to support them, the likelihood of injury skyrockets. When players are sidelined, making progress in their game is impossible. Kemp, who has a long list of golf-specific clients, places importance on regimens that give players more mobility and as a result, limit injuries.

For Kemp, an accomplished AGA tournament player himself, training golfers is unique to training other athletes. He emphasizes that players should be in tune with their bodies. Instead of focusing on technical movement, he teaches “feels.” It is a process that takes time, but the sooner players start, the sooner they reap the benefits.

But for maximum success, players must prioritize maintaining momentum on their own. For JGAA members like

WORDS BY JEFF LOCKE

Motionlab

Michael Baker, that means working as hard in the gym as they do on the golf course. Kemp, his trainer, noted that he shows the qualities of a professional golfer at the junior level and trusts the process of progressively improving his body to see on-course success.

“I walk into the gym the same way I walk onto the course,” Baker said. “I just give it my all. You might not always be 100%, but you can always give 100%.”

Baker added that his training routine has helped his game signi cantly. He has developed a faster, stronger and more consistent swing. Most importantly, he is pain-free. Baker, who previously dealt with back problems, says that he is less injury prone and rarely

experiences back pain anymore; he credits stretching as the training element that has made the biggest impact on his game.

Baker also reported that the training regimen has had a positive e ect on his topball and average-ball speed. Speed, power, strength, mobility and exibility are all part of the tness and performance equation that translates to lower scores on the golf course. With junior golf growing exponentially, the level of competition continues to rise.

ose who are putting in the time and e ort now– in the gym and on the course– will see physical bene ts in the short-term, but they are also setting the foundation to play ‘Golf for Life.’

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Motionlab

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Arizona Represented on LPGA*USGA Girls

Golf National Stage

Local 15-year-old selected for eLeader Junior Board of Directors

WORDS BY CORI MATHESON

The LPGA*USGA Girls Golf of Phoenix is a 501c3 program of the Junior Golf Association of Arizona, and is a supported partner of the LPGA Foundation (based in Florida). With over 500 locations in the world, Girls Golf is making a huge impact with focus on programming that includes the “Five E’s” stages of learning. e “Five E’s” support the Girls Golf mission and give programs the opportunity to focus on teachings that are speci c to the development of girls.

e Five E’s of Girls Golf are used to Empower, Enrich, Engage, Exercise, and Energize girls through the game of golf.

Recently, the LPGA Foundation elected a special committee of teen members to gather and serve on the Girls Golf eLeader Junior Board of Directors. is board is made up of 13 applicants from all over the country that are a part of the Girls Golf eLeader program (girls aged 13-18 who volunteer to help site directors implement the Five E’s programming). ese leaders were chosen from online applications and one local superstar was recently honored! Grace Downing, a sophomore at Williams Field High School in Gilbert, is the newest member.

Downing joined Girls Golf of Phoenix in 2019 when her family moved to Arizona from Iowa. She started playing golf when she was ve and knew that it was going to play an important role in her life. Downing said, “Golf has helped build my con dence because I am pretty shy. Golf has given me a place to get involved and believe in myself. Golf has made me feel empowered by meeting new people, engaging with adults, and building connections with other players. Golf releases stress

for me and I know it is important for me to keep positive on and o the course.”

When Downing was younger, she had a setback with her speech development that presented some challenges. She spent extra time in speech therapy and still strives to ensure her words are delivered correctly. She is grateful that golf has given her a place to shine, build lifelong friendships, feel empowered and especially love Girls Golf for giving her a safe place to build her athletic ability while also being around other girls.

Downing is currently an active leader with her high school golf team, volunteers for many of Girls Golf’s junior golf partners, and is a strong student. She recently won a gold medal award in competition for her criminal justice club and will be headed to the state nals in April! Downing credits golf and its bene ts with helping her shine academically. “Golf has always challenged me, and I have had to learn to balance my emotions and focus on positive decision making,” she said. Downing thinks that practicing these skills while playing golf help with her con dence and emotions during competitions and school challenges. She hopes to continue with competitive golf while studying criminal justice in college.

Girls Golf of Phoenix is grateful to have Downing represent our AZ golf family on a national level. Downing is excited to help younger girls with their own goals and hopes that they can love golf as much as she does. We all can watch closely as Grace Downing enriches our golf community and shines brightly both on and o the golf course.

Congratulations, Grace!

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The Phoenician Scottsdale

Dissecting the “Rickie Fowler Rule”

WORDS BY LOGAN RASMUSSEN

Ben Jared/PGA TOUR

One of the biggest reasons for a refresh of the Rules of Golf every four years is to simplify some of the game’s most complex issues. One of the highlights was a change that many are commonly referring to as the “Rickie Fowler Rule’’ due to an incident at the 2019 WM Phoenix Open.

With a five-stroke lead during the final round, Fowler headed to the Par-4 11th hole –which has a lake wrapping around the edge; his chip attempt overtook the green and pulled his shot into the water. He proceeded to take his penalty area relief by dropping a ball within his identified relief area; the ball rolled down the steep slope back into the water. His second drop also rolled back into the water; he then placed a ball where his second dropped ball hit the ground (See Rule 14.3c(2)).

Fowler approached the green to get a read on his upcoming greenside shot when the ball, which was previously at rest, rolled into the water a third time due to the slope and inclement weather conditions. Under the old iteration of the Rules, Fowler was penalized again. Fowler ultimately took a triple bogey, but many believe that he should not be at fault because he was not the cause of the ball moving back into the Penalty Area.

The USGA revised the rule, which now states “if a ball at rest is moved by natural forces after being dropped, placed or replaced and comes

to rest in a different area of the course or out of bounds, the ball must be replaced and played from its original spot – with no penalty.”

There are two factors to consider when applying this rule; the first is what caused the ball at rest to move. “... Moved by natural forces” means the ball moved without any person’s influence, i.e. wind, gravity, rain, slope, etc.

The second factor is that the movement needs to occur after the player has taken action to drop, place or replace the ball. In other words, unintentional movement (such as the ball moving from one Area of the course due to wind) could not be counted as a drop, place or replace; the player would still have to take that action on their own.

Finally, Fowler’s drop moved the ball from one area of the course to another. Each area of the course has a different drop procedure. In this case, the focus is on moving the ball from the Penalty Area to the General Area.

Under the 2023 Rules, Fowler’s ball was dropped back into play and came to a complete rest in the General Area after his first drop attempt. Because gravity and natural forces moved his ball at rest from the General Area into the Penalty Area, Fowler would simply replace his ball on the spot it was at rest and play on, rather than taking additional penalty strokes like he did in 2019.

But don’t feel too badly for Fowler. He still went on to win by two strokes.

Matt York/AP

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Distancing Ourselves From Club and Golf Ball Issues

WORDS BY ED GOWAN

All that aside, the USGA and R&A have been focusing on the issue seriously for nearly ten years. Proposed regulations may be modifications of the balls as we have already seen, or clubhead construction or size, and possibly suggested local rules to affect only the elite players. All of that is well and good, but speaking as someone losing distance with each passing year, the powers that be would have more support if the focus was on helping the average player, first.

With the USGA’s recent announcement of a proposed rollback to the golf ball for elite players, we must remember the continuous debate over controlling or not-controlling distance has been on the table for at least the last thirty years. I began to see increased distance myself with the Pittsburgh Persimmon metal woods, first on the market in the early 80’s. I remember a quote from Chi Chi Rodriguez (check your

Google apps, youngsters), who said “If every new driver gave me an additional ten yards, I’d be driving the ball 400 yards.” Nearly every advertisement for clubs or balls in memory touts better distance. The new Callaway ad with Jon Rahm promoting accuracy with more distance is actually refreshing! Imagine if the ball ended up closer to our target and that happened through a purchase! Callaway may be on to something.

For all the talk about driving distance, the average player hasn’t gained anything appreciable. Sure, ask any player how far they hit a driver, and the answer is “250 yards” or “280 yards,” etc. Truth be known that may happen on occasion, but the AVERAGE distance players hit the ball is somewhat less. I know middle handicappers who struggle to average 220 yards, yet score consistently in the low 80’s. Their handicaps are relatively the same as their precursors of the 1980’s. Short game and putting abilities govern handicaps, not distance. Some guys have benefitted from the new distance, but the largest benefits have been for women because of lighter clubs and better fitting now available.

Still, that begs the question of coming Rules changes. For my part, once having been told I was “long off the tee” (no more, by the way), long has developed new meaning when collegians can hit an 8-iron 190 yards and par 5’s are just longer two-shot holes. The professional or elite amateur of the 80’s averaged 250 yards on drives and

180 yards with 5-irons. Arizona’s Dan Pohl led the PGA TOUR in average driving distance in the mid-80’s at 267 yards. Sure, some great athletes like Nicklaus and Weiskopf were exceptionally longer on occasion but the average elite player was “elite” because of iron accuracy, short game and putting. e latter two are still critical, though accuracy means little when a player has 12 wedges to greens in a round.

Some years ago, John Staver – a USGA Rules O cial and friend from Minnesota – developed a ball that limited excessive distance for the elite while adding distance for the average player. I believe his answer was reducing the weight of a ball from 1.62 ounces to 1.57 ounces and adding lift through aerodynamics, both increasing the average player’s distance while reducing control for the elite.

Time for a change. I hope the USGA and R&A do institute changes, and signi cant ones at that. Doing that through Local Rules would be just ne. Within a short time I believe they would merge with common play and local rules would become part of the regular rules.

Just think, if the average player, woman or man, gained even ten yards increased carry distance across all clubs, imaging how much more most could enjoy the game as more greens became “reachable” in regulation. For the elite, I would enjoy seeing the best having to fade or draw approaches with middle irons to demonstrate skill, replacing 350-yard drives! Golf is already the Greatest Game because every person can play. at will never change. Let’s just ask that thought be given to Joe & Julie Average with equal attention.

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