27. May 2009 by admin.

STATE’S FINEST JUNIOR GOLFERS TO TEE IT UP IN THE

WILLIE LOW INVITATIONAL AT PHOENIX COUNTRY CLUB

90 players Set to Play in Tournament Honoring Former Phoenix Country Club Pro on June 2

            PHOENIX, Arizona (May 27, 2009) – For nearly a half a century at Phoenix Country Club, Willie Low, considered one of the Valley’s top golf professionals, mentored numerous top juniors, among them Howard Twitty and a young George Boutell who would later go on to win the 1962 Arizona Amateur Championship and then post a stellar career at Arizona State University, earning All American status. “Willie’s biggest influence was with his own members, but he was also very active along with Red Allen and Bill Farkas and Milt Coggins in establishing city-wide interest for kids,” said Boutell. “At Phoenix Country Club he gave free clinics every Saturday morning to young members.  He was uncomplicated as a teacher and while he was a good player himself, I think he was more interested in bringing a lot of kids to the game than he was in teaching them the intricacies of the golf swing.  He dealt with the fundamentals and was very sure that each kid had a good grip and a good address position.”

                The 2009 Willie Low Invitational will get underway on June 2 at Phoenix Country Club. Started in 1969, the event has showcased the talents of junior golfers from across the state. Past winners have included two-time champion and current PGA TOUR golfer Billy Mayfair along with Ted Purdy.

                “Willie Low was probably the most respected and beloved Golf Professional at the Phoenix Country Club.  His legacy continues today with the generations of golfers he taught the game, now introducing their children to the game of golf.  There is a set of Willie Low irons as well as a picture of Willie in the golf shop to serve as a tribute to all he did for the Phoenix Country Club as well as junior golf throughout Arizona,” said Adam Brigham, Head Golf Professional at PCC.

                Some of this year’s participants will include Evan Markley, who won the 2008 JGAA Thunderbird Invitational and SWSPGA State Junior Championship and was a member of the 2008 Eddie Hogan Cup team for Arizona; Ajay Wilson, defending Willie Low Invitational champion for Boys 13-14; Mieke Canan, Arizona State Junior Match Play Champion, 2009 Yuma City Girls 16-18 Champion along with three 1^st Place finishes in JGAA 2008 season; Melissa Hultstrand, winner of the 2008 Willie Low Invitational for Girls 13-14 and a member of Arizona’s 2008 Girls Junior America’s Cup team and Shelby Martinek, winner of the 2008 5A Division II High School State Championship.

                “There were never starting times back then, so Willie was always pairing people up for a game.  A member could walk in and Willie always knew with whom that member would enjoy a round of golf.  Willie never forgot a name.  Guests would marvel at how Willie would call them by name after not seeing him for several years,” recalled Boutell. “If one of Willie’s junior golfers misbehaved, he would hold up two fingers.  We all knew what that meant–two weeks away from the club.  I know of no parent who rejected this type of Willie Low discipline.  I probably led the pack in two-weekers.  I look back on that with great respect for Willie for caring enough to keep us all in line,” added Boutell.

                Willie Low began his golf career at Lakeside Golf Club in Los Angeles in the 1920’s where he became lifelong friends with the likes of Bob Hope, Bing Crosby and other celebrities.  “I am not certain how it came together, but I would bet that he introduced these great celebrities to Bob Goldwater Sr and after 70+ years of Phoenix Opens, the Valley of the Sun has been the beneficiary of these fabulous friendships,” said Boutell.

                For more information on the 2009 Willie Low Invitational, contact the JGAA office at (602) 944-6168 or visit their web site at www.jgaa.org

Posted in Arizona Junior Golf | No Comments »

18. May 2009 by admin.

SCOTTSDALE, AZ – The Southwest Section PGA announced today that new summer pricing has been introduced for the 2009 golf pass, which will offer discounted tee times at up to 75 courses in the Phoenix area through Oct. 31, 2009.

Additionally, for a limited time, anyone who purchases a Summer Golf Pass (by May 31) will be entered into a drawing for a 2010 FBR Open Members Club hospitality package, which includes two Members Club tickets per day, complimentary food and beverage and one VIP parking pass.

 “This is the first time that we have reduced the price of the golf pass strictly for the summer months,” said Joel Schafer, Southwest Section PGA board member.  “We feel this is a great way to give golfers more options on discounted golf and the chance to see the exceptional value that the SWS Golf Pass offers.”

The cost of the pass is $75 and can be purchased directly at participating courses, which can be found on the Southwest Section PGA website at www.SWSGolfPass.com.

 The Southwest Section PGA also is encouraging everyone to use their website to book tee times online, which will offer a “Best Rate Guarantee” at participating courses.  The SWS Best Rate Guarantee pledges to provide the best rate offered through any indirect website, or any other offer made available to the general public. 

The Southwest Section PGA Golf Pass program began in 1994 as a means of bringing some clarity and consistency to the myriad golf discount programs that had flooded the market in Arizona.  On average the Section sells more than 20,000 Golf Passes annually, accounting for more than 200,000 golf rounds each year. Currently the Golf Pass is honored at 75 Arizona golf courses. Under the current Golf Pass Program, Pass holders receive a 25-percent discount off the posted weekend rates at participating courses and 50-percent discount off weekday golf rates.  Some courses such as Rancho Manana Golf Club offer larger discounts during certain periods throughout the year.  Rancho Manana has passes for sale in the golf shop and can be reached at 480-488-0398.

Money raised from Golf Pass sales is used by the Southwest Section PGA to support Junior Golf, the Golf Industry Association, the Cactus and Pine Foundation and other programs designed to ensure the continued health and growth of the golf industry in Arizona.

For more information about the Southwest Section Summer Golf Pass go to www.swsgolfpass.com , or call the Southwest Section PGA office at 480-443-9002.  An entire list of Arizona Golf Courses can easily be found with links to all golf courses at www.arizonasgolfcourses.com .

Posted in Golf Course Information | No Comments »

13. May 2009 by admin.

The 70^th Senior PGA Championship begins May 21 – 24^th, 2009 at Canterbury Golf Club in

The 71^st Senior PGA Championship will be played in 2010 at the Colorado Golf Club in

Posted in National Golf News | No Comments »

13. May 2009 by admin.

The 91st PGA Championship will be held Aug. 10-16 at Hazeltine National Golf Club in Chaska, Minnesota.  In its effort to promote the game of golf, The PGA of America and Hazeltine National Golf Club will offer complimentary access to juniors (17 of age and younger) into the Championship. Two juniors per ticketed adult will be allowed to experience the excitement of a Major Championship.

To purchase tickets online, www.pga2009.com has all the information needed. For ticketing questions or to order tickets by phone, please call (800) PGA-Golf.  For information on other Minnesota golf courses, visit www.minnesotasgolf.com .

Posted in National Golf News | No Comments »

13. May 2009 by admin.

PHOENIX, Arizona (May 13, 2009) – Graduating from high school is one of life’s most memorable times and, for those that have been members of their high school golf teams, boys and girls state-wide who don their own cap and gown, they have the opportunity to participate in an event in appreciation of their high school golfing experience..

                The 2009 Arizona High School Senior Golf Classic will get underway on May 17 at the Gainey Ranch Golf Club in Scottsdale. Featuring nearly 80 high school seniors, the tournament is once again being supported by The Thunderbirds, host of the FBR Open. The Thunderbirds have been the sponsor and host of the High School Senior Classic for over 30 years.

                “The Thunderbirds host the High School Senior Classic as a way to thank all of the departing seniors, many of whom have played in JGAA events for many years.  For these players, it is a way for us to wish them well on their future paths, whether amateur, collegiate or professional,” said Tim Jones, Thunderbirds Junior Golf Chairman.

                “Many of these golfers have competed in numerous JGAA events over the years and watching them mature on and off the golf course is one of the most satisfying parts of being with the JGAA,” said Tom Cunningham, Executive Director of the Junior Golf Association of Arizona. “We are so proud of each and every one of our participants and know that the foundation that was laid through our JGAA events will carry them through as they compete in college and in some cases, on the professional level.”

                For more information on the 2009 Arizona High School Senior Golf Classic, contact the Junior Golf Association of Arizona at (602) 944-6168 or visit their web site at www.jgaa.org

Posted in Arizona Junior Golf | No Comments »

8. May 2009 by admin.

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. – Frys.com Open Tournament Director Scott Reid announced today that special discounts will be given for any corporate hospitality package purchased during the month of May for the 2009 Frys.com Open, a PGA TOUR event to be played Oct. 21-25, at Grayhawk Golf Club in Scottsdale, Ariz.

The 25 percent discount will be good for one package or any combination of packages, and includes any Corporate Skybox, Greenskeeper package, or any of the three pro-ams.

“To kick off our summer sales campaign, we thought it would be a great idea to offer some kind of incentive for getting your package early,” Reid said.  “This is a substantial discount whether you are buying one or multiple packages, and we expect to get a lot of calls this month because of this.”  

The popular Greenskeeper VIP area, located within the clubhouse and Grayhawk Patio adjacent to the 18^th green, has four distinct packages available – the Greenskeeper Foursome, Greenskeeper Plus, Greenskeeper 10 and Greenskeeper Executive.  Skyboxes are also available and located greenside at the par-3 16^th hole.  All Sky Box and Greenskeeper packages include complimentary food and beverage, and reserved parking passes for the week.

There are also three Pro-Ams to choose from in 2009 – the Official Pro-Am, the Peter Kostis Pro-Am and the new Fry’s and Friends Fore Adoption Pro-Am.   All provide unique opportunities to play alongside PGA TOUR players.

For more information on hospitality and pro-am packages go to the Frys.com Open website, www.frysopengolf.com, or call the Frys.com Open tournament office at (480) 502-3165.

The Frys.com Open is part of the PGA TOUR’s Fall Series and will feature a full-field (132 players), four-day tournament with a $5 million purse and $900,000 payout to the winner.  The Frys.com Open will be played Oct. 21-25, 2009, at Grayhawk Golf Club’s Raptor Course, and the tournament will be televised all four days on The Golf Channel. 

Posted in Frys Open | No Comments »

6. May 2009 by admin.

PHOENIX, Arizona (May 5, 2009) – Staging golf tournaments is an arduous and time-consuming task. Thanks to a donation from PING, one of golf’s leading club manufacturers, the Junior Golf Association of Arizona will now have a large Ford van to transport their tournament equipment to Arizona Golf Courses.

                “PING has always been a big supporter of Junior Golf and the JGAA.  When it was decided that one of our vehicles was going to be retired, we contacted Tom Cunningham to see if the JGAA had an interest in receiving this vehicle.  We were delighted to hear that the JGAA could benefit by accepting this donation,” said Frank Basco, Manager, Customer and Consumer Relations for PING.

                The Ford van was converted to carry cargo with two seats in the front and the rest of the vehicle available for the golf equipment that supports JGAA tournaments and its event. During its tenure at PING, the vehicle was maintained by PING’s Automotive Department where it received regular maintenance.  Prior to transferring ownership to the JGAA, the vehicle was given a complete inspection and all necessary maintenance was completed, including a brand new set of tires for the vehicle.

                “PING has been one of the JGAA’s most loyal supporters and I cannot begin to express our gratitude to them for this marvelous donation,” said Tom Cunningham, Executive Director of the JGAA.

                With nearly 40 tournaments on their yearly playing calendar, the JGAA oversees one of the country’s most comprehensive junior programs. “Junior golfers represent the future of the game.  It is extremely important to provide as many children as possible access to the game of golf so they can have a positive experience and have fun!  The JGAA staff works tirelessly to offer all the children in our state a safe environment where they can learn the game and spend time with other juniors who enjoy the game.  We believe the children who are supported by the JGAA will play golf long into their adulthood and that will be good for the game,” said Basco. “As we celebrate our 50th Anniversary at PING, we look forward to many more years in partnership with the JGAA to support junior golf.  By providing quality products and quality service to ‘Play Your Best’, we hope to build our brand and have a positive influence on juniors and their families.”

                For more information on the Junior Golf Association of Arizona, call (602) 944-6168 or visit www.jgaa.org

Posted in Arizona Junior Golf | No Comments »

5. May 2009 by admin.

Rancho Manana’s lower May rates take effect starting May 4, 2009.  According to General Manager, Dale Samar, “We lower them every year at this time and it really gives golfers looking for a true desert golf experience in

For more information on Rancho Manana Golf Club visit www.ranchomanana.com or for information on all Arizona Golf Courses, visit www.arizonasgolfcourses.com .

Posted in Golf Course Information | No Comments »