Archive for the Arizona Junior Golf Category
Top Girls Junior Golfers in Logan, Utah
23. July 2009 by admin.
PHOENIX, Arizona (July 20, 2009) – In an effort to foster friendships on and off the golf course, the Girls Junior Americas Cup began in 1978 and through its rich history has attracted some of the most talented female golfers in the country. Golfers that participate in the Girls Junior America’s Cup exemplify not only outstanding skill and experience, but also true sportsmanship, discipline, courtesy and strength of character. The 2009 tournament, supported by the Junior Golf Association of Arizona and the Arizona Women’s Golf Association will be played on July 26 – 30 at Logan Golf & Country Club in
Logan,
Utah.
This year’s Arizona squad features Mieke Canan of Tacna, Jacquie LeMarr of Chandler, Scottsdale’s Anna Kim and Brittany McKee of
Tucson. “The Girls Junior Americas Cup is the direct result of determined individuals who are passionate about the game of golf. Each year, we strive to improve this event to continually elevate its place among other national events,” said Rose Nehring, Arizona Team Captain. Former participants of the Girls Junior Americas Cup who went on to play on the LPGA Tour include, Joan Pitcock, Pat Hurst, Brandi Burton and current LPGA Player-of-the-Year Lorena Ochoa. Ochoa won this event three straight years, from 1997-99. Recent Arizona team members have included Tara Bateman (Baylor), Priscillia Hunt (Texas Tech), Lauren Todd (Stanford) and Erin Tone (
Arizona
State). Other Arizona teams have included the late Heather Farr, Missy Farr-Kaye, Kay Cornelius Jeanquartier and the sister tandem of Dina and Danielle Ammaccapane.
Teams in the 54-hole tournament will consist of four players with each team counting its best three scores from each round. The highest score from each squad will not be counted towards its team’s total. Participating teams in this year’s tournament include Arizona, Colorado, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, New Mexico, Northern California, Northern Nevada, Oregon, San Diego, Southern California, Southern Nevada, Utah, Washington, Wyoming along with the Canadian provinces of British Columbia and Alberta as well as
Mexico.
Southern California is the event’s defending champion.
The Girls Junior America’s Cup also includes a practice round, opening and closing ceremonies similar in presentation to that of the Olympic Games, a tournament banquet and a barbeque. The Girls Junior America’s Cup is governed by a Board of Directors consisting of team captains from each of the participating states. Each year, the team captain from the hosting state acts as Tournament Director while each state determines its own method of selecting its team members.
Arizona’s team selections are based on points earned in events conducted by the Junior Golf Association of Arizona. For more information on the 2009 Girls Junior America’s Cup, call (602) 944-6168 or visit the event’s web site at www.gjac.org .
Arizona Junior Golf Championship Results
17. July 2009 by admin.
PHOENIX, Arizona (July 17, 2009) – Four of Arizona’s golf associations joined forces recently to stage one of the state’s top junior events: the Junior Boys & Girls Golf Championship. Held at the magnificent Superstition Mountain Golf & Country Club on July 7-8, this year’s event was supported by the Junior Golf Association of Arizona along with the Arizona Golf Association, Arizona Women’s Golf Association and the Southwest Section – PGA of America. “The goal was to try to create one Junior State Golf Championship and receive the support from all associations. It is great having rules officials and volunteers come from all golf governing bodies in AZ,” said Scott McNevin of the Arizona Golf Association. Kevin Parkhusrt of Vail,
Arizona fired a two-day total of six-under-par, 138 to capture the Boy’s title while Saki Iida of Gilbert carded a two-over-par 146 to claim low scoring honors for the Girl’s. “I try not to have high expectations, but I knew my game was in good shape to win the tournament. I had some motivation going into the event because I was disappointed with my performance in the Tucson City Junior Championship the week prior and wanted to bounce back from that,” said Parkhurst who will be playing for Gonzaga next year while studying Broadcast Journalism. “The field for the tournament was one of the best junior fields I have competed against in quite awhile.
Everyone who played had to qualify and prove that they deserved a spot so everyone playing definitely had some game.”
The event featured some of the state’s finest junior players, 90 golfers in all, 60 boys and 30 girls. “We successfully ran separate State Championships in years past, but combining our efforts to host one true State Junior Championship is quite possibly the best idea we have had. The JGAA, AGA, AWGA and the Southwest Section PGA have many talented staff members with great ideas to share. Although the event will be tough to beat, I am sure we will,” said Frank Calvin, Director of Junior Golf for the SWSPGA. With her win, Iida receives an exemption to play in the Arizona Women’s Golf Association Arizona Amateur Stroke Play Championship. “We want the girls to become familiar with us as an association and with all the benefits we offer so that when their time with the Junior Golf Association is over they will know that we are here to continue to serve them,” said Erin Groeneveld of the AWGA. “I have full confidence that the winner of the State Championship in both the boys and girls divisions can truly call themselves Champions as they competed amongst the best in the State of
Arizona.” Throughout the year, the Junior Golf Association stages over 30 events and is continually striving to create the most competitive outlets for their seasoned players while also offering outstanding clinics and other opportunities for those youngsters just starting out in the game of golf. “The State Junior Championship has always been one of the best events of the year with the strongest field. Now, with the support of all the state golf associations, it becomes an event that junior golfers will not want to miss,” said Sean Ferris, Assistant Executive Director of the JGAA.
For more information on the 2009 Junior Boys & Girls State Golf Championship, call the JGAA office at (602) 944-6168 or visit their web site at www.jgaa.org
ANTIGUA/MILT COGGINS ARIZONA JUNIOR EVENT SET TO TEE OFF
8. June 2009 by admin.
PHOENIX, Arizona (June 6, 2009) – As one of the original architects of golf leagues in the Valley of the Sun, Milt Coggins coordinated Phoenix’s most popular morning get-togethers while he was Head Golf Professional at Encanto Golf Course. It was not uncommon for nearly 700 golfers to make their way to Encanto during the week. “He made playing the game of golf fun and his enthusiasm for the game was infectious as he introduced thousands of people to the sport. He also knew how to keep the passion for the game in others as well,” said Jim Farkas, former Head Golf Professional at Encanto from 1980-2006. “At the time, 700 people for one week was an astounding number.”
The Junior Golf Association of Arizona re-named their Antigua Arizona Junior Stroke Play event in honor of Coggins, whose love for the outdoors extended well beyond the fairways and greens of Valley golf courses. An avid fisherman and hunter, Coggins would often spend countless hours at the ‘ol Sportsman’s Warehouse checking out the latest hunting and fishing equipment. A member of the Arizona Golf Hall of Fame, Coggins instilled a love of the game of golf in players of all ages and abilities.
This year’s Antigua/Milt Coggins Arizona Junior Stroke Play event will be played on June 9-11 at Maryvale Golf Course in Phoenix and Coggin’s former stomping grounds, Encanto.
“Extending Milt Coggin’s legacy was extremely important to everyone involved with this tournament and to have an outstanding partner like Antigua makes this event truly special,” said Tom Cunningham, Executive Director of the Junior Golf Association of Arizona.
For more information on the 2009 Antigua/Milt Coggins Arizona Junior Stroke Play Tournament, please contact the Junior Golf Association of Arizona office at (602) 944-6168 or visit their web site at www.jgaa.org.
Papago and Cave Creek Golf Courses to Host Phoenix City Junior Golf Championship
1. June 2009 by admin.
Popular JGAA Event to Feature Some of State’s Top Juniors
PHOENIX, Arizona (June 1, 2009) – The Phoenix City Junior Championship presented by Superlite Block and Belgard Pavers will be played on June 3-4 at Cave Creek Golf Course and the newly-remodeled Papago Golf Course. This year’s event will feature nearly 250 golfers from across the state of Arizona. “The Phoenix City Junior Championships consistently attracts the state’s finest juniors and to have the opportunity this year to play at Papago golf course which underwent a magnificent facelift and did a remarkable job in hosting the LPGA tournament earlier this year, well it should be a wonderful event for everyone involved,” said Tom Cunningham, Executive Director of the Junior Golf Association of Arizona. This year’s Phoenix City Junior Championship is being presented by Superlite Block and Belgard Pavers. “We currently support many of
Arizona’s professional and collegiate teams and this is our first venture into junior golf, but we are excited about this new relationship with the JGAA and look forward to this high-caliber field at the Phoenix City Junior Championship,” said John Heffernan, Vice President of Sales for Superlite Block. “Our company has been producing concrete block and pavers for over 50 years in
Phoenix. We have been the premier manufacturer of masonry products in the
Southwest United States and have 11 production facilities in
Arizona,
Nevada and
California.
For more information on the 2009 Phoenix City Junior Championship, contact the JGAA office at (602)
944-6168 or visit their web site at www.jgaa.org.
Phoenix Country Club Hosts Junior Golfers
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 1st 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
Arizona High School Golf Classic at Gainey Ranch Golf Club
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
Ping Donates Van to Arizona Junior Golf Association
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
Arizona Junior Golf Event Starts May 2nd
29. April 2009 by admin.
QUINTERO GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB TO HOST
JUNIOR GOLF ASSOCIATION OF ARIZONA’S
9TH ANNUAL QUINTERO CACTUS CUP
Ryder Cup-Style Matches to Feature Some of Arizona’s Top Junior Golfers
PHOENIX, Arizona (April 28, 2009) – In just nine short years, the highly-acclaimed Quintero Cactus Cup has played host to some of Arizona’s finest junior golfers. Players like Duke’s Amanda Blumenhurst, college’s top female golfer, Tim McKenney of the University of Florida, Georgia Southern’s Doug Smith and Chad Wilcox of Wake Forest have played in one of Arizona top junior events. Smith, who played in the matches for two years, has continued to shine in local amateur events, including runner-up in last year’s Arizona Amateur Championship. ASU and the U of A also boast Quintero Classic Cup participants including Cameron Edens, Tyler Neal, Erin Tone and Tiffany Tavee.
Featuring the 20 of the finest junior boy’s and girl’s golfers, the 9th annual Quintero Cactus Cup will be played on May 2-3 at Quintero Golf and Country Club in Peoria. It is the only junior golf event in the state that adopts a team concept. Inspired by the Junior Golf Association of Arizona and further enhanced by the golf professionals at Quintero G&CC, the Quintero Cactus Cup featuring Ryder Cup-style matches is thoroughly enjoyed by the golfers and their families. “This event, unlike any other in Arizona really embraces the concept of team play and riding on the popularity of Ryder Cup-style competition, the players really love this event,” said Tom Cunningham, Executive Director of the Junior Golf Association of Arizona. “Couple that with the incredible job the staff and management does for the event at Quintero Golf Club, well you have perhaps one of the finest junior golf tournaments in the country.”
There will be two mixed team matches on Saturday, better-ball and alternate shot, and singles matches, boys against boys and girls against girls on Sunday. The morning rounds will begin at 8:00 AM.
Featured players on this year’s Quintero Cactus Cup include Charter team members: Mieke Canan, Jamie Coking, Kyle Jones, Aleah Kim, Stephanie Kim, Jake Miller, JW Phillips, Tyler Stamets, Nicole Tucker and Brett Wilson.
Founder team members are: Lily Bartell, Henry Canan, Alec Dahlquist, Clayton Kosanovich, Matt McClure, Morgan McClure, Kelli Nakano, Shelby Phillips, Dana Stapleton and Ajay Wilson.
“All of us at Quintero Golf & Country Club, especially the members and staff at the Q enjoy watching the stars of the future compete on our wonderful golf course and look forward to this year’s matches. The JGAA does an exemplary job in providing competitive outlets for the youngsters in Arizona and the Quintero Cactus Cup is definitely a true test of golf and I know all of the players truly enjoy the Ryder Cup-style matches,” said Tom Wilcox, Director of Golf at Quintero G & CC.
Quintero Golf and Country Club has been consistently ranked as a top golf course earning accolades from numerous national golf magazines including, Top 20 Golfweek Magazine Best Residential Golf Course Communities since 2002; Top 20 best course in State by Golf Digest Panel since 2003, #13 in 2007-2008; Selected 3rd favorite Private Club Course in Arizona by local PGA Professionals in Desert Golf Magazine 2006-2008; Named in 2007 Golf Digest Index as one of America’s Top 50 modern Golf Clubs.
For more information on the 2009 Quintero Cactus Cup, contact the Junior Golf Association of Arizona office at (602) 944-6168 or visit the JGAA web site at www.jgaa.org. For more information on all Arizona Golf Courses visit www.arizonasgolfcourses.com .
Papago to Host Thunderbird Invitational in Phoenix
23. February 2009 by admin.
PAPAGO GOLF COURSE TO PLAY HOST TO THE
14TH ANNUAL THUNDERBIRD INVITATIONAL
Some of the State’s Finest Junior Golfers will Tee it Up in Prestigious Event on March 7-8
PHOENIX, Arizona (February 23, 2009) – A rebirth has taken place amongst Arizona golf courses. The storied layout of Papago golf course, a city-owned facility that has played host to some of the Valley’s most prestigious events has emerged better than ever after a nearly six-million dollar renovation.
Papago, designed by renowned golf course architect Billy Bell and built in 1962 will be the host site for the 14th annual Thunderbird Invitational which features some of the state’s finest junior golfers. This year’s event will be played on March 7-8.
This year’s field will include defending Thunderbird Invitational champion Cameron Palmer who also finished 4th at the Callaway Junior World Championship Qualifier at Palm Valley Golf Club; Mike Basco, winner of the Mesa City Junior Championship and a 2nd place finisher at the Phoenix City Junior Championship; Evan Markley who won the SWSPGA State Junior Championship and also finished 2nd in the Callaway Junior World Championship Qualifier.
A talented field of girls will include Mieke Canan, the JGAA Girls Championship Player of the Year in 2008. She won the Tucson Conquistadors Spring Classic, Tucson City Junior Championship, Kingman City Junior Championship and the Arizona Junior Match Play Championship; Sun Park, winner of the Southern Arizona Junior Championship at Saddlebrooke Ranch Golf Club. Park also captured the Junior Girls State Championship and was a 2nd place finisher at the Mesa City Junior Championship; Aleah Kim, winner of the Desert Mashie Spring Championship, Willie Low Invitational and Mesa City Junior Championship and Lily Bartell who started the year by winning the Southern Arizona Junior Championship. She also won the SWSPGA National Jr. Championship Qualifier.
Working in tandem with the Thunderbirds and the Junior Golf Association of Arizona, the 14th annual Thunderbird Invitational will feature 60 of the state’s finest junior golfers whose participants range in age from 13-18 and are placed within their respective age groups. Tee times get underway at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday and 8:00 a.m. on Sunday. Spectators are welcome.
Billy Bell learned his craft from his father, William Park Bell. They collaborated on many highly rated California courses. Perhaps best known among the nearly one hundred courses to Billy’s credit is Torrey Pines in San Diego. He also designed Tucson Country Club and Wickenburg Country Club. When it opened, Papago Golf Course quickly became extremely popular with Phoenix residents. It hosted the US Amateur Public Links Championship in 1971 and also has been home to Phoenix Open Qualifying. In its prime, the course hosted more than 100,000 rounds annually. But the years and the traffic had taken a toll on the course and Phoenix city and parks officials decided action should be taken. The course was closed for play on April 4, 2008 and in keeping with the name of its host city, has been reborn, rising again on December 6 to glorious reviews.
“The Thunderbirds work within the world of golf is unrivaled and while so much attention is focused on their sponsorship of the FBR Open, the most well-attended golf tournament in the world, it is their continual efforts with Arizona’s junior golfer that deserves accolades as well,” said Tom Cunningham, Executive Director of the Junior Golf Association of Arizona. “The Thunderbirds are very much connected with this tournament not only financially, but they volunteer their time to assist with registration, starting, spotting on the course and scoring. This event hones the competitive skills of some of our finest junior golfers, who often times, use this event as a springboard for the rest of their JGAA schedule.”
For a complete list of the playing field for the 14th annual Thunderbird Invitational, visit the Junior Golf Association of Arizona web site at www.jgaa.org or call their office at (602) 944-6168.
