EVENTS & highlights

Member Spotlight - Kim Paez

Kim Paez has made Southwest PGA history as the first woman to win the Section Championship back in September of 2023. Since then, she has qualified for the 2024 KPMG Women’s PGA Championship and earned a sponsor’s exemption into the 2024 Ford Championship at Seville Golf and Country Club.

Women's Networking Event

Monday, March 25, 2024
Grayhawk Golf Club

3:45pm 9-Hole Shotgun Start
6:00pm Networking Hour

We hope you'll join us for the first of many special events brought to you by the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee aimed at bringing people together to enjoy camaraderie, friendship and community around the game of golf.

Volunteer Opportunity - Feed My Starving Children

Wednesday, April 10, 2024
Mesa, AZ

Through volunteering at FMSC, you’ll get the chance to impact hundreds of kids in just two hours per packing shift. You’ll experience what it’s like to make a tangible difference today. Two PGA PDR Credits in the Total category will be given to those members who volunteer.

Cactus & Pine GCSAA Spring Education Event

Tuesday, April 23, 2024
Papago Golf Club

Join the GCSAA for this education event entitled "Current Construction, Conversion and Renovation Projects from the Super's POV." Scheduled for 7:00AM-1:15PM, the $40 registration fee includes breakfast, seminar and lunch. Five (5) PGA PDR Education credits for members who attend.

2024 Teaching and Coaching Summit

Tuesday, April 30, 2024
Paradise Valley Country Club

The Southwest PGA invites you to attend a unique, one-day teaching and coaching experience on April 30, 2024 from 8AM-4PM! Attendees will watch two presenters give lessons to students of different skill levels at the practice facility during the morning session. The Summit moves indoors for teaching theories and Q & A in the afternoon session.

PDR Opportunity - PGA HOPE Instructor Training

Aliante Golf Club - North Las Vegas, NV
Tuesday, May 7th

This FREE one-day educational workshop for Southwest PGA Members and Associates will explore the skills of teaching adaptive golf to those who may have physical, cognitive or sensory challenges, discussing how golf is utilized as a vital element in their rehabilitation and recovery. PGA Professionals attending this workshop become eligible to coach clinics and programs being planned within Arizona and Nevada. 6 PGA Education PDR credits.

Wilson Pro-Am at Moon Valley Country Club

The second Southwest PGA Pro-Am in the 2024 Series is scheduled for Monday, March 25th at Moon Valley Country Club. Teams will play in a one gross plus one net ball of the foursome with amateurs winning gift certificates to the golf shop. Professionals scores will also count in a separate stroke-play contest.

Southwest PGA Member Spotlight

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

NEWS AND RELEASES

March 8, 2024
Kim Paez Surprised with Sponsor Exemption for Ford Championship View Video

February 27, 2024
Member Spotlight - Justin Henderson Read more

February 12, 2024
Jesse Mueller, Nicolo Galletti Lone ASU Representatives to Make Cut at WM Phoenix Open. Read more

February 7, 2024
Southwest PGA's Jesse Mueller Competes in the WM Phoenix Open. Read more

November 7, 2023
Jay Larscheid headlines 2023 Southwest PGA award recipients. Read more

October 12, 2023
Southwest PGA announces 2023 Hall of Fame Class. Read more

Who We Are

The PGA of America is the world's largest sports organization, comprised of 28,000 men and women golf Professionals who are the recognized experts in teaching and growing the game. Founded in 1916, the PGA of America has enhanced its leadership position by conducting premier spectator events – PGA Championship, Ryder Cup, Senior PGA Championship presented by KitchenAid and PGA Grand Slam of Golf – as well as significant philanthropic outreach initiatives, and award-winning golf promotions.

The Southwest PGA is one of forty-one sections of the Professional Golfers' Association of America. Its boundaries include the state of Arizona and Clark County in Southern Nevada. There are two chapters within the Southwest PGA - the Southern Chapter and Southern Nevada Chapter. Each chapter aims to further facilitate programs and support their members specific needs in those areas.

 

Southwest PGA Mission Statement

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

Board of Directors

Steve Leonard, PGA

President Putting World

Le Ann Finger, PGA/LPGA

Vice President Desert Mountain/Chiricahua

Steven Outlaw, PGA

Secretary Troon

Al Sutton, PGA

Honorary President PGA Life Member
Ben Baldwin

Ben Baldwin, PGA

Board Member IZON Technology
Ryan Lanzen

Ryan Lanzen, PGA

Board Member Pinetop Country Club
John Lyberger

John Lyberger, PGA

Board Member Desert Mountain
Min Park

Min Park, PGA

Board Member Mission Royale Golf Club
Abby Parsons

Abby Parsons, PGA

Board Member Pinnacle Peak Country Club
Kevin Reagan

Kevin Reagan, PGA

Board Member Granite Falls Golf Club
Chris Thomson

Roy Smith, PGA

Board Member Talking Stick Golf Club
Chris Thomson

Chris Thomson, PGA

Board Member Camelback Golf Club
Kiel Wolf

Kiel Wolf, PGA

Board Member Desert Mountain
Brent Lingel

Brent Lingel, PGA

Southern Chapter President Rolling Hills GC/Dorado CC
Brian Sanders

Brian Sanders, PGA

So. Nevada Chapter President DragonRidge Country Club
Tommy McKone

Tommy McKone

Independant Director
Mark Deatherage

Mark Deatherage

Independant Director

Section Past Presidents
2021-2023 — Al Sutton
2019-2021 — Jay Larscheid
2017-2019 — Jamey Lewis
2014-2017 — Greg Leicht
2013-2014 — Don Rea
2011-2013 — Michael Haywood
2009-2011 — Michael Wright
2007-2009 — Brett Upper
2005-2007 — Albert Murdock
2004-2005 — Joe Shershenovich
2003-2004 — Rick Price
2001-2003 — Jim Murphy
1999-2001 — Kevin Lewis
1997-1999 — Jeff Lessig

Section Past Presidents
1995-1997 — Brian Whitcomb
1993-1995 — Phil Green
1991-1993 — Ralph Bernhisel
1989-1991 — Dennis Hogan
1987-1989 — John Jackson
1985-1987 — Craig Sloan
1983-1985 — Craig Sloan
1981-1983 — Craig Sloan
1979-1981 — Ralph Bernhisel
1977-1979 — Mack McCarley
1975-1977 — Cliff Whittle
1974-1975 — Joe Bartko
1972-1974 — Don LeHew

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

Our Staff

Bernie Eaton, PGA

Executive Director 480-443-9002 x102

Bill Ibrahim

Senior Director of Operations 480-443-9002 x101

Mike Martino, PGA

Director of Rules and Competitions 480-443-9002 x107

Hannah Kolesar

Director of Junior Golf Operations 480-443-9002 x113

Baxter Parrott

Director of Sales and Marketing 480-443-9002 x106

Mike Schoaf

Director of Communications & Technology 480-443-9002 x105

Sydney Teneycke

Southern Chapter Director 520-820-5257

Kevin McEvoy

Southern Nevada Chapter Director 702-217-5334

Southwest PGA Awards

  • Jay Larscheid, PGA

    Apache Wells Country Club Golf Professional of the Year

    Kiel Wolf, PGA

    Desert Mountain Assistant Golf Professional of the Year

    Justin Klemballa, PGA

    Paradise Valley Country Club Teacher of the Year

    Chris Hubbard, PGA

    Girls Golf of Tucson Youth Player Development Award

    Rick Price, PGA

    The Views Golf Club at Oro Valley Bill Strausbaugh Award

    Josh Wilks, PGA

    Quail Creek Country Club Player Development Award

    Mike Karpe, PGA

    Preserve Golf Club at Saddlebrooke Patriot Award

    Mark Croft, PGA

    Yuma Golf and Country Club Deacon Palmer Award

    Nigel Spence, PGA

    Arizona Country Club Merchandiser of the Year - Private

    Jesse Mueller, PGA

    Grand Canyon University GC Rolex Player of the Year

    Tommi Avant, PGA

    Lone Tree Golf Club Assistant Player of the Year

    Dean Vomacka, PGA

    Omni Tucson National Resort Rolex Senior Player of the Year

    Southwest PGA Award Winner History

  • 2023

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

    2020

    John Gunby, PGA

    2017

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

    2013

    Karsten Solheim

    2012

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

    2011

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

    2010

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

    2009

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

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


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

Contact Us

Our Address

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

Call Us

480-443-9002