EVENTS & highlights

Webinar - PING Proving Grounds Intro with Marty Jertson
Tuesday, April 22nd
10:00-11:00 AM
Built for PGA Professionals who want to elevate their expertise, this course dives deep into the science that drives performance and precision. If you're passionate about delivering measurable results for your players, this is your next step. One (1) PGA Education PDR credit available.

In-Person Seminar - Enhancing Your Instructional Value For the Future
Monday, April 28th
StudioGolf - Scottsdale
2:00-4:00 PM
Learn new and innovative ways to increase your value to your students and clients. Topics covered will include: Fitness - How fitness is the cornerstone for dialing in instruction; Sportsbox AI - Revolutionizing golf with 3D motion analysis and AI; Trackman - How simulators and data go hand in hand with motion analysis; Putt View - The future of putting practice. Two (2) PGA Education PDR credits will be available to members who attend.

PDR Opportunity
Wednesday, April 30th
Arizona Country Club
3:00-5:00 PM
Education golf management on the opportunities of partnering with Elijah Craig to enhance the player experience at all types of facilities. Learn how Elijah Craig can engage memberships and drive sales. Two (2) PGA Education PDR credits for PGA Members in attendance. Space is limited.
FREE!
NEWS AND RELEASES

March 26, 2025
Abby Parsons, PGA - Interview on Golf Central. View video

March 9, 2025
Watch honoree interviews during the 2024 Awards Ceremony. View videos

January 21, 2025
Southwest PGA Welcomes Staff Member Christopher "CJ" Schmid. Read more

January 6, 2025
Episode 2 of the Southwest PGA "On Par Podcast" presented by PING. View video

January 3, 2025
Tee Time with Jesse Mueller - City Lifestyle Article Read more

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

Le Ann Finger, PGA/LPGA
Interim President/Vice President Desert Mountain/Renegade
Steven Outlaw, PGA
Secretary Troon
Al Sutton, PGA
Honorary President PGA Life Member

Ben Baldwin, PGA
Board Member Signup.Golf

Ryan Lanzen, PGA
Board Member Pinetop Country Club

John Lyberger, PGA
Board Member Desert Mountain

Min Park, PGA
Board Member SouthShore Country Club

Abby Parsons, PGA
Board Member Pinnacle Peak Country Club

Kevin Reagan, PGA
Board Member PGA Member

Roy Smith, PGA
Board Member Talking Stick Golf Club

Chris Thomson, PGA
Board Member Camelback Golf Club

Andrew Workman, PGA
Board Member Augusta Ranch Golf Club

Brent Lingel, PGA
Southern Chapter President Rolling Hills GC/Dorado CC

Brian Sanders, PGA
So. Nevada Chapter President DragonRidge Country Club

Tommy McKone
Independent Director

Mark Deatherage
Independent DirectorSection Past Presidents
2023-2024 — Steve Leonard
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
Section Past Presidents
1997-1999 — Jeff Lessig
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
CJ Schmid
Southern Nevada Chapter Director 661-310-6117Southwest PGA Awards
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2024 Southwest PGA Award Winners
Mark Gurnow, PGA
Superstition Mountain Golf & CC Golf Professional of the YearCollins Tamashiro, PGA
Southern Highlands Golf Club Assistant Golf Professional of the YearJeff Fisher, PGA
Fisher Bryan Golf Academy/Longbow GC Teacher of the YearBlake Isakson, PGA
Perfect Circle Golf/Moon Valley CC Youth Player Development AwardBrent Lingel, PGA
Rolling Hills GC/Dorado CC Bill Strausbaugh AwardJustin bubser, PGA
Tucson Golf Program Player Development AwardKevin Reagan, PGA
Granite Falls Golf Club Professional Development AwardLandyn Lewis, PGA
Tucson Golf Program Patriot AwardRobert Spikes, PGA
El Rio Golf Course Deacon Palmer AwardSamantha Sorensen, PGA
Las Vegas Country Club Merchandiser of the Year - PrivateAaron Slonim, PGA
TPC Las Vegas Merchandiser of the Year - PublicEric Dettman, PGA
We-Ko-Pa Golf Club Merchandiser of the Year - ResortJesse Mueller, PGA
Grand Canyon University GC Rolex Player of the YearTommi Avant, PGA
Lone Tree Golf Club Assistant Player of the YearJim Carter, PGA
Omni Tucson National Resort Rolex Senior Player of the Year -
Southwest PGA Hall of Fame
2023
Kevin Lewis, PGA
Lynn Marriott, PGA
Scott Watkins, PGA2020
John Gunby, PGA
2017
Al Birmingham
Dick Hyland, PGA
Tom Lambie, PGA
Ron McPherson
John A. Solheim2013
Karsten Solheim
2012
Jerry Roberts, PGA
Dana Garmany, PGA
Phil Green, PGA2011
Chuck McCool, PGA
Bobby Phillips, PGA
Craig Sloan, PGA
Ed Francese, PGA
Gene Lesch, PGA2010
Brian Whitcomb, PGA
John Jackson, PGA
Roger Maxwell, PGA
Johnny Bulla, PGA
Willie Low, PGA2009
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 -
Southwest PGA PING Anser Award
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
Email Us
Call Us
480-443-9002
