News

JGAA announces Thunderbird Invitational

PHOENIX, Arizona – Papago, designed by renowned golf course architect Billy Bell and built in 1962 and recently renovated, will be the host site for the 16th annual Thunderbird Invitational which features some of the state’s finest junior golfers. This year’s event will be played on March 5-6. This year’s boys field will include defending Thunderbird Invitational champion Alex McMahon, of Tucson, who also finished 3rd at both the 2010 Boys State Championship at Forest Highlands and 2010 Tucson City Championship. Michael Anderson and Zach Wright, both from Phoenix who tied for 2nd in last year’s event, will also be competing. A talented field of girls will include Anna Kim, of Chandler, who finished 4th in last year’s event. Competing alongside Kim in the 15-18 Girls Division will be J.C. Harvison, of Mesa, who won the 13-14 Division of the Thunderbird Invitational and was the 13-14 Player of Year in 2010. Working in tandem with the Thunderbirds and the Junior Golf Association of Arizona, the 16th 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 10:30 a.m. on Saturday and 10:30 a.m. on Sunday. Spectators are welcome. “The Thunderbirds work within the world of golf is unrivaled and while so much attention is focused on their sponsorship of the Waste Management Phoenix 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 16th annual Thunderbird Invitational, visit the Junior Golf Association of Arizona web site at www.jgaa.org or call their office at (602) 944-6168.