2019 San Tan Amateur

Registration for the 2019 San Tan Amateur, on February 23th-24th, is now open

Remembering an Arizona Golf Hall of Famer

Born and raised in Dalton, Massachusetts, Bill Emerson attended the Stockbridge School of Agriculture, a Division of the University of Massachusetts. He received an Associate’s Degree in Turf Grass Management in May 1961.
From 1962 through 1982, Emerson maintained some of the finest golf clubs in the Mid-Atlantic including Chevy Chase Club, Towson G&CC, Green Spring Valley Hunt Club, Crofton GC, and Stockbridge GC. He was a driving force within the Mid-Atlantic Association of Golf Course Superintendents. He served as President of the Association in 1977 and 1978. Emerson also served in other organizations, including the Maryland Turf Grass Council and the O.J. Noer Turf Grass Foundation. In 1982, he earned the title of Certified Golf Course Superintendent.
In 1983, Emerson moved west to Arizona and became the superintendent of Paradise Valley Country Club. During his twelve years at the club, he revolutionized golf course maintenance standards. Bill recognized the need for turfgrass research in Arizona and, along with other golf industry leaders and six private clubs developed the Par Committee. This committee was instrumental in funding University of Arizona turfgrass research and working with the Arizona Department of Water Resources on manageable water regulations.
Emerson became a leader among the Cactus and Pine, providing organization and development to the growing organization and was instrumental in taking it from a loosely structured chapter to an organized group of industry leaders. He served many years as the Cactus and Pine Treasurer. He was also the first President of the Cactus and Pine Foundation. In 1996, Bill received the Art Snyder Award for his distinguished service.
After leaving Paradise Valley Country Club in 1995, Bill worked with several golf-related management companies (Green Releaf, Golf Sat, Floratine and Arizona Sport Turf) bringing revolutionary golf course technology to many golf courses. These products seemed far-fetched in the 90’s; but have become mainstays in today’s practices. Bill has never stopped mentoring or working with today’s Superintendent and being a voice of reason.
Bill’s contribution to Arizona golf cannot be pinpointed to one monumental event. Bill has consistently and purposefully raised the standard, bringing all the entities of golf together here in the Southwest. His leadership has spearheaded education, awareness, and growth in the state of Arizona.

Golf Genius Registration

Effective January 1, 2019, all female AGA members will utilize a new online registration platform called USGA Tournament Management powered by Golf Genius (USGA TM).  Since it is new for most female members, women who wish to participate in AGA Women’s Events will need to create a new account (i.e. create new player profile and a password). DON’T HAVE AN ACCOUNT? To create an account for the first time, please follow the link below and locate the red button at the bottom of the page labeled “Click Here to Register”CLICK HERE LOGIN – REGISTER FOR AN EVENT If you have already created an account, click below and provide your email and password to Sign In and register for an event.CLICK HERE NOT A MEMBER OF THE ARIZONA GOLF ASSOCIATION (No GHIN #) JOIN the AGA TO REGISTER FOR AN EVENT, YOU WILL NEED:  1) Current USGA TM Profile2) Sign In Credentials (Email and Password)3) Active GHIN Handicap Index Number4) Valid Credit CardIf you have any difficulties, please call the AGA at 602.944.3035.

Remembering Harlene Hardt

Harlene Hardt passed away Dec. 17, 2018. Harlene was born in Gering, NE. Nov. 30, 1938, to David and Leah Heintz. She married Kenneth Hardt on August 12, 1956.
Harlene and Ken raised two daughters, Nanette and Kathleen, in Denver where she and Ken both worked for Public Service Company.

Ken and Harlene moved to Mesa, AZ in 1994, after retiring. In 1999 Ken and Harlene were honored as Volunteers of the Year with the Arizona Golf Association. She also worked and volunteered at View Point Golf Club until passing.
Ken and Harlene were active members and devoted volunteers at Broadway Christian Church.

She is survived by brothers Verhn, and Wayne, daughter Kathleen, grand children Colin Weber, and Angie Barenberg, Cory Dinges and great grand child Bryce Dinges.
Memorial services at Broadway Christian Church, Mesa, AZ. January 10, 2019, at 10 AM.
If so desired, contributions can be made in memory of Harlene to: Jacobs Hope C/O Broadway Christian Church, 7335 E. Broadway Rd., Mesa, AZ. 85208

Jackson Claims Victory at the 2018 Patriot All-America

2018 Patriot All-America Champion, Isaiah Jackson

Litchfield Park, AZ- After three days and 54 holes Isaiah Jackson, a junior at the University of Memphis, walked off the 18th green as the 2018 Patriot All-America Champion. He fired an even-par-70 on the final round, to end at five-under 205 with the victory.
After firing a 67 in round one, Jackson shared the lead with 2017 Patriot All-America Champion, Mason Overstreet. Jackson headed into the final round in the co-lead after his second-round 68.
With the challenging weather conditions on the third and final round, Jackson mixed four bogeys with two birdies on the front nine, managing to take sole possession of the lead.
“I knew the conditions were going to be tough. Today’s probably the coldest and toughest conditions I’ve played, except for about three years ago in Atlanta.”
At one shot ahead of Grand Valley State University junior, Alex Scott, Jackson managed to sink three birdies with a sole bogey on the final nine to determine his victory by three shots.
“I just tried to stick to my game plan, stay within myself, continue hitting good shots and making putts, and that was pretty much it. Coming off 18, everybody started clapping when I hit the par putt, so I just assumed I had won you know. I didn’t know I was in the lead by three, so it feels pretty good,” said the 2018 Patriot All-America Champion.
Finishing tied for second, Alex Scott from Grand Valley State University and Quade Cummins from the University of Oklahoma carded a three-day total of 208. UCLA senior, Jack Ireland, overcame the unfriendly weather, firing a seven-under 63, the tournament record low-round. Entering the day 12 shots behind the leader, the Bruin moved up the leaderboard to tie for 5th.
This prestigious tournament is unique from other collegian tournaments because the field of 84 is aligned with a fallen or wounded soldier who has made the ultimate sacrifice. Each player is provided with a PING golf bag bearing the name and a story card of an American soldier. At the conclusion of the tournament, each bag is shipped back to the golfer’s school, then auctioned off to benefit the Folds of Honor Foundation.
Isaiah Jackson honored his great-grandfather, U.S. Army Private First Class Willie B. McGill who made the ultimate sacrifice in combat during World War II.
“Being able to represent a fallen soldier or injured soldier, that is something you do not see a lot. It makes it even better that I am representing my great-grandfather on the bag this week,” said Jackson.
Along with his 2018 Patriot All-America victory, Jackson will receive a sponsor exemption to the 2019 Air Capital Classic played in June at Crestview Country Club in Wichita, Kansas.
With a combined effort from the Arizona Golf Association, Golf Coaches Association of America and the Wigwam Golf Resort, this marks the 8th Patriot All-America Invitational. The field features PING All-Americans from the previous season in NCAA Divisions I, II and III, as well as All-Americans from the NAIA, NJCAA and AJGA ranks.