Arizona Golf Announces Appointment of Tim Eberlein as Tournament Director

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                                                                                                                                                                March 13, 2019
Contact:   Anj Brown
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(602) 944-3035

Arizona Golf Announces Appointment of Tim Eberlein as Tournament Director

The Arizona Golf Association has hired Tim Eberlein, formerly Campus President for Golf Academy of America, as Director of Rules and Competitions.

Mr. Eberlein, a graduate of Gannon University and Master PGA Professional, will oversee the Association’s Championships and Tour events, including a volunteer group of nearly one hundred individuals managing sixty events annually.

As head of the Golf Academy of America’s Chandler, Arizona, campus since 2003, he has developed hundreds of professionals in all areas of golf services.   “Mr. Eberlein’s knowledge of all facets of golf operations at the club level, and many years educating young men and women in tournament management, Rules of Golf, and customer relations will bring extraordinary benefits to Arizona golf’s members and competitions,” said Ed Gowan, AGA’s Executive Director.   “We look forward to Tim sharing those extensive business experiences with our staff in service of the 80,000 members of the Association.  Arizona Golf is blessed to have found a person with such a varied background, especially with the volunteer and personal development aspects of his former profession.”

During his professional career, Tim achieved Master Professional status with the PGA of America in Teaching, has served six years on the Board of Directors for the Southwest Section PGA, as chairperson for Education.

He has been the recipient of the SWSPGA Horton Smith Award in 2010, 2014 and 2017.  Since 2009, he served on the Arizona Interscholastic Association (AIA) Rules Committee for the high school golf state championships.

Allied Associations

Arizona Golf Association 

What started as a small group of golfers who got together to run the annual Amateur Championship has grown to an association of more than 400 clubs and 55,000 members. Today the AGA is a volunteer-based organization directed by amateur golfers passionately dedicated to promoting the game of golf and providing valuable benefits and services to its members.
More Information | Upcoming Events 
  

Arizona Women’s Golf Association

The AWGA is a full-service golf association serving 23,000 Arizona women. Since the first state women’s tournament in 1924, the AWGA has been an advocate for women golfers and promoter of golf’s positive social and health benefits. Both a 501c3 charitable organization and a leader on the State and National levels, the AWGA plays a pivotal role in creating opportunities for women of all ages to grow and thrive through golf, by offering programs, information, and encouragement to girls and women from the time they first think of picking up a club, throughout their lifetimes.
More Information | Upcoming Events
  

Junior Golf Association of Arizona

Founded in 1983, the Junior Golf Association of Arizona (JGAA) is a non-profit organization that introduces Arizona’s youth to the game of golf and helps junior golfers develop golf and life skills through competitive programs and tournaments. Our mission is to educate, motivate and inspire Arizona’s youth through the game of golf.
More Information | Upcoming Events 
  

Southwest Section PGA

The Southwest Section of the PGA of America is a professional organization serving the men and women golf professionals in Arizona and Southern Nevada who are the recognized experts in growing, teaching and managing the game of golf. The Southwest PGA is responsible for the administration of competitive golf tournaments, junior golf programs and events, educational opportunities, support programs and growth of the game initiatives. With 1306 members and apprentices, the Southwest PGA is the fifth largest of the 41 regional entities or Sections that comprise the PGA of America.
More Information | Upcoming Events 
  

The First Tee of Phoenix 

The First Tee of Phoenix is a not for profit organization made possible by The Thunderbirds that teaches the life skills of honesty, integrity, sportsmanship and respect through the game of golf to young people who would not otherwise be able to have affordable access to the game. Currently, The First Tee of Phoenix is impacting over 100,000 youth each year through regular programming at 13 area locations, The First Tee National School Program in over 150 schools and special Outreach Programming with allied organizations like Boys & Girls Clubs, YMCA, church groups and many others.
More Information | Upcoming Events 
  

LPGA USGA Gilrs Golf of Phoenix

Girls ages 3-18 are invited to join the local Phoenix program that provides 20+ events {year round} with fun, engaging and varying formats to energize the girls with self-development, team building opportunities and family involvement. ​This program was formed specifically to create a network for girls to learn to play golf, build friendships & compete in a non-threatening environment.
More Information | Upcoming Events 
  

Cactus & Pine GCSA

The Cactus & Pine, GCSA is dedicated to enhancing the Professional Recognition of its Members through Education, Leadership, Collaboration, Government Relations and Environmental Stewardship. To Represent, Advocate and Educate for the Environmental and Economic Well Being of the golf industry and to be a diverse alliance recognized as a unified voice for the business of the Turfgrass Industry in Arizona.
More Information | Upcoming Events 
  

Club Managers Association of America

The Club Managers Association of America (CMAA) is the professional Association for managers of membership clubs. With close to 6,500 members across all classifications, our manager members run more than 2,500 country, golf, city, athletic, faculty, yacht, town and military clubs. The objectives of the Association are to promote and advance friendly relations among persons connected with the management of clubs and other associations of similar character; to encourage the education and advancement of its members; and to assist club officers and members, through their managers, to secure the utmost in efficient and successful operations.
More Information | Upcoming Events 
  

National Golf Course Owners Association 

Established in 1979 and headquartered in Charleston, S.C., the NGCOA is the leading authority on the business of golf course ownership and management. The Association represents the industry’s key decision makers with ultimate responsibility for golf courses throughout the world. The not-for-profit organization is the only trade association dedicated exclusively to golf course owners and operators.
More Information | Upcoming Events
  

Meet Our Executive Committee

Officers 

Mike McWilliams
President Phoenix Country ClubMike McWilliams has been a commercial real estate professional for over 30 years, all while enjoying the game of golf. “I was fortunate to be introduced to the wonderful game of golf at a young age by my father. I have enjoyed everything about this game since.” Of all the many golf experiences Mike has had, the friendship and the lasting relationships are what ranks higher than all.

Bill Burgesser
1st Vice PresidentSuperstition Mountain Golf & Country ClubAs a registered professional Architect, Bill served as a principal in the firm of Quantum Group Architects & Engineers in Dallas, Texas and was responsible for all design and construction documents. Bill has been a member of the AGA’s Executive Committee since 2013 and is currently serving as 2nd Vice President He is also very involved on the USGA Services Committee which covers handicapping and course rating. He was the recipient of the Doc Graves Volunteer of the Year award for 2012. 

Bill Phipps
2nd Vice PresidentStone Canyon ClubIntroduced to golf as a teenager by his role model, his grandfather, Bill grew to love the game of golf. After playing on the golf team at Miami University, Bill continued with the game of golf and became a member of the USGA Committee, later winning the Ike Grainger Award in 2013. Bill stays busy being an Ohio Golf Association Board Member, a Greens Committee Chair of 5 Clubs and an AGA Board Member. Bill has been a member of the executive committee since 2012. 

Bob McNichols
 SecretaryLongbow Club Bob McNichols is the General Manager of Longbow Golf Club in Mesa, and of Daedalus Real Estate Advisors, LLC, a private real estate investment and commercial development company based in Phoenix. McNichols is currently a member of several boards in Arizona including The First Tee of Phoenix, Inc., Sunshine Acres Children’s Home, Inc., and VisitMesa CVB. He is the Tournament Chair of the LPGA Symetra Tour Gateway Classic at Longbow Golf Club, the annual Arizona Junior Challenge at Longbow Golf Club and the annual AJGA PING Heather Farr Classic presented by Longbow Golf Club. McNichols has been ranked by Arizona Business Magazine as one of the state’s most influential developers. Bob has been a member of the AGA Executive Committee since 2012.

Tim Brown
TreasurerPhoenix Country ClubTim has been an avid golfer since his parents introduced the game to him when he was eight years old. He played competitive junior golf growing up in Nebraska and competitive amateur golf for many years in Nebraska and Arizona. Tim has been actively involved over the years in several golf related organizations, including The Thunderbirds, the Thunderbird Junior Golf Association, the JGAA and the Phoenix Country Club, where he is a past president and past board member. Tim has been a member of the executive committee since 2013 and currently serves as Treasurer.

Remaining Executive Committee

Lee Decof
Lone Tree Golf Club The game of golf was introduced to Lee by his father when he was 5 years old. “I feel I have something that can add to the future of golf in Arizona.  It’s important to to me to “give back”, and I am at a time in my life where I get great pleasure from doing just that.” Lee is an active player in our tournaments by interaccting with players, officials, and volunteers and an active board member. Lee has been a member of the executive committee since 2013.

Joe Hickle
Tucson Country ClubJoe has been around the game of golf his entire life and is an avid golfer.  He has spent many years working in the golf industry in various capacities.  For the last eight years, Joe has been a Commercial Insurance Broker with Crest Insurance Group.  He is a member of the Tucson Conquistadores organization which supports youth athletics in Southern Arizona and The First Tee of Tucson through the Tucson Conquistadores Classic – PGA Champions Tour event played in Tucson.  When Joe is not working or on the golf course, he can be found in a basketball gym fulfilling his role as an Assistant Men’s Basketball Coach at Pima Community College in Tucson. 

Tim Hulscher
Junior Golf Association of ArizonaTim is retired living in Gilbert, AZ with his wife Judy. He is a USGA certified Rules of Golf official and spends his time officiating at all levels of competitive golf. He grew up in Aberdeen, Washington and earned a degree at Central Washington University in French landguage and Business Administration studying in France for two years, and a MBA at Seattle University in Accounting and Financial Reporting retiring in 2012 from Starwood Hotels and Resorts. 

Jerry Huff
TPA ClubJerry is Senior Manager of Engineering for the world’s second largest electronics distribution company.  He has been designing warehouses and production facilities for over 15 years across multiple industries.  Jerry began playing golf in the Hazeltine Junior Golf program in Chaska, MN – site of the 2016 Ryder Cup.  He moved to Arizona in the early 1990’s and has been a consistent participant in Arizona Golf Association tournaments ever since.  For the last few years, Jerry has been a member of the AGA Tournament Committee and is excited to join the Executive Committee in 2017. 

Mark Jeffery
Superstition Mountain Golf & Country Club Mark is the President and CEO of Aquimo LLC, www.aquimo.com, Managing Partner of Agile Insights LLC and Adjunct Professor of Executive Education at the Kellogg School of Management. Aquimo is a revolutionary mobile gaming platform for basketball, football, golf, bowling and other sports. His consulting expertise is data-driven marketing strategy and execution, enterprise performance management, and unlocking business value from marketing and IT. Over the last decade he has taught in many custom executive programs at organizations including Microsoft, DuPont, Sony, Nissan, and Philips. In 2011 his book “Data-Driven Marketing” was awarded the best book of the year by the American Marketing Association. 

Ryan Johnson
Arizona Golf Association Ryan is a life-long golfer with a passion for the game that extends equally into his personal and professional life. Whether playing competitively against friends or filming PGA TOUR Professionals, finding Ryan on a golf course is finding Ryan in his ‘happy place’. For the past five years, Johnson has been the videographer for the annual Patriot All-America Invitational held at The Wigwam. He has done a terrific job capturing the essence of this event. During the 2015 tournament, he created a 30-minute segment that will be aired on Fox Sports in March.

Mike Kane
Arizona Golf AssociationLong-time Arizona golfer, U of A Team member and Arizona Amateur Champion, Mike Kane remains a single digit handicapper with a love for course design analysis. Mike is a Senior Vice President in the Scottsdale Office of Colliers International and specializes in the sales and lease of office and industrial propertise. In 2004-2005 he was awarded the Top Professional Award at Colliers International. Mike has been a member of the executive committee since 2015.

Scott McNevin
Junior Golf Association of ArizonaScott has been a resident of Phoenix since the fall of 2006. Originally from the San Francisco Bay area, Scott migrated north to University of Oregon, where he graduated in 2002 with a degree in Journalism.Scott has been playing golf for over twenty years, and working in the business since graduating from college. In 2003, he interned with the American Junior Golf Association, and started working full-time as a Tournament Director for the AJGA in 2004. Scott was a Tournament Director for 15 national junior golf events across the country while working for the AJGA.In the fall of 2006, Scott joined the Arizona Golf Association staff as Tournament Director. For the last three years with the AGA he was the Director of Rules and Competitions. His duties included teaching Rules of Golf seminars for AGA member clubs, conducting AGA Championships and USGA Qualifiers and tournament scheduling.

Judy Polidori
Alta Mesa Country Club”From my youth in Scouts working on the Easter Seal Campaign, to my recent efforts with the AWGA to grow high school girls’ golf, I have proudly served my community for 6 decades.” Judy recently served on the AWGA Board of Directors as the Fundraising Chairman for 6 years, 2008-2014. In addition, the past two years, Judy has served as the AWGA/AGA Liaison.

John Souza
Moon Valley Country ClubJohn has been employed with PING Golf for 36 years. He is currently Director of PING Wrx. He started the Junior Golf University, a 501(c)(3) which runs the PING Junior Interclub. The Interclub allows courses to put together teams of boys and girls 12-18 years old and compete against other teams in their area. John has three children – Lauren 26, Annie 23 and John 20. John (jr.) plays golf at the University of Colorado. “Go Buffs!”

USGA Museum Opens Jack Nicklaus Room

Photo on home page: The Jack Nicklaus Room in the USGA’s Museum at United States Golf Association in Far Hills, N.J. as seen on Tuesday, May 19, 2015. (Copyright USGA/Jonathan Kolbe)

Far Hills, N.J.  — The United States Golf Association Museum in Far Hills, N.J., held a special event today to mark the opening of the Jack Nicklaus Room. The new room, which celebrates the life and career of the 18-time major champion, joins galleries that honor Bob Jones, Ben Hogan, Arnold Palmer and Mickey Wright.
The 1,200-square-foot exhibit space contains more than 80 artifacts, many on loan from the Jack Nicklaus Museum in Columbus, Ohio.
“We are delighted that we are able to gather friends and family at the USGA Museum to celebrate the addition of a room devoted to one of the game’s greatest players, Jack Nicklaus,” said Thomas J. O’Toole Jr., USGA president. “The Nicklaus Room offers an interactive experience that will allow future generations the opportunity to appreciate Jack’s legacy and relive many of the greatest moments in American golf history.”
From his first U.S. Open victory in 1962 to his last Green Jacket in 1986, Nicklaus had the skill and the determination to compete more successfully than anyone else in golf’s major championships. He compiled the best amateur record since his hero, Bob Jones, capped his career by winning the Grand Slam in 1930. Nicklaus won two U.S. Amateurs and played on two victorious USA Walker Cup Teams. He turned professional in November 1961 and embarked on a career that included 73 PGA Tour victories and a record 18 major championship titles. He won a record-tying four U.S. Opens, six Masters Tournaments, three British Opens and five PGA Championships — an amazing testament to his three decades of sustained excellence.
Nicklaus did not become golf’s greatest major champion on ability alone, however. His competitive spirit, self-belief, commitment, integrity, perseverance and vision were among the values that helped turn his unquestioned skills into unmatched success.
“The USGA has had a great influence on my career, and helped shape my love of the game and for competition since I first picked up a club at age 10,” Nicklaus said. “My association with them — from the championships I played to the USGA leaders who have impacted my life — is one I have always valued. For them to recognize my career and life with this addition to the USGA Museum is humbling and meaningful to me and my family. I hope this room provides guests the opportunity to share some of the cherished memories I have, but more important, I hope parts of it can help educate a new generation of golfers and golf fans about our collective work to grow this great game.”
Notable artifacts:•    MacGregor Tommy Armour 3-woodNicklaus used this 3-wood from 1958 through 1995 and won all 18 of his professional majors and both U.S. Amateurs using it.•    “White Fang,” Acushnet Bull’s Eye PutterIn an effort to jump-start his game, Nicklaus switched to this putter before the 1967 U.S. Open. It was painted white and the round grip was altered with a pencil jammed into the end of it. He made eight birdies in a final-round 65 to win his second U.S. Open.•    MacGregor VIP 1-ironNicklaus won seven major championships and hit two of his most memorable shots with this 1-iron: the 238-yard approach to the 72nd hole at Baltusrol in 1967 and the tee shot at the 71st hole at Pebble Beach in 1972.•    Caddie overalls worn by Jack Nicklaus II, 1986 MastersNicklaus won his 18th major championship at Augusta National in 1986 at age 46. The victory was unforgettable, not only because of his final-nine heroics, but because his son Jackie caddied for him.•    MacGregor 5-iron, 1986 MastersComing off an eagle at 15, Nicklaus hit a 5-iron at the 170-yard 16th. As the ball was in flight, Jackie yelled, “Be right!” and Nicklaus said, “It is,” as the ball rolled back to within 3 feet, setting up a birdie.•    Wedding invitation and napkinJack and Barbara Nicklaus were married on July 23, 1960. Nicklaus has said that Barbara has been his foundation, his voice of reason, his biggest supporter, his best friend and the love of his life.•    Bronze sculptureJack is Back by Zenos Frudakis•    PaintingA Study of Jack Nicklaus 1 by Harold Riley
“Our partnership with the Jack Nicklaus Museum gives us the unique opportunity to display our collection of artifacts while enhancing the exhibit with many of Jack’s personal items,” said Michael Trostel, senior curator/historian for the USGA Museum. “In this exhibit, Nicklaus uses his own words to tell you what made him a successful player; respected golf course designer and businessman; and dedicated husband, father and grandfather.”
Jack Nicklaus Room Facts
•    The Jack Nicklaus Room is 1,200 square feet and contains 82 artifacts.•    Some of the artifacts on display in the room are on loan from the Jack Nicklaus Museum in Columbus, Ohio. We appreciate their support and look forward to continued collaboration.•    Six themes are highlighted within the room: competitive spirit, integrity, self-belief, commitment, perseverance and vision. Though these attributes are not unique to Jack, we believe the way he related to these principles make Nicklaus golf’s greatest major champion.•    There are nine short films and 27 “Ask Jack” vignettes highlighting Nicklaus’ four U.S. Open victories and the themes discussed above. Additionally, we created a timeline, a statistics page and an interactive course-design feature that gives visitors insight into Jack’s design philosophy and lets them create their own risk-reward par 4 by choosing the routing, and placing bunkers and the green.•    Two works of art were commissioned for the room: a painting by Harold Riley titled A Study of Jack Nicklaus I, depicting Nicklaus at Pebble Beach in 1972; and a sculpture by Zenos Frudakis titled Jack Is Back, showing Nicklaus celebrating a birdie putt on the 71st hole of the 1980 U.S. Open at Baltusrol.•    The room is meant to be an intimate examination of Jack and his career. We explore the moments, people and events that shaped and influenced his life. By having Jack speak in the first person to the visitor, whether through written words or interviews, we hope it is a deeply personal experience for everyone.•    In addition to the exhibits in the room, the short films will be shared through USGA digital media channels in the coming months to reach a worldwide audience. The goal of these videos is to share Jack’s success, both on and off the golf course, with future generations.•    The architect of the project is Gensler. The exhibit designers are 1220 Exhibits and Peter Hyde Design.
About the USGAThe USGA conducts the U.S. Open, U.S. Women’s Open and U.S. Senior Open, as well as 10 national amateur championships, two state team championships and international matches, attracting players and fans from more than 160 countries. Together with The R&A, the USGA governs the game worldwide, jointly administering the Rules of Golf, Rules of Amateur Status, equipment standards and World Amateur Golf Rankings. The USGA’s reach is global, with a working jurisdiction in the United States, its territories and Mexico, serving more than 25 million golfers and actively engaging 150 golf associations.
The USGA is one of the world’s foremost authorities on research, development and support of sustainable golf course management practices. It serves as a primary steward for the game’s history and invests in the development of the game through the delivery of its services and its ongoing “For the Good of the Game” grants program. Additionally, the USGA’s Course Rating and Handicap systems are used in more than 50 countries on six continents.

About the Arizona Golf Association

The Arizona Golf Association (AGA), which was founded in 1923, is a not-for-profit 501(c)(4) association that serves as the official governing body of amateur golf in Arizona. What started as a small group of golfers who got together to run the annual Amateur Championship has grown to an association of more than 400 clubs and 55,000 members. Today the AGA is a volunteer-based organization directed by amateur golfers passionately dedicated to promoting the game of golf and providing valuable benefits and services to its members.
Mission Statement
To foster the enhancement and expansion of the game of golf by leading in the development of member and information services, the promotion of opportunities for all who want to play and the protection of the game’s integrity and valued traditions.
Purpose
The Association’s purpose is to promote the best interests and true spirit of the game throughout Arizona. Its goals, as outlined in its bylaws are:

to promote voluntary association of golf clubs and course facilities solely for the betterment of golf and to encourage good relations among members of the Association; 
to advance uniform rules and standards consistent with those published by the USGA, especially with regard to the Handicap System (Arizona Handicap Network), Amateur Status, Rules of Golf and Green Section Research; 
to establish and maintain uniform and statewide handicap and course rating systems consistent with the USGA recommended procedures; 
 to conduct state championships and assist individual member clubs in the operation of their activities; and
to engage in and promote such other activities deemed to be in the best interest of golf, golf facilities and the golfers in Arizona.

Responsibilities
The Arizona Golf Association is the official governing body of amateur golf in Arizona and is passionate about protecting the game – its appeal, traditions and history. However, we also understand the changing face of the golf population and are continually looking for ways to grow the game, to reach out to our membership and to create opportunities for new golfers to join the AGA family.
Traditionally, the AGA:

is closely affiliated with the United States Golf Association through our licensing agreements to issue USGA Handicaps and Course and Slope Ratings within the state, overseeing the club licensing program and representing the USGA in several other areas such as administering Amateur Status;
is firmly committed to providing education in all aspects of the game including the USGA Rules of Golf, USGA Handicap System, conducting competitions and the proper marking of golf courses; 
has had representation on local and national committees that have significant impact on the direction of golf and impact on you the golfer. Examples include representation on the following USGA Committees: Handicap Procedures, Course Rating, Regional Associations, Rules of Golf and Member Development; 
has affiliation with local and national organizations that are equally as focused on improving the game and molding its future including National Golf Foundation, Golf Industry Associates, Golf Course Superintendents Association, Golf Writers, International Network of Golf, Southwest Golf Media Association, International Association of Golf Administrators, International Golf Network and Golf 20/20; and, 
is a staunch advocate of the rights of golf courses in Arizona and often represents clubs in important issues such as environmental, water, taxation and municipal golf course pricing – all meant to protect golf and our members.

In more recent years, the AGA has created new programs that appeal to the recreational golfer. A new type of membership was formed, called ACCESS, that provides a way for golfers to be members of the AGA, minus a handicap and with some additional perks like savings on golf and travel perks. 
Governance
The AGA is a membership-based organization. There are two tiers to the volunteer governance of the Arizona Golf Association:

A 15-member Executive Committee governs the Arizona Golf Association. It oversees the long-term direction of the Association. Each member of the Executive Committee is either a chairman or vice-chairman of the association’s standing committees. The AGA’s Executive Director is an ex-officio member of this committee.
A Council of Past Presidents ensures that the direction of the association moves in concert with its mission and long-range goals. The Council also participates in the appointment and nomination of the Executive Committee.