Blanchard Wins First AGA Major of the Year at Aguila Golf Course

LAVEEN, Ariz. – Brian Blanchard needed a playoff, but brought home the first AGA Major title of the year Sunday at Aguila Golf Course, shooting -7 overall after a final round even-par 72 at the AGA Championship. Blanchard’s final round tally made up a three-shot deficit, forcing a playoff with 54-hole leader Bryan Hoops and Adam Walicki. He would make birdie on the first playoff hole to triumph in the blustery conditions at Aguila for his first AGA tournament victory, doing so in major fashion by carding rounds of 70-74-65-72.

Blanchard, of Desert Forest Golf Club, and Kurt Watkins were the only players to card rounds of 65 in the competition, with Watkins coming in the first round and Blanchard’s in the third. Going low seemed to give Blanchard some much-needed momentum going into the final round, where he would eventually outlast two former AGA players of the year en route to victory.

 

Full AGA Championship Leaderboard: https://www.golfgenius.com/pages/3320756

RELATED: Watkins leads after R1 of AGA Championship

 

Another tournament highlight came from Mike Davidson on the drivable par-4 eighth hole, where he made an Albatross with a hole in one. Check out the video below.

#ICYMI Mike Davidson shot a #holeinone at Aguila Golf Course yesterday!

The magical moment came in the final round of the #AGAChampionship on the drivable par-4 eighth hole. pic.twitter.com/Ir1gClDZ4R

— Arizona Golf Association (@AZGolfAssn) March 21, 2022

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Up next for the AGA:

• Travel: Mayan Palace Spring Member Weekend, March 26 – 27, 2022 | Recap: 2021 Mayan Palace Member Weekend
• Social Golf: AZ Under30 – Dobson Ranch Golf Club, April 3, 2022
• Learn Golf: Take A Swing Clinic – Cave Creek – Session 1, April 16, 2022
•  Compete:
  • Women’s Championship: Women’s Four-Ball Championship, April 18 – 19, 2022
  • Men’s Championship: Arizona Stroke Play Championship, April 21 – 24, 2022

2022 Schedule: AGA Major Championships Preview

With the first AGA Major Championship coming up this Thursday, we thought we’d preview all 11 AGA Major Championships and their respective host sites for 2022.  Five of the 11 majors are dedicated Women’s Championships, allowing for the highest level of competition among the state’s best female amateurs. A new change for the 2022 season is that all AGA Major Championships will be conducted over a four-day period to maximize the overall playing experience.

On the venue side of things, we have an exciting lineup on our hands. We’ll be returning to notable and local favorites Aguila Golf Course in Phoenix, Ak-Chin Southern Dunes in Maricopa and Quintero Golf Club in Peoria for another go-round of competition. Headlining the 2022 schedule are the 98^th Arizona Amateur, set for August 8-13 at the Outlaw Course of the Desert Mountain Club in Scottsdale; and the AGA Women’s State Stroke Play Championship, to be contested August 15-17 at Anthem Country Club’s Ironwood Course.

Continue for info on all scheduled AGA Major Championships and their venues for 2022.

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AGA Major Championships

March 17 – 20 | AGA Championship – Aguila Golf Course, Phoenix

Field Size: 144 players | Cut: low 60-players + ties will be made after 36 holes | Format: 72-holes of individual stroke play at gross

Formerly known as the AZ Publinks until 2018, the AGA Championship is the first men’s major championship of the calendar year.

• COURSE INFO: Often referred to as one of the best public golf courses in Phoenix, Aguila consistently draws applause from the Phoenix locale. The 18-Hole Championship Course features three lakes coming into play on five holes, continuous cart paths, and four sets of tees – a Gary Planks links design course.
• Opened: 1999 | Type: Public | Back Tees: 6,962 Yards | Back Slope: 125 | Back Rating: 73.0

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April 21 – 24 | Arizona Stroke Play Championship – Lone Tree Golf Club, Chandler

Field Size: 144 players | Cut: low 60-players + ties will be made after 36 holes | Format: 72-holes of individual stroke play at gross

The state’s best amateurs are pitted against each other in a Stroke Play format as they contend for the coveted Kachina trophy.

• COURSE INFO: Golf in the Southwest doesn’t come any better than the meticulously manicured greens & lush green fairways at Lone Tree Golf Club. Designed by Darryl Wilson of the CMX Group, this semi-private, traditional-style course features five holes with water, one with an island green. Lone Tree Golf Club`s beautiful landscaping and natural surroundings rival that of many Phoenix golf courses and has four sets of tees and tiff dwarf grass overseeded with rye.
• Opened: 2001 | Type: Semi-Private | Back Tees: 6894 Yards | Back Slope: 120 | Back Rating: 124

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June 9 – 12 | Arizona Mid-Amateur Championship – Ak-Chin Southern Dunes Golf Club, Maricopa

Field Size: 144 players (ages 25+) | Cut: low 60-players + ties will be made after 36 holes | Format: 72-holes of individual stroke play at gross |

The region’s best Mid-Amateurs (age 25 and up) converge upon an AGA tournament favorite site to determine whose game is most on point on this Maricopa favorite.

• COURSE INFO: A Schmidt-Curley & Fred Couples design features rolling hills, native grasses, and tees that stretch from 5,800 yards to over 7,500 yards, Ak-Chin Southern Dunes is a unique golf experience that will challenge the most accomplished golfer.
• Opened: 2001 | Type: Resort | Back Tees: 7307 Yards | Back Slope: 138 | Back Rating: 75.1

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August 8 – 13 | 98th Arizona Amateur Championship – Desert Mountain Golf Club, Scottsdale – Outlaw Course

Field Size: 144 | Format: Match Play | *Must be exempt or qualify for this event.

The Arizona Golf Association’s longest-standing competition has seen the likes of plenty of Arizona golf’s most sublime talents: Ken Tanigawa, Ken Kellaney , Bob Goldwater etc., and our most recent multiple time winner: Jake Chanen. (insert any other AZ golf greats to have played in it). Who will be the next local great to add the prestigious title of Arizona Amateur Champion to their golf resume?

• COURSE INFO: Designed by Jack Nicklaus to enhance the natural landscape, Desert Mountain Golf Club’s Outlaw course is a traditional links-style course located on a 176-acre site adjacent to the Tonto National Forest. The spectacular desert scenery is marked by subtle terrain features from the natural washes and gently rolling hills to the clear views of local landmarks like Pinnacle Peak, the McDowell Mountains, and Four Peaks.
• COURSE FACT: Outlaw’s unique layout requires placement, strategy, and controlled distance off the tee. It also features 126 bunkers and putting greens that range in size from 5,000 to 14,000 square feet.
• Opened: 2003 | Type: Private | Back Tees: 7107 yards | Back Slope:  147 | Back Rating: 73.5

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September 15 – 18 | Arizona Four-Ball Championship – Ak-Chin Southern Dunes Golf Club, Maricopa

Field Size: 160 players (80 teams) | Cut: Low 30 teams (+ ties) after 36 holes | Format: 72-holes of Four-Ball play

What works? Team works. That’s the case for this Championship where you’ll have to have your dynamic duo firing on all cylinders to lift the trophy.

• COURSE INFO: A Schmidt-Curley & Fred Couples design features rolling hills, native grasses, and tees that stretch from 5,800 yards to over 7,500 yards, Ak-Chin Southern Dunes is a unique golf experience that will challenge even the most accomplished golfer.
• Opened: 2001 | Type: Resort | Back Tees: 7307 Yards | Back Slope: 138 | Back Rating: 75.1

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Nov. 12 – 13 | AGA Players Cup – TBD

The AGA Players Cup is modeled after the PGA Tour’s FedEx Cup, with players accumulating points in Arizona Golf Association championships and other events throughout the season, before facing off in the AGA Players Cup Championship. Thus, marking the end of the tournament season.

 

To register for an Arizona Golf Association Championship,golfgenius.com/pages/3320754 click here.

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Women’s Major Championships

April 18 – 19 | Women’s Four-Ball Championship – Briarwood Country Club, Sun City West

Field Size: 72 players | Format: 36-holes of Four-Ball stroke play at gross and net, within flights

Teamwork makes the dream work! Players will need to have their dynamic duos dialed if they want to earn the Four-Ball Championship title and add a kachina trophy to their collection.

• COURSE INFO: Designed by Greg Nash and opened for play in November 1983 Briarwood features beautiful, tree lined fairways that are relatively open, water hazards that come into play on several holes and a few sand bunkers cleverly situated throughout. To top it off, the course provides stunning views of the surrounding mountains and a peaceful atmosphere.
• Opened: 1983 | Type: Private | Back Tees: 6500 Yards | Back Slope: 133 | Back Rating: 71.43

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Jun 11 – 12 | Women’s Mid-Am Championship – Ak-Chin Southern Dunes, Maricopa

Field Size: 24 players (ages 25+) | Format: 36-holes of individual stroke play at gross.

Mid-Amateurs converge to test their skills – and luck – across 36-holes. The Arizona Mid-Am Championship will be conducted simultaneously, starting two days earlier on June 9 with both Championships ending on the 12th,

• COURSE INFO: A Schmidt-Curley & Fred Couples design features rolling hills, native grasses, and tees that stretch from 5,800 yards to over 7,500 yards, Ak-Chin Southern Dunes is a unique golf experience that will challenge even the most accomplished golfer.
• Opened: 2001 | Type: Semi-Private | Back Tees: 6894 Yards | Back Slope: 120 | Back Rating: 124

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August 15 – 17 | Women’s State Stroke Play Championship – Anthem Country Club, Anthem – Ironwood Course

Field Size: 84 players | Format: 54-holes of individual stroke play at gross

Players with a Handicap Index below the tournament threshold will vie for the Championship.  Anyone within seven index points of the threshold may opt into the Championship flight.  Multiple yardages will be used – those vying for the Championship will play all 54 holes from the longer yardage.  All other players will play from a shorter yardage.

• COURSE INFO: With a true desert layout stretching over 7,200 yards from the back tees, seven water features and intimating bunkers Anthem Country Club’s Ironwood course lends a challenge to low-handicap players. Especially once they arrive at “Anthem Alley,” the 10th through 12th holes which play around water to a par of 4, 3 and 5. It’s a classic high risk/high reward design with dramatic elevations and large undulating greens set against a mountainous backdrop making for an all-around enjoyable experience.
• Opened: 2004 | Type: Private | Back Tees: 7,231 Yards | Back Slope: 142 | Back Rating: 37.5

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September 7 – 9 | Women’s State Senior Stroke Play Championship – Tonto Verde Golf Club, Rio Verde

• COURSE INFO: Two great courses at Tonto Verde Golf Club, the Peaks and Ranch, welcome visitors to natural splendor. Gary Panks solo-designed the Ranch and received help from David Graham on the Peaks. The surrounding mountain landscape and views of the Tonto Verde National Forest make the downtown Phoenix metropolis a distant memory. Tonto Verde is the ideal, natural Arizona atmosphere. The Ranch is more suitable to long hitters than the Peaks, measuring in at nearly 7,000 yards.
• Opened: 2002 | Type: Semi-Private | Back Tees: 7010 | Slope: 129 | Rating: 71.9

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Nov. 12 – 13 | Women’s Players Cup – TBD

The AGA Players Cup is modeled after the PGA Tour’s FedEx Cup, with players accumulating points in Arizona Golf Association championships and other events throughout the season, before facing off in the AGA Players Cup Championship. Thus, marking the end of the tournament season.

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To register for an Arizona Golf Association Women’s Championship, click here.

Which Championship and/or venue are you looking forward to the most?

Looking for a different event? Download the full 2022 Arizona Golf Association Event Schedule.

Or, view the full AGA Event calendar.

 

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Marilynn Smith Arizona Women’s Open Announces Purse Increase to $87,000

Open Division winner to earn $15K, Senior Division team gets $10K at the inaugural event in Mesa

 

Media Contact:

David Bataller, Director of Communications
(602) 944-3035 | [email protected]

Player Contact:

Amy Fruhwirth, Programs Manager
(602) 944-3035 | [email protected]

For Immediate Release
March 8, 2022

SCOTTSDALE – The Arizona Golf Foundation today announced the inaugural Marilynn Smith Arizona Women’s Open will feature $15,000 and $10,000 winner’s checks in each respective division. Set to be played May 3-5, 2022, at Longbow Golf Club in Mesa, 144 top professionals, amateurs and seniors from across the country will compete for a purse that has currently reached a minimum of $87,000, and is subject to increase as potential community sponsorships are accepted.

“We have worked hard to be a leader in the industry and increasing the Marilynn Smith Arizona Women’s Open purse to $87,000 shows our commitment to women’s golf in the state,” said Anj Brown, Director of Outreach at the Arizona Golf Association. “We hope this is just the beginning, and that as sponsorships increase, the prize pool will reflect the depth of the community’s commitment to the event as well.”

­­­The three-day, 54-hole Open Division will tee off Tuesday, May 3, with a max field of 104 players. The current payout structure will see the top 50 players and ties make a 36-hole cut, with the winner taking home $15,000. The top 20 places will be paid with 20^th receiving $1,000.

The 40-player Senior Division will feature 20 two-person teams made up of Senior Tour and LPGA Tour professionals, playing a two-day 36-hole, Scramble and Best Ball format. The winning team will share the $10,000 winner’s prize, and the top-five teams will take home their respective share of the Senior Division’s minimum $30,000 purse, subject to increase as sponsorships are accepted.

A qualifying tournament will take place the week before the event to determine the remainder of the field. Time and location will be released at a later date. The entry fee is $600 per player in the Open Division, and $600 per team in the Senior Division. For a list of exempt players, or for information and to register, visit azgolf.org/azwomensopen.

On Monday, May 2, the Marilynn Smith Scholarship Pro-Am will see amateurs tee it up with special guests and professionals playing in the event, with proceeds going to the Marilynn Smith Scholarship Fund. The MSSF provides scholarships to female high school seniors who are planning to play golf at an accredited college or university in the United States. The goal of the Pro-Am is to fund fifteen $5,000 scholarships for young female golfers across the country. Teams can be reserved for a minimum of $1200 by registering at azgolf.org/azwomensopen.

Tournament week kicks off on Sunday, May 1, the community is invited to attend Sunday Tea at Papago Golf Club in Phoenix. Arizona Golf Hall of Famer Bill Huffman will interview players, including LPGA greats Kathy Whitworth, Susie Berning and Sandra Palmer. Guests will enjoy refreshments, an expo and an incredible memorabilia display. Sponsorship opportunities are available for the Sunday Tea, the Marilynn Smith Scholarship Pro-Am and Arizona Women’s Open, ranging from Presenting Sponsor to General Benefit Sponsorships. For more information please contact Chris Montgomery by email at [email protected], or by phone at (602) 872-7011.

For all information on the Marilynn Smith Arizona Women’s Open week’s activities, visit azgolf.org/azwomensopen.

 

About The Marilynn Smith Scholarship Fund
Marilynn Smith Scholarships are granted annually through The LPGA Foundation. A founding member of the LPGA in 1950, Marilynn established the fund in 1999 with the proceeds of a golf tournament she organized. The objective of the Marilynn Smith Scholarship is to provide scholarships female high school seniors who have played golf in high school or in her community, and are planning to play golf at an accredited college or university in the United States. To date, more than $1 million has been granted to over 200 young women.

About Arizona Golf Foundation
The Arizona Golf Foundation’s purpose is to fund, support and promote all aspects of the Game of Golf in Arizona, with particular attention to public accessibility, youth development, military charities, scholarships and turf research. Visit azgolf.org/donate to learn more about how to support the Foundation’s efforts. With the departure of the LPGA from Arizona, we feel it important to heighten the visibility for elite women’s competitions.

About Longbow Golf Club
Longbow Business Park and Golf Club is a 330-acre, mixed-use development, being developed by Daedalus Real Estate Advisors, that incorporates office, light industrial, retail, hotel and residential uses surrounded by desert vegetation, a main street transportation design and features the award-winning Longbow Golf Club. Troon managed Longbow Golf Club was originally designed by Ken Kavanaugh in 1997. In 2003, Daedalus commissioned Kavanaugh to execute a complete redesign of the golf course creating a complete refresh layout. For more information on Longbow Golf Club, visit longbowgolf.com or call (480) 807-5400.

About Arizona Golf Association
The Arizona Golf Association has been serving amateur golfers in Arizona since 1923 when it held the first State Amateur Championship. Today, it is licensed by the United States Golf Association to provide handicapping and course rating services to member clubs, to provide tournament and rules expertise and to oversee the application of amateur status.

Arizona Golf Honors 2021 Annual Awards Recipients

Throughout the year men and women compete across their respective divisions in hopes of landing on top of the AGA Player Rankings. Players who find themselves at the top of the rankings get to make their mark in Arizona Golf history, earning the coveted AGA Player of the Year Award. Annually, these awards are given out alongside four other service awards which are granted to individuals or organizations who have exemplified selfless commitment and contribution to golf in Arizona. Those service awards come in the form of the Doc Graves Volunteer of the Year award, Champion of Golf Award, Dorothy Pease Achievement Award and the Dr. Ed Updegraff Award. On Thursday,  February 17, 2022 while gathered at Phoenix Country Club, the Arizona Golf Association honored these upstanding individuals. Continue reading to learn more about the awards, honorees and their accomplishments.

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The honorees are as follows:

Women’s Senior Player of the Year
Kim Eaton

Women’s Player of the Year
Ashley Menne

Men’s Masters Player of the Year
Bryan Hoops

Mayfair Award – Lowest Scoring Average
Bryan Hoops – 67.92

Men’s Senior Player of the Year
Brad Wayment

Men’s Legends Player of the Year
Frank Ellenburg

Men’s Open Player of the Year
Sean O’Donnell

Doc Graves Volunteer of the Year Award
Steve Tomlinson

Champion of Golf Award
Judy McDermott

Dorothy Pease Achievement Award
Peggy Briggs

Dr. Ed Updegraff Award
Jack Blair, Sr.

 

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Women’s Senior Player of the Year

Kim Eaton

Highlights:
Women’s Four-Ball Championship | Champion
Women’s Partners Tournament | Champion
Arizona Women’s Mid-Amateur Championship | T3
Women’s Players Cup Championship | 3
Women’s State Senior Championship | T3
*Qualified for 2021 U.S. Senior Women’s Open.
*Qualified for 2021 U.S. Women’s Senior Amateur, reaching the round of 32.

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Women’s Player of the Year

Ashley Menne

Highlights:
Women’s State Stroke Play Championship | Champion
Women’s Players Cup | Champion
*Pac-12 All Conference Honorable Mention
*2021 WGCA All-American Honorable Mention as a freshman at ASU.
*Invited to Augusta National Women’s Amateur for April 2022.

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Men’s Masters Player of the Year & Mayfair Award

Bryan Hoops

Highlights:
AZ Short Course | T8
AZ Stroke Play | 7
AGA Championship | T2
San Tan Amateur | T4
Divisional Stroke Play | T4
*Made final stage of PGA Tour Champions Qualifying

Hoops finished the tournament season with an adjusted scoring average of 67.92, earning him the Mayfair Award for 2021.
*To be eligible for the Mayfair Award, a player must compete in at least one USGA qualifying round in Arizona and at least two AGA individual major championships; or, compete in at least one USGA qualifying round in Arizona, at least one AGA individual major championship and a collegiate championship in Arizona. All scores count towards the adjusted average.

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Men’s Senior Player of the Year

Brad Wayment

Highlights:
AGA Players Cup | Champion
Southern Amateur | Champion
Divisional Stroke Play | 3
Northern Amateur | 4
Divisional Match Play | Quarter Finalist
*Qualified for U.S. Senior Amateur & made it to the Round of 32

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Men’s Legends Player of the Year

Frank Ellenburg

Highlights:
Divisional Stroke Play | T2
Southern Amateur | 2
Northern Amateur | T2
Divisional Match Play | Semi-finalist
AGA Players Cup | 9
AZ Senior Open | T8

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Men’s Open Player of the Year

Sean O’Donnell

Highlights:
AZ Short Course | Champion
AZ Stroke Play | Champion
Players Cup | T3
AGA Championship | T8
San Tan Amateur | T6
Falcon Amateur | 6
AZ Four Ball | T3
Southern Amateur | T9
Northern Amateur | T10
Arizona Amateur | Round of 64
Phoenix City Championship | Champion
Phoenix City Team Championship | Champion
AZ / UT Shootout Team (C) |Champion
Bob Goldwater Cup (C) | Champion

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Doc Graves Volunteer of the Year Award

Steve Tomlinson

Each year the staff of the AGA honors an individual (other than an Executive Committee member) who most exemplifies volunteerism through his or her commitment of time and effort to the association. In 2010 this award was named after Robert Graves, a long-time AGA volunteer who exemplifies the selfless contributions of time and dedication to serving golf in Arizona.

Steve was introduced to the game of golf in the 6^th grade by his good friends, when one of their fathers allowed them to take an old bag of clubs to the park to play with.  They created their own course around the landscape, selecting just one club to use from the bag and aiming at a can they dug in the ground. He became more serious about the game a couple years later when his mother fell ill and her doctors recommended she try the game to assist her healing process. The quality time they spent together made him even more passionate about the sport and he continued playing through his professional work career, eventually moving to Arizona and retiring in 2008.

The Rules of Golf were something that always interested Steve and he knew them well from being a player. With a little more time on his hands, he picked up his first Decisions Book in 2010, after being encouraged to dedicate himself to the rules by his good friends, Bob Ford and Ralph Warrington. After working local events at his club in Rio Verde for a couple years, he was
introduced to the Arizona Golf Association at an ASU Collegiate event in 2013.  It was there he
shadowed his friend Bob during the competition, solidifying his desire to give back to the game.

Since then, Steve has devoted himself to serving both the AGA and JGAA as an expert Rules Official. He has become one of the most respected
individuals on the course, and can be easily
identified by his wide brim hat and the occasional cigar. He has volunteered thousands of hours over the years, and in 2021 spent 103 days on the golf course, an incredible number and something that is truly appreciated by all.

When asked what he enjoys most about volunteering, Steve replied,

“I enjoy the opportunity to help the player not make a mistake…our job is to ask the right questions and help them through a situation, so they do not get penalized.”

 

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Champion of Golf Award

Judy McDermott

In recognition of selfless lifetime service to the Game of Golf in Arizona, the Champion of Golf Award is given annually to a person who, by his or her accomplishments, has created lasting benefit to the game.

Tucson’s golf landscape would look different without the Judy McDermott touch over the past three decades. McDermott moved to Tucson in 1992, taking a position as the Marketing
Director for the Conquistadores and the PGA TOUR’s Northern Telecom Open. She quickly climbed the ranks within the organization, becoming Tournament Director only two years
later, eventually being promoted to Executive Director in 2007 when the WGC-Accenture Match Play was scheduled at The Gallery. When the WGC event found a new home outside of Tucson in 2014, she immediately brought a PGA TOUR Champions event to Tucson National the following year, the Cologuard Classic.

In 2006, she and the Conquistadores partnered with the City of Tucson and PGA TOUR to
establish The First Tee of Tucson.  Juggling multiple organizations proved no problem for McDermott, and her leadership over the years has brought in $26 million to youth sports in Southern Arizona.  She stepped away from professional golf and the Tucson Conquistadores in 2019 and now focuses her efforts full time as the Executive Director of The First Tee of  Tucson.

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Dorothy Pease Achievement Award

Peggy Briggs

The Dorothy Pease Achievement award was established in 2011 to honor the memory of Dorothy Pease, and to recognize the contributions to golf by the outstanding women who have followed in her footsteps. This year’s recipient is Peggy Briggs.

Peggy Briggs was born in Iowa and raised in Green Bay, Wisconsin. She played many sports growing up in a family of six, and as a senior in high school was the all-around state gymnastics champion. Peggy was introduced to golf but did not actively pursue it until she and her
husband moved to Arizona in 1994.

In 1997, she joined the LPGA and began her career learning all aspects of the profession.
Peggy played two years on the Players West Mini Tour before achieving her Class A
Professional status. She soon learned that teaching was what she loved best, “I love bringing people into the game of golf and keeping them there.”

Growing the game of golf hasn’t just about giving lessons for Peggy. She always wants to make sure that her lessons include keeping people passionate about playing golf and learning how golf can bring people together. She took this a step further and became a golf writer,
co-authoring a book, “Smashing Balls, Golf Opening Doors for Women”.

Because Peggy found that she had some extra time and a lot of extra passion for the game, she began volunteering with several local organizations. She volunteered for Dr. Debbie Crews and her Gila River Program in 1999. Peggy was one of the first instructors to work with the Arizona Women’s Golf Association to teach their Golf 101 Program, introducing women to the game of golf and the Golf Performance Series which focused on the body/swing connection. She also volunteered with Kathy Knadler in the LPGA Girls Golf Program. This is where she fell in love with junior golf. Peggy has also participated as a Golf Professional for Mesa High School with the AWGA’s “High School Build A Team Program” to help more girls in high school become interested in golf.

For the last five years, she has volunteered with the JGAA coaching the Arizona Girls Junior Americas Cup Team and she has been the  Tournament Director of The Joanne Winter Silver Belle Championship since 2017. Peggy also takes an active role with the LPGA Central Section by serving as Secretary and member of several committees. In 2020, she was awarded the Marilyn Smith Service Award from the Central Section of the LPGA by her peers.

With more than 25 years devoted to the game of golf in Arizona, the AGA cannot think of a more deserving
recipient of this year’s Dorothy Pease Award.

Congratulations Peggy and thank you for all you do for golf in Arizona!

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Dr. Ed Updegraff Award

Jack Blair, Sr.

Established in 1990, the Updegraff Award is the Arizona Golf Association’s highest honor, given in recognition of those who, by their actions, exemplify the Spirit of the Game. The award is named after Dr. Ed Updegraff of Tucson, honoring his lifetime contributions and dedication to amateur golf in Arizona.

Jack Blair, Sr. was born in Decatur, Illinois on June 8, 1928, and it’s been said he was a golfer since the day he could walk. He spent 32 years in the military, beginning in 1951 when he entered active service as a National Guard Officer, culminating in his promotion to Brigadier General in March of 1976.  His military career took him all over the globe, and during his tours he was a post, camp, or fort golf champion in every area he served.  He won numerous other Championships during this time, beating notable names such as Orville Moody and
finishing runner-up to Roberto Devicenzo in the 1959 Panama Open.

After he retired from the Army in 1980, he decided to stay in Sierra Vista and became Vice-President of Arizona Operations for land developer Tenneco.  It was then he became very active in the Arizona golf community, both as a player and supporter.

He served on the Arizona Golf Association’s Executive Committee and was a USGA Committee Member from 1990 to 1993.  Most notably, he completed the development of Pueblo del Sol Country Club, an 18-hole championship level facility in Sierra Vista known for having some of the best conditions in the state.  To honor his accomplishments for the golf community in Southern Arizona over the past few decades, the General Jack Blair Four-Ball was announced in 2021 and conducted at Pueblo del Sol as a Sanctioned AGA event.

A small sample of Jack’s playing accomplishments in Arizona include: Qualifying for three US Senior Amateur Championships; AGA Senior Player of the Year; AGA Senior Stroke Play Champion; Five-time Goldwater Cup Team Member; AGA Senior Four-Ball Champion; AGA Southern Amateur Senior Champion; 17-time Pueblo del Sol Club Champion.

His dedication to amateur golf will forever be felt in Arizona. Congratulations to the 2021 Updegraff Award Recipient, Jack Blair, Sr.

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RELATED: Past AGA Award Recepients

View the full awards presentations here: https://www.azgolf.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2022/02/2022-Annual-Meeting-Presentation-Final-PDF.pdf

Read the Annual Booklet here: https://www.azgolf.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2022/02/Annual-Booklet-FINAL-2022-corrected.pdf

2021 Wrap Up | Events, Winners and Qualifiers

The 2022 season is upon us so let’s look back at our 2021!

Be sure to follow us on social media for the latest updates and tournament photos and videos!

 

Scroll for tournaments, winners and links from the 2021 competitive season.

AGA Women’s 18-Hole State Medallion Club Team Tournament – Sunday January 10, 2021

Winner: Amy Louis and Jill Pilcher (-1) Overall Champions

Linda Maynard and Beth Wrigley (E) First Place

Leigh Klasse and Barbara Wood (+2) Second Place

Mia Yohe and Melissa Johnson (+3) Third Place

Tori Totlis and Francine Coles (+5) Fourth Place

Full Results: https://www.golfgenius.com/leagues/215142/rounds/663781/v2tournaments

 

AGA Women’s 9-Hole State Medallion Club Team Tournament

Flight 1:

Jill Amundson and Sharon Smith (+1) First Place

Flight 2

Yvonne Paris and Bonnie Elliott (E) Overall Champions

Linda Rouse and Barbara Bloch (+2) First Place

Karen Franz and Diane Coughlin (+5) Second Place

Flight 3

Jan Dunbar and Tricia Law (+5) First Place

Barbara Pocock and Catherine Frost (+9) Second Place

Full Results: https://www.golfgenius.com/leagues/215154/rounds/663808/v2tournaments

 

2021 AGA Women’s Season Opener

Molly Steffes (Gross)

Penny Rady (Net)

Tori Totlis (Gross)

Percy Anderson (Net)

Full Results: https://www.golfgenius.com/pages/2790898

 

2021 AGA San Tan Amateur

Player Purse Summary:

1. Chris Kamin
2. John Bearrie
3. Johnse Good
4. Jim Ognoffo
5. Tyler Wooldridge

Overall

1. John Bearrie (-9)

Full Results: https://www.golfgenius.com/pages/2890469

 

2021 AGA Championship

Cameron Barzekoff

 

2021 Arizona Stroke Play Championship

Full Results: https://www.golfgenius.com/pages/2793248

Winner: Sean O’Donnell

2021 Falcon Amateur

Full Results: https://www.golfgenius.com/pages/2793496

Winner: Jarrett Foote

 

2021 AGA Women’s Four-Ball Championship

Full Results: https://www.golfgenius.com/pages/3014585

 

2021 62^nd Annual Father/Son Championship

Full Results: https://www.golfgenius.com/pages/3049233

 

2021 Arizona Division Stroke Play Championship – Senior Division

Full Results: https://www.golfgenius.com/pages/2795544                

Winner: Conrad Stephens

 

2021 Arizona Divisional Stroke Play Championship – Masters and Legends Division

Full Results: https://www.golfgenius.com/pages/2795877

Legends Winner: Tim Blau

Masters Winner: Chad Hassack

 

2021 Arizona Mid-Amateur Championship/AZ Amateur Qualifier #2

Full Results: https://www.golfgenius.com/pages/2821981

Championship Winner: Bryan Hoops

Women’s Winner: Mari Miezwa

 

2021 Arizona Women’s Mid-Amateur Championship

Full Results: https://www.golfgenius.com/pages/2824584

 

2021 AGA Women’s Match Play Championship

Full Results: https://www.golfgenius.com/pages/2830740

 

2021 Southern Amateur / AZ Amateur Qualifying #3

Full Results: https://www.golfgenius.com/pages/2844360

Open Winner: Jake Carlson

Masters Winner: Paige Peterson

Senior Division: Brad Wayment

Legends Division: Charlie Horn

 

2021 AZ Amateur Qualifier #4

Full Results: https://www.golfgenius.com/pages/2934142

 

2021 AGA Women’s State Stroke Play Championship

Full Results: https://www.golfgenius.com/pages/2934210

Winner: Ashley Menne

 

97^th Arizona Amateur Championship presented by PXG

Full Results: https://www.golfgenius.com/pages/2947688

Championship Winner: Kristoffer Marshall

Nicklaus Bracket Winner: Evan White

Hogan Bracket Winner: Austin Quick

Woods Bracket Winner: Reece Nilsen

Palmer Bracket Winner: Kristoffer Marshall

 

2021 AGA Women’s State Senior Championship

Full Results: https://www.golfgenius.com/pages/2935161

Championship Flights Gross Winner: Susan Wooster

Field Division Gross Winner Flight 1: Kristi Reckard

Field Division Gross Winner Flight 2: Barbara Byrnes

Field Division Gross Winner Flight 3: Donna Hekker

Field Division Gross Winner Super Senior Flight: Judy Miller

 

2021 Arizona Four Ball

Full Results: https://www.golfgenius.com/pagRes/2831059

Open Division Winner: Lindquist and McCarthy

Senior Division Winner: New and Decof

 

2021 Arizona Division Match Play Championship

Full Results: https://www.golfgenius.com/pages/2943830

Masters Bracket Winner: Mike Davidson

Senior Bracket Winner: David Honerkamp

Legends Bracket Winner: Don Longe

 

2021 AGA Women’s Scotch Play Tournament

Full Results: https://www.golfgenius.com/pages/2996335

 

2021 Northern Amateur (Divisional)

Full Results: https://www.golfgenius.com/pages/2844897

Open Division Winner: Michael Martin

Masters Division Winner: Robert Brown

Senior Division Winner: Alex Stamey

Legends Division Winner: Jeffrey Zieky

 

2021 AGA Players Cup Championship

Full Results: https://www.golfgenius.com/pages/3275229

Open Division Winner: Mahanth Chirravuri

Masters Division Winner: Mike Louden

Senior Division Winner: Brad Wayment

Legends Division Winner: Bob Burton

Women’s Division Winner: Ashley Menne

Women’s Senior Division Winner: Leigh Klasse

 

2021 AGA Women’s Partners Tournament

Full Results: https://www.golfgenius.com/pages/3215826

Flight 1 Total Gross Winner: Kimberly Eaton and Leigh Klasse

Flight 2 Total Gross Winner: Kelda Toliver and Krueger Kim

Flight 3 Total Gross Winner: Eva Prince and Nancy Harden

Flight 4 Total Gross Winner: Marcea Reuther and Jeri Shepard

Flight 1 Total Net Winner: Kimberly Eaton and Leigh Klasse

Flight 2 Total Net Winner: Marie Caldwell and Debra Bene

Flight 3 Total Net Winner: Eva Prince and Nancy Harden

Flight 4 Total Net Winner: Joanne Dowdy and Caren Bidegain

 

USGA Qualifiers

2021 U.S. Open Local Qualifier – Sewailo Golf Club
Results: https://www.golfgenius.com/leagues/237347/rounds/747246/v2tournaments

2021 U.S. Open Local Qualifier – Phoenix Country Club
Results: https://www.golfgenius.com/leagues/237348/rounds/747248/v2tournaments

2021 U.S. Open Local Qualifier – Ak-Chin Southern Dunes
Results: https://www.golfgenius.com/leagues/237349/rounds/747249/v2tournaments

2021 U.S. Women’s Open Qualifier – Superstition Mountain
Results: https://www.golfgenius.com/leagues/237350/rounds/754330/v2tournaments

2021 U.S. Open Local Qualifier – The Country Club at DC Ranch
Results: https://www.golfgenius.com/leagues/237352/rounds/747252/v2tournaments

2021 U.S. Senior Open Qualifier – Arizona Country Club
Results: https://www.golfgenius.com/leagues/237353/rounds/747253/v2tournaments

2021 U.S. Junior Amateur Qualifier – Arizona Country Club
Results: https://www.golfgenius.com/leagues/237354/rounds/747254/v2tournaments

2021 U.S. Girls Junior Amateur Qualifier – Blackstone Country Club
Results: https://www.golfgenius.com/leagues/237356/rounds/747256/v2tournaments

U.S. Women’s Amateur Qualifier – Papago Golf Course
Results: https://www.golfgenius.com/leagues/237357/rounds/747257/v2tournaments
2021 U.S. Senior Women’s Open Qualifier – Longbow Golf Club
Results: https://www.golfgenius.com/leagues/237359/rounds/747260/v2tournaments

2021 U.S. Amateur Qualifier – Alta Mesa Golf Club
Results: https://www.golfgenius.com/leagues/237360/rounds/747262/v2tournaments

2021 U.S. Senior Amateur Qualifier
Results: https://www.golfgenius.com/leagues/237362/rounds/747264/v2tournaments

2021 U.S. Senior Women’s Amateur Qualifier
Results: https://www.golfgenius.com/leagues/237363/rounds/747265/v2tournaments

2021 U.S. Mid-Amateur Qualifier
Results: https://www.golfgenius.com/leagues/237364/rounds/747266/v2tournaments

2021 U.S. Women’s Mid-Amateur Qualifier
Results: https://www.golfgenius.com/leagues/237366/rounds/747272/v2tournaments

2021 U.S. Amateur Four Ball Qualifier
Results: https://www.golfgenius.com/leagues/237369/rounds/747314/v2tournaments

2021 U.S. Women’s Amateur Four-Ball Qualifier
Results: https://www.golfgenius.com/leagues/237372/rounds/747316/v2tournaments