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

What to Know about the First Major of the Year: the AGA Championship

The best amateurs in the state converge at Aguila Golf Course today as they tee it up for the first Major AGA Championship of 2022. Here is what you need to know about the event, field and venue. (Scroll to the bottom for fast facts).

The Event

One of Phoenix’s most popular municipal courses, Aguila Golf Course, plays host to the 33rd AGA Championship, formerly known as the AZ Publinks before changing names in 2018. The 72-hole event will be played in an individual stroke play format and conducted over four days, a new approach for every AGA major championship this year.

With tee times slated to go off at 7:00 am Thursday morning, players will get to take advantage of the cool morning temps, courtesy of the dwindling Arizona winter. There will be no shortage of competition as a 144-person field featuring old and new faces ready themselves to contend for the title. Players will be hoping to advance to Saturday’s third round as a cut to the low 60 players (plus ties) will take place after 36 holes.

The Field

Familiar faces in the field include three recent AGA award winners: Sean O’Donnell (2021 POTY recipient), Bryan Hoops (2021 Mayfair & Masters POTY recipient) and Brad Wayment (2021 Senior POTY recipient). O’Donnell, who’s coming off a win at last month’s San Tan Amateur, is returning to the same event and venue where he earned his first AGA Major victory in 2020. After shooting 70-70-66 for an overall 7-under 206. Surely, he is looking for the same winning outcome this week.

Other notable players in title contention are recent JGAA standouts Mahanth Chirravuri and Joseph Lloyd, as well as AGA Short Course Champion Shankar Natarajan, who is looking for his first AGA Major victory. Chirravuri, a recent JGAA grad, is currently committed to play Division 1 college golf at the University of Southern California while Lloyd is riding out the last semester of his freshman year with the University of Utah men’s golf team.

The Venue

The venue, Aguila Golf Course, situated eight miles southwest of downtown Phoenix at the base of South Mountain, will provide scenic views and a challenging championship level course for the 72-hole stroke play event.

 

Weather Forecast:

 

Fast Facts:

Championship Course	Aguila Golf Course, Phoenix, AZ
Championship Yardage	7032 | Par 72
Dates	March 17-20
Field Size	144
Format	72 holes of individual stroke play
Cut	Low 60 players (+ ties) after 36 holes
Tournament Record Score	2019 George Markham  (65, 69, 65) | Overall 14-under 199
Defending Champion	Cameron Barzekoff | (69,70,69) | Overall: 2-under 208
Past Champions in the field	Past Champions in the field: Sean O’Donnell (2020), Sam Engel (2016), Jimmy Kozikowski (2013)
Pairings & Results:	https://www.golfgenius.com/pages/3320754

 

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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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

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