From the Executive Director


The Patriot shows how golf binds us together


that somewhat foregone conclusion when it comes to AZ golf, I’d like to reflect on something more important to the grander scope of the game we love. The Patriot All-America Invitational


L


at The Wigwam in late December was a celebration of golf in many ways. The best of collegiate golf was on display, as Cameron Champ from Texas A&M prevailed in a two- hole playoff over Zach Olsen from Oklahoma State. College players in America, including many from other countries, carried PING golf bags bearing the names of fallen soldiers, primarily those who had links to their schools or hometowns, throughout the 54-hole event. We even had two representatives from the National University of Ireland representing Irish-born U.S. soldiers who had earned the coveted Medal of Honor. Ultimately, those bags will be auctioned off by the schools to benefit Folds of Honor and the families left behind. The Patriot is not just a golf


tournament. It is an opportunity to expose these collegians to the realities of war and the sacrifice of those who dedicate their lives to protecting this country. Many of the soldiers they honored were not much older than these young golfers. The opening ceremony for the Patriot


featured introductions of the players and their soldiers; an awe-inspiring fly-over; the Air Force Jump Team from the Academy flying in the flags for the event, landing the American flag at the precise ending of the National Anthem


10 | AZ GOLF Insider | PREVIEW 2017


ast issue we opened with a theme of great expectations for 2017. While the new year already is showing signs of


played by trumpeter Jesse McGuire; and remarks from Luke Air Force Base’s commander, Brig. Gen. Brooks Leonard. One of the highlights was a very


moving speech during the opening ceremony by Ginger Gilbert Ravella, the wife of a Luke F-16 pilot who died 10 years ago over Iraq. She and her five children have been beneficiaries of Folds of Honor assistance. We listened to a description of that day she heard of her husband’s sacrifice, what it meant to her and her family, how they have dealt with the loss and the subsequent burial of his recently recovered remains at Arlington Cemetery. Then she shared a perspective for the players’ benefit about commitment, honor and sacrifice. I’d suggest that anyone with a heartfelt notion visit www.PatriotAllAmerica.com to hear her incredible presentation. We all look for meaning in what we


do. Golf presents a platform with many possibilities to reflect our personal walks through life, as playing the game exposes so many facets of character and personality. But when you listen to the tragedies in the real world that so many experience, golf can become something more of a link that binds us. On this past December morning, when Mrs. Ravella spoke, it never was more obvious or impactful. n


By Ed Gowan AZGOLFINSIDER


EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE OFFICERS PRESIDENT.................................................................................................Bill Lich 1ST VICE PRESIDENT .........................................................Mike McWilliams 2ND VICE PRESIDENT ...............................................................Bill Burgesser SECRETARY ..................................................................................Mike Saladino TREASURER ........................................................................................Tim Brown


EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MEMBERS Kevin Cruickshank; Lee Decof; Mark Jeffery; Ryan Johnson; Mike Kane; Scott McNevin, Bob McNichols; Bill Phipps; Judi Polidori; Matt Witzke. AWGA Representative, Janet Cothren


AGA STAFF EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR....................................................................Ed Gowan ASSISTANT EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR ....................................Lorraine Thies DIRECTOR OF HANDICAPPING & COURSE RATING. ..............................................................Derek McKenzie CLUB PROGRAMS MANAGER ............................................Michelle Evens DIRECTOR OF ADVERTISING/SPONSORSHIPS ..............Brian Foster* DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS AND MARKETING PARTNERSHIPS........................Chris Montgomery* DIRECTOR OF RULES AND COMPETITIONS ...........Andrew Polonec MANAGER TOURNAMENT OPERATIONS ................Courtney Smyser CHAMPIONSHIP MANAGER ...................................................... .Jim Franko DIRECTOR OF MEMBER AND CLUB RELATIONS .............Alex Tsakiris MEMBER SERVICES MANAGER .................................................Liz Durnan COMMUNICATIONS MANAGER ............................Joselyn Wojtalewicz ACCOUNTING.......................................................................... Betty Saltzgiver P. J. BOATWRIGHT INTERN .................................................Michael Mason


*Denotes independent contractor


THE AZ GOLF INSIDER STAFF PUBLISHER.....................................................................................Mark Nothaft EDITOR-IN-CHIEF .........................................................................Bill Huffman DESIGNER............................................................................Carl Bezuidenhout AGA EDITOR .................................................................................Lorraine Thies SENIOR EDITOR ................................................................................John Davis REAL ESTATE EDITOR ......................................Gremlyn Bradley-Waddell FOOD EDITOR ................................................................................Carey Sweet GENERAL ASSIGNMENTS .......................................................... Jeff Heisner PHOTO EDITOR .........................................................................Jane Zarzynski SENIOR PHOTOGRAPHER .......................................................Dennis Scully SENIOR PHOTOGRAPHER ........................................................Wade Moran CONTRIBUTORS ..........................Ed Gowan, Lorraine Thies, Julie Fenn Scott McNevin, Robyn Noll, Tom Mackin, Joe Passov, Cori Matheson ADVERTISING ACCOUNT MANAGER ................................Ryan Chackel ADVERTISING GRAPHIC DESIGNER ........................................Steve Copas For magazine inquiries, backspinmediagroup@gmail.com


BACKSPIN MEDIA GROUP PRESIDENT.......................................................................................Bill Huffman GENERAL MANAGER ................................................................Mark Nothaft BackspinMediaGroupUSA@gmail.com


AZ GOLF Insider, is published four times a year by the Arizona Golf Association. It


is supported by members’ dues, utilizing $3 per


member per year. We welcome all editorial submissions, including letters, but assume no responsibility for the loss or damage of unsolicited material. They will not be returned unless accompanied by a self-addressed, stamped envelope. Views expressed within these pages do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the editors or official policies of the Arizona Golf Association. No part of this magazine is intended as an endorsement of any equipment, publication, videotape, golf course or other entity. No part of this magazine may be reproduced for use as an advertising, publicity or endorsement item without written approval of the AGA. AZ GOLF Insider is offered on a subscription basis for $12.95 annually. Individual copies may be obtained by forwarding $5 to the address below.


Arizona Golf Association 7600 E. Redfield Rd., Suite 130 Scottsdale, AZ 85260 (602) 944-3035 (800) 458-8484 In-State Line www.azgolf.org


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