From the Executive Director


Ringing in 2018 with some new ideas


T


he year 2018 brings change, all for the better from this chair. However, before looking forward, it would be


an oversight to avoid recounting the achievements of the late 2017 season, most notably the Patriot All-America. That was fun, to see 84 of America’s — and the world’s — best amateurs take on The Wigwam’s venerable Gold Course at the end of December. Mason Overstreet, a sophomore from the University of Arkansas, captured the coveted title with a closing 64 (one of three 64s that day), tied the tournament’s 54-hole record with a 199 total, and went home with a six-shot victory over five other players, including George Cunningham from the University of Arizona. We also crowned four Players of the Year for 2017: Arizona State’s sensational freshman Mason Anderson (Open), Jeff Benton (Masters), Rusty Brown (Seniors) and Tim Blau (Legends). The Tournament Committee has


authorized a change in the Divisional Age groups for the coming year to recognize the changing demographic of Tournament Players. The Masters Division will be for ages 40-49, Seniors 50-59, and new “Super Seniors” Division for 60-69, and, of course, the Legends, which is now 70 and up. We understand this is not a completely popular decision with many of the players, but it does fit the profile of the membership more closely to create more opportunity for the majority of AGA members. The on-going integration with


the AWGA will take most of 2018 to 12 | AZ GOLF Insider | PREVIEW 2018


complete, with the first phase being the consolidation of USGA handicaps with a one-stop service supported by both organizations. We anticipate gradually melding other aspects of the associations and staff efforts as we progress through the year. A new app for members will be


unveiled in the spring, with many new options and opportunities. And don’t forget about our Ireland trip hosted by the AGA and Southern Nevada golf associations in June that has received some support, with plans for a Scotland excursion in late August of 2019. The AGA’s Annual Meeting is Feb.15


at Phoenix Country Club. Each club receives invitations, but any member is welcome to attend. The guest speaker is USGA past president Tom O’Toole, Jr., a great friend of Arizona Golf. Much more is coming your way, and


we will share through the AzGolf.org website and monthly newsletters. We hope you will spend a little time with this issue of AZGOLF Insider, which will give you some great tips and ideas for shaping up your body and your golf game for the 2018 season. Who knows, if you take the time to read Chris Lewis’ story and Tom Mackin’s column, there’s a very good chance you could break through to the next level, which would be the perfect start to any year! n


By Ed Gowan AZGOLFINSIDER


EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE OFFICERS PRESIDENT.............................................................................Mike McWilliams 1ST VICE PRESIDENT .................................................................Bill Burgesser 2ND VICE PRESIDENT .....................................................................Bill Phipps SECRETARY ................................................................................Bob McNichols TREASURER ........................................................................................Tim Brown


EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MEMBERS Lee Decof, Mark Jeffery, Joe Hickle, Jerry Huff, Tim Hulscher, Ryan Johnson, Mike Kane, Scott McNevin, Judi Polidori, John Souza


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 ..........................Mike Mason CHAMPIONSHIP MANAGER ...................................................... .Jim Franko DIRECTOR OF MEMBER AND CLUB RELATIONS .............Alex Tsakiris COMMUNICATIONS MANAGER ............................Joselyn Wojtalewicz ACCOUNTING.......................................................................... Betty Saltzgiver P. J. BOATWRIGHT INTERNS ................Nicole Prague, Jesse Tenkman


*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 GRAPHIC DESIGNER ........................................Steve Copas For magazine inquiries, backspinmediagroup@gmail.com


BACKSPIN MEDIA GROUP PRESIDENT.......................................................................................Bill Huffman GENERAL MANAGER ................................................................Mark Nothaft BackspinMediaGroup@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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