AGA NEWS
PATRIOT
ALL-AMERICA INVITATIONAL
AGA NEWS
Isaiah Jackson from the University of Memphis captured the Patriot All-America Invitational by a convincing three shots.
Service platform for military members and veterans, taking its cue from the Patriots Outpost at the Waste Management Phoenix Open. Among other things,
they plan to double the size of the skybox and add full hospitality to that venue in 2019. Tournament chairman Justin James noted that other West Valley communities have gotten involved in supporting the event, along with the host city, Litchfield Park. “We had a vision of what
we want the tournament to become that we put in place,” James said. “We’re very proud of that and next year we’re going to make it even better. “It certainly helps when
Patriot already focused n BY JOHN DAVIS I
n just eight years, the Patriot All-America Invitational has established itself as
one of the top amateur golf events in the country, but it is about to take another jump in prestige in 2019. If all goes as hoped, the
event will add a women’s division to the competition that features All-Americans
on adding women’s field Cindy McCain, Isaiah Jackson highlight 2018
from around the United States and top-rated collegians from Europe. “Every year it gets a little bit better and a little bit bigger,” AGA executive director Ed Gowan said. “More people are getting involved and the growth has been gradual but steady. Adding a women’s event will give us a whole new dynamic. “The Women’s Golf
Coaches Association is very interested in being part of it. We’ve had initial discussions and I anticipate that it will happen in 2019.” The growing popularity of the event was evident in the
28 | AZ GOLF Insider | PREVIEW 2019
tournament that ended Dec. 31,despite frigid weather for the final round of competition. Isaiah Jackson from
the University of Memphis posted a three-shot victory on the Gold Course at The Wigwam, capping a week that saw increased attendance, new spectator venues and an impressive opening ceremony with Cindy McCain as the featured speaker. The West Valley Mavericks
civic organization took the reins as tournament host this year and, with guidance from the Phoenix Thunderbirds, showed determination to promote and grow the event. Their initiatives for 2018 included adding a skybox behind the 18th green with sweeping views of the course, a merchandising component and a Salute to
you have the support of the surrounding communities and Luke Air Force Base, which has been a wonderful partner and wants to expand its role.” In return, James said,
the event has drawn more attention to the Mavericks. “No doubt about it,” he
said. “We are in our seventh year as a foundation, so we’re still in our teenage years. We’ve made it past the childhood years of establishing a club and now the next generation is taking over and we are getting our name out through this event. That will help us to do more great things for the community.” Troops from the Navy, Marines and Air Force took part in the event, including tending the flag on the 18th hole, where players greeted them with handshakes and thanked them for their service as they left the green during each round.
www.azgolf.org
MICHAEL JORDAN
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