The Junior Golf Association of Arizona (JGAA) hosted the annual Willie Low Invitational on June 10th at Phoenix Country Club, honoring the late Willie Low, one of the Valley’s top golf professionals for nearly half a century. Started in 1969, the event has showcased the talents of junior golfers from across the state. Past winners have included two-time PGA TOUR champion Billy Mayfair and Ted Purdy.

Chris Meyers of Oro Valley, Arizona is champion in the Boys 15-18 Division with a 68, 1st place win. He will be a senior at Canyon Del Oro High School this fall. Meyers also won the Thunderbird Junior Classic, and qualified for the US Junior Amateur Championship. Michael Feagles of Scottsdale took 2nd place with a 69 and will be a junior at Brophy Prep in Phoenix.

Katie Dunaway of Phoenix is the Girls 15-18 Division champion with a 1st place 73. She graduated from Xavier Prep and will be playing golf at Sacramento State University this fall. Megan Knadler of Phoenix took 2nd place with a 76.

John Menne of Surprise, Arizona took 1st place as the Boys 13-14 Division champion with a 73 with Tony Hendricks of Phoenix taking 2nd place with a 77.

Willie Low influenced many of the Valley’s top juniors, including Howard Twitty and a young George Boutell who would later go on to win the 1962 Arizona Amateur Championship and then post a stellar career at Arizona State University, earning All American status. Low began his golf career at Lakeside Golf Club in Los Angeles during the 1920’s where he became lifelong friends with the likes of Bob Hope, Bing Crosby and other celebrities. 

Low came to the Valley in 1931 as the Head Golf Professional at Phoenix Country Club and stayed there until his retirement in 1972. He was awarded the Anser Award by the Southwest Section PGA in 2004, honoring individuals whose positive efforts have influenced the history of Arizona golf. Mr. Low was also a member of the Arizona Golf Hall of Fame.

“Willie Low provided youth with invaluable lessons about golf and its principles,” said Scott McNevin, Executive Director of the JGAA. “This tournament honors his dedication and passion for the game as he was instrumental in paving the way for so many young people.”

Founded in 1983, the JGAA is a non-profit organization that introduces Arizona’s youth to the game of golf and helps junior golfers develop golf and life skills through educational programs and tournaments.

For more information about the Junior Golf Association of Arizona, visit www.jgaa.org or call 602.944.6168.