Chandler’s Mason Andersen took top honors at the 22nd-annual Thunderbird Invitational, a Junior Masters Series tournament on the JGAA’s calendar of events. He posted a 10-under-par 134 (68-66) that featured a 32 on the front nine in the first round and a 31 on the back nine in the second round. Andersen finished five strokes clear of three players tied for second place: Davis Evans of Phoenix (74-65—139); Gavin Cohen of Tucson (69-70—139); and Briggs Duce of Tucson (68-71—139). Andersen adds this win to a third-place finish at the BMO Invitational in February, the second Junior Masters Series event of the 2016 season. In 2015, he notched two victories at Yuma City Junior Championship and Tucson City Jr. Championship-Tucson Conquistadores. 

On the girl’s side, Emily Mahar (69-70—139) of Scottsdale finished four strokes ahead of Phoenix’s Alisa Snyder (71-72-143), who was defending her title at the Thunderbird Invitational. Ashley Menne of Surprise came in third place (70-74—144). Mahar’s victory is her third in a row after posting wins at the New Year’s Shootout in January and the Phoenix Metro Jr. Championship in February. And, she came close to a win at the first Junior Masters Series event of 2016 with a T2 at the Wigwam Invitational. Mahar appears to be continuing her stellar play from 2015 when she won four times and placed in the top 10 in all seven events she entered.

Title sponsors of the Thunderbird Invitational, The Thunderbirds were founded in 1937 with the mission of promoting the Valley of the Sun through sports. Consisting of 55 “active” members and more than 250 “life” members, The Thunderbirds host the Waste Management Phoenix Open; the best-attended golf tournament in the world, which to date has raised nearly $110 million for Valley charities, including the JGAA. With its unmatched fan participation and rich history dating back more than 80 years, The Waste Management Phoenix Open has gained legendary status for being a unique stop on the PGA TOUR. For more information on The Thunderbirds call 602.870.0163 or visit www.WasteManagementPhoenixOpen.com. 

“The Thunderbirds are well known for their work with the Waste Management Phoenix Open, however their continued support of junior golf here in Arizona deserves recognition as well,” said McNevin. “Besides being a financial sponsor, the Thunderbirds assisted with registration, starting, spotting and on the course with scoring. We truly appreciate their hard work and dedication.”

For more information about the Thunderbird Invitational, visit www.JGAA.org or call 602.944.6168.