The Southwest Seniors Golf Association (SWSGA) began welcoming new and returning members to start their 39th year conducting monthly, one day team and individual competitions for gentlemen golfers over 50 years young with verifiable handicaps less than 10. “Playing on many of the finest clubs in Arizona in a well organized event with competitive golfers has been the mainstay of our association.” stated Board President, PGA Professional, Bob Pancratz.

The October event was played just days after the passing of Golf’s King, Arnold Palmer. Coincidence perhaps, apropos definitely. It was fitting the Southwest Seniors Golf Association had the privilege to play an Arnold Palmer designed golf course as legions of “Arnie’s Army” said goodbye to the King. The SWSGA enjoyed Arrowhead Country Club prior to overseeding with receptive greens rolling true. Spectacular weather, an attentive staff lead by Head Professional, Rob Smyser, drink tickets provided by CardinaleWay Mazda-Mesa followed by a wonderful taco bar made for another enjoyable SWSGA event.

Superb weather and course set up helped the sixteen groups deliver some of our finest scoring of the year with almost half the field returning net scores of par of better. Professional, Jim Sartor, set the pace posting a seven under par 65 for low round and also was low net at 64. David Kondzich captured Low Amateur gross at 73. Professional, Jim Pearson, lead his team of John Landry, Robert Alejandro and John Turyn to victory in the one ball net, one ball gross, fourball with a score of 123. Closest to the pin competitions were won by Ed Joyce and Joey Pickavance on holes 3 and 15 respectively.

Congratulations also to SWSGA member, Tony Ham, on winning the “Senior Palmer Flight” in the Golf Channel’s National Amateur Tour recently held at Innisbrook in Tampa, Florida.

The SWSGA year long points race for the Founder’s Championship is tightening and with increased points over the next two events will provide for an exciting finish for “Player of the Year” honors. The next event will be played at the popular Seville Country Club on Monday, November 21 with the Hole-in-One pot nearing $600!

Our thanks to all who have donated to the Junior Golf Association of Arizona by bringing your “retired” clubs or making a tax deductible donation at www.jgaa100.org. Clubs will continue to be collected over the next two events and converted to new sets being presented to deserving new junior golfers in memory of long time SWSGA member, PGA Professional and Ambassador for junior golf, Les Wimp.

To learn more about the Southwest Seniors Golf Association visit www.swsga.com.