First Arizona Golf Association Executive John Riggle passes

John Riggle, the first and long-time executive director for the Arizona Golf Association, died last month after a short illness. John was important in the development of the Association as its leader from 1967 to 1985, when he retired along with long-time partner and friend, Jane Schaettle.

A long-time USGA volunteer, John worked on the rules committees of countless USGA Championships, as many as seven a year when qualified officials were few and far between. He was instrumental as a partner in building the Pacific Coast Golf Association championship, the International Association of Golf Administrators, the Southwestern Golf Association, and served many other golf organizations including his beloved Encanto Men’s Club and at Orange Tree, where he played most of his golf in later years, as well as both creating and later being enshrined in the Arizona Golf Hall of Fame.

John loved the public golfer, promoting golf for all in Arizona when much attention nationally was on the private clubs. He lobbied the USGA incessantly to pay attention to the public player, and much of what Arizona Golf has become is in his debt.
Hundreds of junior golfers benefitted from John’s attention, including many Tour professionals and many of Arizona’s current Southwest Section PGA members. His association with Bob Goldwater resulted in the establishment of the annual Goldwater Cup Matches between the AGA and Southwest Section PGA.

Services were held, November 13th at the Messenger Mortuary. Donations may be made to either the Arizona Humane Society, PO Box 90610, Phoenix, AZ. 85066; or the St. Jude’s Childrens’ Hospital, PO Box 50, Memphis, TN., 38101.