SWSGA celebrates 40th Anniversary

Left to Right Standing; Winning Team of Randy Wittig, Dave Rasley, Bill Johston, Steve McGavran, Ray Parker, Left to Right Kneeling; Player of the Year Professional Bob Mann Amateur Bruce Pape

The Southwest Seniors Golf Association (SWSGA) began 2018 in stellar fashion celebrating the 40th Anniversary of its inception at one of Arizona’s popular and most enjoyable tests of golf, Moon Valley Country Club. Great weather, wonderful greens and attentive staff lead by Director of Golf, Jim Meyers, made for a fun day. Our appreciation to CardinaleyWay Mazda – Mesa for adding to the day’s festivities with sponsorship of drink tickets, plus Hole-in-One prizes, including a new Signature Mazda CX-9 on hole 15. 

Leading all players were Professionals, Barry Conser and Kelly Olohan who fashioned fine 4 under par rounds of 68. Low Net was won by Patrick Murphy with 65. Low Gross Amateur was posted by John Hull and Ron Wood at 71. Winning the team competition of one ball net and one ball gross of the foursome were Professional Randy Wittig and Amateurs Steve McGavran, Dave Rasley and Ray Parker. Closest to the Pin holes 5 and 11 were won by Gerry Norquist and Bob Mann, respectively. Full results can be found under the “Tournament Schedule” tab.

This event was the SWSGA’s Founder’s Championship which was the culmination of a year long points race to determine the Player of the Year for both the Amateurs and Professionals. Leading the Amateurs was Bruce Pape and the Professionals was Bob Mann. Both gentlemen demonstrated consistent play all year and finished in fine fashion with rounds of 74 and 69 respectively. CONGRATS!

Perhaps the highlight of the day was sharing the after round meal and awards with the Founding Father of the SWSGA, Professional, Bill Johnston, who was also recently recognized by the Southwest PGA as the recipient of the Johnny Bulla Award for his fine professional playing career.  At 93, it looks like Bill found the Fountain of Youth, perhaps through the SWSGA? Mr. Johnston, along with Gene Leech, Jack Morrison and Gary Skoda, launched the SWSGA in 1978 and we continue to give thanks for their original foundation of passion and love for the game.

To learn more about the Southwest Seniors Golf Association and upcoming events for competitive senior gentlemen, visit swsga.com.