Over 130 Juniors participate in Desert Mashie Spring Championship at Encanto

Over 130 juniors participated in the Desert Mashie Spring Championship, taking place at the Encanto Golf Course and Encanto 9, March 19-20. This tournament has developed and grown over the years as one of the leading minority golf organizations in the United States, the Desert Mashies.

Started by a group of African-Americans in 1948, the Desert Mashies have a vision of pioneering the great game of golf to young golfers who otherwise may never have had the opportunity to pick up a golf club.

The Desert Mashie quest for acceptance and further knowledge of the sport took shape in May of 1946 when after a round at Encanto Golf Course, the initial nine members of the group spoke fervently of their desire to attract more members, thus strengthening the group. At the time, Encanto was the only golf course in the greater Phoenix area that allowed African Americans to play. It would later become the host course for almost all of the tournaments hosted by the Desert Mashies.

For the Desert Mashie Championship, the 13-14, 15-18 and Championship Divisions all played 36 holes on the par 70, Encanto Golf Course. In the Boys Championship Division, Anthony Quezada had rounds of 72-67 for a two-day total of 139 to win. Jordan Carter took home the title in the Girls Championship Division, with rounds 76-73 for a two-day total of 149.

In the Boys 15-18 Division, Koan Woon Rim, Michael Guardiola and William Twitty all had two-day totals of 143 to advance to a play-off. Koan Woon Rim ended up prevailing with the victory after a birdie 3 on the second hole at Encanto. Megan Hauptman won the Girls 15-18 Division, with scores of 85-79 for a two-day total of 164.

In the 13-14 Boys Division Noel Sims took the title with rounds of 76-73 for a two-day total of 139. Madasyn Petterson won the Girls 13-14 Division, with rounds 81-84 for a two-day total of 165.

The Boys and Girls 11-12 Divisions played 18 holes each day, on the par 30 Encanto 9. Gresco took the victory in the Boys 11-12, with scores of 59-61 for a two-day total 120. In the Girls 11-12 Division, Alisa Snyder shot 65-64 for a two-day total 129 to win.

For the complete results of the Desert Mashie Spring Championship, visit the Junior Golf Association of Arizona website at www.jgaa.org or call 602.944.6168.