World-class facility. Top-notch talent. And, an event that honors the memory of one of golf’s brightest young stars. Such is the Winn Grips Heather Farr Classic hosted by Longbow Golf Club, which is set to take place April 5th through 8th, 2012.

An American Junior Golf Association Easter tradition since 1999, this three-day event attracts 144 of the best junior golfers from Arizona and throughout the country to Longbow Golf Club in Mesa, Arizona.

The impressive list of past champions boasts names like the recent champion of the World Championship Accenture Match Play Hunter Mahan (1999), Amanda Blumenherst (2002) and Paula Creamer (2003, 2004), all who have gone on to join the professional ranks.

Many locals have also added their names to the winner’s circle, including Trey Kaahanui of Tempe, who won at the age of 14 in 2008. This year’s event will mark his fifth and final appearance at Longbow before he joins the Sun Devils squad upon high school graduation. 

Chandler resident and soon-to-be USC Trojan Kyung Kim also won in 2008, alongside Kaahanui. Add Zachary Wright (2011), Drew Kittleson (2005), Philip Francis (2006) and Richard Lee (2007) – all Arizona residents, all Heather Farr champions.

Wright, who captured his first AJGA victory on the strength of a 4-under-par 209 at last year’s event, will bring guts and experience back to Longbow for the last time before heading to LSU in the fall. Wright erased an eight-shot deficit in his final-round performance of 2011, setting himself up for a sudden death playoff with Nicolo Galletti of Pleasanton, CA. The win shot Wright up the AJGA’s Polo Golf Rankings and earned him post-season honors as a first team Rolex Junior All-American.

Not only does the event consistently draw a strong field, its committee and volunteers continually put on a memorable event for the juniors – beyond the golf course. Owner of Longbow Golf Club Bob McNichols and General Manager Jay Larscheid provide a welcoming atmosphere, complete with cookouts, archery and a First Tee clinic that allows tournament participants to give back to young juniors who are just learning the game. Their genuine hospitality has earned them multiple awards from the AJGA, including Tournament of the Year in 2011.

“We take great pride in making this not only an unforgettable experience for the players but to also use it as a platform to honor Heather and recognize what a great ambassador of the game she was,” said Larscheid.

Longbow’s dedication coupled with the sponsorship support of Winn Grips has placed Mesa on the map for many of golf’s next generation.

The tournament is named in honor of Heather Farr. A three-time Arizona high school state champion, Farr also captured titles at the 1982 U.S. Girls Junior and the 1984 U.S. Women’s Amateur Public Links. A pioneer of the AJGA, Farr was named the 1980 Rolex Junior Player of the Year. She went on to play in the collegiate ranks at Arizona State University and turned professional in 1986. Three years later, she would learn of news that would alter her career and her life. She was diagnosed with breast cancer at the age of 24.

Throughout her journey, Farr touched the lives of fans, friends and members of the golf world. In the midst of a battle for her life, she maintained her charisma and her enthusiasm for living.

“She faced cancer with the same determination that she faced her career – with courage and dignity, said Farr’s sister Missy. “She did it without a ‘why me’ thought, even after enduring over 15 surgeries.” 

Throughout her four-year battle with the disease, Farr would frequent the golf course. She continually gave back to the community and spent time with young juniors, telling them about what life was like in college and on Tour.

Sadly, Farr lost her battle at the age of 28, leaving a legacy of sportsmanship, character and a passion for the game.

\"Keep the fight. Keep the faith. Believe in yourself and never, never give up. That’s what Heather taught us,” stated PGA TOUR champion Andrew Magee.

This year’s Winn Grips Heather Farr Classic hosted by Longbow Golf Club will take place April 5-8. To be part of an award-winning tournament and witness the future of golf through volunteering or participating in the Junior-Am Fundraising tournament, contact AJGA Tournament Director Tommy Tangtiphaiboontana at 770.868.4200.