Everybody knows The Thunderbirds run the WM Phoenix Open, but most don’t know that this civic-minded organization also supports amateur golf in the Valley of the Sun, too. Let’s start with college golf.
The NCAA Golf Men’s and Women’s Division I Championships teed off last week. Hosted by ASU, The Thunderbirds and Grayhawk Golf Club, the three-year deal (2021 – 2023) brought the championship to Scottsdale for an unprecedented triple-dip. The women’s competition was contested May 20-25 followed by the men’s May 27-June 1.
The Thunderbird’s impact on ASU Golf moved to another level, with the completion of the Thunderbirds Golf Complex, Sun Devil golf team facility at Papago GC – not to mention a 46-year history hosting the ASU Thunderbird Collegiate.
The Thunderbirds are the largest sponsor of the Junior Golf Association of Arizona (JGAA), which hosts dozens of tournaments and events year-round. Most importantly, due to the Thunderbird support, no junior golfer is turned down due to a lack of tournament fees, including the JGAA’s sister organization, Girls Golf of Phoenix.
The First Tee of Phoenix receive funds from The Thunderbirds to operate on of the largest chapters nationwide, impacting more than 130,000 youth annually through affordable access to golf and golf learning facilities for young people from all walks of life, particularly those who otherwise might not have an opportunity to play.
