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$3.5M DONATED TO DATE

Our Mission

Mobilized by more than 1,200 PGA professionals, the Southwest PGA Foundation is a 501(c)(3) organization that serves as the charitable arm of the Southwest Section PGA.

Our mission is to utilize the game of golf and our member professionals to positively impact the lives of youths, military veterans, minorities, at-risk families, and individuals within the communities we serve.

Since its inception, the Southwest PGA Foundation has provided more than $3.5 million in support of local charities, including Ronald McDonald House Charities, Special Olympics Arizona, Alice Cooper’s Solid Rock Teen Centers and active and veteran military personnel.

Who We Support

Board of Directors

Danny Medina, PGA

Executive Director

With more than 25 years’ experience in the golf industry, Danny Medina established himself as a dedicated and accomplished golf professional. His career – highlighted by a deep commitment to excellence in leadership and a passion for growing the game – includes 16 years with Omni Hotels and Resorts. Before joining the PGA of America, Medina served at The Stone Canyon Club in Oro Valley, Arizona.

Madina’s commitment to growing the game includes support of local junior golf and tireless effort to make golf more accessible to broader audiences. He successfully organized three Arizona High School State Championships, oversaw 21 NCAA Championships/Invitationals, and managed six PGA TOUR events.

His dedication to the golf community led him to serve on the Southwest PGA and Southern Chapter PGA Board of Directors, where he became President of the Southern Chapter PGA and volunteered his time as the Vice Chairman of the Southwest PGA Foundation.

Among accolades, Medina was recognized as the 2018 Southwest PGA Professional of the Year, and he received the 2021 Southwest PGA Patriot Award, a testament to success using golf as a platform for honoring and supporting those who bravely served our nation.

The Tucson native’s passion and expertise drives the foundation’s expanded programming, development, scholarships, and outreach initiatives, and as the face of this charitable organization’s mission to foster the growth of the game of golf, Medina’s positive impact on Arizona golf will continue to leave an indelible mark on the community.

Jamey Lewis, PGA

Chairman

For nearly 30 years, Jamey Lewis has cultivated a golf career spanning Texas, Colorado, and his beloved Arizona. Most recently, the Oklahoma City native has been serving for more than a decade as the General Manager and Director of Golf at the Sun City Country Club in Sun City, Arizona.

Lewis’ journey within the Arizona golf industry began in 1995, and for 12 transformative years, he applied his expertise at Oakcreek Country Club, a semi-private gem set in Sedona’s picturesque red rock country. During his tenure there, Lewis played a crucial role in orchestrating a multi-million-dollar, facility-wide renovation that elevated the club's stature. He also founded the Sedona Open, a prestigious tournament event, which held a prominent place in the Southwest Section PGA calendar during its prime.

Beyond his club-level impact, Lewis’ leadership extends across the region through his service to the Southwest Section PGA. In 2010, he was elected to the Southwest Section PGA Board of Directors. As Chairman, Lewis led numerous committees, including the Apprentice Committee, Awards Committee, Communications Committee, Finance Committee, Strategic Planning, and Employment Committees. His commitment to nurturing the next generation of golfers is evident through his 9-year tenure as the District Director for the SWSPGA Antigua Junior Tour, where he organized six annual junior tournaments across Northern Arizona.

Lewis’ ascent within the Southwest Section PGA culminated in his election as the 25th President of the organization in June 2017, a testament to his peers' trust and belief in his ability to lead. Additionally, he currently serves as the President of the Southwest PGA Foundation, further solidifying his commitment to utilizing the power of golf for charitable purposes in the community.

In recognition of his outstanding contributions and unwavering dedication to the golf community, Lewis was honored as the Southwest PGA Golf Professional of the Year in 2021. This accolade follows earlier recognition as the recipient of the 2012 Southwest Section PGA Bill Strausbaugh Award. Jamey's journey through the world of golf is a testament to his passion, leadership, and tireless commitment to the sport and community.

Matt Bailey, PGA

Vice-Chairman

Scottsdale native Matt Bailey started playing the game of golf at the age of 12 and shortly after started working at Coronado Golf Course picking the practice range after school. The four-year member of the Coronado High School golf team continued to play competitively at Scottsdale Community College for two years. During this time, he worked in the service area at the Phoenician Golf Club, Desert Highlands, Troon Country Club and Forest Highlands.

In 1991, his second year in Arizona’s high country, Bailey registered for the PGA of America apprentice program. In the winter months, he migrated to the Valley to work for Troon Country Club, and in 1992, he earned the first assistant role.

In 1996, an eventful year, Baily married his wife, Shannon, received PGA of America class “A” membership, and was offered the head golf professional position at Pinehurst Country Club in Denver, Colorado. During his ten-year term there, Bailey served on the Colorado Section PGA Board of Directors and Colorado PGA Foundation Board of Directors. He was the Chairman of the Teach a Thon for inter-city kids, served on the rules committee, awards committee and finance committee, and was awarded the Merchandiser of the Year for Private clubs in 2002.

Bailey rejoined Forest Highlands as the director of golf in 2007 where he coached the Northland Preparatory Academy golf team and received Merchandiser of the Year for Private clubs in 2011 and 2017.

The proudest moments of his life were the birth of his three daughters, Taylor, Katherine and Caroline.

Brent Lingel, PGA

Southern Chapter Director

As the owner of Generation Golf, LLC, Brent Lingel serves as the general manager and director at Rolling Hills Golf Club and Dorado Golf and Country Club.

A PGA member since 2008, Lingel is a Certified PGA Professional in Golf Operations who is currently working to gain his Master Professional status.

Lingel has served on more than 30 committees in both the Southwest Section PGA and Northern Texas PGA. In both sections, he served in the Chapter Executive Governance and is the current President of the Southern Chapter PGA.

Lingel earned 2022 Golf Professional of the Year honors for the Southwest Section PGA. He also is a five-time section award winner in North Texas PGA and Southwest PGA and a 10-time chapter award winner.

Lingel and his team are the proud hosts and participants of the annual Birdies for Good event, raising more than $250,000 for the Southwest PGA Foundation, which benefits veterans.

Lingel is an avid tournament player and member of the Southwest PGA Goldwater Cup Team, Southwest PGA Gibson Cup, and North Texas PGA Joe Black Cup Team.

Tom Colceri, PGA

At-Large Director

After playing golf on scholarship for Florida International University, Tom Colceri returned to Arizona to begin his career with Marriott Resorts. The Panther has since compiled more than 25 years of experience, working with top clubs, developers, manufacturers, management companies, course architects and GOLFTEC. Recognized by his peers for his professionalism and integrity, Colceri served on the Southwest PGA Board.

Colceri’s resume includes time as a partner for Clarity Golf. He worked for Golf Advisor’s Golf Course Homes Team, specializing in golf, resort lifestyle and real estate. Colceri was the Executive Director of Business Development for Kemper Sports, and he also worked for Club Car. He became the VP for OB Sports, a Scottsdale-based golf management company. He then served as Director of Sales, Marketing and Membership at Silverleaf. Colceri joined the Executive Team at Desert Mountain Properties before becoming Project Coordinator for Quintero Golf and Country Club, where he worked directly with Rees Jones. Colceri also spent time as the Vice President of Business Development for the golf course design duo of Gary Panks and David Graham. There he contributed to more than thirty of the Southwest’s top courses.

Colceri is a past President/Board Member of the Golf Industry Association. He was a PGA Section Board Member (2000-2007), a member of the PGA National Communication/PR Committee (2007), and currently is a PGA Foundation Board Member and Strategic Planning Committee Member. Colceri puts his keen eye for golf course design to use as a Golfweek golf course rater since 2001.

Jay Larscheid, PGA

At-Large Director

A native of South Dakota, Jay Larscheid moved to Scottsdale, Arizona in 1986 to pursue his passion for golf. Throughout the years he has held the titles of Head Golf Professional at McCormick Ranch Golf Club, and General Manager at Longbow Golf Club, Sunland Springs Golf Club and Apache Wells Country Club where he is presently employed.

Elected to membership in the PGA of America in 1996, Jay has always been active in the Southwest Section, serving on their Board of Directors for 12 years and leading their organization as President from 2019-2021. He is a section award winner and has been recognized nationally by the American Junior Golf Association. The SWPGA Foundation has always had a place in his heart as he has been involved with it throughout his career. Contributing as a board member, raising monies through PGA Golf Day and Birdies for Good have helped to support Special Olympics of Arizona along with various other charities.

Doug Westcott, PGA

At-Large Director

Introduced to the sport by his father at the age of 8, Doug Westcott has many fond, family memories revolved around golf while growing up in Indiana. A member of the Boilermaker Golf Team and graduate of Purdue University, in 1993 Westcott arrived in Arizona to follow his dream of working in the golf business.

Becoming a registered apprentice in 1994 and earning his PGA Class “A” Membership in 1999, Westcott continued creating his professional experience as a member of the PGA’s Southwest Section. Settling in Scottsdale, he joined customer service-oriented public and private clubs. Over the next 30 years, Westcott held positions such as Tournament Director, Head Golf Professional at Grayhawk Golf Club and Director of Golf at Desert Highlands. His leadership and mentoring young professionals were recognized by the Southwest Section PGA as the 2016 Bill Strausbaugh Award recipient.

Westcott assisted in resurrecting the SWSPGA Foundation Board in 2009, served as Chairman 2015-2019, Honorary Chairman 2020-2023 and currently sits on the Board. His focus has been fundraising with Section efforts such as PGA Golf Day, Birdies for Good and The Foundation Pro-Am. Westcott assisted in the creation and held the position of Tournament Chairman of The SWSPGA Foundation Pro-Am in 2014-2018.

Doug is blessed with a large, healthy family that still resides in Scottsdale. His four daughters are the driving force in his life and a main reason he enjoys helping others through the game of golf.

Bob Whitehouse, PGA

Independent Director

An avid golfer who is passionate about growing the game and supporting the community, Bob Whitehouse brings 35 years of various leadership experiences to the Foundation as an Independent Director. Bob recently spent over 9 years as the Chief Operating Officer for the Fiesta Bowl. He oversaw the execution of both the Vrbo Fiesta Bowl and the Guaranteed Rate Bowl as he helped transition the Fiesta Bowl from the Bowl Championship Series to the leading Bowl in the College Football Playoff. Additionally, he provided key oversight to all of the Fiesta Bowl’s ancillary events and was responsible for managing over 3,000 volunteers for the organization. The Fiesta Bowl is a non-profit striving to improve Arizona by focusing on youth, sports, and education.

Prior to the Fiesta Bowl, Bob served over 27 years in the Air Force flying over 3,000 hours in the F-16 and holding several key senior leadership positions before retiring as a Colonel after completing his tour as the 944 Fighter Wing Vice Commander at Luke Air Force Base, Arizona. Currently Bob works for United Airlines as a 777 pilot flying Internationally.

Brian Sanders, PGA

So. Nevada Chapter Director

Originally from the Los Angeles area, Brian relocated to Las Vegas in 2005 and has been in the golf industry since arriving in the city. Over his 18-year golf career, Brian has held multiple positions at clubs, currently holding the Director of Golf position at DragonRidge Country Club.

Since becoming a PGA member, Brian has sat on the Southern Nevada PGA chapter board where he is now the chapter's President. Over the years, Brian has been involved with several local charities and finds his work there incredibly rewarding. He looks forward to working with the Southwest Section Foundation board and seeing the foundation's positive impact on its communities.

Greg Leicht, PGA

At-Large Director

Greg Leicht, PGA Director of Golf for the City of Phoenix, embodies leadership and dedication in the golf community. As the 46th recipient of the Southwest PGA Golf Professional of the Year Award, his mantra, "Leadership is not about being the best; it's about making everyone else better," defines his approach.

Born in Anderson, Ind., Leicht's journey from Coronado Golf Club to TPC Scottsdale shaped his career. He held key roles at Vistal Golf Club for 14 years, discovering a passion for Special Olympics. Returning to Phoenix, he managed Cascata, Bear Creek Golf Club, and Encanterra Country Club before his current role.

As a board representative for the Southwest PGA Foundation, Leicht champions initiatives, including the successful Southwest PGA License Plate, benefiting the foundation's programs. His accolades include the 2006 Southwest PGA Bill Strausbaugh Award, the 2008 & 2009 Southwest PGA Player Development Award, and the 2011 National Special Olympics Conrad Rehling Award. Leicht's commitment extends beyond golf, emphasizing family values with his wife, Carol, and four daughters in Gilbert, Ariz.

Justin Wood, PGA

Secretary

Born in Arizona and raised among some of the finest golf courses in the world, Justin Wood has combined his lifelong passion for golf with an expertise in sales, marketing and operations, to create a 20 + year career in the golf business; including membership in the PGA of America and PGA of Canada. Justin began his golf career as a practice range attendant at Tucson Country Club, and shortly moved to the Top 100 Golf Resort of The Lodge at Ventana Canyon where he held varying positions including Assistant Golf Professional, Practice Facility Manager and served as the Head Golf Coach for a local high school team for 2 years as he completed his undergraduate degree at the University of Arizona.

From his roots in the desert, Justin ventured on to several dynamic roles in various locations across the US and Bahamas during 1996 – 2002 and harnessed opportunities including being a member of the opening team at Rancho San Marcos Golf Course in Santa Barbara, California, to an opportunity to play and teach in Scarsdale, New York under a veteran Master Professional at Sunningdale Country Club; to Doral Golf Resort & Spa in Miami, Florida where he transitioned to the corporate side of golf in the position of Golf Sales Manager. Justin then advanced his career by joining the team at Our Lucaya Beach & Golf Resort on Grand Bahama Island.

In March of 2002, Justin joined Fairmont Hotels and currently serves as the VP of Golf & Retail. Based in Scottsdale, Arizona, Justin manages all things golf and retail for Fairmont worldwide. Justin continues to be passionate about his role and is dedicated to the growth and development of Fairmont Hotels.

Justin shares his life and ambitions with his wife of nearly 20 years Oriana Lehman Wood an MBA and self-employed realtor and marketing consultant and their three children; daughters, London, Rylie and son Stefano.

Michael Haywood, PGA

Honorary Chairman

PGA Professional Michael Haywood is a 37-year veteran of the game and the golf industry, and currently serves as the Honorary Chairman of the Southwest PGA Foundation. The Managing Director for his own Consulting & Leadership Group, VisionWRX, Michael is a proven expert in the areas of leadership growth/development, and every facets of private golf club operations. As an award winning PGA professional, Michael has been instrumental in the development and implementation of several industry programs and initiatives through PGA Sections and the PGA of America National platform.

As Director of Golf at two (2) high-end private country clubs in the country (Tucson Country Club & The Club at Hokulia), Michael has been driven toward excellence and growth at each facility he has served. Elevating the standards of these facilities, its professional staff(s), programs, and status within the community has been the hallmark of Michael’s success. As the longest tenured professional in the history of Tucson Country Club, Michael was instrumental in the leadership, evolution and growth of the Club over nearly 4 separate decades.

His lifelong contributions to the game have been acknowledged as the recipient of over 25 PGA Section, Chapter, and National industry awards in the areas of golf operations, teaching & coaching, education, and more, which include being named Southwest PGA Professional of the Year twice (2006, 2012). Michael is the only PGA professional in Southwest PGA history to have served in every elected level of leadership governance in the Sections over 60-year history. They include Southern Chapter President, Southwest PGA President, PGA National Board of Directors, Southwest PGA Board of Control, and recently as the Southwest PGA Foundation Chairman.

Michael has served on 27 Chapter, Section and National Committees, having Chaired 10 of those Committees that include a four year term as the PGA of America’s National Apprentice Committee Chairman (2010-2014). At the Southwest PGA Section level Michael formed and Chaired the Southwest PGA Apprentice Committee, Southwest PGA Governance, and the Southwest PGA Hall of Fame Committees to name a few. In 2014 Michael led an unsuccessful bid for the office of Secretary and future President of the PGA of America.

Outside the game Michael has committed a substantial part of this life in the service of others. As a veteran of the United States Army, Michael served on multiple deployment operations to Central America (Honduras & Panama, with additional training deployments in the U.S. During his military service Michael was a recipient of the Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal and Air Assault Badge. Recently Michael has served with one of the foremost NGO’s in the world, Team Rubicon. An international veteran led humanitarian relief organization responding to disasters and humanitarian needs in the most austere locations in the world. His volunteer travels have taken him not only to domestic locations in the U.S., but travels to Africa, Central America, and most recently to the war torn country of Ukraine. Michael is committed to national and international relief projects, initiatives and has serviced on multiple BOD”s of Foundations outside the game of golf.

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