Golf Community Shows Strong Support for Southwest PGA Foundation's Mission
Against the breathtaking backdrop of the Sonoran Desert, the Southwest PGA Foundation’s “The Gathering” Pro-Am at Desert Forest Golf Club proved to be far more than a golf tournament — it became a celebration of purpose, partnership, and the power of community coming together for good.
Held in the heart of Carefree, Arizona, “The Gathering” brought together PGA professionals, amateur players, donors, community leaders, and supporters for an unforgettable day dedicated to advancing the mission of the Southwest PGA Foundation. The event continued the Foundation’s long-standing tradition of using the game of golf as a vehicle for meaningful impact throughout Arizona and the Southwest.
From the moment participants arrived at the historic and nationally acclaimed Desert Forest Golf Club, the atmosphere reflected something truly special. Known as one of the pioneering desert golf courses in America, Desert Forest provided the perfect setting for a day rooted in tradition, excellence, and camaraderie.
The event blended competitive golf with a uniquely western-inspired experience that embodied the spirit of Arizona. From the “wagon train” team format and themed festivities to the awards celebration that followed play, every detail was thoughtfully designed to create a memorable experience for all involved. Teams featuring PGA professionals alongside amateur players filled the fairways with laughter, competition, and connection.
Yet the true success of “The Gathering” extended well beyond the golf course.
The event served as a powerful reminder of what can happen when a community rallies behind a shared mission. Proceeds and support generated through the Pro-Am directly benefit the Southwest PGA Foundation’s programs and initiatives, including PGA HOPE, Special Olympics Arizona partnerships, junior golf scholarships, and charitable outreach efforts that continue transforming lives across the region.
What is #beourone?
At the center of this year’s event was the Foundation’s inspiring message: #beourone — a call to action rooted in the belief that one person, one act of kindness, and one shared purpose can create lasting change. Throughout the day, that message came to life through the generosity of sponsors, players, volunteers, and supporters who each played a role in making the event impactful and unforgettable.
Equally important was the incredible partnership and hospitality extended by the membership and staff of Desert Forest Golf Club. Their commitment to excellence and stewardship of one of Arizona’s most respected golf institutions elevated every aspect of the event and helped create an atmosphere of genuine gratitude and collaboration. Huge thanks go to Desert Forest Board President, Jim Jenness, Scott Szymoniak, PGA, Jeff Newell, PGA, Todd Storm, GCSAA, Chef Andy, and Noe Rodriguez, Clubhouse Manager, along with their entire staff for the incredible hospitality.
“The Gathering” once again demonstrated that golf has the unique ability to unite people from all walks of life around something larger than themselves. It was a day where relationships were strengthened, stories were shared, and a collective commitment to serving others took center stage. ‘The Gathering’ would not have been possible without the support of Presenting Partner Fairways to Heaven, Supporting Partner Handcrafted Golf, Phoenix Brewing Company, and Danny Medina with Sun Day Red.
As the final putts dropped and the evening celebration concluded beneath the Arizona sky, one thing became abundantly clear: the success of “The Gathering” was not measured solely by scores or competition, but by the lives that will ultimately be impacted because a community chose to come together with generosity, passion, and purpose.
The Southwest PGA Foundation continues to prove that when people rally around a mission bigger than themselves, extraordinary things happen — and “The Gathering” stands as a shining example of that impact in action.
