The Southwest PGA Foundation is delighted to announce The Leicht Family as the first recipients of the Denise Martinez Horizon Award for Philanthropy and Leadership.
Greg Leicht, a Certified PGA Professional and the Director of Golf for the City of Phoenix, has been a significant leader within the Southwest PGA for decades. Alongside his wife Carol, the Executive Director at Arizona Disabled Sports, they have instilled their family values to serve our community in remarkable ways, passing this spirit of service on to their children Megan, Sara, Alexis, and Ellie, with special recognition to Greg’s brother Brad.
The Leicht Family has been instrumental in the Southwest PGA’s involvement with Special Olympics, single-handedly championing and organizing the premier State Special Olympics golf event in the nation for many years. Their dedication has positively impacted thousands of athletes, with a memorable highlight being the 13th annual Special Olympics North America Golf Invitational held at The Wigwam in 2012. Continuing their tradition of service, the entire Leicht Family has participated in every state and regional Special Olympics golf event for over two decades.
Jamie Heckerman, President & CEO of Special Olympics Arizona, expressed her gratitude upon learning of the Leicht Family receiving the award:
"The contributions the Leicht’s have made to communities in Arizona, and especially to Special Olympics athletes across the State, have been an incredible blessing. Our organization is extremely proud of how the Southwest PGA Foundation is honoring them. They mean the world to us and our wonderful athletes.”
Greg has been involved with the Foundation since the mid-2000s, revitalizing it into a productive entity with programs like PGA Golf Day, which has generated over $2.7 million for charity nationwide along with a successful scholarship program that has awarded just under $200K to date. Furthermore, as Foundation Chairman, he successfully spearheaded the establishment of a Specialty Plate Program on behalf of the Foundation through the Arizona legislature, which was approved in 2015. He continues to provide valuable guidance at both the Section and Foundation levels, offering a steady perspective on critical issues facing our community.
Carol, an accountant by trade, serves as the Executive Director for Arizona Disabled Sports, a 501(c)(3) organization providing diverse sports and recreation opportunities to individuals with disabilities. Together with their children, Greg and Carol continue to embody the spirit of service and care exemplified by the award’s namesake, former PGA Professional Denise Martinez.
The Family will be recognized with this prestigious honor at a date to be named shortly.
