Apache Junction High School’s Gage Grimes finished in first place with a one-under-par 71, which was four strokes ahead of four players who finished tied for second place (Chip Getz, Tommy Sullivan, Nic Beno and Trey Sendler). In the Girls Division, Xavier Prep’s Mikayla Fitzpatrick won in a two-hole playoff against Ashely Ohland of Gilbert High School after they finished regulation play deadlocked at three-over-par 75 in the single-round tournament held on Sunday, May 15 at Gainey Ranch Golf Club.
“This event is just a fun way to say farewell to our junior golfers who, in many cases, have been playing in JGAA events with us since they were in grade school,” said Scott McNevin, Executive Director of the JGAA. “It’s more of a casual atmosphere that allows the players to have a little fun as their high school golf careers wind down and, in most cases, their college careers kick up.”
Conducted the Junior Golf Association of Arizona (JGAA), the Thunderbird High School Senior Classic featured a field of 61 high school seniors (43 boys and 18 girls) from across the state who played on their respective golf teams during the 2015-2016 season.
Joelie Bennett
Tyler Blohm
Mikayla Fitzpatrick
Chip Getz
Taylor Hughes
Zachary Johnson
Isabella Larson
Ben Meils
Ashley Ohland
Megan Ohland
Emma Reyes
Zane Smith
Chase Wicklund
Jessica Williams
Millersville University
Fort Lewis College
Xavier University
Ole Miss (University of Mississippi)
Claremont McKenna College
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical U. (Prescott)
Biola University
St Ambrose University
Eastern Washington University
Eastern Washington University
Northern Arizona University
Mesa Community College
Drake University
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical U. (Prescott)
Best known as the civic-minded philanthropic organization that hosts the Waste Management Phoenix Open, The Thunderbirds also energetically support amateur golf in the Valley of the Sun such as the Thunderbird High School Classic. Other events include the Sun Devil Thunderbird Collegiate-Am tournament; Thunderbird Invitational; Winn Grips Heather Farr Classic Hosted by Longbow Golf Club, and the JGAA Thunderbird JR Classic. The Thunderbird International Junior – considered the “Masters” of junior golf – has been showcasing the best junior golfers world-wide at Grayhawk Golf Club since 2000. The Thunderbirds also support local and national junior golf organizations such as the JGAA, American Junior Golf Association and The First Tee of Phoenix.
About The Thunderbirds
The Thunderbirds were founded in 1937 with the mission of promoting the Valley of the Sun through sports. Consisting of 55 “active” members and more than 250 “life” members, The Thunderbirds host the Waste Management Phoenix Open; the best-attended golf tournament in the world, which to date has raised nearly $100 million for Valley charities, including The First Tee of Phoenix. With its unmatched fan participation and rich history dating back more than 80 years, The Waste Management Phoenix Open has gained legendary status for being a unique stop on the PGA TOUR. For more information on The Thunderbirds or the Waste Management Phoenix Open, call 602.870.0163 or visit www.WMPhoenixOpen.com.
