SOUTHWESTERN AMATEUR HISTORY



LAST YEAR'S RESULTS SINCE 1915
A SOUTHWESTERN TRADITION		 STROKE PLAY CHAMPIONS
MATCH PLAY CHAMPIONS

 

 

Since 1915 the Southwestern Golf Association (SWGA) has held an annual Amateur Men's Golf Championship that has been played throughout Arizona, New Mexico, Nevada, Northern Mexico and West Texas. The year 2010 marks the 95th annual event, making the Southwestern Amateur one of the 2nd oldest continuing amateur championships in the United States. It being played before Bobby Jones made his U.S. Amateur debut at age fourteen, and before the PGA was even formed. A review of the past champions list is like taking a walk back through time.

The championship format was match play from 1915 through 1965 (except for a war-time break of 1943-1945). In 1966 a 72-hole stroke play format was adopted and currently is played in the same format as a PGA Tour event, except that field reduction cuts are made after 36 and 54 holes. The field size has been reduced over the last few years to a maximum of 154 players and typically receives over 300 requests for an invitation to compete. This annual event brings together the top collegiate and amateur golfers from throughout the United States, Canada, Mexico, and top-ranked international players.

The Southwestern has always maintained very high qualification standards for all players, not only for playing capabilities, but also for respect for the game of golf, his fellow competitors, and the host facility. Many of our previous champions and tournament competitors have gone on to successful careers including membership on the PGA Tour. A review of the past champions list is a testament to this. Now talented golfers from throughout the WORLD mark their calendars well in advance to gain entry to this event. Over the last several years' players who are listed among top-200 Men's Amateur ranking have played in this event.

Bob Goldwater who is remembered as the "Father of the Phoenix Open," won his first tournament in 1927, and won it again in 1942 and 1951 - a span of 24 years from his first to last victory. Dr. James Vance and Vern "Spec" Stewart are tied for the most wins with 6 each. Dr. Ed Updegraff has won 4 times - 3 in the match play era and once in the stroke play era. Scott Frisch won 3 consecutive stroke play titles between 1987-1989. With the turnover rate of quality amateur players who turn professional, the possibility of these records being broken is extremely small.

 

The Southwestern Amateur has many times ranked among the top 10 open amateur events in the world because of the class of players entering the field. The prestigious list of champions and participants, and the number of players that have gone on to have successful PGA and Champions Tour careers out numbers nearly every other amateur golf tournament in the world.

 

The event is now typically held within two weeks of the NCAA Division I Championships. College coaches include the Southwestern Amateur in their summer "must play" schedule. As the tournament continues to receive national attention from top-ranked players, many of our participants go on to play in Palmer Cup, Walker Cup and World Amateur competitions.

The SWGA is supported by an outstanding group of volunteer directors, who continually strive to provide a high quality event strictly for the amateur golfer.

 

 

 

What do Bob Goldwater, Dr. Ed Updegraff (the Tucson amateur legend), and PGA Tour players Jim Carter, Corey Pavin, Tom Pernice Jr., Mark O'Meara, Craig Stadler, Jay Haas, Ted Purdy, Nick Watney and Ryan Palmer all have in common?

They are past champions of the Southwestern Amateur!

SOME OF THE PREVIOUS CHAMPIONS AND TOURNAMENT PARTICIPANTS THAT HAVE GONE ON TO THE PGA TOUR

 

  Nick Watney   Ryan Palmer    
  Nick Watney   Ryan Palmer   Ted Purdy  
  2002 Champion   1999 Champion   1993 Champion  
             
             
  Rich Beem   Tim Herron   Tom Pernice, Jr.  
  Rich Beem   Tim Herron   Tom Pernice Jr.  
  1993 Runner-up   1992 Runner-up   1982 Champion  
             
             
  Corey Pavin;   Mark O'Meara   Jay Haas   
  Corey Pavin   Mark O'Meara   Jay Haas  
  1981 Champion   1980 Champion   1976 Champion  
             
             
      Craig Stadler       
      Craig Stadler       
      1975 Champion