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The Southwest PGA is pleased to announce that Ben Baldwin, Charlie Beljan and Courtney Vogel were recently elected to the Board of Directors of the Southwest Professional Golfers' Association of America by members at the Association's Annual Meeting.
“We are extremely excited to welcome these new members to the Southwest PGA Board of Directors,” said Le Ann Finger, president of the Southwest PGA. “Ben, Charlie and Courtney each bring diverse skill sets, unique perspectives and a strong commitment to our PGA Professionals. Their passion for growing the game of golf throughout our Section will help strengthen our mission of serving our members and positively impacting the game at every level.”
Ben Baldwin, PGA Golf Executive (Director of Business Development) for American Golf, is serving his second three-year term on the Southwest PGA Board of Directors. A PGA Member since 2007, Baldwin has been actively involved in Section governance and leadership throughout his career. He previously served on the Tournament Committee and currently chairs the Advocacy Committee, where he works with industry stakeholders on issues affecting golf facilities across the Section, including water rights and resource sustainability.
In his role with American Golf, Baldwin oversees business development initiatives and supports the continued growth and success of golf operations throughout the region. His dedication to the PGA of America and the Southwest PGA reflects a commitment to advancing the game, supporting fellow PGA Professionals, and ensuring a strong future for the golf industry.
Charlie Beljan, PGA Teaching Professional at Torreon Golf Club and Las Sendas Golf Club, begins serving a three-year term on the Southwest PGA Board of Directors. A graduate of the University of New Mexico, where he earned All-American honors as a member of the men's golf team, Beljan competed on the PGA TOUR from 2012-2022 and captured his first TOUR victory at the Children's Miracle Network Hospitals Classic in 2012.
Since earning his PGA Membership in 2025, Beljan has become actively involved in Section governance and is dedicated to serving his fellow PGA Professionals. He currently serves on the Southwest PGA Communications Committee and is a passionate advocate for mental health awareness, regularly presenting on the topic at seminars and events across the country. His unique perspective as both a PGA Professional and former PGA TOUR member brings valuable insight to the Board as he begins his first term.
Courtney Vogel, PGA Assistant Golf Professional at Alta Mesa Golf Club, earned her PGA Membership in 2024, following in the footsteps of her father, Kurt, a PGA Member for more than 30 years. She began her career as a PGA Associate at several prominent facilities, including The Country Club at DC Ranch and Forest Highlands Golf Club. Passionate about growing the game, advancing the Southwest PGA, and serving her community, Vogel brings a strong commitment to the future of the profession.
In her first year of eligibility, Vogel qualified for the 2025 PGA Professional Championship through her performance in the 2024 Southwest PGA Championship. She was also honored with the 2025 Southwest PGA Deacon Palmer Award, which recognizes a PGA Professional who demonstrates outstanding integrity, character, and leadership while overcoming significant challenges. Living with a hearing impairment since childhood, Vogel has transformed that challenge into a source of strength and inspiration, making her a respected leader and role model within the Section.
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Southwest PGA events in July include all six qualifiers for the 83rd Arizona Open Championship: July 1 at Aguila G.C. in Phoenix; July 6 at Moon Valley C.C. in Phoenix; July 8 at Lone Tree G.C. in Chandler, Ariz.; July 13 & 14 at McCormick Ranch G.C. in Scottsdale and July 20 at Las Vegas (Nev.) National G.C. Also taking place in July will be Pro-Am #5 on July 21-22 at Torreon G.C. in Show Low, Ariz., and the PING Player & Senior Series #3, at TPC Scottsdale on July 27.
The 2026 Southwest PGA Junior Prep Tour began in early June with six (6) weekly events in each of the six (6) districts in Arizona and Southern Nevada. A breeding ground for top junior golfers for over 40 years, the Southwest PGA Junior Prep Tour is a series of one-day tournaments in June and July for boys and girls 18 and under. Top players from each district qualify to play in the season ending Southwest PGA Junior Prep Tour Championship held at Oakcreek C.C. in Sedona, Ariz, July 21-22.
- Bill Ibrahim
