activities · 20
what they do
direct service · 7
- Charitable fundraising facilitation Charity Sports & Recreation TournamentsSupports charitable fundraising through the golf industry, generating over $100 million annually for Arizona nonprofits, including $110 million raised by the WM Phoenix Open since 2012 and $355,000 awarded to nonprofits via the Arizona Golf Fund in its first year.
- Charitable fundraising through golf events Charity Sports & Recreation TournamentsFacilitates and promotes charitable fundraising via golf tournaments, generating over $100 million annually for Arizona nonprofits. Highlights major contributions such as the WM Phoenix Open’s $110 million raised since 2012 for local charities.
- Educating through Golf Youth Golf Clinics with Life Skills EducationEducates Arizonans by teaching life lessons such as honesty, integrity, perseverance, and judgment through the game of golf.
- Facilitating Charitable Fundraising through Golf Charity Sports & Recreation TournamentsSupports and facilitates charitable fundraising efforts through the golf industry, generating over $100 million annually for Arizona charities, including specific events like the WM Phoenix Open which has raised $110 million since 2012. The organization also created the Arizona Golf Fund to serve as a central portal for golf nonprofits and awarded $355,000 in its first year.
- Golf tourism economic contribution Economic Impact Research and Sector DevelopmentSupports and highlights the economic impact of golf tourism, which contributed $2.2 billion to Arizona’s economy in 2019, supported over 50,000 jobs, and generated $840 million in personal income for tourism workers.
- Youth and community education through golf Youth Golf Clinics with Life Skills EducationUses golf to educate Arizonans in life skills such as honesty, integrity, perseverance, and judgment.
- Youth and community education through golf Youth Golf Clinics with Life Skills EducationUses golf as a platform to teach life skills such as honesty, integrity, perseverance, and judgment to Arizonans, promoting personal development through the sport.
advocacy · 9
- Advocacy for the Arizona Golf Industry Economic Impact Research and Sector DevelopmentUnifies allied associations, non-profits, private industry, and consumers to advocate for the growth, sustainability, and protection of Arizona's golf industry, highlighting its economic impact of over $6 billion annually and support for 66,000 jobs. This includes organizing events like the Arizona Golf Industry Day at the State Capitol.
- Economic and charitable impact reporting Economic Impact Research and Sector DevelopmentDocuments and communicates the economic impact of golf in Arizona, including $6 billion in annual economic activity and support for 66,000 jobs, to promote the industry's value.
- Economic impact advocacy for Arizona golf industry Economic Impact Research and Sector DevelopmentAdvocates for the golf industry by communicating its economic value, including $6 billion in annual economic activity and support for 66,000 jobs in Arizona. Highlights contributions to state and local economies through policy engagement and public messaging.
- Environmental stewardship communication Public Environmental Events & OutreachParticipates in a docuseries that highlights biodiversity and native wildlife on desert golf courses to promote environmental stewardship.
- Golf industry policy advocacy and stakeholder convening Economic Impact Research and Sector DevelopmentConvenes industry stakeholders and advocates at the state level, including organizing the first Arizona Golf Industry Day at the State Capitol in over 20 years. Works to protect the game and associated livelihoods through unified representation.
- Highlighting Biodiversity on Golf Courses Public Environmental Events & OutreachParticipates in a docuseries that showcases biodiversity on desert golf courses by featuring native wildlife, demonstrating the ecological value of these spaces.
- Industry advocacy and stakeholder convening Economic Impact Research and Sector DevelopmentAdvocates for the Arizona golf industry by convening stakeholders, leading the first Arizona Golf Industry Day at the State Capitol in over 20 years, and unifying allied associations, nonprofits, and industry players since its formation in 2022.
- Promotion of golf’s role in environmental education and biodiversity Public Environmental Events & OutreachEngages in public education efforts, including participation in a docuseries that highlights native wildlife and biodiversity on desert golf courses, promoting environmental stewardship.
- Water use efficiency and conservation advocacyHighlights efficient water use in Arizona golf, using only 2% of the state’s water supply to support 16.6 million rounds annually, and shares water conservation strategies with golf courses nationwide.
capacity building · 4
- Capacity building for golf nonprofits Charity Sports & Recreation TournamentsSupports golf-related nonprofits in Arizona through the Arizona Golf Fund, established in 2025 as a central portal for funding and resources.
- Promoting Water Conservation in GolfHighlights and shares water conservation strategies employed by Arizona golf courses, which collectively use only 2% of the state's water supply while supporting 16.6 million rounds of golf annually. This includes sharing these strategies with other courses nationwide.
- Support for golf-related nonprofits through funding and infrastructureEstablished the Arizona Golf Fund in 2025 as a central support portal for golf nonprofits and awarded $355,000 to organizations in its first year, including those based at the Arizona Golf House.
- Water conservation leadership and knowledge sharingPromotes sustainable water use by sharing conservation strategies from Arizona golf courses with courses nationwide, emphasizing that golf uses only 2% of the state’s water supply while supporting 16.6 million rounds annually.
strategies · 16
how they think
Theories of action extracted from this org's own source material. Click any to see the full field of orgs running the same approach.
- Environmental and water stewardship in desert golf operations environmental_stewardshipThe organization promotes sustainable desert golf course management through data-driven water use, reclaimed wastewater irrigation, and urban heat mitigation via green spaces, positioning golf as an environmentally responsible land use in arid regions.
- Environmental stewardship through sustainable water and land management environmental_stewardshipArizona golf courses are positioned as models of environmental responsibility by using reclaimed water, data-driven irrigation, and tree canopy to conserve resources, reduce urban heat, and support ecological balance in desert environments.
- Environmental stewardship through sustainable water management environmental_stewardshipThe organization promotes responsible environmental practices in desert golf operations by advocating for data-driven irrigation, reclaimed water use, and green space management to reduce urban heat and conserve resources, positioning golf courses as models of ecological balance.
- Golf as a health and wellness intervention golf_as_therapyThe organization promotes golf as a therapeutic and preventive health activity, emphasizing its physical, mental, and social benefits—especially for older adults, people with disabilities, and those facing mental health or substance use challenges—through green exercise, social engagement, and adaptability.
- Golf as preventive health and therapeutic intervention golf_as_therapyThe organization promotes golf as a form of physical and mental wellness—leveraging its low-impact exercise, social engagement, and outdoor setting to improve cardiovascular health, reduce anxiety, support cognitive recovery, and serve as therapy for individuals with mental health or substance use challenges.
- Golf as preventive health and therapeutic intervention golf_as_therapyThe organization advances golf as a form of green exercise that improves physical health, supports mental well-being, and extends longevity, with specific applications as therapy for mental health and substance use challenges, particularly through its adaptability for disabled and vulnerable populations.
- Golf tourism as economic development driver golf_tourism_economic_developmentThe organization promotes Arizona as a premier golf destination to attract out-of-state visitors, leveraging the sport’s appeal to stimulate tourism and generate broader economic activity across the state.
- Golf-driven economic development and fundraising golf_tourism_economic_developmentThe organization leverages golf as a vehicle for economic growth—through tourism—and as a fundraising platform that supports nonprofits via donor-advised funds, annual giving, and capital project grants.
- Golf-facilitated fundraising and philanthropic support fundraising supportThe organization serves as a philanthropic hub for the golf community by enabling charitable fundraising through golf events, managing donor-advised funds, and providing supplemental and capital funding to golf nonprofits, thereby amplifying their reach and program delivery.
- Philanthropic infrastructure and fundraising support for golf nonprofits fundraising_supportThe organization acts as a philanthropic hub and force multiplier by managing donor-advised funds, enabling donor-directed giving, and providing annual and capital project funding to strengthen the capacity and reach of Arizona’s golf-related nonprofits.
- Unified industry advocacy and policy engagement policy_engagement_and_collaborationThe organization strengthens the golf industry’s influence by unifying stakeholders—including nonprofits, private entities, and allied associations—to advocate collectively for policy changes and educate decision-makers, enhancing both public perception and regulatory support.
- Unified industry advocacy and policy engagement policy_engagement_and_collaborationThe organization strengthens the golf industry’s influence by unifying stakeholders—including nonprofits, private businesses, and allied associations—into a cohesive voice to advocate for favorable policies, educate decision-makers, and shape public perception of golf’s value in Arizona.
- Unified industry advocacy and policy engagement policy_engagement_and_collaborationThe organization strengthens the golf industry’s influence by unifying stakeholders—including nonprofits, private entities, and consumers—into a cohesive voice to advocate for favorable policies and educate decision-makers on the economic, environmental, and social value of golf in Arizona.
- Youth development and character building through golf youth_developmentThe organization leverages golf as a platform for youth development, using the sport to cultivate life skills such as integrity, perseverance, problem-solving, and self-confidence in young people.
- Youth development through character and life skills building youth_developmentGolf is used as a platform to teach youth essential life skills such as integrity, perseverance, decision-making, and sportsmanship, fostering personal growth and positive behavioral development.
- Youth development through golf-based life skills training youth_developmentThe organization leverages golf as a platform for youth development, using structured programs to cultivate self-confidence, integrity, perseverance, and problem-solving skills in young people through sport-based learning.
named programs · 24
what they call their work
AZ Caddie and Leadership Academy
A community outreach and youth development program training young people (ages 14-16) in servant leadership and caddying, including life skills classes and preparation for the Evans Scholarship.
Adaptive Open
Provides competitive golf experiences for golfers with disabilities representing all categories of impairment.
Arizona Golf Fund
A central portal supporting all of Arizona's golf nonprofits by supplementing their needs and allowing them to grow their reach and impact through grants and financial aid.
Birdies for Good
Provides critical support to families at Ronald McDonald Houses across Arizona and Clark County Nevada, helping to fund nights of comfort during medical treatment.
College Scholarships (JGAA)
A robust college scholarship program providing financial assistance to junior golfers.
Desert Mashie Grants Program
Provides grants to young people participating in the junior program upon high school graduation to assist with college, apprenticeships, or military entry.
Education and Recruitment (Cactus & Pine Chapter, GCSAA)
Exposes high school and college students to career opportunities in turf management through the First Green program and internships, and develops support for a turf grass specialist curriculum at state universities.
Equipment Assistance Program (Desert Mashie)
Creates a fund to assist junior golfers with acquiring proper equipment as they grow and develop.
Evans Scholars Foundation
The nation's largest caddie scholarship program, providing full tuition and housing college scholarships to high-achieving golf caddies with limited financial means.
Financial Aid Assistance Fund (JGAA)
Provides financial aid and playing opportunities to junior golfers to participate in JGAA tournaments at no charge.
First Tee – Tucson
Provides golf-based personal growth programs to help kids build life and leadership skills.
Inspira: Empowering Character Through Golf (First Tee - Phoenix)
Focuses on developing strong character in Latino youth through golf.
Junior Golf Programs and Scholarships (Southwest PGA Foundation)
Supports programs like PGA Jr. League and Drive, Chip & Putt, and offers scholarships to families of Southwest Section members, JGAA junior golfers, and other youth organizations.
LPGA*USGA Girls Golf – Phoenix
Empowers girls ages 3-18 through engaging opportunities in golf, focusing on character development and building confidence.
Municipal Golf (NGPDF)
Investigates opportunities to transform municipal golf facilities into thriving community assets.
National Golf Player Development Foundation
Elevates the playing ability of young people from underserved communities by providing financial resources and support services for skill development.
On Course Program (First Tee - Phoenix)
Core youth development program offering weekly classes integrating golf and life skills for youth across multiple locations.
School Program (First Tee - Phoenix)
Introduces students to golf, values, and life lessons through trained teachers using First Tee's curriculum in schools.
Southwest PGA HOPE (Helping Our Patriots Everywhere)
Introduces golf to veterans and active-duty military personnel to enhance their physical, mental, social, and emotional well-being, including a women's veteran-specific initiative.
Special Olympics Youth State Golf Championship
Supports youth (ages 13-18) with Intellectual or Developmental Disabilities (IDD) through golf, fostering social skills, inclusion, and camaraderie.
Team Arizona
Part of the USGA's National Development Program, strengthening the junior golf pipeline by creating development, competitive, and talent identification opportunities for elite golfers ages 13-18 in Arizona.
Turf and Seed Research (Cactus & Pine Chapter, GCSAA)
Conducts research on new turf, seed, irrigation, and water management systems to reduce water consumption and ensure economic sustainability for the golf industry.
Turf and Seed Research (NGPDF)
Conducts research on new turf, seed, irrigation, and water management to promote efficient water use and economic sustainability in the golf industry.
Youth on Course (JGAA)
Provides young people with access to golf for $5 at over 35 courses in Arizona, with the JGAA subsidizing the fee.
relationships · 46
who they work with
- AZ Caddie and Leadership Academy Partner — Allied association providing young men and women with caddie opportunities, leadership training, and personal growth activities.
- AZ Caddie and Leadership Academy Partner — One of the golf nonprofits supported by the Arizona Golf Fund.
- AZ Caddie and Leadership Academy Partner — Works with Brandon Rogers from the AZ Caddie and Leadership Academy to highlight positive impacts of golf programs.
- AZ GOLF Partner — Allied association that serves as the official governing body of amateur golf in Arizona.
- AZ GOLF Partner — One of the golf nonprofits supported by the Arizona Golf Fund.
- Arizona Community Foundation Partner — Manages donor-directed funds deposited with the Arizona Golf Fund.
- Arizona Golf House Partner — Awarded funds to nonprofits headquartered at the Arizona Golf House.
- Arizona Office of Tourism Government — Source of estimates on golf visitor numbers used by Arizona Alliance for Golf.
- Boys and Girls Clubs Partner — Recipient of charitable fundraising from the Arizona golf industry
- Cactus & Pine Chapter, GCSAA Partner — One of the golf nonprofits supported by the Arizona Golf Fund.
- Cactus & Pine GCSA Partner — Allied association dedicated to enhancing professional recognition of its members through education, leadership, collaboration, government relations, and environmental stewardship for the turfgrass industry.
- City of Phoenix Partner — Partnering with urban forestry groups to achieve 25% tree canopy coverage
- City of Tempe Partner — Partnering with urban forestry groups to achieve 25% tree canopy coverage
- Club Management Association of America Partner — Allied association promoting relationships between club management professionals, encouraging education, and providing resources for efficient club operations.
- Desert Mashie Partner — One of the golf nonprofits supported by the Arizona Golf Fund.
- European Disabled Golfer’s Association Partner — Conducted a study on the adaptability of golf for disabled people.
- Evans Scholars Foundation Partner — Partner organization awarding college scholarships to student caddies in Arizona.
- First Tee - Phoenix Partner — One of the golf nonprofits supported by the Arizona Golf Fund.
- First Tee - Tucson Partner — One of the golf nonprofits supported by the Arizona Golf Fund.
- First Tee – Phoenix Partner — Allied association offering weekly on-course golf and life-skills classes, empowering character through golf, and providing school programs.
- First Tee – Phoenix Partner — Partner organization hosting community events and youth golf programs in collaboration with AAG.
- Hospice of the Valley Partner — Recipient of charitable fundraising from the Arizona golf industry
- Junior Golf Association of Arizona Partner — Allied association that educates, motivates, and inspires Arizona's youth through golf and life lessons, hosting tournaments, and awarding scholarships.
- Junior Golf Association of Arizona Partner — One of the golf nonprofits supported by the Arizona Golf Fund.
- Ladies Professional Golf Association (LPGA) Partner — Allied association that is a nonprofit organization involved in various facets of golf, including grassroots junior and women's programs.
- Maricopa County Partner — Partnering with urban forestry groups to achieve 25% tree canopy coverage
- NGCOA Arizona Partner — Allied association established by the National Golf Course Owners Association, focusing on state-level issues like education, networking, sustainability, and advocacy for golf courses.
- National Golf Foundation Partner — Conducted a study on golf as a fundraising vehicle.
- National Golf Player Development Foundation Partner — Allied association connecting golfers from underserved communities with instruction, tournaments, and financial support.
- National Golf Player Development Foundation Partner — One of the golf nonprofits supported by the Arizona Golf Fund.
+ 16 more