Arizona Golf Hall of Fame Induction Videos
Arizona Golf Association October 2024
Client | AZ GOLF
Director of Photography | Alex Johnson
Executive Producer | Preston McFarland
Producers | Alex Johnson & Brandon Genson
Editor | Wyatt Rutt
Dir. of Greens & Grounds at Paradise Valley Country Club
ROB COLLINS
Rob Collins is not only the authority on sustainable golf practices in Arizona, he is at the forefront of sustainability conversations on a national level; collaborating with the United States Golf Association and voluntarily informing superintendents of new, effective water management practices to prolong the play of golf. Not only has he been at the forefront of water stewardship, he has become one of the most important figures in the Arizona golf industry when it comes to advocacy and policy issues within the state.
Undoubtedly deserving of his induction into the Arizona Golf Hall of Fame, this is Collins' story - from a Navy veteran serendipitously becoming a groundskeeper at the famed Muirfield Village to one of the game's most knowledgeable superintendents.
Former Executive Director of the Arizona Golf Association
ED GOWAN
Simply put, the Arizona Golf industry, and in particular the Arizona Golf Association, might not be in the position it is today without the passions and commitment of Ed Gowan. Seemingly, this 'street kid' from Cleveland, Ohio was introduced to Fred Hickle through a connection he'd made at the LPGA as a Rules Official. One thing led to another and Gowan was brought on by the Arizona Golf Association in the mid-80s with a goal of increasing membership and playing opportunities for Arizona's budding golf community.
With a focus on standardizing Rules and integrating and updating Arizona's antiquated handicapping system - Gowan embarked on a decorated career as the Executive Director of the AGA, developing relationships nationally and abroad. The Arizona Golf Association, under Ed Gowan's leadership grew from roughly 10,000 members upon his arrival to a staggering 90,000+ upon his retirement. Gowan was one of the few who founded the Patriot All American, all while growing the Arizona golf community and integrating innovations to better serve the community and industry at large.
LPGA TOUR Winner, NCAA Champion, U.S. Women’s Amateur Champion, Championships Manager - AZ GOLF
AMY FRUHWIRTH
"Golf is my life."
This is the story of a SoCal girl who won at almost every single level of golf, from Junior Amateurs to the US Women's Amateur, Arizona State University's first NCAA Championship with Missy Farr Kaye, to winning multiple times on the LPGA Tour. If you ask those who know Amy Fruhwirth, they call her "Giggles" - after all, she's known for her infectious smile and fun loving personality.
Upon her retirement from her decorated LPGA career after becoming a mother of two, Fruhwirth dedicated her post playing career to the game that gave her everything. From reintegrating into 'civilian' life as a club fitter at Second Swing, to becoming on of PING's professional club fitters to her current role as a Championships Manager for the Arizona Golf Association, Fruhwirth has dedicated her life to giving as much back to the game as she received from it.
Director of Golf, Grayhawk Golf Club
JOE SHERSHENOVICH
Joe Shershenovich was supposed to be a Wall Street banker.. Why? Because that's what his family did. Upon getting a summer job in college at Seaview Golf Club in college, courtesy of a friend, Joe "Shoe" quickly climbed the ladder of the golf industry in New Jersey and found himself on a cross country roadtrip to Camelback Golf Club in the Valley of the Sun. After making monumental strides in golf course management, he found himself taking a lunch meeting with two ambitious developers, Gregg Tryhus and Del Cochrane who were on the brink of developing one of the most exquisite desert golf clubs with the most sought after tee times, Grayhawk Golf Club.
Shershenovich, now a "legend" in the golf industry, is responsible for the elite management and development of Grayhawk Golf Club, host of PGA Tour events and NCAA Championships, while creating an international bucket list golf destination. Instilling traditional values amongst his staff over the course of 30 years with the club while maintaining an appetite for innovation, Joe Shershenovich was welcomed into the Arizona Golf Hall of Fame by a golf community that embraces him as much as he has embraced the game.