SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. – The Arizona Golf Hall of Fame Committee is proud to announce the four inductees to the 2024 Class. The Voting Delegates have selected three modern candidates: Rob Collins, Amy Fruhwirth, and Joe Shershenovich. Additionally, the Selectors Committee has chosen one Legacy candidate: longtime Arizona Golf Association Executive Director Ed Gowan.
The dinner and induction ceremony will be held Tuesday, October 22, 2024 at Arizona Biltmore Golf Club.
Rob Collins - Superintendent
Few people have thought about water and golf courses as often or as thoroughly as Rob Collins. Since 1995, Collins has been the Golf Course Superintendent at Paradise Valley Country Club, leading numerous water conservation initiatives. These projects, which include improved irrigation and turfgrass reduction, have positioned Paradise Valley as a leader in conservative water usage techniques. His work has been featured by the USGA, and he frequently shares his expertise at golf conferences and trade shows.
Currently, Collins is the Arizona Alliance for Golf’s Water Policy Committee Chairman, actively engaging in discussions with the Arizona Department of Water Resources to develop practical water regulations for the state's commercial users. He has also held several roles with Cactus & Pine, GCSAA, and is the current board treasurer. Before his tenure at Paradise Valley, Collins interned at Muirfield Village Golf Club and served as Assistant Golf Course Superintendent at Troon Golf & Country Club in Arizona, and as Golf Course Superintendent at Forest Hills Country Club in Missouri.
Amy Fruhwirth - Professional
At 17, Amy Fruhwirth came on to the scene with a runner-up finish in the 1985 U.S. Girls Junior Championship and the 1986 AJGA Tournament of Champions. She then joined Arizona State University's women's golf team, becoming a three-time All-American and helping the Sun Devils win their first NCAA Women’s Golf Championship in 1990. Fruhwirth’s amateur career included victories in the California Women’s Amateur and U.S. Women’s Amateur (1991), the U.S. Women’s Amateur Public Links (1992), and playing on the U.S. Curtis Cup Team (1992).
Fruhwirth played on the LPGA Tour from 1993-2004, winning the 1998 Friendly’s Classic and the 1997 JCPenney Classic with Clarence Rose. Passionate about teaching, she is currently in her second stint working with the Arizona Golf Association, where she oversaw social and mentorship programs and works in the championship department preparing for high-caliber amateur tournaments. She still competes, using her U.S. Women’s Amateur Champion status to earn an exemption into the U.S. Senior Women’s Open. Fruhwirth was inducted into the Sun Devil Women’s Golf Hall of Fame in 2005.
Joe Shershenovich - Industry Leader
Few people exemplify climbing the career ladder better than Joe Shershenovich. His golf career began as a summer job in the cart barn at Camelback Golf Club, eventually leading to his PGA of America membership and promotion to Director of Golf. After six years, he took on the same role at the newly-opened Grayhawk Golf Club in 1994.
Under Shershenovich's leadership, Grayhawk became a premier venue for amateur and professional tournaments, including 16 years of the WM Phoenix Pro-Am, the 97th Arizona Amateur Championship and 2024 Arizona Women’s Amateur Championship. Grayhawk also hosted three consecutive NCAA Men’s and Women’s Golf Championships (2021-23), enhancing the playing experience for participants, particularly the women’s field.
Shershenovich values a well-trained golf staff, ensuring all Grayhawk employees attend Grayhawk University to master golf course customer service. Many graduates have become successful general managers at other courses. Additionally, Grayhawk’s pro shop consistently ranks among the Top 100 Pro Shops in America.
Legacy Division - Ed Gowan
The Legacy Division honors individuals who have made significant contributions to Arizona golf. However, due to the historical nature of their achievements, which often took place decades ago, their impact may not be widely recognized by modern voters.
Tremendous growth and innovation were themes of Ed Gowan’s 36-year tenure as Executive Director of the Arizona Golf Association (AGA). After serving as a Rules Official and Tournament Director with the LPGA, Gowan was encouraged to pursue a role with state associations. When he became the AGA’s Executive Director, the organization had just two staff members, serving 120 clubs and 23,000 members. By the time of his retirement, the AGA had grown to 20 staff members, serving over 600 clubs and 90,000 members. Under his leadership, the AGA added numerous events to its calendar, with participation in the Arizona Amateur rising from 95 to 350-400 entrants.
Gowan's tenure saw the growth of the Antelope Hills Golf Course’s Father/Son Championship and the creation of the Patriot All-America Invitational, an annual collegiate tournament honoring fallen soldiers. He also founded the Arizona Golf Foundation, the AGA’s charitable arm. Gowan brought the USGA’s Handicap and Course Rating System to Arizona, modernizing it over the years to make the Handicap accessible to all golfers. He served as a two-time President of the IAGA and was a past member of the USGA’s Regional Affairs and Rules of Golf Committees.
A Rules of Golf expert, Gowan mentored roughly 40 past employees who became Rules Experts. His expertise led him to officiate countless notable golf events, including over 130 USGA Championships and 35 U.S. Opens.
LOCATION: This year marks the first time that the ceremony will be held at Arizona Biltmore Golf Club, ushering in a three-year partnership with the historic, recently renovated club.
ATTENDING: All are welcome to attend the event. To attend, purchase individual tickets or a full table (8 seats) at arizonagolfhalloffame.com and complete the registration form.
MEDIA INQUIRIES: For media looking to cover the event, please contact Brandon Genson (contact information above).
EVENT INQUIRIES: For more information about the event, please contact Alex Tsakiris at alex@azgolf.org.
About the Hall of Fame Committee: The Hall of Fame Committee consists of representatives from six of the allied golf associations serving golf in Arizona: Arizona Golf Association, Cactus & Pine Golf Course Superintendents, Club Managers Association, Junior Golf Association of Arizona and Southwest Section PGA.
About AZ GOLF: We exist to connect golfers with the greatest game on this green earth. As the governing body of Arizona golf, we continuously strive to elevate sport and unlock access for all levels of players - embracing the beginners' road to refinement while celebrating competition amongst champions.