Arizona Sen. T.J. Shope and his wife, Melissa, recently toured PGA of America headquarters in Frisco, Texas.
A firsthand look at PGA of America headquarters
With help from Katie Prendergast, executive director of the Arizona Alliance for Golf; Bernie Eaton, executive director of the Southwest Section PGA; Tommy McKone of McKone Strategies and Independent Director of SW Section PGA; and Allison Fautch of PGA of America, Shope met with Mike O’Donnell of the PGA of America and toured the campus, learning more about the work and impact of PGA professionals and the broader impacts of the golf industry throughout the country.
Arizona Golf Group strengthens state and national partnership
In 2025, the Arizona Alliance for Golf, in partnership with the Southwest Section PGA and Senator T.J Shope, formed the Arizona Golf Caucus (AGC). The AGC is a coalition of bi-partisan state, local and federal policy makers and its mission is to advocate and highlight the economic and natural resources benefits the game of golf has in the Southwest. As Chairman of the AGC, Senator Shope has continued his invaluable commitments to supporting the industry through his partnership with key state, local, and national entities.
Industry leaders applaud Shope’s advocacy
Prendergast and McKone voiced the significance of and their appreciation for the visit.
“Senator Shope continues to be a leading voice for the Arizona golf industry, and his engagement with local and national entities to ensure the vibrancy of the industry is a powerful model of legislative leadership,” Prendergast said.
“The Senator does not take this partnership lightly, and he understands the importance of our collective efforts as well as the impact golf has in the State of Arizona and Country,” McKone said. “Developing this partnership with the Alliance, I believe, will continue to mitigate any negative impacts on the industry as a whole and provide not only a seat at the table, but a microphone at the podium. We couldn’t do this without our collaboration with the Alliance and our continued relationship with Senator Shope.”
