Thompson Golf Group Director of Agronomy Matt Rusch elected president

The Cactus and Pine GCSA recently held its Annual Meeting at Talking Stick Golf Resort in Scottsdale, Ariz. Talking Stick served as the host facility for the 2024 GCSAA Golf Championships under the direction of Director of Agronomy Paul Blumke. 

110 members were treated to a great day of golf, food, networking and chapter updates. The chapter, which represents over five hundred members in Arizona, continued to grow its initiatives over the past year. Some of the highlights included continued support of Rounds 4 Research (37 foursomes raising approximately $10,000 for the chapter), involvement with advocacy efforts through the Arizona Alliance for Golf, relocation to the acclaimed Arizona Golf House at Papago and a $10,000 donation in conjunction with Native Resources to the St. Mary’s Food Bank. 

Thompson Golf Group Director of Agronomy Matt Rusch was elected as president. Rusch oversees Thompson’s seven golf properties and also ran for the GCSAA Board of Directors this year. Others elected to the board include Paul Schieffer of The Golf Club of Estrella, Brandon Reese of TPC Scottsdale, Peter Ferlicca of The Trilogy Golf Club and Dan Liggett of Quarry Pines. Nick Lubich of Fertizona was elected as an affiliate liaison. 

Special thanks go to Talking Stick Director of Agronomy Paul Blumke and Cactus and Pine Chapter Executive Carmella Ruggiero. Paul provided excellent playing conditions for the event, including some of the finest putting surfaces I have seen in the Southwest, and Carmella provided the hospitality as always, including a great BBQ lunch and tacos following play.  

The Cactus & Pine GCSA is dedicated to enhancing the professional recognition of its members through education, leadership, collaboration, government relations, and environmental stewardship.