The Future: A Celebration of Education, Spirit and Giving Back
On Friday afternoon, March 28, The Future—a spirited two-day, three-part event benefiting the PGA WEST Education Fund—kicked off at 3:00 p.m. with a golf cart parade and Pep Rally. Members proudly showed off their school colors and spirit, cruising through in creatively decorated carts. Jim and Connie Alderson took top honors, representing their alma mater, Montana State, with pride and flair. Several PGA WEST scholarship recipients and their families joined the celebration and mingled with Members. (Photos: Connie and Jim Alderson below left. Scholarship recipients Byanca Bravo and Sydney Hurley lead the Golf Cart Parade.)
Saturday morning, March 29, brought more excitement with The Scramble for Scholars—an 18-hole fun competition held on both the Jack Nicklaus Private and Arnold Palmer Private Courses. More than 175 golfers teed off, enjoying plenty of perks including theme-inspired swag bags, delicious lunches delivered course-side, and pop-up cocktail vendors including Cincoro Tequila and Cutwater beverages.
The grand finale of the inaugural annual The Future, took place with the Awards Celebration Dinner, attended by more than 200 guests. Held in the beautifully decorated ballroom, the event was hosted by VIP emcee John White, news anchor at KESQ, alongside Director of Golf Eric Temena. Together, they presented the awards to the top-performing teams.
During dessert, Members were invited to support the Education Fund at various levels—from one-time gifts to multi-year commitments. The evening's climax featured a thrilling live auction with six exclusive items, including a 2025 golf cart donated by Caddyshack Golf Cars that was fresh off the showroom floor.
Thanks to the generosity of PGA WEST Members and the support of the Club—who underwrote 100% of the event expenses—the event raised over $150,000 for scholarships and all proceeds from The Future events went directly to the PGA WEST Education Fund. The Fund continues to provide scholarships to our dedicated PGA WEST employee team members and their families, helping them pursue academic and career dreams.
Thank you to Team Future:
Amy Blaisdell and Karen Ulshafer, Co-Chairs, PGA WEST Education Fund/The Future
Jim Alderson, Jim Gauss, BethAnn Hullinger, Heidi McDaniel, Risa Olsen, Gillian Peoples, Debbie Sabella, Judy Schrecker, Scott Urie and Joanne Zenz.
A special shout-out to our sponsors and donors: Century Golf Partners, Aero Airlines, Caddyshack Golf Cars, Sandi Phillips and Steve Ogdahl.