When a Thunderbird reaches the age of 45, their status changes from Active to that of Life Member. All Thunderbird activities and events are the prime responsibility of these Active Thunderbirds and are under the watchful eye of the Big Chief and Thunderbird Council. Each has demonstrated a sincere interest in sports and a dedication to community affairs. Goldwater was Tournament Chairman from 1934 through 1951 and is affectionately called the “Father of The Phoenix Open.” Active Thunderbird membership is limited to 55 members. The Phoenix Open caught on, and in 79 years, has developed into one of the leading stops on the PGA TOUR. That first year, Goldwater sold the tickets, recruited volunteers and set up the golf course at the Phoenix Country Club. Goldwater thought it would be a great idea to sponsor a golf tournament. One of the early inductees was Bob Goldwater, an avid golfer. The Thunderbird name was chosen because the emblem of the Phoenix Chamber of Commerce was, and still is, a Thunderbird derived from American Indian symbols. Each of the five then selected ten additional members to make up a committee of 55. The Phoenix Chamber of Commerce suggested that the committee become an “official” group and expand its membership. Five young executives were selected to lead the committee. There was a need for a special events committee to venture into new fields. The Thunderbirds began in 1937, when the Phoenix Chamber of Commerce expanded its role as a convention and tourism bureau.
0 kommentar(er)
