“Everything that we do – from the success of the tournament to the amount of money we give to those in need – all comes out of the incredible community support that we get from our loyal sponsors and the best fans in golf,” Jenkins said. “In a year like 2021 which saw unprecedented challenges, it was especially important for us as a group to support our charity partners so that they could continue to serve the Valley. It was a tremendous effort from everyone involved, and with the pandemic challenges continuing its downward trend, we’re crossing our fingers and looking forward to one of our best years ever at the WM Phoenix Open in 2022.”

Jenkins served as Assistant Tournament Chairman in 2020, was Tournament Chairman in 2021 and now Big Chief, taking over for 2022-21 Big Chief Tim Woods. The 2022 WM Phoenix Open is being led by Tournament Chairman Michael Golding and Assistant Tournament Chairman Pat Williams. A new Big Chief is elected every year by The Thunderbirds.

“It was a great honor to be Tournament Chairman for ‘The People’s Open’ and I look forward to serving as the 85th Big Chief of The Thunderbirds,” Jenkins said. “Now the fun continues and I get to be a part of the charity aspect helping award millions of dollars to hundreds of vital Valley charitable organizations.”