BRIDGER LEAVING T-BIRDS Calls his second career ‘unbelievably rewarding’
20 | AZ GOLF Insider | ANNUAL 2019
COURTESY OF THE THUNDERBIRDS
ohn Bridger always has preferred to keep a low profile, but anyone associated with the Phoenix Thunderbirds or Waste Management Phoenix Open knows full well that, away from the spotlight, he has had a tremendous impact on that event, the golf community and the PGA Tour. After 18 years as executive director of the Thunderbirds civic organization, Bridger will be stepping down and turning over the reins to former PING executive Chance Cozby this coming spring. “John is a leader in every sense of the word,” said Cozby, who moved into the Thunderbirds office Nov. 1 and will remain as Big Chief (president) of the organization until Bridger departs. “When you look at the success of our tournament over his 18 years, so much of the credit for that goes to John and his leadership. We lead the PGA Tour in many ways, and he has been at the helm for all of that growth.” “Bridge,” as he known in golf circles, came to the Thunderbirds from the banking industry in 2002, replacing longtime director Jim Frazier. It was under Bridger that the Open acquired its first title sponsor and began shattering records for both attendance and charitable giving. “I don’t think I could have imagined transitioning from a banking career to this, first of all for 18 years, but secondly to see how the event has grown and the charity donations,” Bridger said. “It’s been unbelievably rewarding. To have this as a second career and see what has been achieved, it is very special.” Under his leadership, the Open has been named the PGA Tour’s
COURTESY OF THE THUNDERBIRDS
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By John Davis
John Bridger poses for a photo with wife Neita (top) and with the man who is replacing him after 18 years as the Thunderbirds’ executive director, Chance Cozby (above).
Tournament of the Year three of the past six years. It also has received awards for being most fan-friendly and for best sponsor integration. Bridger’s stature within the tour became obvious when he was added to its tournament advisory council and then named council chairman last year. “John has been a wonderful liaison between our event and the tour,” said Pete Kuehner, who served as the first tournament chairman during Bridger’s reign. “He has been a tremendous asset to our organization, not only a true gentleman but he has a solid professional demeanor and leadership skills. He was a superstar hire, as good as it gets.” Tom Altieri, the 2013 chairman, agrees wholeheartedly. “It’s not a question of what Bridge brought to the table,” Altieri said. “He actually brought the table. He shaped the position and became the architect of the organization and its current success. www.azgolf.org