Arizona
Arizona teen makes golf history: 'My hard work is paying off'
Arizona teen makes golf history
SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. – The Arizona golf record books were rewritten in July thanks to a teenager.
He shot in the 50s, taking home a summer classic trophy and creating a new record doing it.
Arizona teen AJ Ramos has lost track of how many golf competitions he’s entered, but, something special happened in July at the Junior Golf Association of Arizona’s Sam Schanafelt Summer Classic.
He shot a record-breaking 59 at Starfire Golf Club in Scottsdale.
“Everything culminated into one round,” Ramos said. “Everything just went perfectly. All the hard work just paid off and everything went perfectly in that one round where I shot a 59.”
He’s just 14 years old and has only been golfing for six years. For most of that time, his dad was his coach.
He won the Sam Schanafelt Summer Classic – his fourth win of the year for the budding star.
“It’s definitely a step in the right direction, and it shows me that my hard work is paying off,” Ramos said.
He says he’ll continue to work hard and be disciplined.
The golfer, who, at just 14, has already seen it all, and knew he had a chance at history on the back 9.
“Going on to 14, the previous hole, I just birdied to get to 8 under. I was like, ‘Oh, 59 could really happen here. I could shoot a 59.’ So, going into the last hole, I was 11 under so I just needed a par to shoot the 59 and I ened up making a 4 footer,” Ramos said. “I was very nervous over if I was able to make it and as soon as I saw it going in, I was overwhelmed with joy.”
Add his name to record books.
He has some advice to add to your game, too.
“You are going to hit bad shots but I think the main thing is, you have to learn from it. Go on to the next shot and do your best at that next shot,” he said.
For some added perspective, only 14 times in PGA Tour history has a golfer shot a 59.
MESA, AZ — Swimming pools are a common way Arizona families beat the heat, and a leading safety concern for parents. Public health officials in Arizona say drowning is the leading cause of death for children 4 and under, and a local nonprofit is stepping in to help reduce the risk.
Child Crisis Arizona is offering free, lockable mesh-and-metal pool fences to qualifying homeowners. This group even sends a crew to install the barriers for recipients. The fences surround an entire pool and include locking mechanisms designed to keep unsupervised children out of the water.
“You need some kind of protection around the pool,” said Dustin George, owner of Octopus Pool Service and Repair. “I have children of my own. We put a fence around our pool to make sure they stay safe.”
Caitlyn Sageng, a spokesperson for Child Crisis Arizona, said the fences provide crucial seconds for caregivers. “That pool fence gives you that extra time to say — where did the two-year-old go? — and you’re able to get there before they get to the water,” she said.
To qualify, applicants must be homeowners (renters are not eligible) and have a child age 6 or younger living in the household. Child Crisis Arizona is accepting applications through April 5. Familes interested can apply through the nonprofit’s website.
Pool safety experts stress that barriers are one layer of protection and should be used alongside active supervision, swim lessons and other safeguards.
Will Arizona residents be able to see the SpaceX rocket launch planned today at the Vandenberg Space Force Base?
A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket is launching today, March 24, from Southern California. Will it be visible from Arizona?
The two-stage rocket will be blasting off from the Vandenberg Space Force Base to help deploy to Earth orbit another batch of the commercial spaceflight company’s Starlink broadband internet satellites.
While a planned southern trajectory may make the rocket a little harder to spot for Arizonans, SpaceX will offer a livestream of the mission on its website.
Keep in mind that postponements due to weather or issues with rockets are common with spaceflight. If you’re going to try to spot the rocket launch, check back with azcentral.com for any updates on the mission.
In the meantime, here’s what to know about the launch from neighboring California, as well as when and where to potentially see the rocket in Arizona.
Is there a rocket launch today? Next mission from Vandenberg in California
SpaceX is working toward a Tuesday, March 24, launch from Southern California, with a four-hour launch window opening at 4:03 p.m. PT, according to a launch alert.
A Federal Aviation Administration operations plan advisory suggests a backup opportunity is available the next day if the launch were to be postponed.
Will SpaceX rocket launch be visible in Arizona? What to know about trajectory
The launch will take place from Space Launch Complex 4-East (SLC-4E) at the Vandenberg Space Force Base in Santa Barbara County.
Because the rocket is due to fly at a southern trajectory, it may not be easily visible from Arizona.
How to watch SpaceX launch livestream
Fortunately for those in Arizona interested in watching the launch, SpaceX also provides a live webcast of its missions.
The launch will be available to stream on the company’s website and its new X TV mobile app, beginning about five minutes before liftoff. SpaceX may also provide updates on social media site X.
What is the Vandenberg rocket launch? Falcon 9 to deploy Starlink satellites
SpaceX will launch its famous two-stage 230-foot Falcon 9 rocket, one of the world’s most active, to deliver 25 Starlink satellites into low-Earth orbit, an altitude nearer Earth’s atmosphere where they’re able to circle the planet quickly.
Where to watch SpaceX Falcon 9 in Arizona
Because of Arizona’s proximity to the launch site, there’s a good chance people there can see the spacecraft streak across the sky, especially at night or very early morning.
Here’s a list of some possible viewing locations compiled by The Arizona Republic, a USA TODAY Network publication.
- Dobbins Lookout, South Mountain, 10919 S. Central Ave., Phoenix, Arizona
- Papago Park, 625 N. Galvin Parkway, Phoenix, Arizona
- Fountain Hills, a town in Maricopa County, Arizona, which in 2018 was designated a Dark Sky Community with little light pollution
- Superstition Mountains, located 40 miles from metro Phoenix in Arizona
- Cave Creek, a town in Maricopa County about 30 miles north of Fountain Hills, Arizona
- Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport, 3400 Sky Harbor Blvd., Arizona, which has a parking garage that is popular for plane-watching
- Black Canyon City, an unincorporated community in Yavapai County, Arizona
- Any mountain park in Arizona
- Estrella Mountain Regional Park, 14805 W. Vineyard Ave., Goodyear, Arizona
- Skyline Regional Park, 2600 N. Watson Road, Buckeye, Arizona
- White Tank Mountains, 20304 W. White Tank Mountain Road, Waddell, Arizona
- San Tan Mountain Regional Park, 6533 W. Phillips Road, Queen Creek, Arizona
- Monument Hill, a 150-foot slope on 115th Avenue, in Arizona
- Casa Grande, a city in Pinal County, approximately halfway between Phoenix and Tucson
- Avondale, a city in Maricopa County bordering Phoenix to the west
- Queen Creek, a suburb of Phoenix
Does Elon Musk own SpaceX? What to know about rocket company
SpaceX is the commercial spaceflight company that billionaire Elon Musk, the world’s richest man, founded in 2002 and leads as the CEO.
SpaceX is headquartered at Starbase in South Texas near the U.S.-Mexico border. The site, which is where SpaceX has been conducting routine flight tests of its 400-foot megarocket known as Starship, was recently voted by residents to become its own city.
As a major government contractor, SpaceX serves as the launch service provider for a variety of government missions both civil and military.
For the Department of Defense, SpaceX’s Falcon 9 helps launch classified satellites and other payloads into space. And for NASA, Falcon 9 most often helps propel astronauts to the International Space Station on SpaceX’s Dragon crew capsule – the only U.S vehicle capable of carrying NASA astronauts to orbit.
What is Starlink?
Starlink is SpaceX’s internet satellite business.
With nearly 10,000 satellites in its growing orbital constellation, Starlink has become a lucrative part of Musk’s business empire, serving millions of customers around the world.
SpaceX, which bills itself as the only satellite internet provider with its own reusable rocket capable of deploying the technology, has spent years delivering the satellites to orbit with a regular cadence of rocket launches from Florida and California.
Starlink satellites operate from low-Earth orbit, about 341 miles up, which is much closer to Earth’s atmosphere than other satellites. That not only allows Starlink satellites to offer high connection speeds than satellites further out in space, but to reach rural areas and regions where internet service is not readily accessible.
Eric Lagatta is the Space Connect reporter for the USA TODAY Network. Reach him at elagatta@usatodayco.com
Here are The Arizona Republic’s picks for the top 10 high school girls track and field athletes from the fourth week of the 2026 (March 16-21). Vote in our poll for the athlete you think had the best week. The poll closes on Friday, March 27, at 6 p.m. Print readers can find the poll online at azcentral.com/sports/high-schools.
Top Arizona girls track and field athletes
1. Ava Davis, Goodyear Millennium, sprints, So.
She won both the 100 (11.80 seconds) and 200 meters (24.02) at the Brooks Chandler Rotary Invitational on March 21, setting the state lead in both events.
2. Aulani Gleason, Gilbert Mesquite, sprints, Fr.
The burgeoning superstar is beginning to make a name for herself, running 54.70 to win the 400 at the Brooks Chandler Rotary Invitational on March 21 to move up to No. 2 in the state. Gleason is now No. 10 all-time in Arizona and becomes only the second freshman in state history to go under 55 seconds, per the MileSplit database. She also came in second in the 200, running 24.23 to move up to No. 2 in the state this season.
3. Brooke Zuluaga, Chandler Seton Catholic, throws, Sr.
She won the javelin at the Brooks Chandler Rotary Invitational on March 21, throwing 145-10 to set the state lead and move up to No. 3 in the nation.
4. Nicole Ripperdan, Queen Creek, mid-distance, Sr.
She won the 800 at the Brooks Chandler Rotary Invitational on March 21, running 2:10.64 to set the state lead. Historically, Ripperdan is tied for No. 10 all-time in Arizona.
5. Taylor Drewry, Chandler Basha, distance, Sr.
She won the 1,600 (4:56.25) and came in second in the 3,200 (10:31.81) at the Brooks Chandler Rotary Invitational on March 21, setting the state lead in each event She is the first in-state athlete this season to go under 5:00 in the 1,600.
6. Rebekah-Jhade Garrett, Phoenix North Canyon, hurdles, Sr.
She won the 100-hurdles at the Brooks Chandler Rotary Invitational on March 21, running 13.52 to retain her top state ranking.
7. Imani Galera-Young, Chandler, hurdles, Sr.
She won the 300-hurdles at the Brooks Chandler Rotary Invitational on March 21, running 42.67 to set the state lead and move up to No. 9 in the nation.
8. Kyra Hogarth, Chandler, jumps, Jr.
She won the pole vault at the Brooks Chandler Rotary Invitational on March 21, clearing 12 feet, 1 inch to set the state lead.
9. Milanni Pedraza, Tucson Catalina Foothills, distance, Jr.
She came in third in the 1,600 at the Brooks Chandler Rotary Invitational on March 21, running 4:57.65 to move up to No. 2 in the state.
10. Kylee Blair, Queen Creek, sprints, Sr.
She came in second in the 100 (11.90) and fifth in the 200 (24.40) at the Brooks Chandler Rotary Invitational on March 21, moving up to No. 3 in the state for both the 100 and 200.
11. Audra Huempfner, Gilbert Highland, distance, Sr.
She came in fourth in the 3,200 at the Brooks Chandler Rotary Invitational on March 21, running 11:00.86 to move up to No. 2 in the state.
12. Tatum Lee, Phoenix Desert Vista, throws, Sr.
She won both the shot put (38-3) and discus (134-3) at the Brooks Chandler Rotary Invitational on March 21, moving up to No. 3 in the state for the shot put.
13. Jaiden Ware, Chandler, jumps, Sr.
She won the long jump at the Brooks Chandler Rotary Invitational on March 21, hitting 18-6 to move to No. 5 in the state.
14. Christina Keller, Scottsdale Christian Academy, jumps, Sr.
She won the high jump at the Brooks Chandler Rotary Invitational on March 21, clearing 5-6.
15. Nora Fincher, Tempe McClintock, throws, So.
She came in fourth in the javelin at the Brooks Chandler Rotary Invitational on March 21, throwing 131-3 to move up No. 4 in the state and No. 2 in the nation for sophomores.
16. Lizzy Gannon, Phoenix Desert Vista, jumps, Sr.
She came in third in the triple jump at the Brooks Chandler Rotary Invitational on March 21, hitting 37-1 (+3.5 wind) to move up to No. 2 in the state for all-conditions.
17. Victoria Williams, Vail Cienega, throws, Sr.
She won the discus at the Thomas Meixner Lancer Invitational on March 20, throwing 130-11 to move up to No. 3 in the state.
18. Ella Bonnette, Gilbert Highland, distance, So.
She came in fourth in the 1,600 at the Brooks Chandler Rotary Invitational on March 21, running 5:04.58 to move up to No. 3 in the state.
19. Kennedy Frakes, Phoenix Xavier Prep, distance, Sr.
She came in sixth in the 3,200 at the Brooks Chandler Rotary Invitational on March 21, running 5:04.58 to move up to No. 3 in the state.
20. Maclane Clark, Gilbert Perry, hurdles, Sr.
She came in second in the 300-hurdles at the Brooks Chandler Rotary Invitational on March 21, running 44.05 to move up to No. 4 in the state.
Vote: Who’s No. 1?
Logan Stanley is a sports reporter with The Arizona Republic who primarily focuses on high school, college and Olympic sports. To suggest ideas for human-interest stories and other news, reach out to Stanley at logan.stanley@usatodayco.com or 707-293-7650. Follow him on X, formerly Twitter: @LSscribe.
Kansas firefighters rescue chubby cat trapped in massive recliner while trying to hide from the vet
Will Louisiana’s U.S. Senate candidates debate? Bill Cassidy says no to Moon Griffon.
Maine Senate advances ‘right to repair’ electronics bill
‘Mattresses all over the place’: Maryland begins yearly operation to clean state highways – WTOP News
Showers, thunderstorms expected to hit SE Michigan Thursday — What to know
Florida High School Football Rankings: Top 25 teams – Oct. 21
How old is Bo Nix? What to know about Oregon quarterback ahead of 2024 NFL Draft
Cleary's 21 help Le Moyne down Central Connecticut State 69-64 in OT
99th annual Pony Swim held in Virginia
Indiana Members Credit Union announced as new anchor tenant at Bottleworks District
LaGuardia Crash Timeline: Moments Before Air Canada Plane Collided With Fire Truck
Chicago alderwoman apologizes for ‘wrong place at the wrong time’ comment on slain student
Fake Euronews website targets Hungary election with false claims
An air traffic controller was juggling extra roles during the LaGuardia plane crash
Iran War: Pentagon set to send thousands of elite 82nd Airborne troops to region | BBC News
-
Detroit, MI6 days agoDrummer Brian Pastoria, longtime Detroit music advocate, dies at 68
-
Georgia1 week agoHow ICE plans for a detention warehouse pushed a Georgia town to fight back | CNN Politics
-
Movie Reviews6 days ago‘Youth’ Twitter review: Ken Karunaas impresses audiences; Suraj Venjaramoodu adds charm; music wins praise | – The Times of India
-
Education1 week agoVideo: Turning Point USA Clubs Expand to High Schools Across America
-
Sports4 days agoIOC addresses execution of 19-year-old Iranian wrestler Saleh Mohammadi
-
Science1 week agoIndustrial chemicals have reached the middle of the oceans, new study shows
-
Science1 week agoHow a Melting Glacier in Antarctica Could Affect Tens of Millions Around the Globe
-
Culture1 week agoTest Your Memory of Great Lines From Classic Irish Poems