FOUNDATION
In 1980, Denise was inducted into McClintock High’s Hall of Fame. After her successful high school career, Martinez attended the University of Arizona where her playing abilities earned her four varsity letters. She had a stellar career, but also found time to complete a degree in Business Administrarion. Denise was honored by the University years later and inducted into the U of A’s Golf Hall of Fame. Her plaque resides on the wall alongside Arizona notables, Annika Sorenstam and Lorena Ochoa. Following college, Martinez attempted to play on the LPGA tour. At qualifying school she missed earning her card by a single shot. As if that were her fate, she didn’t attempt a second time. Denise then took on and completed the steps required to be a Class “A” PGA professional. A DIMUNITIVE DYNAMO At just over five feet, the dimunitive Denise was a dynamo with a club in her hand. However, her size often created some awkward, yet, humerous vignettes. According to Bruce Frobes, former President of the Homeowner’s Association and prior member with his wife Cobe, shared one of those stories. “On at least one occasion the pro shop received a call from a member explaining there was an underage girl driving a golf cart on the path of the Canyon Course and someone needed to check it out,” he chuckled.
Frobes also shared her gracious side. “I was Chairman of the Marketing Committee for the 2006 USGA Mid-Amateur Championship. A few years prior we learned that Forest Highlands was selected to be the host for the tournament. That day, Denise knew I was playing golf on the Canyon,” he explained in a phone call. “She took a golf cart and found me on the 15th hole. Denise handed me an envelope with the message of our selection and she also had typed a message to give to me. That was Denise! “ Lou Weinstein, a member since 1988, relates another of the awkward, yet humerous situations. “My wife, Laura and I got to know her very well and had great affection for her. “I signed up for a Las Vegas pro-am, an expensive charity event. I was required to bring my own caddy,” Weinstein explained. “I asked Denise if she could recommend someone to go to Las Vegas and caddy for me. Without hesitation, she said, ‘Yes. I’ll do it.’ With Laura’s approval, Denise was my caddy.” “On Day 1 of the event, I was hitting balls on the range. Denise was on my bag next to me,” Weinstein explained. “It was a Titleist Demo day and they had their latest high-end clubs to test. A Titleist rep approached me and suggested I try out their new ‘very expensive...but-worth-it, driver.’ In a desire not to embarass myself I pointed to the 5 foot, 2 inch, Denise and asked the rep if my caddy could try it first.
Over its 25 years, the Foundation has given grants exceeding to Flagstaff area charitable organizations. $7 MILLION
DID YOU KNOW?....
In January 2024, the Foundation was granted 501 (c) 3 status enabling Forest Highlands members to make tax-deductable gifts directly to the non-profit entity. Founded in 1999, the Foundation will be celebrating its 25th Anniversary this summer.
The Foundation will be hosting an Anniversary Gala to celebrate the milestone on July 13, 2024 in the Canyon Clubhouse.
VOICE IN THE PINES • APRIL 2024
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