Tournament History

Curt Schafer arranged the first annual tournament as a fundraiser for the Arizona State University School of Architecture in 1983. After Curt passed away in 1986, the event continued in his name. Rich Goewey was a strong supporter of the Rio Salado Architecture Foundation. In 1994, with the passing of Rich, the tournament was changed to the Curt Schafer/Rich Goewey Memorial Golf Tournament. Our world was shocked in 2006 at the sudden passing of Bob Saemisch. Bob had two tours as chair of this tournament and was instrumental to its success. To honor all three the tournament was named The Rio Salado Architecture Foundation Memorial Golf Tournament. 

After 41 successful years, the Rio Salado Architecture Foundation is pleased to announce its new name: the Arizona Architecture Foundation, reflecting its expansion of focus beyond the Phoenix metro area and its recent merger with its sister organization, the Central Arizona Architecture Foundation. Now, as an even more robust organization, we promote excellence in architecture and the built environment throughout the state by supporting the education of future architects, supporting and promoting the profession of architecture, and preserving the legacy of Arizona architecture. 

A few of the special projects that have benefited from the profits of this annual event are: the Arizona Highways: Land and Landmarks exhibit at the Phoenix Museum of History, The Future City Competition, the Curt Schafer lecture series at ASU and the Arizona Heritage Center. 

In addition to these projects, a portion of the proceeds goes towards the Arizona State University American Institute of Architecture Students (AIAS)