Bob Goldwater: “The Father of the Phoenix/FBR Open’’ celebrated his 96 th birthday last week on the Fourth of July at his summer home in White Mountain Country Club near Pinetop. But 2006 also represents another anniversary for Goldwater, who 80 years ago this summer captured the 1926 Arizona Amateur Championship.

That’s right, Goldwater won the Amateur at age 16, a record that still stands and most likely always will. What’s amazing about Goldwater’s record in the Amateur was that he also won the title in 1935 and in 1950, a span of 24 years, which probably is a record, too. And if that’s not enough, he was the runner-up at age 14.

Asked who he beat back in 1926, Goldwater chuckled. “Well, I’m not sure. It was either Charley MacArthur or Fred Barrows, who was the furniture guy. But I think it was MacArthur, because he was the man to beat back then. He won everything.’’

Unfortunately, Arizona Golf Association records only show the champs, and not who finished second. But Goldwater’s runner-up finish in 1924 was to none other than MacArthur.

Goldwater said he’s a little fuzzy about certain people and dates these days, and who can blame him? “I remember I could hit the ball pretty good, but I was never a very good putter,’’ he said. “The best part of my game was I could always get out of the sand pretty good, better than most up until they invented the sand wedge.’’

As for his most recent birthday party, Goldwater said it’s better than the alternative of not being around to have one. Asked if he’s shooting for 100, he laughed again. “Age or golf?’’ he queried. “Well, I guess I hope I reach (100).’’

The goal these days, Goldwater said, is to get back to playing golf. “The last six months, I just haven’t been able to go nine holes, but I intend to one of these days,’’ he said. “I guess I’m just getting lazy in my old age.’’

According to his wife, Maggie, “Bob has slowed down a little bit this summer, but we still manage to get over to the club and hit a few balls. What’s amazing is, he’s still pretty quick (witted), and he still loves to sing his songs – word-perfect.’’

STARS COME OUT

The American Century Celebrity Classic at Lake Tahoe takes place this Friday, Saturday and Sunday on The Golf Channel and NBC. The Valley will be represented by

Dan Marjerle and Vinny del Negro, but former Cardinals Emmitt Smith, Al del Greco,

Neil Lomax and Chris Chandler also are competing in the $500,000 event.

Unlike past years, the tournament seems to be wide-open, as former major leaguer Rick Rhoden, the five-time Celebrity champ, is playing on the Champions Tour these days. Other celebs which will be in the field include Michael Jordan, Charles Barkley, Lance Armstrong, Ben Roethlisberger, Mario Lemieux, Donald Trump, Ray Ramano, Cheech Marin, John O’Hurley, Kevin Nealon, Bode Miller and Stone Phillips, to name a few.

NOTEWORTHY

Junior ranks: Three players from the East Valley have been selected to play in the Boys Junior America’s Cup, which takes place July 24-27 at Ogden Golf & Country Club in Utah. The four-man team includes Michael Mueller of Mesa, Jacob Golembiewski of Chandler, Trent Kaahanui of Tempe and Tucson’s Alex Johnson. In all, 10 states from the western United States will send teams to play in the competition along with Canada and Mexico. For information, visit www.junioramericascup.com.

Announced: Golfweek has announced that its $25,000 ProScratch National Championship will be presented this year by Resort Suites Scottsdale. The tournament, which costs $995 per team, will be played Dec. 13-15 at Grayhawk Golf Club, which also is in Scottsdale. For information on how to register, visit www.1stamper@golfweek.com or call 877-805-4653.

Party time: Augusta Ranch Golf Club in Mesa will host a Hawaiian-styled luau Friday from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. The party features Chef Fran’s famous Hawaiian-styled shredded pork, rice and vegetables, and includes a glow-in-the-dark, closest-to-the-pin contest, a limbo contest, and loudest Hawaiian shirt contest. For information on the event, which costs just $9.95, visit www.augustaranchgolf.com.

Showtime: Registration is now under way for the 2006 PGA Fall Expo at Mandalay Bay Resort on Sept. 13-14. The PGA’s fall extravaganza features over 300 merchandisers and manufacturers, with more information available at www.pgafallexpo.com.