Meet the Board

Jim Gariti - President

Jim worked as a physician treating varicose veins in an outpatient setting in Wisconsin until 2018 when he retired. With his passion for golf, playing in his simulator in his basement 6 months out of the year wasn’t quite satisfying enough, so he and his wife, Marianne, decided to check out other parts of the country. They came to Scottsdale for a 2-week vacation at the end of 2020, and they never left. Jim soon found the SGL, and it was a perfect fit. The organized, weekly games were nice, and having the opportunity to win a few dollars didn’t hurt. But what really excited Jim was that it was a fair game in which everyone was expected to play by the rules of golf. He also loved the opportunity to hang out with a bunch of good guys after each round. Michael Radez, one of the founders of the SGL, left some really big shoes to fill, and taking over for him in 2026, Jim hopes to build on the amazing foundation Michael and his team built. Reach Jim at jim@thesgl.org

Pete Schaaf - Rules and Competition Chairman

Pete has been a member of the SGL since 2009 and is one of our resident low handicappers. Pete is also a certified USGA Rules official and has been the league’s go to regarding rules decisions for many years. If any of you have any rules questions or would simply like to have a better understanding of the rules of golf, please feel free to drop him an email at pete@thesgl.org. 

Scott Vander Woude - Treasurer

Scott moved to the Phoenix area in 2023 from Sioux Falls, SD. He joined the league in 2023 after playing the Stadium course for his first time. He is currently working in the Insurance industry. Scott was a first-time winner on the SGL in his rookie season and has qualified for the Tour Championship each year he has been in the league. Growing up in South Dakota he played high school golf and is an award winning musician.  When he’s not cooking the books or jamming out to Dave Matthews Band you can find him on the golf course. Reach Scott at Scott@thesgl.org.

Zachary Cain - Secretary and Marketing

Zach has been a member of the SGL since 2014. Zach came into the league never playing competitive golf but was searching for a competitive outlet after college baseball. He has lived in the Valley since 2011 after leaving college in St. Louis. He loves the ability to know he always has a weekend game available on Sundays, and the variety of courses we get to enjoy. The competition and friendships are what drove Zach to join the board to give back to the group that gave him so much. Zach is a Mortgage Loan Officer practicing for over 13 years and his team is licensed in all 50 states. Reach Zach at zach@thesgl.org

Mark Huttanus - Membership Director

Mark has been a member of the SGL since 2013. Introduced to the league by a member and asked to play as guest. He joined the league after the round and hasn’t looked back. He has made many lasting friendships throughout the years and rounds of golf in the league as well as outside of the league trips with other members. He enjoys the competition and camaraderie that the league has given him. He has worked in the restaurant industry for 35 years. Reach Mark at mark@thesgl.org