Fil-Am golfers Abegail Arevalo, Tisha Alyn and Amari Avery participated in the 12th Pechanga Pro-Am held in Temecula, CA on April 8, 2025. Photos by Joseph Peralta/AJ Press
TOP Ladies Professional Golf Association (LPGA) stars competed in the recent Pro-Am held at Journey at Pechanga golf course, which is part of Pechanga Resort and Casino, in Temecula, CA. The annual event has been held for 18 years, and has become known to golfers, sponsors and fans alike as the Pechanga Pro-Am.
Led by Angel Yin, who had finished tied for third in the TMobile Match Play presented by MGM Rewards a couple of days prior to the Pechanga Pro-Am, thirty-six LPGA stars showed their golf skills in a fun, no-pressure environment as they competed in an 18-hole scramble for the prestigious Pechanga Pro-Am Cup. Prior to facing the challenging and beautiful Journey at Pechanga golf course, the LPGA stars paired with special guests in the Longest Drive competition.
Aside from Yin, the 12th Pechanga Pro-Am also featured Gabriella Ruffels, Grace Kim, Savannah Grewal, Demi Weber, Matilda Castren, Hee Young Park, Amy Lee, Jillian Hollis, Emma Talley, Roberta Liti, Gigi Stroll, Gabriella Then, Amari Avery, Karen Chung, Brianna Do, Emilee Hoffman, Annabelle Pancake, IlHee Lee, Louise Ridderström, Christine Wang, Kelly Tan, Greta Voelker, Kaley In, Maiya Tanaka, Min G Kim, Rebecca Lee-Bentham, Tisha Alyn and Zoe Campos.
Sean Vasquez, Pechanga Development Corporation (PDC) president, welcomed the LPGA stars and sponsors to the event.
“Our groundskeepers have transformed our course into a magnificent and pristine condition. To all the LPGA pros, I know you’re gonna rock it,” he said.
“I gotta to say heart is everything here at Pechanga, the foundation of what we do. You’ll notice that, the same reason that our guests and valued partners come here time and again, year after year,” he added, while also mentioning the opening of The Cove and the North Bar.
Vasquez offered a piece of advice to golfers teeing up for the pro-am that drew applause: “Don’t worry about competing against the opponents, only compete against par.”
Pechanga General Manager Tjeerd Brink remarked, “We’re here on this beautiful, sunny Chamber of Commerce day to play golf on one of the truly extraordinary courses in Southern California. We are thrilled to have this group here for the twelfth year. Every year, [this group] continues to grow. We got a record number of lady professional golfers joining us today, which is awesome… After your round, please enjoy our wonderful casino and resort, and our wonderful beverage outlets. Have a great day and welcome to Pechanga.”
Fil-Am golfers Amari Avery, Abegail Arevalo and Tisha Alyn talked briefly to Filipino media present at the event.
The Fil-Am golfers were all impressed with the course at Journey at Pechanga, particularly the scenery. Abegail mentioned how the greens were particularly rolling very nicely. Alyn, for her part, rated Journey as a hard course, which may be challenging for amateurs especially with the canyons, water and OB. Amari, who is playing in the pro-am for the first time, said that the course is “definitely a little quirky, it’s got its characteristics” but that the set-up allows golfers to try a bunch of different shots, play with amateurs and have fun.
Arevalo said that the last year has been particularly challenging for her as she dealt with an injury. She was thankful that she had a great team behind her who has kept supporting her throughout the many challenges she’s faced.
Alyn, who retired from the sport some years back, said that although it may look as a setback when she hung up her clubs early, it has actually been a win for her as the many things she has done since has made a more positive impact on the sport and the LGBTQ+ community.
Avery, for her part, said that she hopes there won’t be too many setbacks for her in the future as she just turned professional. “There’s always adversity in golf, dealing with it on and off the course… hopefully, there’s not too many setbacks,” she said.
In between tournaments and competition, Abegail relaxes by putting together mini legos or nano blocks nowadays. Alyn tries not to think about golf as it is involved in most facets of her life, and does things with her family and her puppy, or watches shows (she gave a shout-out to the spa at Pechanga). Avery relaxes by watching TikTok or sleeping.
Filipino Senior Executive Host Vhergie Bermejo, who expressed excitement at seeing the golfers, sponsors and media at the event once again, said in a brief interview that Journey at Pechanga personnel are careful with their environmental practices and have an eco-friendly approach as they use organic fertilizers to reduce chemical use, create wildlife habitats that support local biodiversity and have irrigation systems that conserve water while maintaining excellent playing conditions for the golf course. Many golfers, including LPGA professionals, have told Bermejo and other Pechanga officials that playing in the course feels like a journey through nature.
Bermejo also said that she loves that the pro-am gets to feature more Filipino golfers as the years have passed by, and that the tournament presents a more intimate setting for the spectators and competitors, professionals and amateurs alike, than the typical tournament, with Temecula Valley serving as a beautiful backdrop.
For Pechanga Resort and Casino visitors, Vhergie said that the resort-casino’s amenities include The Spa at Pechanga, and The Cove, which is the 4.5-acre pool complex within the property. Aside from these Pechanga Resort Casino offers many spectacular restaurants, including Great Oak Steakhouse, Umi Sushi & Oyster Bar, and Journey’s End which shows off the beautiful golf course. Of course, resort-casino visitors can also visit the nearby Temecula Wine Country and taste local wines, or enjoy a good show at Pechanga Theater.
“Pechanga Resort and Casino is truly ‘pang-Pilipino’,” Bermejo answered, when asked why the resort-casino is a big draw for the Filipino American community. “I feel like in Southern California, lahat nandito. It’s basically pang-pamilya… the players come here, they can bring their family to enjoy their amenities. And then lots of shows… I feel like this is Manila extension for Filipino shows. Every month this year, we have Filipino shows.”
This year’s Longest Drive competition winner was Sarah White and her amateur partner Deryl P. as they had a combined drive of 545 yards. Among the LPGA professionals, Angel Yin had the longest drive at 280 yards, with Fil-Am Amari Avery finishing not far behind at 272 yards.
The team led by Matilda Castren finished first in the pro-am, with Annabelle Pancake’s team finishing in second.
Journey at Pechanga championship golf course, one of the many high-end amenities at Pechanga Resort Casino, is consistently rated among the top public courses in California and the United States. When golfers partner their rounds with a luxury stay at Pechanga Resort Casino, the value of the experience rises. Please visit Pechanga.com or call (877) 711-2946 to for more information or to book your next stay at Pechanga Resort Casino. (Joseph Peralta/AJPress)
