Colorado AvidGolfer June 2022 Digital Issue

AvidGolfer Colorado

coloradoavidgolfer.com

Elevating the Game Since 2002

THE PGA TOUR RETURNS TO CASTLE PINES

PLUS

TEE THE GREEN TO MAKE MORE PUTTS P. 32

17 PAGES OF GOLF GETAWAYS P. 49

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56556 74470

A LEADER ON THE FIELD AND IN THE COMMUNITY, THE BRONCOS’ JUSTIN SIMMONS TAKES ON THE CHALLENGE OF GOLF

0

GAME CHANGER

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CONTENTS

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JUNE 2022

DEPARTMENTS 08 Forethoughts

Return of the TOUR and More. By Jon Rizzi

10 The CGA

Win a Dream Golf trip and support kids.

15 The Gallery

The 2024 BMW Championship comes to Castle Pines; DU, CSU and CSU-Pueblo win championships; NJH Celebrity Night & Day Golf Classic, more.

80 Blind Shot

Sanctuary Turns 25. By Jon Rizzi

66

“I Want to Show Up” Making a difference on the field and in the community, Broncos safety Justin Simmons now brings his game-changing passion to the golf course. By Sam Adams

72

SPECIAL SECTION

49

39

Colorado Getaways

PLAYER’S CORNER

The best of Grand County, Colorado Springs, Grand Junction, Steamboat Springs, Red Feather Lakes and South Fork.

The Omni Interlocken Golf Club’s brillant balancing act. By Jon Rizzi

76 4

COLORADO AVIDGOLFER

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JUNE 2022

32 Lesson

36 State of Play

Colorado’s Korn Ferry Tour event has a new name, new sponsors and the same resolve to build something truly special. By Jon Rizzi

Fort Collins’ Ptarmigan Country Club prioritizes juniors, family, community— and “always trying to get better.”

By Andy Bigford

Father’s Day gift ideas. By Suzanne S. Brown The Longest Yard. By Elena King

In The Ascendant

Pfit to a Ptee

29 Fashion

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ON THE COVER

Justin Simmons photographed at the at the UC Health Training Center by Justin Tafoya/Clarkson Creative

SIDE BETS 39 Fareways

Summer food festivals return with a full menu of events. By John Lehndorff

44 Nice Drives

The ’22 BMW i4 M50i , Ford F-150 Tremor and Toyota 4Runner TRD Pro. By Isaac Bouchard

PHOTO BY TODD POWELL/COURTESY TOWN OF FRISCO

FEATURES

PHOTO BY CHRIS WHEELER

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JUNE 22 | VOLUME 21, NUMBER 3 coloradoavidgolfer.com

PRESIDENT & GROUP PUBLISHER ALLEN J. WALTERS EDITORIAL DIRECTOR

JON RIZZI

SALES, MARKETING & ADVERTISING associate publisher

CHRIS PHILLIPS vp of sales & marketing

LORI PERRY

director of sales & marketing , golf passport & events

MIKE CARVER

digital marketing manager

BRANDON KUSEK business & operations manager

CINDY PALMER

ART & EDITORIAL creative director

JANI DUNCAN SMITH art director

MICHELLE M. GUTIERREZ editor-at- large

TOM FERRELL automotive editor

ISAAC BOUCHARD style editor

SUZANNE S. BROWN contributors

SAM ADAMS, ANDY BIGFORD, E.J. CARR, ANTHONY COTTON, CLARKSON CREATIVE, TONY DEAR, DENNY DRESSMAN, SUE DRINKER, DICK DURRANCE, CHRIS DUTHIE, NEAL ERICKSON, SCOTT GARDNER, GARO PRODUCTIONS, TED JOHNSON, JOHN LEHNDORFF, TOM MACKIN, KIM MCHUGH, CHRIS WHEELER

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Colorado AvidGolfer (ISSN 1548-4335) is published eight times a year by Baker-Colorado Publishing, LLC, and printed by Publication Printers Corp. Volume 21, Number 3. 6143 S. Willow Drive, #406, Greenwood Village, CO 80111. Colorado AvidGolfer is available at more than 250 locations, or you can order your personal subscription by calling 720-493-1729. Subscriptions are available at the rate of $17.95 per year. Copyright © 2022 by Baker-Colorado Publishing, LLC. All rights reserved. Reproduction without permission is prohibited. Postmaster: Send address changes to Colorado AvidGolfer, 6143 S. Willow Drive, #406, Greenwood Village, CO 80111. The magazine welcomes editorial submissions but assumes no responsibility for the safekeeping or return of unsolicited manuscripts, photographs, artwork or other material. magazine partner of choice:

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COLORADO AVIDGOLFER

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JUNE 2022

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Forethoughts

R NAMENT U O T

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Return of the TOUR and More

2022

8

Letter from the Editor

JUNE 2022

MASTERS WEEKEND may signal the traditional beginning of the golf season, but in the Rockies, Memorial Day weekend seems more appropriate.

By then, the mountain courses have all opened, league play is in full swing and the days are longer— and tee times more plentiful (albeit not necessarily available)—than at any other time of the year.

June also brings the 122nd CGA Match Play, the oldest championship in the state, as well as the Inspirato Colorado Women’s Open, the only women’s state open with an identical payout to that of the men’s.

The last day of June is the first day of the Korn Ferry Tour’s Ascendant Championship presented

by Blue at TPC Colorado in Berthoud (see page 72).

Named “Tournament of the Year” by the players, The Ascendant has galvanized competitors and the surrounding communities. Northern Colorado has embraced it as its own—and they’re proud to share it with fans who make the trip.

And they should be proud. After all, “developmental” or not, the Korn Ferry Tour is a PGA TOUR product with a comparable level of talent. If you’d gone in 2019, you’d have seen Scottie Scheffler— the current Masters champion and No.1 player in the world—finish T29. The following year, Will Zalatoris triumphed at TPC Colorado and went on to a runner-up finish the 2021 Masters.

Come to think of it, there’s a good chance that a few players this year’s Ascendant Championship will be joining Scheffler, Zalatoris and 68 other PGA TOUR players in Colorado 26 months from now when the 2024 BMW Championship comes to Castle Pines Golf Club in August of 2024.

As you’ll read on page 15, Castle Pines—which every August from 1986 to 2006 hosted The International, one of the most telegenic and exciting events on the PGA TOUR—will again occupy the center of the golf universe for one glorious weekend.

And when it does, it will have been 18 years since the club hosted a PGA TOUR event—and 10 since the PGA TOUR last came to Colorado for the 2014 BMW Championship at Cherry Hills Country Club.

Players and fans will encounter a much different

SCAN TO JOIN OUR NEWSLETTER OR SUBSCRIBE!

Castle Pines facility than the one that last held The International in 2006. During the last five years, it has undergone major renovations to its 40-year-old course to accommodate the evolving requirements of big-time tournament golf, and to to its clubhouse to remain “best in class.”

Between now and 2024, however, there’s plenty of golf worth playing and watching.

On the playing side, pages 51-65 take you to a range of courses throughout the state, and when you go, Elena King’s putting tips (p. 32) will help.

Sam Adams’ cover story on the Broncos’ three-time Walter Payton Man of the Year nominee Justin Simmons (p. 66) may inspire you to play in more charity events, and Andy Bigford’s visit to Ptarmigan Country Club (p. 76) may inspire you to play more, period.

As far as watching goes, in addition to The Ascendant at TPC Colorado and three Inspirato Colorado Open Championships at Green Valley Ranch, the Trans-Mississippi Championship at Denver Country Club will take place July 5-9. Next year we’ll welcome the U.S. Girls’ Junior to Eisenhower Golf Club at the U.S. Air Force Academy, and the 123rd U.S. Amateur to Cherry Hills Country Club for the third time.

And Colorado’s run of golf events doesn’t end with the BMW. With The Broadmoor hosting the 2025 U.S. Senior Open, Colorado’s long tradition of staging big-time golf events continues.

May it be ever thus.

JON RIZZI Editorial Director

R NAMENT U O T 2022

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The CGA

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Serving All Colorado Golfers

Support Kids and Win Big! The CGA’s seventh annual Dream Golf Vacation Raffle is underway.

I

COURTESY OF THE COLORADO GOLF ASSOCIATION

t’s that time of year. Members are joining at more than 600 different leagues around the state. Qualifiers for CGA and USGA events are underway. And golfers of all abilities can enjoy member play days at some of the state’s top clubs.

There has never been a better time to be a CGA member.

Beyond the special discounts and promotions we provide, we strive to impact the next generation through our flagship youth programs.

YOUTH ON COURSE The CGA is proud to be the home of the national Youth on Course program. For only $25, kids 18 and younger can join the CGA and enjoy $5 golf rounds with their Youth on Course membership. Each junior receives a CGA Handicap ID (GHIN number) that also serves as his or her YOC membership number. Players just download the YOC app and present their ID at 36 participating Colorado facilities to play golf for $5 or less at specified times. Denver City courses offer access for $1 for nine holes and $2 for 18 Monday through Thursday.

Youth on Course also allows kids to learn lessons that can only be taught on a golf course.

Additionally, the program provides opportunities for young people to get the necessary support to succeed through career prep, leadership and scholarship programs.

CGA CADDIE PROGRAMS The CGA’s other community priority remains providing kids the opportunity to learn how to cad-

die. Our Caddie and Leadership Academies are two-year caddietraining programs for kids ages 13-16. These young men and women get to learn and benefit from the game—not from a book or a junior golf program, but through caddying.

Kids develop the leadership and communications skills they will use both on and off the golf course. Caddies start in the Academy upon completion of 8th grade. Participants are also required to attend weekly leadership meetings, financial literacy courses and fulfill a community-service requirement.

Nine golf courses across the state host a caddie chapter (see box). Caddies are free to golfers, as the kids receive a monthly educational grant upon completing their program requirements. Find a chapter, play 18 holes and impact a kid’s life.

With six Grand Prize Packages and more than 40 additional rounds of golf and prizes. Tickets cost $40 and proceeds from the raffle support CGA youth programs across Colorado.

Enter at coloradogolf.org.

The entry deadline is Aug.18.

The Stay & Play Packages for two include:

DREAM GOLF VACATION RAFFLE To support these programs, consider entering the CGA’s Dream Golf Vacation Raffle.

• Palm Beach Golf Tour – Rounds at The Club at Ibis, Wycliffe Golf and CC, The Wanderers GC and lodging at PGA National Resort and Spa.

Visit coloradogolf.org for information on all programs and contests.

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COLORADO AVIDGOLFER

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JUNE 2022

• 2022 BMW Championship – VIP Inside-the-Ropes Experience in Wilmington, Del. (Entry deadline: July 24)

LOOPING & LEARNING

Solich Caddie & Leadership Academy Chapters: • CommonGround Golf Course, Aurora • Meridian Golf Club, Englewood • Black Canyon Golf Course, Montrose

• Bandon Dunes $5,000 – Stay & Play Gift Card

• Tiara Rado Golf Course, Grand Junction

• Whistling Straits | Kohler Resorts – Site of the 2021 Ryder Cup

• Lincoln Park Golf Course, Grand Junction

• Wailea Golf Club & AC Hotel, Maui, Hawaii

• Fort Collins Country Club (New Chapter)

• Naples Golf Tour – Rounds at Wyndemere Golf and CC, The Quarry GC and Crown Colony Golf and CC, with lodging at Hyatt Regency Coconut Point

• Ptarmigan Country Club, Fort Collins (New Chapter) • Adobe Creek National Golf Course, Fruita (New Chapter)

The Broadmoor Caddie & Leadership Academy • Broadmoor Golf Club, Colorado Springs

SEE PATRICK CANTLAY PLAY: The CGA’s Dream Golf Vacation’s Early-Bird Grand Prize is a VIP Insidethe-Ropes Experience for two at the 2022 BMW Championship.

The early-bird entry deadline is July 24, 2022.

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The Gallery

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News | Notes | Names

COURTESY OF CASTLE PINES GOLF CLUB (FAR LEFT); BY JON RIZZI (TOP & BOTTOM)

The PGA TOUR Returns to Castle Pines

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table beneficiary of the BMW Championship.

Significantly, the Solich brothers—both former caddies at The Broadmoor, Evans Scholars at the University of Colorado and successful business executives—have served on and advised the Board of Directors of the Western Golf Association/Evans Scholars Foundation.

They also founded the Solich Caddie & Leadership Academy at CommonGround Golf Course, which has produced more than 30 Evans Scholars in its 10-year existence and now has nine chapters across Colorado. At the press conference, one of those scholars, recent graduate Helina Seyoum, addressed and impressed the group. The daughter of Ethiopian immigrants and future pediatrician said she was “beyond grateful for how this scholarship changed my life and my family’s life.”

Speaking of changes, many have taken place at Castle Pines since The International—and even since the 2014 BMW. Jack Vickers, the founder of Castle Pines Golf Club and The International, passed away in 2018, but by 2017 he had already brought in

COURTESY OF CASTLE PINES GOLF CLUB

n May 11, Castle Pines Golf Club Chairman and President George Solich announced that a PGA TOUR event would be returning to the club for the first time since The International ended its 21-year run in 2006. The 2024 BMW Championship—the penultimate tournament in the Fedex Cup—will come to Castle Pines in mid-August, just like The International did.

And when it arrives, it will have been 10 years since Colorado last hosted a PGA TOUR event. The most recent one, the 2014 BMW Championship, took place at Cherry Hills Country Club, with Billy Horschel winning on his way to becoming that year’s Fedex Cup champion. Solich, who is also a member at Cherry Hills, served as that tournament’s General Chairman.

This time around, his older brother, Geoff “Duffy” Solich, will have the honor—and the challenge—of matching the successful show his brother put on. The PGA TOUR named the 2014 BMW Championship its Tournament of the Year, and the event raised $3.5 million for the Western Golf Association/Evans Scholars Foundation, which is sole chari-

Jack Nicklaus, who designed the course in 1981—his third architectural foray in what would become a worldwide canon of more than 400 courses—to modify the now-40year-old layout for the big hitters of today.

Those modifications have impacted every hole on the course. Nicklaus added back tees and lowered others, introduced water features, redid numerous greens, modified approaches, moved and removed bunkers and much more. After his quick recap, it became clear that fans who attended The International won’t recognize many holes, and the course will play at more than 8,000 yards.

“Which,” Nicklaus was quick to point out, “is only 7,200 yards at altitude.”

A BIG DAY: Clockwise from top left, the view from above reveals the clubhouse, International Park and the “Schneids” putting course; CPGC Assistant GM Drew Schneider, VP/CFO Mike McAdams, GM Keith Schneider, President George Solich and General Chairman Duffy Solich; the dramatic par-3 16th.

coloradoavidgolfer.com

15

The Gallery

News | Notes | Names

Having competed in eight editions of The International, Nicklaus remarked that he was “anxious to see how it will handle medal play”—a clear reference to the quirky but exciting Modified Stableford Scoring System under which the Castle Pines event was contested.

“We have made some excellent changes …that will make it more playable but still quite challenging. The players will really enjoy this renewed facility.”

Yes, but when it takes place, tentatively August 15-18, 2024, 18 years will have elapsed and most of the 70 players in the field will not be able to compare it to what was previously there.

That not only applies to the course, but to the clubhouse. Last year the club completed a total overhaul of its clubhouse interior.

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COLORADO AVIDGOLFER

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“Jack Vickers always wanted Castle Pines to be best-in-class,” George Solich said, “and we’ve achieved that.”

Long one the favorite spots on the PGA TOUR—renowned for its great shot values, impeccable course conditions, abundant natural beauty and over-the-top food, service and hospitality—Castle Pines is again ready for The Show.

If Castle Pines is, as the entrance to the club’s administration area touts, “The Best Day of Golf in America,” then Wednesday, May 11, 2022, was “a proud day for Colorado, the PGA TOUR and Castle Pines Golf Club,” George Solich said.

All the speakers—including Steve Sands of NBC, WGA President John Kaczkowski and PGA TOUR EVP & President Tyler Dennis—seconded that emotion, suggesting

JUNE 2022

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that the PGA TOUR had been “gone too way too long.”

But nobody got ahead of themselves. The 2024 BMW Championship is not likely to be Castle Pines’ audition for an annual slot on the PGA TOUR schedule.

“Having a tournament in the same place every year isn’t a model for the BMW,” George Solich said. “We certainly don’t want to be a one-and-done. We’re prepared to be part of a rotation.”

So we’ve got that going for us. Which is very, very nice. And from his best-in-class grillroom in the sky, Jack Vickers is smiling.

Interested in attending the 2024 BMW Championship or becoming one of more than 2,000 volunteers? Register now for the 2024 Priority Interest program at BMWchampionship.com

BRING ON THE TOUR: To attract an event like the BMW, Nicklaus made changes throughout the course. Among the holes affected were numbers 2, 12, 10, 14 and 18 (clockwise from bottom left).

The Gallery

News | Notes | Names

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ANNA ZANUSSO

PHOTOS COURTESY OF UNIVERSITY OF DENVER

Pioneers Rise and Fall Together

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or the third consecutive year, the University of Denver men’s and women’s teams both captured their respective Summit League championships. The men’s streak is the longest in the 10-team conference since Western Illinois University (2006-’08). It has also come under three different head coaches: Erik

Billinger, Trake Carpenter and Logan Goulding. Behind Carson Griggs (8-under) and Jackson Solem (3-under), the Pioneers posted the second-lowest 54-hole team score in Summit League history The Pioneers went on to compete in the NCAA Regionals in Stockton, Calif.

They finished seventh, for the second

ACADEMY AWARD® WINNER

Mark Rylance

straight year coming three shots shy of advancing to their first Nationals.

DU’s women ended their season at the Regionals as well, finishing 11th out of 12 teams in Tallahassee, Fla. The appearance marked the 20th consecutive year the team has advanced to a regional, and the first time under head coach Martha Richards.

ACADEMY AWARD® NOMINEE

Sally Hawkins

In the conference championship, Denver’s 7-over for the three days set a Summit League record, as the team finished 21 strokes ahead of the field. Junior Anna Zanusso from Italy took individual medalist honors, winning by five strokes with a Summit League record three-under 213. denverpioneers.com

BAFTA AWARD WINNER

AND

Rhys Ifans

BASED ON THE TRUE STORY OF THE WORLD’S WORST GOLFER

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The Gallery

News | Notes | Names

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JEFFREY NELSON

ThunderWolves Make History

A

PHOTOS COURTESY OFCOLORADO STATE UNIVERSITY-PUEBLO

t the NCAA Division II Men’s Golf West/South Central Regional Championships held at Pueblo Country Club, the Colorado State University-Pueblo ThunderWolves edged the Colorado Mesa University Mavericks by one shot to win the first Regional Championship in school history. Both teams advanced to the NCAA DII National Championships at TPC of Michigan, where CSUP—comprised of Commerce City’s Jeffrey Nelson and U.K. players Jamie Roberts, Liam Duncan, Matt Millar and Andrew Ni—finished second in the stroke play to advance to the “medal match” portion, only to lose in the quarterfinals to Georgia Southwestern, ending the program’s best season ever. gothunderwolves.com

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/// The Gallery

News | Notes | Names

State. The Rams, however, earned a spot in the NCAA Regionals in Bryant, Tex., where they failed to advance to the Nationals. Jones joins PGA Tour player Martin Laird and Ryan Peterson as the only CSU players ever to win the MWC individual title. csurams.com

C

ongratulations to University of Colorado senior Malak Bouraeda, who finished ahead of 35 other hopefuls to capture the U.S. Women’s Open qualifier at Walnut Creek Golf Preserve in Westminster. With only the winner advancing, the Southlake, Tex. native didn’t make it easy on herself. Ahead by four strokes with only three to play in the afternoon round, she tripled the par-4 16th, bogeyed the par-3 17th and fin-

ished the round at even-par. Her 1-under 143 for the two rounds nipped fellow Texan Sky Sudberry by one. Former CU star Robyn Choi, who qualified in Colorado for the 2017 and 2018 U.S. Women’s Opens, finished at 2-over.

The U.S. Women’s Open, which takes place Jun 2–5 at Pine Needles Golf Club in South Carolina, will have a $10 million purse, the largest payout in its 77-year history. usga.org

720.220.5446 NWalters@Kentwood.com NancyWaltersRealtor.com

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COLORADO AVIDGOLFER

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JUNE 2022

COURTESY OF CUBUFFS.COM

D

espite a first-place finish by junior Connor Jones (10-under 206), the Colorado State University men’s team finished runner-up in the Mountain West Championship after going into the last day of competition with a two-shot lead over eventual champion San Diego

COURTESY OF COLORADO STATE UNIVERSITY

Rams Hang Tough

Senior Sendoff

Handcrafted to be enjoyed responsibly. The Balvenie Single Malt Scotch Whisky ©2022 Imported by William Grant & Sons. New York, NY. Skillfully crafted, Enjoy responsibly. Glenfiddich Single Malt Scotch Whisky, ©2022 Imported by William Grant & Sons. New York, NY.

/// The Gallery

News | Notes | Names

The Stars Come Out

SANCTUARY

W

COURTESY OF SAMCTUARY

ith Marc Steron of Shanahan’s Steakhouse and Vic Lombardi of Altitude Sports as co-chairs, you know the National Jewish Health Celebrity Night & Day Golf Classic will abound in delectable food and celebrities from the sports and entertainment worlds.

The “Night” portion of the $1,500-per-person fundraiser takes place Sunday, June 26, at Shanahan’s, with dinner and auction featuring coveted items and experiences like competing in December’s Lexus Champions for Charity at Pebble Beach. Last year’s auction generated more than $100,000.

The following “Day” finds everyone at Sanctuary in Sedalia for a relaxed round at what the inimitable Gary McCord called “simply the most spectacular golf course I have ever seen.” (See p. 80.)

Six weeks out, committed celebrities included Naismith Basketball Hall of Famer George Karl, retired Rockies star Todd Helton, soccer great Mar-

celo Balboa and actor John Ashton, who memorably appeared in the first two Beverly Hills Cop films.

“There’ll be more,” Lombardi, who has cochaired the event for four years, says with confidence. He and his son Dante suffer from severe asthma, “and we go to National Jewish, the leading respiratory hospital in the nation.”

Night & Day benefits National Jewish’s Morgridge Academy, a free school for Metro Denver

children (K-8) who have severe asthma and other chronic conditions like diabetes, sickle cell anemia, HIV/AIDS, cystic fibrosis, juvenile rheumatoid arthritis and more. The highly trained staff ensures children receive a quality education while learning to manage their illnesses.

It is the only school of its kind on a US medical campus and certainly the only one supported by a popular multiple-day event. nationaljewish.org

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COLORADO AVIDGOLFER

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JUNE 2022

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Player’s Corner

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Fashion

By Suzanne S. Brown

Gifts He’ll Love

Whether he’s a gadget guru or a fashion trendsetter, a perambulator or a jet-setter, here are ideas for every kind of dad.

01.

FAIRWAYS AND STREAMS Outdoorsy types who would be just as happy to spend the day fishing or hiking as they would playing a round of golf will appreciate Denver-based Moonshine Golf.

The company’s laidback, casual approach is evident in styles like camouflage-patterned polos with vented backs, $65, and snap-back hats, $30. moonshinegolf.com

O2

02.

WALK, DON’T RIDE

+

STYLISH VERSATILE

O1

The fellow who enjoys walking the course is benefitting from a new partnership. LinkSoul x True Linkswear’s True Knit II golf shoe weighs only 9.1 ounces, has a one-piece upper and is great for hoofing 18 holes. Artwork on insoles and logos on the tongue and heel pull provide a custom touch, as does a reusable shoe bag, $159. linksoul.com

O3

O3.

TIE ONE ON Boulder-based Whiskers caters to the stylish guy with golf shoelaces that come in various styles and a rainbow of solid colors as well as such combos as lavender and electric green or pastel pink and blue. They are packaged on wooden spools for added storage ease and aesthetics, $15. whiskerslaces.com

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Player’s Corner

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Fashion

05.

STATS STAR Tech-savvy golfers love their devices for course guidance and performance tracking.

Bushnell’s ION Edge watch, $150, has a touchscreen with movable pin placement, green mapping, hazard detection and auto-advance (so you don’t have to keep pressing buttons). The watch comes preloaded with 38,000 courses, features easy-to-read distances and a 15-hour battery life. bushnellgolf.com

O4

O5

O6

04.

SLEEK AND STYLISH The man who likes modern, streamlined style for the course and beyond finds it in the new men’s collection from Anatomie. Pieces like the hooded Leonardo Vest, $178, come in the company’s wrinkle-free and water-resistant stretch fabric. It’s worn with jeans-style Alessio pants, $225, and the Maverick water-resistant windbreaker with vented flaps at the shoulder, $198. anatomie.com

06.

GOLFER ON THE GO Taking its classic lines and logo from the great Jack Nicklaus, the Golden Bear duffel bag from F.H. Wadsworth goes from the locker room to a weekend in the mountains with finesse. Constructed from heavy-duty canvas and accented with full-grain leather stripes, the bag has a detachable leather strap, ID tag and an interior zip pocket, $349. fhwadsworth.com Suzanne S. Brown is the former fashion editor at The Denver Post.

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COLORADO AVIDGOLFER

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JUNE 2022

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Player’s Corner

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Lesson

By Elena King

The Longest Yard Why short putts and long strokes don’t mix.

WHETHER THEY’RE FROM three, six or 10 feet, nothing exasperates a golfer more than those short putts that slide past, lip out or somehow come up short.

One of the most common reasons for this is stroke length. If you tend to take a long backstroke for a short putt, you intuitively know that if you go through just as far as you take it back, then the ball will roll too far past the hole. So, you decelerate to shorten the forward stroke.

A long backstroke and deceleration can lead to a putt that lacks sufficient pace to reach the hole, but it can also promote more rotation of the putter face in the hands, resulting in the ball

rolling off your intended line.

The length of the putting stroke is crucial to have consistency with tempo, distance control and little or no rotation of the putter face in your hands. With the many advances in technology, science is proving that a longer stroke increases the probability of greater putter face rotation.

Therefore, knowing appropriate lengths of the stroke will make a big difference in your overall putting.

With these practice drills and on the course, it is very helpful to match your practice stroke length to the actual stroke. We observe many times the two do not match up.

PLACING TEES AT PRECISE DISTANCES FROM THE HOLE TO MEASURE YOUR BACKSTROKE AND FORWARD STROKE WILL HELP THE PACE AND DISTANCE OF PUTTS.

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JUNE 2022

TAKE NOTE The measurements on page 34 are all based on an average green speed of 10 on a Stimpmeter. On a green Stimping at 10, the ball will stop 6 to 12 inches past the hole if it misses.

Depending on the actual speed of the green and your tempo, you will need to make proportional adjustments in your stroke length.

Inspiration for this drill comes from Dr. Craig Farnsworth and PGA TOUR player Brad Faxon.

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Player’s Corner

STEPS

3'4"

1

Bring your putter, three tees and a ruler or tape measure to a green. Measure 3' from the hole and slide in a tee. Place a second tee 4" beyond the first tee (3'4" from the hole) and the third tee 3 ¾" in front of the 3' tee (2' 8¼" from the hole). Place the back of the ball at the middle tee (the one at 3').

///

15th Club

3'

1

UPHILL, DOWNHILL

Another challenge on the green comes when we find our ball above or below the hole. Downhill and uphill putts also require practice.

These two drills will help. Both require sticking a tee in the back of the hole so it covers almost half of the opening of the hole. You can use both drills from 3 to 15 feet.

2

Line up to putt with your putter face directly behind the ball at the 3' mark

3

2'8¼"

2

Take the putter face back to the tee placed 4" behind the ball.

4

FOR UPHILL PUTTS

Take a smooth forward stroke where the putter face stops at the tee placed at 3 ¾".

To avoid coming up short, hit the ball with enough speed that it hits the back of the tee (falls in the back half of the cup)

5

(Image on p.32) After practicing this length of stroke numerous times to get the feel of what the appropriate length of the stroke should be for a 3' putt, remove the tape measure and start hitting your 3' putts to the hole. For a 6' putt, place the tees at 6' and put a tee at 6'6" and one at 5'7" from the hole. For a 10-foot putt, place the tees at 10', 10'8" and 9'1".

3

FOR DOWNHILL PUTTS Hit the putt with just enough speed that it drops in the hole without hitting the tee sticking out of the back of the cup (falls into the first half of the cup).

Elena King, an LPGA Top 50 Teacher, is the owner and director of instruction of ExperienceGolf (experiencgolf.biz) the exclusive provider for golf instruction at CommonGround Golf Course. Reach her at eking@experiencegolf.biz or 303-503-0330.

4 34

COLORADO AVIDGOLFER

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Player’s Corner

State of Play

By Jon Rizzi

Locked In on the Future A flourishing resort course and resurgent hotel make the Omni Interlocken a staycation paradise.

PHOTO BY CHRIS WHEELER

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COLORADO AVIDGOLFER

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JUNE 2022

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Player’s Corner

“THE MEMBERSHIP BOOM FORCED US TO FIND BALANCE IN SERVING OUR MEMBERS, HOTEL GUESTS AND COMMUNITY.” Butcher. An Omni Hotels veteran, Butcher’s pop-up barbecues and innovative menu (monthly specials that align with that week’s Tour stop) make the Fairways Grill popular with golfers, nongolfers, guests and locals.

The Omni’s potential restricted-public-play future becomes a non-issue if you stay at the resort—which many pandemicweary but flight-averse Coloradans did in 2020 and 2021. Attracted by the hotel’s “Colorado Neighbor rate,” staycationers

PHOTO BY CHRIS WHEELER

T

delighted in the cosseting rooms, familyfriendly atmosphere, pool complex, Makato Spa, fitness center, trail network and a recently launched Wellness Program featuring everything from yoga classes and meditation to an infrared wellness sauna and self-directed circuit training.

“I see the programming spilling over into all areas of physical and mental wellbeing, get-golf-ready clinics, even the culinary side of things,” McFarlane says.

Upgraded meeting rooms are attracting corporate guests, as are the free-flowing Tap Room and soon-to-reopen fine-dining Meritage Restaurant. Buddy golf trips are on the rise. “We treat them like members from the moment they arrive on property,” says Woods. After all, the Omni did take care of many athletic entourages during the five John Elway Celebrity Classics the resort hosted in its first six years of existence.

Plus, with Denver and Boulder just 15 minutes east and west, McFarlane reasons, “Why not set up shop here?”

For more information on membership and lodging, visit interlockengolf.com

PHOTO COURTESY OF OMNI RESORTS

he pandemic hit the hospitality industry hard, and Broomfield’s Omni Interlocken Hotel was no exception.

But even while most of the resort’s 390 rooms remained empty, the occupancy rate on all 27 holes of its Omni Interlocken Golf Club hovered around 100 percent.

Not only was the tee sheet full; so was the membership roster. “We’re pushing up against the cap of 420,” PGA Director of Golf Operations Chris Woods reports.

Now that the resort is back to full operation, the club is interspersing groups of guests among the members while also allowing public play—for now. “Once we’ve capped the membership and have a wait list, we’ll probably be exclusively for members and hotel guests,” the Omni’s Director of Sales and Marketing Gerry McFarlane says.

“But we still want to serve the community.”

To accomplish this, the Omni will continue to host one outside Monday tournament per month—down from a pre-pandemic high of 16-plus per year. “We have strong charity partners that have been with us for years, and we are very committed to them,” Woods says. “The members understand we are part of the local landscape.”

That landscape takes in views of nearby Eldorado Canyon and the iconic Flatirons above neighboring Boulder. But it’s the condition of the turf on the three David Graham/ Gary Panks-designed nines—Eldorado, Sunshine and Vista—that has also catalyzed an increase in play. Two years ago, Woods hired Tyler Cole, an assistant superintendent from Cherry Hills Country Club, who “took the conditions to the next level,” his boss beams.

Other stars in the Omni golf firmament include 2018 Colorado PGA Teacher of the Year Dan Sniffin and Executive Chef Jason

PHOTO BY CHRIS WHEELER

OMNIVISION: The par-4 seventh hole on the Omni Interlocken’s Eldorado nine (opposite) plays towards the Flatirons.

Clockwise from top left: the Omni Interlocken Hotel, which opened in 1999; the view from the Vista nine; a pool complex serves as one of many resort amenities.

coloradoavidgolfer.com

37

2022 get into golf

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Side Bets

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Fareways

By John Lehndorff

PHOTO BY TODD POWELL COURTESY OF TOP TACO DENVER COURTESY OF TOP TACO DENVER

COURTESY OF TOP TACO DENVER

PHOTO BY TODD POWELL

The Summer of ‘22

Colorado’s food festivals return with a full slate of events.

O

nce upon a time, summer in Colorado meant road-tripping to mountain towns every weekend for food and drink festivals. It was all blue skies, bright sun, roadside peaches and sipping local beer and wine at altitude.

Now, after two fallow years, we can head for the hills again as the state’s remarkable menu of seasonal edible events returns in all its gustatory glory. Colorado’s myriad culinary experiences can make it hard to choose one that fits specific tastes. Colorado AvidGolfer offers this curated guide to the very best don’t-miss summer taste experiences across the state—and within minutes of great golf.

JUNE SWOON What Dad craves for Father’s Day is hardly a mystery—and there are festivals in June to satisfy his appetite for barbecue, beer, tacos and bacon.

Smoked pork, beef, turkey and sides are on the menu at two Dad’s Day barbecue competitions. Downtown Frisco’s long-running Frisco BBQ Challenge (June 17-18; townoffrisco.com) is a serious, sanctioned barbecue competition focused on food without any carnival distractions. The newer Denver BBQ Festival (June 17-19; denverbbqfest.com) at Empower Field focuses on large-scale fun. The latter event’s

VIP Q Pit Pass gets you access to lounges, all-you-can-eat barbecue, free cocktails and ... private bathrooms.

If dad is a hop-head who’s easily bored by standard beers, treat him to the rare and oneoff historic brews, ancient recreated ales and extinct craft beers on tap at the Brewsology Beer Fest (June 18; brewsology.com) at Denver’s History Colorado Center.

Top Taco (June 23; toptacofest.com) in Westminster is billed as a taco competition, but it’s really one of the best parties of the summer. Attendees sample and vote for everything from Top Creative Taco to Top Cocktail with live music, and tequila and

FESTS IN THE WEST: The Frisco BBQ Challenge (far left, top and bottom) attracts pitmasters and ’cue connoisseurs from around the country.

Top Taco in Westminster rates as one of summer’s top fiestas.

coloradoavidgolfer.com

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Side Bets

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Fareways

COURTESY OF VAIL CRAFT BEER CLASSIC

GRAPE EXPECTATIONS There’s a lot of talk about “immersive” entertainment experiences. Frankly, we’d like the sound of immersing ourselves in a weekend of wine, song, taste treats and sun in the mountains. Summer in Colorado brings mountain festivals for casual wine fans and wannabe sommeliers.

Vintage wines and golf make a perfect twosome at the Vail Wine Classic (Aug.1113; vailwineclassic.com). Besides the outdoor tasting of wine, beer and spirits and the exclusive Best of Fest sampling at Vail Nordic Center, the Classic’s Nine & Wine event invites guests to play nine holes at Vail Golf Club with a golf professional and a sommelier followed by a wine-pairing lunch.

A reputation as one of America’s top summer wine events, according to Forbes magazine, will draw an international crowd to the Telluride Wine Festival (June 23–26; telluridewinefestival.com). The upscale gathering features rare vintage tastings,

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COLORADO AVIDGOLFER

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How’s this for a pairing? The Vail Wine Classic’s Wine & Dine event invites guests to play nine holes at Vail Golf Club with a golf professional and a sommelier.

Telluride’s scenic charms and four-star wine pairing dinners.

Other “wine and” mountain gatherings include Reds Whites & Brews (June 25; redswhitesandbrews.net) in Steamboat Springs; Keystone Wine and Jazz Festival (July 16-17; keystonefestivals.com); and the Crested Butte Wine & Food Festival (July 20-23; cbwineandfood.org).

COLORADO GROWN Come August, the celebrations focus on the world-class fresh produce synonymous with certain Colorado towns.

JUNE 2022

COURTESY OLATHE SWEET CORN FESTIVAL

PHOTO BY LISA “MOOSE” KRAL/DANCING IN MY HEAD PHOTOGRAPHY

mezcal tastings.

Meanwhile, the name tells you all you need to know about the Keystone Bacon and Bourbon Festival (June 25-26; keystonefestivals.com) at Keystone Resort.

Buttered corn on the cob tops the menu at the Olathe Sweet Corn Festival (Aug. 6; olathesweetcornfestival.com).

Up the road, peach pie and bushels of sweet juicy fruit are the draw at the Palisade Peach Festival (Aug. 12–13; palisadepeachfest.com).

For 145 straight years, the Arkansas Valley Fair (Aug.17-20; arkvalleyfair.com) in Rocky Ford has celebrated the juicy cantaloupes, yellow and red watermelons and honeydews ripened in southeastern Colorado. Don’t miss the messy-but-sweet Watermelon Day on Aug. 20, with a watermelon carving contest, free watermelon for all and the always Instagram-able Watermelon Seed Spitting Competition.

GOOD FOR WHAT ALES YOU With more than 400 craft brewery tasting rooms across the state and local beers filling local store shelves, it’s impossible (and unwise!) to taste them all. Colorado is justly famous for a series of summer beer festivals set in stunning mountain locations. These fun rendezvous make it easier to locate local ales, lagers, stouts and bocks you’ll love.

Commence your quaffing along the water’s edge at the Lake Dillon Beer Festival

MOUNTAIN MUST-DOS: Clockwise from far left: Palisade harvests bushels of visitors for its Peach Festival; Vail’s Craft Beer Classic pours it on; Olathe’s Sweet Corn Festival brings ear-to-ear smiles.

Join us for

Indulge In The Extraordinary Colorado AvidGolfer and AvidLifestyle magazines come together for an unforgettable evening benefitting Bags of Fun. Vehicle Vault, one of the most unique event venues in Colorado, will welcome guests to enjoy one of the most impressive auto collections in the country, while experiencing exquisitely decorated lounges from top interior designers.

Toast the night with bespoke cocktails and culinary creations, live music and much more!

Saturday, August 20th 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.

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Side Bets

Fareways

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COURTESY OF CIDERMASS

COURTESY OF PUEBLO CHILE & FRIJOLE FESTIVAL

STATEWIDE SAVORING: The Pueblo Chile & Frijoles Festival (far left) turns up the heat; Cidermass attendees in Snowmass fall hard for hard apple cider.

Opposite: The Big Eat Denver takes center stage at the DPCA in July.

River in scenic Salida. This 27-year-old event

The following weekend, suds lovers will be sampling brews in the Ford Sculpture

attracts more than 60 of the state’s most celebrated breweries.

Garden Park at the Vail Craft Beer Classic (June 17-18; vailcraftbeerclassic.com).

Colorado may seem like a state of beer, but a growing roster of artisan hard apple

Serious beer nerds already have reserva-

cider makers are gaining critical fame and a

tions for the Colorado Brewers Rendezvous

national audience. Sample dozens of these

(July 9; coloradobeer.org) on the Arkansas

hard-to-find ciders ranging from very dry

to mildly sweet in Snowmass at Cidermass (August 20; cidermass.com).

FALL FOR THESE You’ll never forget the aroma and pungent haze of roasted chile varieties wafting through the air along Pueblo’s Union Avenue during the Pueblo Chile & Frijoles Festival (Sept. 23-25; pueblochilefestival.com). It’s

NOW OPEN FOR BRUNCH & LUNCH 11AM - 3PM DAILY

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COLORADO AVIDGOLFER

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JUNE 2022

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PHOTO COURTESY OF DENVER EATS

like the shrimp monologue from Forrest Gump as you sample from the food vendors.

You’ve got your green chile stew, deep-fried chilies, plus green chile-infused chocolate, cheese, jelly, sausage and simple quesadillas with salsa. Chill out with a green chile beer at the Chihuahua Parade and the Jalapeño Eating Contest.

Colorado’s Western Slope is now considered one of the most promising grapegrowing regions in the nation. Palisade’s Colorado Mountain Wine Festival (Sept. 17; coloradowinefest.com) is the best place to sip award-winning vintages from the state’s 100plus wineries, most of which also open their nearby vineyard tasting rooms.

Make sure you grab tickets to Denver’s Great American Beer Festival (Oct. 6-8; greatamericanbeerfestival.com) as soon as they go on sale July 13. Forty years after its birth in Boulder, the event remains the nation’s premier craft-brew tasting event, our homegrown Oktoberfest.

HUNGRY FOR MORE?

• Taste of Fort Collins (June 1112; tasteoffortcollins.com) • Food & Wine Classic in Aspen (June 17-19; classic. foodandwine.com) • The Big Eat, Denver (July 28; eatdenver.com/the-big-eat) • Eagle Mushroom & Wild Food Festival (Aug. 5-7; eaglemushroomfest.com) • Denver Burger Battle (Aug. 9; denverburgerbattle.com) • Steers & Beers Festival (Sept.

24; steersandbeersbrewfest.com) • Steamboat Food & Wine Festival (Sept. 29-Oct. 2; steamboatfoodandwine.com)

Former Rocky Mountain News dining critic John Lehndorff writes Nibbles for the Boulder Weekly and hosts Radio Nibbles on KGNU.

CGA Members Save in Many Ways!

• Up to $19 off every time you play • 10-round punch cards save even more • Annual passes available

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• Driving range passes save up to 20%

© 2017

Owned by the Colorado Golf Association, and designed by world-renowned architect Tom Doak, CommonGround can be found in Aurora at the intersection of Mission and Masterpiece.

PHOTO: Wheeler Golfscapes

JOIN TODAY AT COLORADOGOLF.ORG

commongroundgc.com | 303-340-1520 coloradoavidgolfer.com

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Side Bets

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Nice Drives

By Isaac Bouchard

End of the ICE Age? Even with EVs like the new BMW, internal-combustion-engine SUVs are far from extinct.

After many years as the only legit electric vehicle company, Tesla finally has some real rivals. Companies like BMW, Mercedes, VW Group are spending untold billions to go all in on EVs. And Hyundai Motor Group, the world’s fifth-largest car manufacturer, has been quietly creating the infrastructure to create compelling cars like the Hyundai Ioniq5 and Kia EV6 to challenge the Tesla Model Y. Meanwhile, GM, Ford and Toyota continue to pump out profitable body-on-frame trucks and SUVs to fund their own shifts away from the internal combustion engine (ICE).

20V22 BMW I4 M50I PRICED SQUARELY TO COMPETE with the Tesla Model 3 Performance, the M50i version of BMW’s i4 EV is one compelling machine. It hits 60mph in 3.1 seconds and boasts the kind of passing acceleration once reserved exclusively for hypercars. This comes courtesy of unique, “current excited” AC synchronous motors, that use less rare-earth materials and output 536 hp and 586 lb-ft.

It also handles and rides beautifully, smothering bumps and sweeping through corners with real verve.

Its steering—like most all current BMWs—isn’t the last word in feel, though. The M50i has an EPA rating that is almost 40-90 miles less than a Model 3 Performance (depending on wheel size), but in the real world EPA the gap is more like RATINGS: 80MPGe 30-50 miles—still significant, but not 0-60MPH: 3.1sec a deal-killer.

PRICE AS Since buyers can TESTED: take advantage of $77,070 the Fed’s $7,500 tax credit and get two free years at Electrify America chargers, it costs no more than the Model 3. The i4’s interior carefully bridges the company’s legacy ICE cars and the minimalism of a Tesla.

Although its back seat lacks headroom, the hatchback and large cargo area make it very practical. Outside, this is one BMW that generates overwhelmingly positive commentary.

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Side Bets

///

Nice Drives

2022 FORD F-150 TREMOR

2022 TOYOTA 4RUNNER TRD PRO

THE F-SERIES CONTINUES to be the world’s best-selling vehicle. Splitting the difference between EPA the four-shot, full-fat Raptor and a basic, half-calf, RATINGS: skinny F-150 with FX4 package, Ford’s rolled out the 16/20/18 Tremor. Demarked by orange trim inside and out, 0-60MPH: map- and camo-inspired texturing on the dash and 5.3sec door panels, and some serious hardware underneath, PRICE AS TESTED: this model might just be the sweet spot in the lineup. $67,520 Outside there are hood vents and powder-coated running boards like the Raptor, and 18-inch wheels with tall sidewall tires that not only do better on trails, but over the road as well. Combined with excellent damping, this is the best-riding F-150 yet, with none of the oversprung bounciness of some other models.

Electronic aids like Trail Control, Trail and Turn Assist (which drags a wheel to pivot around obstacles), a locking rear diff, optional limited slip front and more mean it is one serious off-road beast—and, since it’s much narrower than a Raptor, better for trail work.

Under that vented hood is a 400hp version of the 3.5L, twin turbo V6. It gets to 60 mph sportscar quick, yet it can turn 20 mpg on the highway. The Tremor also can tow 2,700 pounds more than Raptor and has a 445-pound greater payload capacity. The Tremor is available in three levels of trim. Standard, Mid and High, so there’s basically one for every palette.

THE 4RUNNER IS AN INSTITUTION: the toughest, longestlasting, most-reliable and best-resale-value vehicle you can EPA buy and own in Colorado. It’s also antiquated, lethargic and RATINGS: geriatric—sometimes in all the best ways. Compared to mod- 16/19/17 ern machines, its steering is deliberate and body motions 0-60MPH: 7.7sec almost glacial.

At least, with the fancy, Fox-branded dampers on the PRICE AS TESTED: TRD Pro model, the 4Runner’s typically undisciplined ride is $53,435 brought into the acceptable category. The 4-liter V6 that powers all models still struggles though, lacking a willingness to deliver its 270hp through a slow-shifting 5-speed automatic.

The 4Runner is stoutly built, and its interior quite roomy. And before someone can finish griping about the lack of a s.l..o…w power hatch, the Toyota’s manual one has been thrown open or slammed closed—and it has a window that powers down to provide a nice flow of air from the sunroof. All 4Runners are decent off-pavement, with the Pro packing beefier tires, skid plates that could seemingly stop a Javelin anti-tank missile, and 9.6 inches of ground clearance. Combined with the classic lettered grill and solid roof rack, the TRD Pro shouts—and provides—off-road indomitability.

Isaac Bouchard, Automotive Editor, owns Denver-based Bespoke Autos (isaac@bespokeautos.com; bespokeautos.com; 303-475-1462).

SCAN TO READ MORE OF ISAAC BOUCHARD’S AUTOMOTIVE WRITING, REVIEWS AND RECOMMENDATIONS.

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Special Advertising Section

GRAND COUNTY /// STEAMBOAT SPRINGS /// COLORADO SPRINGS /// RED FEATHER LAKES /// SOUTH FORK

Colorado Getaways

MAKE GRAND ELK YOUR HOME COURSE

Koelbel’s Grand County community puts mountain golf at your doorstep.

COLORADO SPRINGS The Best 99 Holes in Colorado Golf

HOLES ON THE RANGE Rollingstone Ranch & Haymaker

WEST SIDE STORIES Redlands Mesa & Rio Grande Club

Grand Elk PHOTO COURTESY OF KOELBEL

SPONSORED BY

coloradoavidgolfer.com

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GRAND COUNTY

Special Advertising Section

Rendezvous

Grand Elk

Rendezvous with a Grand Elk JUST AS THE pandemic created unprecedented

north of Winter Park Ski Resort in Fraser, the 565-

stories and custom lots winds seamlessly through

demand for golf, it also sparked a rise in mountain

home master-planned Rendezvous community

the rolling fairways of Grand Elk Golf Club with

home purchases. In 2020, 47 percent of Koelbel

delivers all that—plus groomed cross-country ski

stunning views of the Continental Divide.

& Co.’s residential sales were in its Grand Coun-

trails and access to complimentary lockers and ski

Koelbel is currently building two models for

ty communities of Rendezvous Colorado and

storage at Club Rendezvous at the base of Winter

its new Arrowhead Semi-Custom homes and has

Grand Elk—a trend that continued in 2021. After

Park Resort. Rendezevous properties range from

eight new Arrowhead homes under construction.

all, if you had to work from home, why not make it

townhomes and paired cabins to single-family

These occupy generously sized lots on the Craig

a glorious mountain residence with easy access to

cabins and custom homesites—all at a variety of

Stadler/Tripp Davis-designed golf course and come

a trout-rich river, four golf courses, infinite open

price points. Koelbel is developing an adjacent 600

in two floorplans—a 1,976-sq-ft ranch and 2,623-

space, snowcapped peaks and miles of hiking and

acres that lie within the Winter Park boundaries.

sq-ft two-story. Homes lie steps from hiking trails,

Northwest of Rendezvous in Granby, Koelbel’s

biking trails?

Set on 1,100 spectacular acres just 10 minutes

520-acre Grand Elk community of ranches, two-

a spa, outdoor pool and the rustic elegance of the Grand Elk clubhouse and Grille. koelbelco.com

INSIDER INSIGHT

THE GOLF

Grand Elk is one of four Grand County courses.

The others are Pole Creek Golf Club, Granby Ranch Golf Club and Grand Lake Golf Course. Learn more at golfgrandlinks.com

DON’T CONFUSE the Rendezvous Center (left) with the Rendezvous Event Center (right). The former houses Rendezvous Colorado’s Residences, real-estate sales office and the Winter Park Chamber of Commerce; the latter, the product of a partnership between Koelbel and Winter Park, is a permanent stage and event area in Hideaway Park that hosts art and cultural events events such as Blues from the Top (June 24-26), Winter Park Jazz Festival (July 16-17) and many others. playwinterpark.com.

SPONSORED BY

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Special Advertising Section

GRAND COUNTY/STEAMBOAT SPRINGS

A Tale of Two Nines

SPONSORED BY

True West FOR ALL ITS champagne powder and the upscale trappings of its Mountain Village, Steamboat Springs remains an authentic Western town.

Its rich cowboy heritage coexists with the town’s century-old skiing legacy and endures in the form of an annual summerlong rodeo, dozens of working ranches and a Main Street—Lincoln Avenue—wide enough to drive

LAST MAY the entire Granby Ranch Ski and Golf property sold for $29

cattle down and cool enough to sport

million to Missouri-based GR Terra, which “has invested heavily in our

western haberdasheries.

maintenance budget and equipment upgrades,” says General Manager

Steamboat’s pride in authenticity

and Head PGA Professional Jeff Wilcinski, who has worked at the course

also expresses itself in Haymaker

for eight years. “Our cultural practices have gotten much better, especially

Golf Course, regarded as one of Colo-

around the greens. The course came out of winter looking great.” Situated

rado’s top municipal layouts. Although

across U.S. 40 from Grand Elk, the 7,123-yard, par-72 Granby Ranch Golf

it only opened in 1997, the 7,308-yard

Course opened all 18 holes 20 years ago with a layout by Seattle-based

Keith Foster design blends seamlessly

architect Mike Asmundson. Renovations by Nicklaus Design followed. The

into a lush, 233-acre valley five miles

nines could not be more different: The front navigates native grasses and

south of downtown. Nary a home lines

wetlands along the meandering Fraser River, while the back tightropes

the fairways—just the occasional stone

the ridgeline of the property’s ski resort, featuring precipitous elevation

wall and haybale.

changes and abundant wildlife. golfgranbyrgranbyranch.com

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Haymaker sports few trees. Particu-

larly on the outward nine, the course truly does suggest a traditional links— albeit one not near an ocean, but surrounded by Mount Werner, Flat Tops Wilderness and Rabbit Ears Pass.

“That Scottish-style links is unique in the mountains,” says PGA Professional Cody Hasten. “You get those fun bounces, and each hole looks and plays differently from every tee box.” Savor a glorious sunset from the Haymaker Patio Grill patio with a pint and take in the long shadows before heading into the unpretentious town that owns the course. haymakergolf.com

Special Advertising Section

STEAMBOAT SPRINGS/RED FEATHER LAKES

Roll the Stone

SPONSORED BY

This Fox Rocks DEVELOPED BY Ray Stenzel with a course designed by fellow Colorado Golf Hall of Famer John Cochran, The Golf Club at Fox Acres encompasses more than 450 acres in Red Feather Lakes, a 75-minute drive northwest from Fort Collins. You’ll find the 6,500-yard course, which sits 3,000 feet above Denver, a blissfully hermetic experience. It threads through the pine forests and around many of the property’s 15 fishing lakes. Grab a bite at the Fox Grille, bed

TUMBLING DOWN the flanks of Mount Werner, Robert Trent Jones Jr.’s Rollingstone Ranch Golf Club has set the standard for mountain golf since it debuted as the Sheraton Steamboat Golf Club in 1974. Open to the public, the spectacular 6,920-yard course remains an amenity of the Sheraton Steamboat Resort Villas. The course’s Fish Creek Grill is the perfect après-golf spot, or try the Saddles Bar and Grille at the Sheraton. Starting June 30, you can ride Steamboat Ski Resort’s eight-passenger gondola to the top of Mt. Werner. The gondola runs 9-5 daily through Aug. 27, and on weekends through Sept. 24. rollingstoneranchgolf.com

down in one of 16 Stay & Play club rooms, and then take an early-morning hike through a flowering meadow where deer graze. Consider catch-and-releasing trout on-property or simply bask in the idyllic splendors of nature.

Off-property, head to the Arapaho & Roosevelt National Forest or the Cache de Poudre Wilderness. Both boast some of the most scenic and accessible hiking trails in the area. Roosevelt favorites include Dowdy Lake (2.3 miles), Blue Lake (10.3), and North Lone Pine (8.9). Mt. Margaret (7.2) tops the list of Cache de Poudre trails, followed by Lady Moon and Molly Moon

(6.5). After an afternoon of forest bathing, visit one the of the area’s most serene and impressive structures, the 108-foot-tall Great Stupa of Dharmakaya. which rises above wooded hillsides to crown a meadow at the Shambhala Mountain Center. golfclubatfoxacres.com

DISCOV ER

rollingstone ranch golf club

A spectacular 18-hole course, designed by Robert Trent Jones II, features

To experience Rollingstone

incredible views of the Yampa Valley, while Fish Creek winds its way through

Ranch Golf Club, please visit

seven of the holes. The 66 bunkers and large, undulating bent grass greens make

RollingstoneRanchGolf.com

this a truly championship-caliber course to be enjoyed by players of all skill levels.

or call 970.879.1391.

Year-over-year, Rollingstone Ranch has received multiple CAGGY awards from Colorado AvidGolfer, including “Best Mountain Course.”

S T E A M B O AT S P R I N G S , C O | 9 7 0 . 8 7 9.13 9 1 | R O L L I N G S T O N E R A N C H G O L F.C O M

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COLORADO SPRINGS

Special Advertising Section

COURTESY PIKES PEAK INTERNATIONAL HILL CLIMB

June 26 marks the 100th running of The Broadmoor Pikes Peak International Hill Climb (PPIHC), brought to you by Gran Turismo—a 12.42-mile race of 156 turns and 4,720 feet of elevation gain to the top of “America’s Mountain” that France’s Romain Dumas covered in less than eight minutes in 2018. Learn the colorful history of the “Race to the Clouds” at The Broadmoor’s Penrose Heritage Museum. ppihc.com; elpomar.org

An Icon in Our Midst NOW IN ITS second century of providing impec-

beat the Sunday brunch, the spa treatments,

cable service, unparalleled luxury and unique

the pools, the art collection, the 10-zip-line Soar-

guest expereicnes, The Broadmoor consistently

ing Adventure, falconry, tennis and pickleball

and justifably earns five stars from Forbes and

courts, bowling and, of course, the yards of ale at

five diamonds from AAA. With two courses de-

the Golden Bee. Did we mention the 360-degree

signed by Donald Ross and Robert Trent Jones,

views at Cloud Camp, which sits 3,000 feet above

it’s no wonder Golf and Golf Digest have also

The Broadmoor? Or the Will Rogers Shrine of the

ranked it as the top golf resort in the U.S. The

Sun? The Cheyenne Mountain Zoo? Seven Falls?

renowned Penrose Room, Ristorante del Lago

There’s even a Wild West Experience so you can

and Summit represent just three of the dozen-

sharpen your bow-hunting, tomahawk-throwing

plus distinctive dining experiences. You can’t

and pellet-gun-shooting skills. broadmoor.com

The Broadmoor Manitou and Pikes Peak Cog Railway has been climbing Pikes Peak since 1891, and thanks to a four-year $100 million renovation, it repoened last summer with new tracks, new trains new depot and a new cog. The three-hour round trip on the world’s highest cog railroad includes time at the new Pikes Peak Summit House. cograilway.com COURTESY COG RAILWAY

SPONSORED BY

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Just up the mountain from The Broadmoor, sits The Ranch at Emerald Valley, a luxurious 13-cabin enclave surrounded by more than 100,000 acres of national forest. Fly-fish in mountain lakes, ride horses and hike along scenic trails. Then unwind in a hot tub while a Broadmoor chef prepares your five-star meal. broadmoor.com

A private, five-mile stretch of the famed Tarryall River located 75 minutes west of the resort in the Lost Creek Wilderness serves as home to The Broadmoor Fly Fishing Camp. Expert guides, comfortable lodging in seven guest cabins, stellar cuisine and wilderness hikes enhance the angling experience. broadmoor.com

PLAY WHERE

THE LEGENDS PLAY.

The Broadmoor Golf Club has hosted some of the greatest golf legends of all time. Join the ranks on two iconic, championship courses then relax each night with The Broadmoor’s unmatched hospitality and spirit of the American West.

UNLIMITED GOLF PACKAGE • Classic accommodations (upgrade options available) • Unlimited golf for each person on the package, including cart rental • Personal locker, club storage and range balls • Suites available at 25% off of published rates • Rate starts at $795 per night, based on double occupancy

Visit broadmoor.com to plan your trip.

Offer valid May 1 – October 31, 2022. Limited availability. Not applicable to groups. Rates do not include applicable taxes and fees. Available for Sunday - Wednesday nights.

855.319.5588

BROADMOOR.COM

COLORADO SPRINGS

Special Advertising Section

Come fall, the luxe Lodge at Flying Horse will have 56 additional guest rooms, conference spaces and a new resort dining facility. Located immediately east of the existing lodge, the new structure will bring the total number of rooms and villas to 104. lodgeatflyinghorsecom

Twice the Golf WITH ITS PALATIAL Tuscan-style clubhouse, refined steakhouse, sprawling aquatic complex, views of Pikes Peak and expansive spa

Flying Horse’s 55,000-square-foot Athletic Center & Spa features multiple indoor and outdoor pools, indoor basketball and volleyball courts, indoor red-clay tennis courts, outdoor tennis courts, acres of athletic equipment, a spa, studios and more. lodgeatflyinghorse.com

and athletic facility, The Club at Flying Horse remains one of Colorado’s most impressive private enclaves. In 2020, its 17-year-old Tom Weiskopf-designed golf course—7,301 yards of split fairways, inventive bunkering, water and multitiered greens on sloping, tree-lined terrain—was joined by the 7,100-yard Flying Horse North (above).

Located in the Black Forest, six miles northeast of the original course, and designed by former Weiskopf associate Phil Smith, the newer course roller coasters dramatically through

SHOOTING 99

Two courses apiece at Flying Horse and The Broadmoor plus three nines at The Garden of the Gods adds up to more golf than one back can possibly handle.

stands of ponderosa pines, with four holes spilling into the prairie on the other side of the Palmer Divide before returning to the trees. A par-3 19th hole provides a bet-settling finishing note. Guests staying in the luxurious Lodge at Flying Horse or its four resort Villas can make tee times at both courses. The two courses counterpoint each other beautifully, providing utterly different but equally enjoyable playing experiences. flyinghorseclub.com

The open-to-the-public, top-rated steakhouse in the Springs, The Steakhouse at Flying Horse pairs swoon-worthy steaks, seafood and sides with sophisticated décor, glorious mountain views and award-winning selection of wines housed in a multistory, glass-enclosed, spiral-staircased turret. flyinghorsesteakhouse.com

SPONSORED BY

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ONE LUXURIOUS RESORT TWO CHAMPIONSHIP GOLF COURSES ut of the heart of a legendary landscape comes a champion— Flying Horse, featuring two private 18-hole golf courses, one designed by the legendary golfer, Tom Weiskopf, and the other by renowned golf course architect, Phil Smith.

Flying Horse offers the ultimate Colorado golf experience with luxuriously appointed guest rooms, a European-inspired clubhouse and athletic club & spa, world-class dining, and Southern Colorado's only Golf Channel Academy golf instruction facility.

Lodge Reservations: 844-768-2684 - LodgeAtFlyingHorse.com Membership Opportunities: 719-487-2660 - FlyingHorseClub.com Golf Academy Lessons: 719-201-0240 - FlyingHorseGolfAcademy.com 1 8 8 0

W E I S K O P F

P O I N T,

C O L O R A D O

S P R I N G S ,

C O

8 0 9 2 1

COLORADO SPRINGS

Special Advertising Section

Named for one of the iconic sandstone formations in the Garden of the Gods Park, Kissing Camels Golf Club spans 27 holes of mature pine-lined fairways and fiddly greens set against a backdrop of roseate foothills. Colorado Golf Hall of Famer Press Maxwell designed the first 18 in 1961; Mark Rathert added nine in 1998. Any 18-hole combination can stretch to 7,000 yards. gardenofthegodsclub.com

Strata Strategy INSPIRED BY THE powerful beauty of the surrounding environment, the Garden of the Gods Resort and Club encourages guests to maximize their own wellbeing. The Fitness Center offers group and individual exercise classes featuring everything from yoga, Pilates, Nia and Zumba to aquatic moves, TRX and more. The resort’s Strata Integrated Wellness Spa takes that commitment to wellness to another level, restoring your mind, body, and spirit balance—layer by layer.

The staff achieves this through the integration of modern and healing medicine, innovative functional fitness and a luxurious spa to create immersive, memorable, high-touch

HISTORY LESSON

Kissing Camels Golf Club came along 10 years after Garden of the Gods Club opened in 1951. In 1982, the course hosted the USGA Senior Women’s Amateur, won

by Edean Ihlanfeldt.

Whether you’re savoring an impeccable Double Bone-In Pork Chop in the Grand View Dining Room or tapas in The Rocks Bar & Lounge, a meal at the Garden of the Gods Resort and Club comes with a rocking view. gardenofthegodsclub.com

concierge experiences for every patient. Strata’s personnel are experts in medicine, exercise physiology, nutrition, spirituality and other wellness specialties from both Eastern and Western disciplines.

Using advanced diagnostics and exhaustive patient assessment, Strata’s expert team of physicians, nurses and clinicians collaborate to deliver cutting-edge treatments and design personalized healthy living plans.

Strata serves Garden of the Gods Resort and Club guests and the public by appointment. gardenofthegodsclub.com

Each of the 56 Club Rooms and Suites in the Garden of the Gods Resort and Club’s main building offer breathtaking front-row views of the Garden of the Gods Park with its spectacular natural formations, sheer cliffs, abrupt towers, balancing rocks, and oak-covered valleys — all framed by snow-capped Pikes Peak. gardenofthegodsclub.com

SPONSORED BY

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EXCLUSIVITY at its FINEST!

Discover the Be nefits of Me mbership More than ever, life is not meant to be rushed. It is something to savor. To sip. To enjoy.

We invite you to claim your home-away-from-home with a Garden of the Gods Club Membership. Choose a membership category fit just for you. Enjoy world-class activities, amenities, social calendar of events and parties, luxury accommodations, and countless other exclusive benefits including STRATA Integrative Wellness and Spa. Garden of the Gods Resort and Club was built surrounded by natural wonders in a one-of-a-kind setting providing for the senses while inviting you to become part of our social community.

O UR MEMB ER SH IP T EAM IS HE RE FO R YO U. PL E AS E CO N TACT US AT 7 1 9-520 -4980 OR MEMBE RS HI P@ G A RD E N O F THE G O DS RE S O RT.CO M 3320

Mesa Road

Colorado Springs

CO

80904

|

gardenofthegodsresort.com

GRAND JUNCTION

Special Advertising Section

Grand Junction’s Grandest EVER WONDER WHAT it would be like to play golf along the bottom of the Grand Canyon or in the Garden of the Gods? The opportunity awaits at The Golf Club at Redlands Mesa. Using the maPHOTO BY DICK DURRANCE

jestic Colorado National Monument as a backdrop, Golf course architect Jim Engh seemingly painted this surreal 7,007-yard layout onto a vertiginous high-desert canvas of jagged buttes and sandstone formations south of Grand Junction. Redlands Mesa earned Golf Digest’s Best New Course of

She’s accomplished this by moving the golf

cent to the clubhouse, expanded event lawn,

2001, and it remains one of the foremost courses

shop from the clubhouse into its own building

alfresco dining, golf simulators and an overall

in the state and country. Sandra Weckerly, who

“with a better view of the first tee,” and completly

upgrade in the level of service. The Weckerlys

owns the course with her husband David and has

renovating the dining area. The result, Ocotillo

also plan to build on-premises lodging for their

been its general manager for the last five years,

—an “upscale casual dining experience” with

many destination golfers, but for now, stay-and-

has helped polish this jewel by making “it feel like

white-linen tablecloths and a wide-ranging menu

play deals with local hotels help keep the tee

a vacation resort experience whether you’re a lo-

—has proved wildly popular with both golf-

sheets full—as do the brisk home sales in the sur-

cal or visitor,” she says.

ers and nongolfers. So has the new pool adja-

rounding enclave. redlandsmesa.com

INSIDER INSIGHT

A SMOOTH 84

The 84th Sinclair Rocky Mountain Open, Colorado’s oldest open championship, takes place Aug.25-27 at Grand Junction’s Tiara Rado Golf Course. rmogolf. golfgenius.com

THE GRAND JUNCTION area deserves its stellar reputation for hiking, camping, mountain biking and wine making. It’s also the home to some memorable craft breweries (Kannah Creek and Gemini among many), distilleries (Highland, Peach Street), restaurants (Ocotillo The Winery, Citrolas, Bin 707) and the inimitable Kulina Lani Organic Sourdough bakery. visitgrandjunction.com

SPONSORED BY

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SOUTH FORK

Special Advertising Section

Rio Grande’s golf course is open for public play, but the club’s pool, tennis and pickleball courts and a fishing lodge are only available to members and their guests. However, if you stay in one of the 24 riverfront townhomes owned by a member, you assume the renter’s membership status (golf, angling and sport, or social) or can pay extra for the “Rio Grande Club Experience” package. riverclubvacationrentals.com

Its Name Is Rio

are a couple of ‘angler beware’ holes,” superin-

the semi-private Rio Grande Club and Resort

tendent Bill Tanner jokes, singling out the par-3

in tiny South Fork. The former activity takes

sixth, which requires a long-iron carry over the

place on more than a mile of private Gold Med-

rushing waters. The layout shifts from riparian

al waters near where the Rio Grande and South

to alpine as it climbs a verdant ridgeline on the

Fork rivers meet; the latter on a 7,155-yard

back nine. Plunging tee shots await on the par-4

course designed by Ric Buckton and Jay Benson

11th, par-3 12th and drivable par-4 17th. All of it

of Redstone Golf. Framed by ponderosa pines,

foreshadows the 200-foot drop from tee to fair-

scrub oak and aspen, Rio Grande’s front nine

way on the long, par-5 18th that curls sinisterly

flows along and across the club’s trout-filled

around the lake fronting the clubhouse.

namesake on holes three through eight. “There

riograndeclubandresort.com

COURTESY OF RIO GRANDE CLUB & RESORT

FLY-FISHING AND GOLF take center stage at

The Rio Grande Club and South Fork are located beautifully along a 20-mile section of the Rio Grande between Creede and Del Norte that is the longest stretch of Gold Medal fly-fishing waters in Colorado. This designation from the Colorado Division of Wildlife means the best chance for catching—and releasing—a trophy trout. riograndeclubandresort.com/fishing

RGC&R’s 25,000-square-foot clubhouse gives diners in the Big River Grille (lunch) and The Timbers Restaurant (dinner) big views of the San Juans and the Rio Grande National Forest. Big River Grille serves straightforward fare, but The Timbers pulls out the stops with a mouthwatering array of specialties, ranging from ahi nachos to chicken-fried steak to ancho salmon, shrimp risotto and hand-cut grilled ribeye. riograndeclubandresort.com

South Fork makes a great basecamp for adventures like horseback rides into the Rio Grande Forest or day trips to the cool mining (and theater) town of Creede; the spires of the Wheeler Geologic Area and drifts of the Great Sand Dunes National Monument; Pagosa Springs; the 1874 Distillery in Del Norte; or any number of trails climb into the San Juans. southfork.org

SPONSORED BY

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“I want to show Up” Devoted to making a difference on the field and in the community, Broncos safety JUSTIN SIMMONS now brings his game-changing passion to the golf course.

T

wo-time All-Pro safety Justin

on a football field borders on freakish.

Simmons enters the spacious

A lean, lanky build (6-foot-2 and 202

lobby of the Denver Broncos’

pounds) has allowed him to make

training facility wearing what

some incredible interceptions for

initially appears to be a Karate Kid

the Broncos’ secondary, and timely

headband. A closer look reveals a

blocked kicks on special teams.

bandana covered with Bible verses.

safety,” KOA’s long-time Broncos play-

the start of an interview which encom-

by-by man Dave Logan says. “He’s ath-

passes his values of family, faith and

letic and long, and that allows him to

philanthropy—with a bit of football,

cover well. He also has great instincts

fairways and foursomes included.

when playing the middle of the field.

In his first six seasons as a Bronco, Simmons, 28, has made a sizable impact on the Denver defense and the

By Sam Adams Portrait by Justin Tafoya/Clarkson Creative

COLORADO AVIDGOLFER

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You’ve got to be careful with him back there because of his range.”

However, Broncos’ Ring of Fame

Colorado community. Drafted 98th

safety Billy Thompson cautions that

overall in 2016 out of Boston College,

Simmons’ athleticism will carry him

he has not missed a start for Denver

only so far. “It looks like he’s learned a

since 2017 and already ranks 10th

lot on his own,” Thompson says. “He’s

all-time on the Broncos’ interception

athletic, no question about that. It’s

list with 21.

just the nuances—and you pick them

The athleticism Simmons displays

66

“Justin has a lot of versatility as a

Smiling, he offers a handshake before

up with experience.”

coloradoavidgolfer.com

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PHOTOS BY BEN SWANSON/DENVERBRONCOS.COM

YOUTH IS SERVED: From left, Simmons stands between Montbello teenagers Najaray West and NaShara Ellerbee during last June’s March for Peace at the Denver Broncos Boys & Girls Club; handing off the ball at a PLAY 60 All-Ability Clinic with Special Olympics Colorado at UCHealth Training Center; and shopping for school supplies with Joshua, a member of the Denver Broncos Boys & Girls Club.

Giving Back

(Sanders), Von (Miller), they all were

When he’s away from the roars of thousands of pro football fanatics, Simmons invests his time in the work of the Justin Simmons Foundation, which he established during the pandemic in 2020 and extends itself to several local organizations—the Boys and Girls Clubs and Denver Rescue

Simmons has dedicated himself to being actively involved with the organization’s community outreach efforts.

Mission among them.

His foundation also has been active with charity work in Florida’s Martin County, where he grew up and attended high school in the town of Stuart on the Atlantic Coast.

To be sure, Simmons’ philanthropy predates the creation of his foundation and his $16.5

million annual salary. “I grew up with a giving-back mentality,” he says, and ever since arriving in Denver in 2016, Simmons has dedicated himself to being actively involved with the organization’s community outreach efforts.

He says it’s meaningful to walk the same path as many of his former teammates, as well as current Broncos players who are involved with charities and foundations.

“Guys like Chris (Harris), D.T. (the late Demaryius Thomas) … when I got here (2016) D.T. was huge in the community, especially with the Boys and Girls Club,” Simmons says. “Guys like Emmanuel

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COLORADO AVIDGOLFER

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JUNE 2022

doing community work.

“From a young rook’s perspective,

like Jesus showed up in scripture.”

To see how Simmons has shown up, you only need to look at the Broncos’

I’m coming in and watching our top

team webpage, where a slideshow

stars on the team give back. That was

of more than 100 photos chronicles

cool for me because that’s how I

Simmons’ involvement with food banks,

grew up.

shelters, schools, hospitals, blood drives,

“I didn’t get to where I am on my

Boys & Girls Clubs, military bases, NFL

own. I want to make sure that along this

Play 60 events and dozens of other situ-

journey the Lord has me on, that I’m

ations where he can make a difference

able to be the person that’s giving back

in people’s lives.

to someone who’s looking up to my position in life.

“I want to give that person hope, vision and joy in what they want to do.”

FINDING FAITH

Before last season’s home opener, he flew in eight family members of another man named Justin Simmons, who had died from a heart attack at age 32. Like the Broncos star, the other Justin Simmons had devoted himself

Simmons credits much of his perspec-

to helping others, and before being

tives about life on a biracial upbringing.

taken off life-support, the organ donor

“My dad (Victor) is black, my mom

was wheeled around the hospital in an

(Kimberly) is white — and that was

“honor walk.” His final act of giving—

just interesting in itself, growing up a

his liver and kidneys—saved three lives.

mixed kid,” Simmons says. “A lot of time

“I saw the video of the honor walk

I just felt I’m not black enough to hang

and right then and there I knew I had

out with my black friends, or not white

to find a way to help his family,” the All-

enough to hang out with my white

Pro said in an ESPN interview. “I have

friends. There was just a lot of time

all the respect in the world for what

figuring out who I was.”

Justin did.”

That moment, he continues, “caused

For three consecutive years, the

me to grow closer to my family. In that

Broncos have shown their respect for

closeness I naturally was drawn to a

their star safety by nominating him

relationship with Jesus. That’s my

for the Walter Payton NFL Man of the

parents’ foundation.”

Year award, which is given annually

Simmons, who with his wife Taryn

to a player for his excellence both on

has a pair of daughters, says he has

and off the field. He is one of only two

a passion for kids and for young adults.

Broncos to be thrice nominated, and the

“No matter what it is, I want to be

only one to have the nominations come

there,” he insists. “I want to show up,

consecutively.

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69

ACTIVISM During the racially charged summer of 2020, Simmons was a leader among the Broncos’ players and team personnel who attended a Black Lives Matter rally held in downtown Denver. Simmons delivered a heartfelt message to the crowd—one that allowed many people to see and hear him in a different light.

“I really had a moment, at the rally, where I felt I didn’t want to waste an opportunity to stand up for something that I know in my heart is right,” he says. “I’d rather do what I know in my heart is PHOTO BY BEN SWANSON/DENVERBRONCOS.COM

right, and whatever happens because of it, I’m cool with happening.

“That’s been my M.O. ever since. How people think, how they take things, I can’t help how they may perceive the things I’m doing—even though I’m telling you why I’m doing what I’m doing.”

Simmons has become a fixture at the Boys and Girls Club in Montbello, where he mentors youth participating in the national RISE leadership program.

“You gain a lot of people’s respect when you show up.”

Jewell and Brett Rypien. “If I had to say, Brett Rypien is one of the best golfers on

THE GOLF GAME

RISE is a nonprofit that educates,

the team,” Simmons says. “B-Mac’s (kick-

Sometime during the 2022 NFL season

empowers and encourages the sports

Simmons is expected to play his 100th

community to eradicate racial dis-

game. That number also represents

crimination, while championing social

the benchmark on his

justice and the improvement in race relations. The program also offers youth a platform to share experiences and

scorecard.

“I’m consistently a high 90s, 100s type of

perspectives on race, and diversity and

golfer,” he says. “I’m

inclusion. Simmons is on site as a will-

too inconsistent for my

ing listener and discussion participant.

liking at this point. For

“I feel like one of the most important

the most part I can feel

commodities, as a person, that you

a consistency of pro-

can give to someone else is your time,”

gression in my game. I

Simmons says.

think that’s what makes

“You can give money and other of your time to someone else, that shows the dedication of how much you care.

in that aspect.”

Carrying a bag full of PINGs,

compete to become quarterback Russell Wilson’s backup, is the nephew of Super Bowl XXVI MVP Mark Rypien, the winner of two American Century Celebrity Championship golf tournaments in South Lake Tahoe.

“It’s fun to play with Brett because I get to

see what a really good golfer plays like,” Simmons muses. “I’m picking the brains

Simmons hits the links with hopes of

of guys that are better than me. I haven’t

competing. Thus far, it’s proven to be as

taken private, personal lessons. That’s

rough as containing quarterback Patrick

the next step I need to take.”

“I want to be competitive at it, but I’m

PHOTO BY GABRIEL CHRISTUS/DENVERBRONCOS.COM

///

McManus has played in the Inspirato Colorado Open, and Rypien, who will

“...one of the most important commodities... that you can give to someone else is your time.”

Mahomes of the Kansas City Chiefs.

COLORADO AVIDGOLFER

er Brandon McManus) up there too.”

it fun. I’m a workaholic

things, but when you show up and give

70

teammates like Justin Strnad, Josey

Clearly, Simmons, who has played golf since his rookie year but has yet

just not there yet,” Simmons says. “A lot

to break 90, has the right attitude and

of times, I just love going to the course.

work ethic to lower his golf scores.

I like to kick back, have good company

They’re the same qualities that have

and just great vibes. I think I fell in love

made him a stellar football player,

with golf because of that.

ambassador to the community and

“I thought it would be awkward. Like,

model citizen.

you’re out there for four hours with the same three guys. That, to me, just

Before becoming a successful standup

sounds like an exaggerated or pro-

comic, contributor Sam Adams was a

longed conversation. I’m not that type

Rocky Mountain News columnist. He has

of person.”

written more than 25 Colorado AvidGolfer

JUNE 2022

Simmons enjoys golf outings with

cover stories. samadamscomedy.com

MAKING STATEMENTS: Simmons’ impact on the team comes on the field (left) and off it. At the 2020 Black Lives Matter rally attended

by Broncos players and personnel, he addressed the crowd. “I didn’t want to waste an opportunity to stand up for something that I know in my heart is right.”

coloradoavidgolfer.com

71

In The Ascendant

Colorado’s Korn Ferry Tour event has a new name, new sponsors and the same commitment to building something truly special.

By Jon Rizzi

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MAY 2022

I

n 2019, on the Tuesday before the Korn Ferry Tour’s inaugural TPC Colorado Championship in Berthoud, a 23-yearold tour rookie joined Tournament Director Drew Blass at the Anheuser-Busch Brewery in Fort Collins for #ULTRAShot, a promotional competition sponsored by Michelob ULTRA. The game: With one swing from the roof of the 150-foot-high building, contestants tried to land a shot in a small painted circle 240 yards away.

MAKING THE SCENE: Scottie Scheffler, far left, with partners Jim Birdsall, Dave Schaefer Pete Meyer, Paul Duxbury and fellow pro golfer Jonathan Randolph during the 2019 pro-am event at TPC Colorado; Tyson Alexander came a shot short of last year’s playoff.

Among the contestants: Broncos kicker Brandon McManus, Nuggets forward Mason Plumlee, David Duval PHOTOS COURTESY OF THE ASCENDANT PRESENTED BY BLUE

and guys who’d failed to qualify at Monday’s qualifiers.

The problem: “I’m afraid of heights,” the rookie confided to Blass, who, aware of the assembled media, persuaded him to step up.

He did. Like all but one of the contestants, he missed the mark, but just having him participate in the spectacle helped publicize the tournament that would begin two days later.

That rookie, Scottie Scheffler, went

year tournament in 30 years.”

“It is truly incredible how quickly Drew Blass and his team made this

Colorado and Wyoming can say, ‘Hey, we were a part of this.’ It’s special for everybody.”

on to become the Korn Ferry Tour’s

a marquee event on our schedule, in

Player of the Year, an undefeated mem-

addition to putting on the tournament

fact that the course, tournament and

ber of the 2021 winning Ryder Cup

rated highest all around by our mem-

surrounding community are all the

team and the 2022 Masters champion.

bership,” Korn Ferry President Alex

same tender age. TPC Colorado opened

Acrophobia has not prevented him

Baldwin said during the announce-

in 2018 to high praise, the tournament

from ascending to the top of the World

ment at the PGA TOUR’s annual Tour-

started in 2019—all while homes in

Rankings, a perch at which he appears

nament Meetings last December.

the adjacent Heron Lakes development

to feel quite comfortable.

Scheffler’s ascendancy has coincided

“Something Special”

Much of that feeling stems from the

have been selling like hotcakes. “Plus,” Blass points out, “the whole northern

“This is the standard,” she elaborated

area, from Longmont up to Wyoming,

which, as of this year, is officially

during a February event at TPC Colo-

is a golf mecca,” Blass says.

known as The Ascendant presented

rado. “You have done something really

by Blue (Ascendant National Title is

special. The tournament is a favorite of

double the number for an average

the title sponsor; Blue Federal Credit

the players and an amazing mobiliza-

Korn Ferry Tour event—work the tour-

Union, the presenting). Ascendant is

tion of people. Plus, you’ve had a mean-

nament and “they know what they’re

arguably the most appropriate name

ingful impact on the community.”

doing,” Las Vegas-based golfer Taylor

with that of the TPC Championship,

ever for a title-sponsored tournament

That impact can be measured not

More than 700 volunteers—about

Montgomery says. One of them, Mark

just by the $50,000 the tournament

Fidrych, knew and did so much, work-

has generated for local charities, but

ing more than 140 hours chairing on-

take place June 30-July 3 at TPC Colo-

also by the number of volunteers and

course services and handling uniform

rado in Berthoud, and when it does, it

attendees at the event. As Blass said

distribution for all volunteers, that he

will be defending its title as the Korn

upon receiving the Tournament of the

earned the tour’s 2021 Volunteer of the

Ferry Tour’s 2021 Tournament of the

Year Award, “It’s truly an honor for the

Year Award.

Year—an honor it received two years

whole community,” tournament direc-

after earning the Product of the Year

tor Blass said. “Everybody is embracing

than half the players in the field

Award and unofficial title of “best first-

it, …everybody involved all through

stay with volunteers, members and

for aspiring PGA TOUR golfers.

The fourth edition of the event will COURTESY OF THE ASCENDANT PRESENTED BY BLUE

During tournament week, more

coloradoavidgolfer.com

73

PHOTOS COURTESY OF THE ASCENDANT PRESENTED BY BLUE

partners. “These players are so grateful for people opening their houses and welcoming them,” Blass says. “I hear all time about people getting to know the players personally and building friendships.” One of those relationships even resulted in the player, who’d finally earned his PGA TOUR card, inviting his host family to his wedding.

Player Perspectives

INFO TO GO The Ascendant presented by Blue June 30-July 4 TPC Colorado 2375 TPC Parkway, Berthoud theAscendant.com 970-528-9957

free tickets to military and veterans, I

space off the tee and room to drive it,”

get a decent showing of spectators.”

he says which gives the longer hitters

“I’m always grateful if people follow me,” German-born former CU

an advantage.”

Whitney concurs, although missing

golfer Jeremy Paul says. He will see the

fairways is very penalizing. “They

course for the first time this year. “Peo-

pride themselves on growing the rough

ple say it’s their favorite tournament,

out,” he says. “If you hit every fairway,

that it’s the total package and they take

you’re going to contend.”

care of the players. If people don’t like a certain event, you’ll hear it.”

“My favorite thing is the food. It’s

In terms of playing at altitude, having played in Colombia, Las Vegas and on the PGA TOUR Latinoamérica,

Given the tournament’s emphasis on

incredible,” Montgomery says. “You

Alexander says 5,030 feet above sea

hospitality, it’s no surprise that in the

lose weight at other tournaments, not

level isn’t an issue, but “the altitude

this one.”

makes you control your golf ball.”

end-of-year Tournament of the Year voting Korn Ferry Tour players gave the TPC Colorado Championship the highest scores for player amenities.

“There’s nothing to bitch about there,”

ASCENDING: Clockwise, Taylor Montgomery, Tom Whiteney and Charlie Saxon in action at last year’s championship.

golfer Tyson Alexander says. “The

The TPC Colorado course also re-

ming for 12 years, so he’s “comfortable

on the pandemic-induced 46-event

trusting my pitching wedge is going

wraparound schedule of 2020-2021.

to go 170 yards. I’m not saying it gives

“I do like the fact that the holes are

facilities, the player dining, the fitness

longer—it’s not just driver and a wedge

center, the course—they check all the

like just about everywhere else,” says

boxes for us as players, so we’re all in

Alexander, who finished one shot shy

a pretty good mood.”

of being the fourth man in a playoff

“The crowds are bigger there than at

Whitney lived in Colorado and Wyo-

ceived the highest score of any course

me an advantage, just that there isn’t a learning curve.”

The Fan Experience

The 20,000 and 25,000 fans who

last year. He’s not enamored of the 773-

attended the two TPC Colorado Cham-

other events,” Tom Whitney, a former

yard 13th but loves the decision-mak-

pionships that allowed spectators got

Air Force Academy golfer observes.

ing involved in the risk-reward third,

to see players like Scottie Scheffler,

“The whole Northern Colorado area

the beauty of the par-3 eighth and

Will Zalatoris, Maverick McNealy and

looks forward to coming. And with

the strength of the three-hole closing

Davis Riley and before they graduated

multiple military bases on the Front

stretch.

to the PGA TOUR.

Range and the tournament offering

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As far as strategy, “There’s some

JUNE 2022

They also got to experience most,

bigger, better, back,” Blass says. Look for more interactive activities with BirdieBall and other partners, like Citywide Banks; improved parking and PHOTO COURTESY OF THE ASCENDANT PRESENTED BY BLUE

operational logistics; a heroes’ pavilion to honor military and first responders; and bigger hospitality areas on holes 15 and 18.

Shuttles will now take patrons from the clubhouse to holes 8-11—”the PHOTO COURTESY OF JEREMY PAUL

furthest from the clubhouse and some of the prettiest on the course,” Blass says—and a new caterer means there’ll be more food stations around the course, including by the eighth tee.

Construction is nearly done on addi-

CHASING THE DREAM: Former CU golfer Jeremy Paul (above) will make his inaugrual appearance at TPC Colorado; veteran Tag Ridings won last year’s championship in a three-way playoff.

but not all, of the bells and whistles—

tional viewing areas at the magnificent

viewing areas, hospitality tents, mer-

16th—the par-3 known as “Center

chandise sales, kid areas—that make a

Stage,” where Kevin Yu, David Skinns

top-flight tournament.

and eventual champion Tag Ridings

That was before the event became The Ascendant presented by Blue.

“This gets us over the hill and allows us

contested last year’s three-person playoff.

Like Nelson Ledesma and Will Zala-

to throw a better tournament,” course

toris before him, Ridings received a

owner and developer Jon Turner said

distinctive trophy suggesting the peaks

at the announcement. “The event is

visible across the water from the 16th

now poised to grow stronger.”

green. This year’s winner will get one

And that is has. Go this year and you’ll experience it. “Our slogan is

with the Colorado flag, the other with the Wyoming flag,” Blass says, explaining that Blue Federal Credit Union is a Wyoming-based company.

“It’s a unique gift with a local flavor, and after the tournament, we’ll ship the chairs to the winner—even if lives in Australia,” Blass laughs.

“We want to keep building on the momentum of the last three years.

Colorado deserves great golf, and we’ve really got something special that everyone should see.”

too, plus a gift: a pair of Adirondack

Jon Rizzi is the editorial director of

chairs made from skis—“one is painted

Colorado AvidGolfer.

coloradoavidgolfer.com

75

Pfit to a Ptee

Fort Collins’ Ptarmigan Country Club prioritizes juniors, family, community— and “always trying to get better.”

By Andy Bigford Photos by Chris Wheeler unless otherwise noted

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JUNE 2022

T

yler Severin and Dillon Stewart might

rounds, occasionally soaring into the

have been the most enthusiastic yet

mid-30,000 range for the pandemic

unlikely spectators in the gallery for

year. Ptarmigan recorded 43,000

the 2020 Junior Club Championship at

rounds in 2020, benefitting from a tee

Ptarmigan Country Club in Fort Collins,

sheet that begins at 6:30 a.m. in the

where kids as young as 6 years old

busy summer months. Rounds dropped

were battling for bragging rights.

to 35,000 in 2021, and the preferred

Severin plays for the University of

its membership cap from 425 to 390

collegiate tournament. Stewart, one

(there’s currently a short waiting list).

of the most highly decorated juniors PHOTO BY JIMMY DEVINE

in recent Colorado history, had won the individual 2018 Junior America’s Cup title, the state 5A high school championship and two AJGA events before

Then there are the members them-

“The culture here is golf and family.”

selves. Whether age 5 or 85, “Everyone out there is trying to get better,” Severin says.

It’s working: More than a third of the membership plays to a single

competing for powerhouse Oklahoma

digit, and there are 20 golfers at scratch

State. Neither had a younger sibling

or plus.

in the field, but both were paying it

Colorado clubs in recent years have

forward to a program that had meant

invested tens of millions of dollars in

so much to them.

expanding and renovating clubhouses,

“It’s one of my favorite things to

building spas and fitness centers, and

do,” says Severin of his visits back to

offering instruction in everything from

the Pfarm, which is what everyone

hot yoga to French culinary classes.

affectionately calls the Ptarmigan

Ptarmigan has looked long and hard

junior golf community. “I was given so

at doing all those things, and mostly

much,” Stewart adds. “It’s my duty now

decided to pass.

to give back.”

On the other end of the age spec-

The club prefers to reinvest the bulk of its capital back in a course that is

trum at Ptarmigan is Craig Chester,

arguably the best-conditioned in north-

also a perfect fit in this tight-knit golf

ern Colorado; for this season, it levelled

family. The 84-year-old Chester, who

and redesigned the range. Ptarmigan

meticulously records all his golf stats

has a comfortable clubhouse with a

on an Xcel spreadsheet, plays more

large outdoor terrace and banquet

than 200 rounds a year—and has shot

space for 250; a swimming pool; and

his age or better more than a thousand

two tennis courts (one of which is

times. That quest began in 2009, when

being converted into four pickleball

he shot a two-under-par 70 at age 70.

courts). But those amenities are not

A Purist’s Delight

THROUGH THE AGES: The signature silo on Ptarmigan’s 15th (left) sports many embedded balls. Pfarm products Tyler Severin (top) and Dillon Stewart (with Dad, Scott) now play DI golf. Buddies Stan Unruh, Gary Huffman and Dennis McFeely point to 84-year-old Craig Chester, who has shot his age or better more than a thousand times.

norm is 28,000, so the club reduced

Wyoming and had just won his first

really the focus.

“We know who we are,” says Jeff

For a magazine of this name, it seems

Ulvedal, Ptarmigan’s head professional,

fitting to celebrate the most “avid golf-

who also spearheads the membership

er” club in Colorado. Here’s a vote for

director duties. “The culture here is

Ptarmigan, the Jack Nicklaus-designed

golf and family.” That starts with the

course on the outskirts of Fort Collins.

owners, the Flack family, represented

“It’s not really a country club, it’s a golf

by general manager Ryan Flack, and

club,” says Scott Stewart, Dillon’s dad

trickles down through the staff and

and a 2-handicap. “It’s pure golf.”

members. Club programs are designed

Start with sheer volume. Covid

to bring members together, such as the

2020 triggered unprecedented play

weekend morning “Card Draws,” when

across the country, with Colorado clubs

two-person teams are randomly paired

reporting 30-40 percent increases in

for a best-ball game.

coloradoavidgolfer.com

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PHOTO COURTESY OF PTARMIGAN COUNTRY CLUB

Grooming the Future

While many clubs still view junior golf as a necessary inconvenience, Ptarmigan considers it the heart and soul of its mission. It starts with junior golf camps based on having fun for ages 6 and above, then steps up to fielding three teams in the PGA Jr. League, with an emphasis on etiquette and sportsmanship.

Players next compete in junior CGA and Colorado PGA contests, and can move up to AJGA and USGA events. Ptarmigan also hosts, at no charge, the golf teams from Fossil Ridge High School and Preston Middle School, and the course has been the site of the Colorado State women’s Colonel Wollenberg Ptarmigan Rams Classic since 1999.

It’s difficult to find other clubs in the U.S., much less in Colorado, with a junior pedigree to match Ptarmigan’s.

In 2021, Pfarm product Leigha Devine, who plays for Rutgers, won both the CGA stroke and match play championships, and qualified for the U.S. Women’s Open (Devine was coached by Ulvedal on her

NORTHERN LIGHTS: Left, Pfarm product and Rutgers University player Leigha Devine at the 2021 U.S. Women’s Open; father-and-son superintendent team Scott and Daniel Robbins. Above: The sun splits the spring storm clouds above Ptarmigan’s tough par-5 14th, the beginning of a stretch known as “Ptarmeggedon.”

way up).

for the University of Colorado, and Brett,

Nathaniel Goddard, who won the 2016

who would compete at Colorado Mesa),

CGA stroke play and attended Colorado

invited him into their world and pushed

Christian University; Tyler Bricker (Flor-

him to get better.

ida Atlantic and Colorado Christian); Aili

Ott was a good role model: He won the 2018 CGA match play title, and in

Hannah Doran (Colorado Christian);

2021 qualified individually for the NCAA Championships as a fifth-year senior at Colorado State. Ott won two college tournaments in his career.

Two years after winning the

Dillon Stewart accurately says he

Bundy (Northern Colorado); Aubrey and Miles Atkinson (Hawaii-Pacific)

PTARMIGAN COUNTRY CLUB ptarmigancc.com 970-226-8555

prestigious Southern Amateur,

Brent Vail (Fresno State); Matthew Goddard (Colorado Christian University); Matthew Heeseman (Roosevelt University); Jackson Giro (Colorado State); Bethany

“lived at the golf course” when he

he captured the 2021 Wyoming

was growing up (his Apple Maps app

Invitational in Palm Desert, Calif., mak-

Mexico); Mitch Buchner (University of

analyzed his location behavior and con-

ing it back-to-back for the Pfarm. Severin

Colorado, Colorado Springs); and Will

cluded Dillon’s “home” was Ptarmigan

won that title in 2020, shooting -9 to

Campbell (Indiana Tech).

Country Club). As a 13-year-old newbie,

beat a field that included golf bluebloods

he viewed high-school star A.J. Ott as

Oregon and Auburn.

“my Tiger Woods.” Rather than dissing

At the risk of leaving some deserving

Buchner (University of New

Severin may be the Pfarm’s poster child, given that he was born into the game: His mother, Julie, went into labor

the undersized Stewart, Ott and the

Pfarm grads out, the recent honor roll

while playing golf at nine months with

Krantz brothers (Cole, who would play

also includes Cole Bundy (Wyoming);

her husband, Bill. When Tyler was 16,

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COLORADO AVIDGOLFER

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JUNE 2022

64 on the final day. He’ll never forget the view from his approach shot to the 17th hole on Sunday, with the entire stadium-like hillside covered with a fleet of carts and spectators.

“I was looking into the eyes of all the people who watched us grow up,” he says. Dillon’s wedge spun back, creased the hole, and ended up a foot from the cup. “It got loud. Unreal. Maybe a miniglimpse of what it’s like on Tour.”

The Sunday crowds were out in force again for the 2021 club championship, but Dillon had already returned to school in Stillwater. Tyler found himself in the middle of the action, but this time he was paying it back, caddying for his dad, who had coached him through much of his youth and still offers a keen eye. Bill, a scratch golfer, former assistant golf professional, and a decorated multisport high-school athlete in Yuma, Colorado, birdied the final hole to return the title to the Severin family trophy case.

rather than getting video games or an

tendent since Ptarmigan opened in 1987,

iPhone, his Christmas present was a fam-

and his son Daniel is the heir apparent.

ily membership at Ptarmigan. He soon

Everyone agrees that Nicklaus was in

found himself in daily matches with the

a benevolent mood when he designed

likes of Ott, Stewart and Bundy. “There is

the front nine, with generous fairways

so much talent out there,” he says, noting

and the usual requirement for quality

there was never any lack of motivation.

approaches. Nicklaus got a little wicked

“You get sick of getting your butt kicked.”

on the back, which plays three or four

Severin says he’s “met so many good

strokes tougher than the front. The high-

people…who love supporting me in so

light is the three-hole “Ptarmeggedon”

many ways,” noting Ptarmigan members

stretch, including the par-5 14th and 16th,

helped steer him to school in Wyoming,

both with OB right and always present

have offered him jobs and career advice,

water on the left. But it’s the par-three

and will likely stake him if he decides to

15th that is Ptarmigan’s signature hole,

pursue a professional career. This sum-

with an old grain silo guarding the right

mer, he is working three days a week in

flank (look closely and you’ll see hun-

outside operations for the golf shop.

dreds of embedded Titleists).

With five sets of tee boxes, Ptarmigan

Ptarmigan’s club championship in

PFARM TEAM: Henry Moreno (top) shows off his big shoulder turn and then has fun with the Carluccis (Tatum, mom Ashley and Isla), his mom, Linsey, and sister, Addison).

Bottom: Unlike the birds that inspire their shape, Ptarmigan’s white tees do not turn brown in summer.

Andy Bigford is a Colorado AvidGolfer

stretches from 5,324 up to 7,225 yards

recent years has reflected its multi-

contributor. His latest ski-related

for the young guns, the latter playing to

generational approach and support of

book, Eldora: Six Decades of Adventure,

a 73.3 course rating with a slope of 142.

the game. Severin won the title in 2019,

written with Rett Ertl, is due out in

Scott Robbins has been the lone superin-

then Stewart claimed it in 2020, shooting

November.

coloradoavidgolfer.com

79

Blind Shot

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The Unseen Game

PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY OF SANCTUARY

Sanctuary at 25

A quarter century on, the exclusive Sedalia gem continues to generate greater returns for the greater good.

S

anctuary took the golf world by storm when it debuted in 1997. Commissioned by RE/MAX Co-Founders Dave and Gail Liniger, a littleknown Castle Rock architect named Jim Engh transformed 224 acres of pine, brush and sandstone between Daniels Park and Cherokee Castle into a painterly masterwork of plunging holes, superb shot values and endless eye candy. Sanctuary garnered Golf Digest’s coveted Best New Private Course of the Year, launching Engh’s career.

Adding to Sanctuary’s cachet was its membership of two (the Linigers), its lack of real estate (a “sanctuary” for the area’s abundant wildlife and vegetation) and its mission of hosting tournaments held by community-minded charities to raise as much money as possible. “We are guided by a commitment to stewardship that focuses not just on habitat protection,” Dave Liniger says, “but also on good citizenship.”

The first year, Liniger challenged the charities to net $100,000 in one day at Sanctuary. “When I first heard that my eyes lit up,” remembers Rudy Zupetz, Sanctuary’s first and only head PGA Professional.

“Some of the groups did, and then we put in the ap-

80

COLORADO AVIDGOLFER

///

JUNE 2022

plication process. I thought novelty of the place might wear off in five or six years, and we’d have a drop-off.

It never happened.”

Two of those original charities—Anchor Center for Blind Children and Children’s Hospital—are holding their 26th tournaments at Sanctuary this summer.

Others are right behind them. “This will be our 21st year,” Junior Achievement Rocky Mountain President/ CEO Robin Wise says. “Sanctuary never gets old.”

Twenty-seven tournaments fill Sanctuary’s 2022 calendar. “And for organizations that don’t have the horsepower to get to that $100,000 threshold,” Zupetz explains, “Mr. Liniger personally approves 60 applications for foursomes to be auctioned at a minimum of $1,600 apiece.”

Over the course of 25 years, 538 Sanctuary tournaments and roughly 1,300 foursomes have combined to generate more than $117 million net—all of which directly benefits the many constituents these organizations serve. This August, Jim Engh will go into the Colorado Golf Hall of Fame, and, he says, “I can think of 117 million reasons why the Linigers should be in there too.” sanctuarygolfcourse.com —JON RIZZI

PROUD MOMENT: From left, Sanctuary PGA Professional Rudy Zupetz, Superintendent David Hare, Co-founders Gail and Dave Liniger, Architect Jim Engh and Golf Digest’s Ron Whitten pose on the 18th green with the 1997 Best New Private Course of the Year Award.

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