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One of the best things about editing Colorado AvidGolfer is working with great journalists on projects they love. The photos that accompany ourcoverstory on the evolution of EdelGolf are a perfectexample.
Michael Ciaglo is a Denver-area photographer we asked to take these photos. A former news photographerforthe HoustonChronicle, Ciaglohasa beautiful portfolio ofworkfromall overthe world. His portrait photography absolutely glows.
AshewaspackingupfromourphotoshootatThe Club at Rolling Hills, he said how much he likes working on story-telling assignments. Some photoshootsare justtocapturegoodimages, but it's justmoreinterestingtotrytovisuallytellastoryin a waythat mirrorsthewords, hesaid.
What a perfect description of why many of us do what we do. His excellent photos accompany a story about the latest expansion of the Pins and Aces golf brand. Nick Mertz and his brother-inlaw Jon Major started the Pins and Aces brand pre-covid and have grown the golf apparel and merchandisecompanyeversince. Buttheytooka big leap in early 2025 when they boughtgolf club manufacturer EdelGolf.
Our story looks at how the Denver-based Edel is doing today and what Mertz and Major are doing to try to grow the brand. Based on their success with Pins, I wouldnotbe against them.
Therearea lot ofgolf entities celebrating anniversaries this year. In this edition you'll read about the 100th anniversaries for both Wellshire Golf Course in Denver and for the Golf Course Superintendents Association, which has a very strong presence on Colorado courses. Also, the Garden
of the Gods Resort is turning 75, showing that sometimesgoodthingsdolast.
In addition, we wantedto tell astorytocommemorate Mother'sDaythismonthinawaythatwehaven't done recently. Many of us play golf through the workthat our mom'sdid for us - driving us to courses when we were kids, paying for lessons, gettingusclubs.
WespokewithStephAmellaofCastle Rock about her journey. She and her husband Gary have raised two good golfers - 2024 Colorado High School state champion Gavin Amelia and his sisterAiven.
Steph has all the usual challenges of many parents -a full-time job teaching 1st grade as well as raising her family. There is no secret to raising a good player, she says: let them pick what they enjoyandifit'sgolfsupportthemasbestyoucan. "We'vesupportedoneanotherthroughthiswhole journey, andwejust want tomakeit fun andbuild memories with them," she said. "This is a sport thatisalifelongsport."
We also visited the PGA of America's new headquarters in Frisco, Texas, and played its two courses. They were both enjoyable and worth a visit, andoneofthem, the East Course, isgoingto be very prominent hosting big-name PGA tournamentsgoingforward.
So spring is in full bloom, and the golf season is here. Enjoy making the stories this season that youcan sharewithyourbuddies.
Jim Bebbington// jim@coloradoavidgolfer.com
PEOPLEOFTHECGA:BRADWIESLEY
BY KAYLA KERNS
Brad Wiesley is a Boulder native whose life and career have been rooted in service, community, and Colorado golf. Helearnedthegame through aCityofBoulderjuniorprogramintheearly1970s andhasremainedconnectedtoiteversince. After a35-year career in lawenforcement- including morethan twodecades with theCity ofLafayette andover 10years withthe University ofColorado -Bradtransitionedintovolunteerwork andconsulting.Since2011, hehasbeenadedicatedColoradoGolfAssociationvolunteerand RulesOfficial, laterjoiningtheCGA RulesCommitteein2013.
KK: Whatisyourbackground?
BW: I'm lucky enough to be a Boulder native. My parentsmovedhereafewyearsbeforeIwasborn, and I've pretty much stayed within a five- toseven-mileradiusmywholelife. IgrewupinBoulder, wenttoschoolthere, andattendedCU.
IliveinLafayettenow,butI'vealwaysbeeninBoulderCounty.I'vetraveledalot-beentoalmostevery stateandinternationally-but Ialwayscome back home to Colorado and the northwest metro area.
KK: Whatdid your lawenforcementcareer teach youaboutleadershipandservice?
BW: It taught me a lot about people. In law enforcement, you often see people on their worst days, nottheirbest.That'soneofthethingsIreally appreciateabout golf-it's theopposite. People areouttherebecausetheywanttobe, they'reenjoyingthemselves, and it's amuch different environment. Leadership-wise, you learn that every situation isdifferent. Youhavetomakedecisions, apply the rules, and understand your resources.
That takes time and experience- and honestly, that mindset translates pretty well into officiating golf.
KK: What do you remember about learning the game?
BW: A couple of buddies and I were about 11 or 12andtryingtofigureoutwhattodoonesummer. Wefound a City of Boulder "Learn to Golf" camp at FlatironsGolfCourseandsignedupforaweek. Beforethat, wehadasummerpass toaputt-putt courseandwouldrideourbikesthereandplayfor hours.Thatprobablystartedit.
Afterthecamp,we'dgoplayatthislittlenine-hole coursenorthof Boulder-basically pasturegolf. It was an executive course on a farm, maybe 50 cents or a dollar to play.We'd go around two or three times, call one of our moms to pick us up, andjusthangoutallday. That's really where itall began.
KK: After your career in public safety, whatdrew youtotheCGAasarulesofficial?
BW: When I was getting close to retirement, I thoughtif Iunderstoodtherulesbetter, maybeI'd beabetterplayer-avoidpenalties, makebetter decisions.
So I went to USGA rules school, took the test, then went again the next year. While I was there, ImetJim Bunchfrom Denverwhohadatonofexperience- Masters, U.S. Opens, all of it. During a break, he cameup to me, handedmehis card, andsaid, "Calltheseguys.Givebacktothegame. You'llenjoyit, andthey'llputyoutowork."
So I did. I reached out to theCGA, went out to a tournamentat IndianTreetoseewhat itwaslike, and I'vebeendoingiteversince.
KK: Whatdoyouenjoymostaboutofficiating?
BW: The people. I've met thousands of people through golf, and I can count on one hand the number Iwouldn'twanttospendtimewith.
Everyoneistherebecausetheywanttobe.They're enjoyingit. Evenatahighlevel,it'ssomethingthey love. And you're in beautiful places-every golf coursehassomethingspecialaboutit.
KK: You'veworkedeverything from CGA championships to NCAA and PGA Section events. What doesadayasaRulesOfficiallooklike?
BW: One of my favorite parts of the day is early
morning-6 a.m. on thegolf course before anyone'soutthere. You'resettingtees, checkingconditions, makingsureeverythingisready.It'squiet, peaceful-justbeingoutinnature.
Then it gets busy. Players come through, and you'retheretohelpifneeded. Honestly, myfavorite days are when I don't have to do much. That means players are playing well and everything is goingsmoothly.
I don't measureaday by howmany rulings Igive. If Igettowatchgoodgolfandhelpwhen needed, that'sagreatday.
KK: WhatdoestheCGA RulesCommitteedo?
BW: The committee maintains what we call the "hard card," which is the standard set of rules used across CGA tournaments. We review it regularlytomakesureitalignswithanyupdatesfrom theUSGA.Wealsohelpstafftournaments, answer complex rules questions, and make sure events areproperlysupportedfromarulesstandpoint.
BW: I've always believed in leaving things better than you found them. That probably comes from my parents-my mom was a teacher, my dad worked in school administration-and they emphasizedgivingback.
BW: Don'thesitate-justdoit. You'llenjoyit. You get to spend time with great people-staff, other volunteers, players - and it's a very welcoming environment. Youdon't needexperience. We'lltrainyou.
KK: Whatisyourfavoritegolfmemory?
BW: The people come first. My wife and I once signedupfor acouples eventandgot pairedwith another couple who ended up becoming close friends.Theynowlivenearus, andweseethemall thetime. That'swhatgolfdoes-itcreateslasting relationships.
THE CITY WILL HOST A TOURNAMENT AT THE COURSE TO RECOGNIZE ITS 100TH ANNIVERSARY
Threeyearsagoa friendandIwalked tothefirst wall. WellshireGolfCourse, offof Colorado Bouteeat Denver'sWellshireGolfCourseforthefirst levard south of Denver's downtown, is turning time. 100thisyearandshowsnosignofslowingdown. Andthecityof Denverhasbigplanstocelebrate There was a little sign just before the bridge to it. thefirst teewhichstated'Ifyoucandrivetheball 250yards, hitfromthebacktees.'
My friend andI, both in our late 50s, were not big hitters but that was within our range. So we headed back tothetips.
It was somewhere on the back nine, after our fourth par 4 that played longer than 450 yards, did wepeekout of thecraterthatwasour round atthesmokingwreckagearoundus.
"OK. What just happened?!" What happened
ItisoneofColorado'sthreecoursesdesignedby Donald Ross-theScottishgolf architect known worldwide for his turtle-back greens that are the defense of the course. The course started out asWellshireCountry Club in1924.The club closedin 1928andthecityofDenverboughtthe property for $60,000 in 1936, making it one of the best public courses available in the region. The club's original Tudor-style clubhouse still stands, offering banquet space, a pub and pro shoptoday.
1946 and the Denver Open in 1948, where Ben Hogan claimed his sixth consecutive tour victory with Dwight D. Eisenhower watching from the gallery. The Denver Open returned in 1958, featuring Arnold Palmer tying for third.In1959, history was made when Bill Wright became the first African American to win a major national tournament at Wellshire during the 34thUSGA Public Links.
What has allowed Wellshire to endure isn't just its pedigree, but its ability to remain relevant to generations of golfers who walk its fairways. There'sarhythmtotheplace, asensethatevery round is part of something bigger than a single scorecard. The subtle movement in the greens, thestrategic bunkering, and theway the course asksplayers tothinkrather thanoverpower it all was one of Colorado's oldest public courses, Over the decades, Wellshire hosted the 21st reflect Donald Ross'stimelessphilosophy. playing at apar 70, taking two more pelts for its USGA Amateur Public Links Championship in
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For many Denver golfers, Wellshire is more than a course-it's arite ofpassage. It'swherebeginnerslearnhardlessons,whereseasoned players are reminded not to get too comfortable, and where history quietly lingers in every step from tee to green. Early morning tee times bring long shadows across the fairways, while summer afternoonscarry the familiar hum of abusy municipal track, full of players chasing somethingscores, memories, or both.
The city's stewardship has ensured that while the game evolves, Wellshire's character remains intact. Generations have come and gone, equipment has changed, and distances have stretched, yet the course continues to ask the same questions it always has. It rewards patience, precision, and respect-qualities that never go out ofstyle.
Round after round, decade after decade, Wellshire quietly builds its legacy-not through spectacle, but through the simple, enduring challenge of the game itself.
Asit entersitssecondcentury, Wellshire doesn't just celebrate its past-it continues to challenge, inspire, and humble everyone who takes it on.
Tocelebrate thecourse anditshistorythecity of Denveris hosting a summerlong celebrationwith course specials and events.
Among the events, the course will host the 83rd Wellshire Four-Ball over Labor Day weekend - the longest-running continuous tournament in Colorado. The competition pits two-person teams against each other over 54 holes.
The weekend of June 5 the city will host a tournament at the course and open house to recognize its 100th Anniversary. @
Building #8 Unit C is Under ontract
75YearsandCounting
THE GARDEN OF THE GODS RESORT AND CLUB IS CELEBRATING 75 YEARS THIS SUMMER
Among a summer of anniversaries - Colorado -Wellness activitiesthroughout the property inis turning 150 years old this year - the Garden eludingyoga, soundbathsandfitnessclasses. of the Gods Resort and Club is celebrating its - Foodandbeveragespecialsat GrandView proud history in providing a unique, relaxing re- - Historicalexhibits treatforthepast 75years. -Livemusic, apoolpartyandtennisexhibition - 75thAnniversarymerchandise
The Colorado Springs area resort is using this - The creation of a time capsule filled with artisummer to celebrate its past, help club mem- facts,storiesandphotos bers and guests enjoy the present, and launch towardthe future.
"Celebrating 75 years is both a milestone and a responsibility," said Judy Mackey, co-ownIn2023thepropertyinvested$60milliontoren- er of Garden of the Gods Resort andClub. "We ovate guest rooms, the Grand View restaurant, are proud of the legacy entrusted to us, rooted the KissingCamelsGolfClub clubhouse and its- in vision, hospitality and stewardship of this exwellnessfacilities. traordinarysetting. Aswelookahead,weremain committed to honoring our history while revolv-
Now the resort and club will celebrate its 75th ing as an inclusive, holistic wellness destination anniversary the weekend of June 12 to 14 with for future generations." From its beginnings eventsforclubmembersandresortguests: in 1951, the vision was to create the ultimate escape where recreation and relaxation reign
supreme - and where the distractions of the outside worlddisappear, bringingthethingsthat mattermostclearlyintofocus.
The view has always been magnificent, and in themid-20th century, when club founder Al Hill looked out across the mesa - with the lucent rays oflate-daysun bathing the landscape in a goldenglow-heknewhe'dfoundhisparadise.
A powerful place, unspoiled, peaceful, and surroundedbyawe-inspiringnaturalsplendor.
Hill and his wife, Margaret, dreamed of sharing that view with others by creating what is now thenationally renowned Garden oftheGods ResortandClub.TheHillspurchasedtheproperty in 1949, and built a private club, luxury resort, and residential community that showcased man-made elegance in an unparalleled natural setting.
Following the official opening of Garden of the Gods Club in 1951, Hill created the ultimate escape where an elite, exclusive membership could findrefuge and respite, and enjoy the finer things in life.
Merging the rugged beauty of the landscape with the refined ambiance of a world-class luxury resort, Garden of the Gods Club attracted movie stars, titans of industry, politicians, artists, authors, and musicians. All of them were drawn to its undeniable allure and discerning community of like-minded members.
In 2007, Sunrise Company purchased the property from Hill Development and the Hill family. However, in 2013, local ownership returned when business leaders and long-time Garden of the Gods Club members Brenda Smith, an accounting executive, and healthcare executive Judy Mackey, acquired the high-profile resort and renamed it Garden of the Gods Resort and Club.
The club and resort has a goal of inspiring its guests, striving to deliver in every detail, creating an unrivaled hospitality and wellness experience with the power to transform lives.
Today, Garden ofthe GodsResort operates as an inclusive destinationof discovery. Andit remains committed to Hill's original vision: To share and celebrate the Garden of the Gods Resort and Club experience, welcoming all who seek to restore their spirits and satisfy their souls.
For guests, the resort offers 57 luxurious guest rooms and suites feature unparalleled front-row views of Pikes Peak and the Garden of the Gods National Natural Landmark.
THEGALLERY
The awe-inspiring natural beauty of the Garden of the Gods Park can't be beaten and the luxu-
ry accommodations provide front-row seats to some of the most spectacularscenery Colorado hasto offer.
For small groups, cottages are positioned in a secluded refuge within the resort. Guests there receivetranquility andelegance andstay in style in residential-style cottages renowned for their privacy and world-class amenities.
Each luxury cottage features one-, two-, and three-bedroom connecting room options. Bordered by a landscaped courtyard with a dedicated outdoor fireplace and privacy walls for a soothing retreat environment, the cottages offer impeccably curated furnishings and appointmentscompletewith a kitchenette, dining room, spacious living area with fireplace, and fivepiece ensuite bath with soaking tub in each bedroom. Private patios andcozy outdoorfireplaces enhance the tranquil ambiance.
Then there are the casitas. Perfect for a family vacation, golf getaway, or extended stay, the casitas feature a full kitchen, dining and living areas, and a private patio. They are stunningly situated in a secluded enclave and nestled within the resort blend exclusivity with the world-class services for which we are renowned.
Today, Garden of the Gods stands as more than just a historic golf course-it's a gateway to one of Colorado's most iconic landscapes. Set against the towering red rock formations that have drawn visitors for generations, the club offers an experience that feels both grounded in tradition and elevated by its surroundings. Golfers don't just come here to play; they come to immerse themselves in a setting that'sunmistakably Colorado.
What wasonce a regional gem has evolved into a truedestination, attractingtravelersfromacross the country and around the world. The combination of championship-level golf, striking natural beauty, and proximity to Colorado Springs' growing luxury and hospitality scene has turned Garden of the Gods into a must-visitstop on the moderngolf itinerary. It'sthekindofplacewhere a round lingers long after the final putt-where theviewscompete withthescorecard, andoften win.
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With amonth to go, theColoradoWomen'sOpen is seeing strong interest from professionals and Colorado amateurs alike. The tournament this year is June 3 to 5 and unlike in 2025 it is one of the only women's professional tournaments underway that weekend - other than the U.S. Women'sOpen.
most EpsonTour event winning paychecks. Top Colorado women's golfers who have registered early include Ashley Tait-Wengert of Morrison, Ashley Kozlowski of Littleton and Elle Higgins from Centennial.
Beyond the prize money and timing advantage, the Colorado Women's Open continues to build It has long been astrategy of the Colorado Worn- a reputation as one of the most competitive en's Open organizers to play the same weekend and accessible proving grounds in the women's asthe U.S. Women'sOpen, sothattalentedplay- game. Formany players, it's more than a tournaers who don't make the cut there can have the ment-it's a launchpad. option of playing in Colorado.
TheLPGA's EpsonTour always takes that weekend off. Last year, however, the women'sTexas Open was held at the same time andwas affiliated with the Annika Tour, and the two competed to bring in the best talent.
Not so this year. "We're not opposite an Epson event or Annika so we're truly the only event in town," said Kevin Laura, CEO of the Colorado Open Golf Foundation, which runs the Colorado Open series.
With a blend of seasoned professionals, rising international talent and Colorado's next generation of standouts, the event creates a unique ecosystem where experience and ambition collide. College players and elite amateurs aren't just filling out the field-they're contending, gaining a real-time look at what the next level demands. That opportunity is part of the draw. For fans, it's a chance to see future stars early. For players, it's a stage to test, prove andaccelerate.
The Colorado Open Golf Foundation has leaned The tournament traditionally draws a diverse into that identity, pairing an open, inclusive field fieldinwhich thebestyoungwomen golfersfrom with a purse that rivals-and often exceedsColorado, typically amateurs in high school or tour-level payouts. The result is a tournament college, can test their games against young pro- that matters on multiple levels. Just as importfessionals from around the world. Juliana Hung of Taiwan, who won in 2024, is among those early registered. Last year's leaderboard was topped by players from California, Colorado and
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The co-founder of Pins and Aces, the Colora- But the golf club industry is notoriously fickle and world's leaders in golf simulator technology. Golfdo-based golf apparel company, was talking with difficult, and after focusing the product line on zon has turned the Edel brand into one of the bigan old family friend, Doug Coors, one day in 2024 sets of customizeable irons Coors by 2024 was gest equipment names in golf-mad Korea. when Coors made him an offer.
"I can't eventellyou how it actually came up," Pins and Aces co-founder Nick Mertz said. "We were just talking one day, think we were playing golf, and Doug said, Hey, any interest in buying the business?"
The business was Edel Golf Clubs. Coors had purchased the business from its founder, David Edel, and other investors in 2020 and moved its
ready to get out. "You guys have the expertise to kind of grow and scale this to the next level," Mertz and his team visited the operation's perforMertz remembers Coors explaining to him. "So we looked at it and made a deal."
Mertz and his brother-in-law, Jon Major, had launched their Pins and Aces brand in 2018 and saw its popularity skyrocket along with the growth of post-pandemic golf. But by 2024 they were ready to grow again, and entering the golf club manufacturing space would certainly be one way
mance center in March and were in awe. There were club fitters building clubs, and more than a dozen Korean golf-influencers had been brought in that day to shoot content to keep the brand's name out front. He also saw a line of beautiful apparel bags, glovesand other items that the Korean branch of the family had developed and sold exclusively to the Korean market. "I mean, it's unbelievable," he said. headquarters here to Denver in hopes of spurring to do it. "I always said I never wanted to make a growing business. shoes, clubs, or balls," Mertz said. "I never wanted ADDING EDELTOTHE PINSAND ACES FAMILY to do that. And then here we are."
Pins and Aces operations continue to grow. At-
David Edel had founded the company in the late ter purchasing an office and warehouse build1990s and created a niche brand that started out KOREA ing in Arvada in 2023, they stuffed it to the roof with fitted putters and then became known for its
When Mertz wants to see what is possible for Edel with inventory to fulfill their online sales and emwedges. In 2015 Bryson Dechambeau won the all he has to do is visit the brand's operations in broidery business. Then they added a second U.S. Amateur playing single-length irons that Edel South Korea. Those operations are run through a 7,000-square-foot warehouse here in Denver, and had crafted for him.
Korean franchisee, Golfzon, which is one of the then brought in-house staff from Edel after they
acquired the business and shuttered it's Colorado Boulevard location. Edel's manufacturing is centered in Austin,Texas, where David Edel originated it.Now the company's Arvada building is up for sale as Pins is seeking a new,larger home to bring the Colorado operations back under one roof.
Last November- not even a year after bringing Edel on- Pins bought another company, Sweet Rollz, which manufactures putter grips. So, with
FUTUREVISION
through the edelgolf.com website and can go for $1,000 each. "We make a very high-end artisan putter," Mertz said. "Not everyone's gonna buy that,but they see that and say, wow, made in the USA, handmade. These guys, they know what they're doing. The Edel name, they know what
And so just watching him and learning his philosophies and theories and just trying to expand on those now and still maintain the core values and things that we've done."
The acquisition has already changedthe customer they're doing. And so by having that, you're not base for both Edel and Pins and Aces. Many Pins
going to make millions of dollars selling thousand dollar putters. It's a very, very small market. But it adds validity and legitimacy to the brand that, irons, wedges, putters and grips now in the line- okay, if these guys can make this, how good are
up they are working to re-establish the identity of theirironsandwedgesandother things?"
customers have been exposed to Edel products, andsomehavebought the clubs.Edelbuyershave now become more aware of Pins and Aces.
"It helped us elevate with some of our new prodEdel's quality. ucts,like our Player Preferred line, more high-end The wedges have remained popular and have re- stuff," Mertz said. "That's kind of more of an over-
One thing that became apparent immediately is that the customer for golf clubs which cost $190 "The margins (of victory) are thin, and so any little each and up and folks who want golf polos with advantage they can get (they'll take)," Mertz said. loud pop-cultural patterns are somewhat. dif- "And then you see this one player is putting good ferent. with a club, and then more and more players start
"Truthfully speaking, the customer whopurchases Pins and Aces is someone who wants to party, a weekend golfer,have a fun time," Mertz said."You know, we're kind of playing on the edge a little bit with some of our products. And then there's Edel - a long legacy, long history. Bryson Dechambeau won the U.S. Amateur with all clubs. Those single-length irons. I mean, that's where it started."
But as Mertz first visited the Austin Edel location, he saw the walls lined with gorgeous putters of the brands past. David Edel began the company by making putters - they were among the first zero-torque putters on the market. "These are unbelievable," Mertz said. "They're beautiful putters I'm like, but we're a putter brand first.It'd be like if Nike stopped making shoes."
Among the first decisions they made was to bring putting manufacturing back into the core Edel lineup.They have monthly drops which go on sale
using this. If we can get kind of a breakthrough can we get a guy to use an Edel putter and then it starts taking off.That's kind of like our moonshot of getting Edel to where we need to be. And so you can get a player who's got a 13 club deal like Ricky (Fowler), and he's going to swap out his putter. He's not going to be brand loyal. He's going to use what's best. And that's what a lot of guys do. Or Brooks, who's got a totally mixed bag."
Going forward, Edel is planning on biannual upgrades of its club designs, Mertz said, and will continue to try to get their putters into the bags of LPGA and PGA players. Nico Edel, David Edel's son, lives in Denver and works for the company still as its chief fitter. He learned to walk as a child holding onto a putter; it's in his blood. He's proud to bepushingthebrand forward. "TheputterI play in my bag, I machined (it) from start to finish," he said. "And I just spent time watching my dad design products and asking him questions like, why are you doing this?Why are you trying that out?
Steph and Gary Amella of Castle Rock did not set So perhapsitisnotentirely asurprise thatastheir outtoraiseagolf family. two childrengrew - Gavin, now 18, and Aiven, 15 -eachendedupfocusingongolf. Amellasaidshe
Stephisafirst-gradeteacheratSoaringHawk Ele- and her husband made the conscious decision to mentarySchoolandgrewupin Puebloconsidering let their children play whatever they wanted, but golf as something of a leisure activity. Her game eachgraduallydriftedbacktothegameofgolf. wastennis,andshewasverygoodatit, playing for theCSU Peublo team in college. Whatever they've done, itworked.
was something the neighborhood kids did, and he didn't like soccer, because he couldn't use his hands. Hewasonlyinitforthe snacks."
Butassheand Garyfirstbegandating,theyfound Gavin won the 2024 Colorado High School State that golf was something they enjoyed together. Championship as a junior at Castle View High Gary even proposed while they were playing together one day at The Broadmoor in Colorado Springs.
"My husband and I were verycompetitivewhen it comes to sports and stuff, and that day I had no ideathathewasgoingtoproposetomeoutthere," Steph recalls. "I wasshooting an amazingscoreat The Broadmoor. I was in the 70s heading towards thelow 70sand then heproposedandI just lostit afterthat."
School, finished tied for 4ththis season, and next fallisscheduledtobeginplayingforthe University ofColoradoin Boulder.
Aiven is a sophomore at Castle View and playing well. She won at least one tournament this spring - The Continental League Varsity Tournament at South Suburban Golf Course. First with Gavin, then with Aiven, Steph Amelia said she and Gary let them pick their sports and their activities. "With Gav, we started with soccer because that
ThencamethedaywhentheygaveGary'sbrother a gag-gift for his child - an enormous, inflatable ballpitintheshapeofafireengine. Gary'sbrother then reciprocated, at Gavin's first birthday he received 500 plastic balls like the kind that fill up a ballpitataplayland.
"What Gav would do in our basement, he had his little plastic set of clubs, and he would just hit these balls down there like, just nonstop," she said. "He'd go down there in the evening and you justhearhimdown there, whackingaway."
There were plenty of other teams still to come, however. "We tried him with like soccer, football, myhusband, you know,didtheflagfootballcoach withhimbecausewe'reabigfootballfamily. Baseball, we tried wrestling. Just let him try whatever
AMOTHER'SGAME
he wanted just to find his niche, what he really liked."
For Gavin, baseball lasted up until mid-way through high school, when he opted to settle on golfnearlyfull-time. WhenAivenwasoldenough, it was thesamejourney. "They werejust like,my friendsintheneighborhoodaredoingthis,andso she did dance, she tried t-ball, volleyball, swim, tennis.I was hopeful that she would go downthe tennispath."
andiseyeingcollegegolf. "She'sbeenworkingso hard at this and her game has really, truly come alonginthepastfewyears,"StephAmellasaid.
And there are the payoffs. When Gavin won the state championship in 2024 playing at CommonGround Golf Coursein Aurora,sheandother familymembersweregreen-sideforthefinalputt. "It was amazing, and we had so much support - family and friends there and just being able to experience that win. At the end where all the crowdwaswatching,andhemadethatfinalputt,
At thesame time,theAmelia'smadegolf part of thetearswerecomingdown,allthoseemotions, the family fun. She and Gary played when they happytearsofjoy, becausethatwasoneofhis couldandtheytookthekidsoutonthecoursewith biggestgoals,andseeinghimreachhisgoal.Itwas them.Theyplayedgamesthemselves-pickleball justaverymemorablemoment." isjustthelatest- anddemonstratedtotheirkids thatsportscanbepartoftheirlivesforaverylong And so now, with Gavin headed to college and time. Aiven looking at schools, Gary and Steph have reachedthetimeoftheirlivesthatallgolfparents Asherchildrenenteredcompetitivetournaments, hope for: when both kids can absolutely smash Steph went along. She walked courses to watch themonthegolfcourse. them play and felt the tension over important shots. "Most of the time try to get my steps in," "Withthosetwo now,it's not even a game," she shesaid. "Imean,Idon'tknowhowmanymileswe said. walkedlikelastsummerwithhim."
That growth hasn't happened by accident. The chored by multiple high-end golf simulators. But original Greenwood Village location reached full beyondthesquarefootageandamenities,thereal capacity in just over a year-an early signal that differentiatoristheexperience. the concept was tapping into something real.
Clubhouse Work & Golf wasn't built as a novelty; The space is intentionally designed to eliminate it was designed as a professional workspace first, the friction that defines traditional offices-isowith golf layered in as a catalyst for connection, lated workdays, uninspired meeting spots, and collaboration, andclientengagement. networkingthatfeelsforced. Instead, itcreatesan
CAG: Joe,similarstory?
JS: Pretty similar. I picked it up around age 10mygrandpawasabiggolfer. Mydadand I learned together, which wasgreat. I worked at Eisenhower Golf Course in high school-cleaning carts, picking the range. Best job I ever had. Golf's been a constantinmylifeeversince.
environment people actually want to be in, where THE ORIGIN STORY
In many ways, it reflects a broader shift in how- productivity and lifestyle aren't competing priori-
JK: I startedworkingremotelyaround2016-2017 is booming nationwide, but what separates Clubhouse is its intentionality. This isn't just shared desks and cold brew on tap-it's a curated environment where relationships are built more naturally, whetherthat'sduringaquickputtingsession between meetings or a longer Trackman round withaclient.
And that's ultimately the story here. Clubhouse Work &Golfisn'tjustbuildingoffices-it'sbuilding a new kindof professional ecosystem.One where businessgetsdone, relationshipsdeepen, andthe linesbetweenworkandlifedon'tblur-theyfinally makesense.
That demand is fueling rapid expansion. In ad- CAG: Josh, let's start with you-how did you get dition to adding more private offices and simula- intogolf? tors at its original Denver Tech Center footprint, JK: I'veplayedaslongas can remember. My dad the brand is preparing to open a second, larger introduced me to the game growing up in a small location in Cherry Creek-one of Denver's most town in Indiana. We had a local nine-hole course sought-after neighborhoods. The new space will just a bike ride away, and I spent my summers spanroughly 23,000squarefeetacrosstwofloors, there-playing with him, hanging out at the pool, featuring dozens of private offices, elevated co- just beingaroundit. workingareas, andahospitality-drivenloungean-
and built a golf simulator in my garage. When my secondsonwasborn, thenoisedidn'texactlyhelp nap time-so the simulator got torn down and storedaway.
Joe and I met through a local golf group-just people trying to find rounds and connect. During winter, we had a weekly simulator league, and the idea started forming while we were hanging out one night. We thought-what if we rented a warehouse, setupsimulators,desks, couches a placewherewe could work and play? It started as something for a small group of us, but as we talked about it more, interest grew. Suddenly 30-40 people wanted in.By early 2022, we were touring spacesand figuringouthowtomakeit real.
FACESOFTHEGAME
COMMUNITY FIRST
CAG: Community seems central to what you've built. Whatmakesthisdifferent?
JS: That'sexactlyhowJoshandImet-Iwaslooking forcommunity after movingback from Chicago.Golfwastheconnector.
CAG: Whatmakesthisspacedifferentisthemindset.Thegolfloungerelaxespeople. Conversations happen more naturally, and they're not always
WHO'SSHOWINGUP?
sites, client gatherings, happy hours. But it's dif-
CAG: Anysurprisingtypesofmembers? ferent from a bar or something like Topgolf. It's JK: Honestly, thevariety. Mostco-workingspaces more intimate, more intentional. We think comlean intoaniche-wedon't. Everyindustry, every panies underestimate the value of getting people companysizeisrepresentedhere. togetheroutsideoftraditionalworksettings.
Onesurprisehasbeen tradesandhome services. JK: Andwe'reseeingthatshiftawayfromthetypltmakessensenow-ownerswantaplacetowork, ical "4-6 PM happy hour." Teams are working in connect, and play-but we didn't expect that at the space-collaborating on decks while playing first. golf. It'sblending work andculturein amore natabout business. That's where real connections uralway. form.
JS: We've seen people meet here who never would've crossed paths otherwise-and that's beenoneofthemostrewardingparts.
GROWTH& EARLY SUCCESS
CAG: You'rejust over a year in-has it exceeded expectations?
JK: Definitely. We built this as a bit of a "if you build it, they will come" idea. At the end of the day, wecreated a place wewantedtospend time in. What'sbeen surprising is how people use it in wayswedidn't expect. We soldout memberships inunder 13months,whichwaswayfasterthanan-
MAKING GOLF MOREACCESSIBLE
CAG: How do you see your role in growing the
game?
JK: Wewanttomakegolffeelapproachable.Alot of people are interested but intimidated. We're creatinganentrypoint.
WHAT'SNEXT
CAG: What'saheadforClubhouse?
JK: Wejustsignedaleasefor asecondlocationin CherryCreek openinglatesummer/earlyfall.It'll be26,000squarefeetwithpenthouseco-working and five simulators. We're also expanding this loJS: Traditional golf settings can be intimidat- cationwithanadditional9,000squarefeet-more ing-18 holes, pace of play, pressure. Here, you officesandsimulators. can'tlose aball, you'renotslowing anyonedown, andeveryone'sonequalfooting.Thatremovesthe
SCALINGTHEVISION
barrier. We also have PGA coaches, clinics, and CAG: What'sitlikegoingfromonelocationtotwo? beginner-friendlyprogrammingtohelppeopleget
JK: In some wayseasier, in othersharder. We've comfortablebeforeheadingoutside. learned a lot-what works, what can improveticipated. Butthebestpartisseeingsomeonewalk
For several years Kelli McKandless has been coaching and teaching adults and children golf at Denver-area courses. She also created ajunior golftournament season - TheSummit Junior Golf Tour - which this year will host 13 tournamentstogiveteensinColoradoachance tocompeteattopareacourses.
So it was natural that as the Colorado Golf Association formed its youth-development program Team Colorado McKandless wanted to beinvolved. She called the CGA last August to sayshewould be willing to help inany way she could, andwithinafew weekswasinterviewing tobethenewheadcoach.
Thisseason McKandless is the head coachfor the 16-person Team Colorado, which is made upofeighttopboyandgirlplayersinthestate. Team ColoradoisrunbytheCGAandispartof a national network of teams organized by the USGAin an attempt to betterpreparethe best U.S. players to compete at a high level. This is the USGA's response to programs in other countriesthatunderwriteyouthgolffortheirtop players, efforts which are credited for the high number of players from around the world toppingPGAand LPGAtourleaderboardsinrecent years.
"I don't know how the kids feel about this but my goalis to grow their development and help them meet their goals," McKandless said. "Each week everytime Iseethem, myjob isto introduce them to things that they didn't know theyhadtodo."
Sheisnot aswingcoach - most oftheplayers already haveone who they work with. Shealso isnotjustachaperoneontrips- althoughthat ispartofthejob.
But at least once a month through the year McKandless brings the players together to eithershepherdthemtohigh-leveljunior tournaments, orrunsclinicsin whichshetriestogive theplayersphysicalandmentalchallengesthat helpthemplaybetterunderpressure.
And these are not just just-happy-to-be-here drills. "(These are) ones that create the atmosphereforfailureandcreatetheatmospherefor success," McKandlesssaid.
In one, players have to hita drive well,jog toa nearby practice green, chip within a few feet, two-putt a lag putt from 40 feet, then sink a slidingsixtoeight foot putt. Ifthey missany of thefour, theyhavetojogback totherangeand startover.
In another drill she will give players a 10-foot putt and they have to hit nineeither in or past the hole on the pro-side. If any putt comes up short or slips below the hole - meaning they under readthebreak -they havetostartover. If players get frustrated, McKandless said she takes that asa chance to talk with them about what they're feeling, how they're reacting, and tohelpthemre-focus.
Nearly every member of the team is hoping to move on after high school to play in college. Pressureshotsare part of thatlife, and McKandless said this experienceshould make them accustomedtoplayingwithalittleheaton.
OverthewinterTeamColoradospentthreedays inTucsonplayingTucson Nationaland working together. They had a two-daysession in April, playing at Raindance National Golf Course the firstdayandCherryCreekCountryClubonday two.
In the summer McKandless will organizepracticerounds for the playersoncoursesthat are hosting bigjunior events - Walnut Creek Golf Course and Green Valley Ranch Golf Course. They have out-of-state trips planned partly to givetheplayersexperiencesimilar tothetravel schedulestheywillhaveiftheyplaycollegegolf.
"These are people wanting to be the best; they're already the best at a state level," she said. Players on the team are ages 13 to 18 and are selected through interviews andjunior rankingsandpointslistsfromtheColoradoPGA and American Junior Golf Association. This
year'steamincludesthreeofthefourwinnersof 2025 girlsstatechampionships- Ella Scott of Castle Rock, Landry Frost of Colorado Springs andSophialeeofColumbineValley-aswellas top boys players Miles Kuhl and Ash Edwards of Boulder, Nicholas Brooks of Parker and BraydenForteofAurora.
Bytheendofthissummerallbutsixoftheplayers will age-off the team, and a new selection willtakeplaceinthefallfor 2027members. So fortherestofthissummer McKandlessseesher roleassupporting, challengingand-shehopes -helpingimprovesomeofColorado'stopyoung talent.
"I love group intense, pressure filled practice! think that makes them feel a little bit more comfortable in competition," she said. "I was told early on my career to make things harder than it actually is during the performance so thatyoucanunderstandhowyourbodyreacts. And nowit's really hard to createthe pressure of a tournament. You just have to keep doing it and keep learning, growing, journaling, figuring out what you did right, figuring out what youdid wrong, andthen coming up with a bettergameplan. Ithink thatifwecanatleastput somepressureonthemduring practice, atleast downthestretch, theymightbeabletogoback andresourcethatintheir brainandunderstand thatthey'vedonesomethinglikethisbeforeand theycanperformatahighlevel." ®
