2017 August Digital Magazine

PRO PEAKS

The Official Publication of the Colorado PGA August 2017

KELBEL Named Golf Professional of the Year

Colorado PGA Pro Peaks Digital Magazine

The Official Magazine of the Colorado PGA Pro Peaks is produced by the Colorado PGA

Colorado PGA Officers

West Chapter Officers

Ben Welsh, PGA Vice-President | 2017-2018 Frost Creek Golf Club

Jeff Boyer, PGA Secretary | 2017-2018 Eagle Ranch Golf Course

Jim Hajek, PGA Secretary | 2017-2018 Fossil Trace Golf Club

Brett Gagnon, PGA | 2017-2018 Red Sky Golf Club

Tom Bauerle Owner Colorado Golf and Turf

Mike Mendelson, PGA Honorary President | 2017-2019 City of Grand Junction

Brad Dombaugh CEO PSA Worldwide Corp., INC.

Board of Directors

Walter Glover Former Chief Financial Officer USOC

Ty Thompson, PGA President | 2017-2018 Colorado Springs Country Club

Leslie Core-Drevecky, PGA Honorary President | 2017-2018 Murphy Creek Golf Course

Board of Directors

Andy Benson, PGA | 2017-2019 Highlands Ranch Golf Club Rick Ellefson, PGA | 2015-2017 PGA Member Scott Erwin, PGA | 2015-2017 Maroon Creek Club Kyle Heyen, PGA | District 9 Dir. Hiwan Golf Club Charles ‘Vic’ Kline, PGA | Past District 9 Director Indian Tree Golf Club Cathy Matthews-Kane, PGA | 2016-2018 Country Club of Colorado Josh Miller, PGA | 2016-2018 GolfTEC Bobby Quaratino, PGA | 2017-2019 West Woods Golf Course Chris Swinhart, PGA | 2017-2019 Thorncreek Golf Course Dave Troyer, PGA | 2016-2018 CommonGround Golf Course

Independent Directors Theo Gregory Spencer Zinn

Ed Marzec, PGA President | 2017-2018 Country Club of the Rockies

Luke Brosterhous | 2017-2019 Catamount Ranch and Club Jacques Deyoe, PGA | 2017-2019 Aspen Glen Club Joe Kamby, PGA | 2016-2018 Country Club of the Rockies CJ Rhyne, PGA | 2016-2018 GJ Golf

Board of Director Elect

Alice Plain, PGA | 2018 - 2020 Vail Golf Club Steve VanDyke, PGA | 2018-2020 Aspen Glen Club

Colorado PGA REACH Trustees Spencer Zinn Chairman

Anne Broholm CEO AHEAD

Theo Gregory Senior Vice President - El Pomar Foundation Bob Lally Chief of Staff YMCA of the Pikes Peak Region George Lee Managing Director – Investments Wells Fargo Scott McGraw Cherry Creek Insurance Group Vice President of Employee Benefits Honarable Sue Payton President SCI Aerospace Inc.

Staff

Executive Director/CEO Eddie Ainsworth, PGA eainsworth@pgahq.com P (303) 996-1593 C (719) 761-6125 Assistant Executive Director Patrick Salva psalva@pgahq.com P (303) 996-1597 C (303) 246-1007 Tournament Director Justin Limon, PGA jlimon@pgahq.com P (303) 996-1588 C (720) 390-1160 Junior Golf Director Holly Champion, PGA hchampion@pgahq.com P (303) 996-1591 C (217) 232-1790 Executive Assistant Annie O’Donnell adonnell@pgahq.com P (303) 996-1595 Marketing and Communications Coordinator July Malone jmalone@pgahq.com Employment Consultant Keith Soriano, PGA ksoriano@pgahq.com C (720) 841-1006

Lisa Potvin Captain United States Navy LTG Ed Soriano, US Army (Ret) Director, Business Development Global Land Forces - Northrop Grumman Corporation Bill Vogeney Executive VP and Chief Lending Officer Ent Credit Union

Colorado PGA 6630 Bear Dance Drive | Larkspur, CO 80118 P | (303) 681-0742 www.coloradopga.com Pro Peaks is distributed free to members and affiliates of the Colorado PGA twelve times per year.

The articles and other information contained within this publication are informational and do not necessarily represent the view or opinions of the Colorado PGA. The Colorado PGA assumes no responsibility or liability for claims made for or by any product in this publication whether reported or advertised. Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission of the Colorado PGA is prohibited.

2

President’s Report 5 PGA Championship, CGA-CWGA Merge and More!

District Director Report 6 National Award Winners, PGA Championship

Exec. Director’s Report 7 “Work Below the Waterline”

PGA of America News 8 Nicklaus Companies and Jack Nicklaus Partner With REACH 10 PGA of America Announces PGA JLG Regionals Colorado PGA News 14 Colorado PGA Special Awards Announced

Tournament News 20 Bingaman Claims Assistants Championship 21 Pro Am Recaps

Education News 26 Teaching and Coaching Workshop Announced

Junior Golf News 30 Junior America’s Cup Results

August 2017

What’s Inside

Important Dates August 7, 2017 Eisenhower Golf Club Pro Am Eisenhower Golf Club

August 22-23, 2017 Colorado PGA Women’s Championship The Club at Ravenna

August 14-15, 2017 Colorado Senior PGA Professional Championship Valley Country Club

August 28, 2017 Cheyenne Country Club Pro Am Cheyenne Country Club

August 17, 2017 Stroke Play #4 Buffalo Run Golf Course

August 29, 2017 West Chapter - Aspen Glen Club Pro Am Aspen Glen Club

August 21, 2017 Greeley Country Club Pro Am Greeley Country Club

September 11-13, 2017 Colorado PGA Professional Championship Red Sky Golf Club

www.coloradopga.com

3

4

Colorado PGA Pro Peaks Digital Magazine

President’s Message

By Ty Thompson, PGA

I

t is always hard to believe when August comes around. The season feels like it just got started and yet member-guests are wrapping up, kids are getting ready to go back to school, and the golf world prepares for its final major championship. I am excited to be attending the PGA Championship at Quail Hollow this year and look forward to the weekend rounds where we may see Jordan Spieth make history as the youngest player to have won all four of golf’s major championships. However it plays out, I’m sure it will be strongly contested and full of great memories.

August 2017

PGA Championship, CGA-CWGA Merger and More Speaking of history, this month will be a marked time in Colorado golf as the CWGA will be voting to integrate their association into the CGA. This move will bring the CWGA under the governance of the CGA and the two associations, if approved, would start this new direction with co-officers.

The Colorado PGA staff did an outstanding job facilitating the Golf portion of the USOC’s FLAME (Finding Leaders Among Minorities Everywhere). This program accepts qualified students from around the country who apply and actually pay their way to be a part of this great opportunity. Most of the 28 students had never touched a golf club and had very little knowledge on what the game could do for them in their careers. I was honored to hear their stories as Keith Soriano and I facilitated a “career-mentoring” session sharing potential career opportunities throughout the golf business. These students were in law school, masters of sports science & sports administration, as well as MBA programs. It was exciting to watch them gain interest as they rotated through the drive, chip, and putt stations and then had the career station discussion. Once again, a great partnership for our foundation.

Take a look at the sneak peek below and catch up on the great things happening in the Colorado section!

Ty Thompson, PGA President

My Best,

Colorado PGA ty.thompson@pga.com

Ty Thompson, PGA President - Colorado Section PGA ty.thompson@pga.com | P | (303) 918-9270

Sneak Peak into August!

W

hile we do a lot of important things at the Colorado PGA, one of the most is honoring our Special Award Winners. Be sure to check out the hard work of the Awards Selection Committee, our 2016 Award Winners, on pages 14 through 19 of this issue of Colorado PGA Pro Peaks.

August is what we commonly refer to as the beginning of Championship season. We will be hosting our Assistants Championship and Senior Championship this month and registration for our Section Championship will come to an end on Wednesday, August 23, 2017. Be sure to check out our Assistants Championship recap and get registered for our premier event at Red Sky Golf Club!

There is a lot going on in the world of Junior Golf! We recap a number of Drive, Chip and Putt Local Qualifiers in this issue and highlight the Junior America’s Cup, where the Colorado PGA Professionals were well represented as two of the four juniors were sons of PGA Professionals! Be sure to also check out the PGA Junior League Golf post-season brackets as our 22 leagues compete for our Colorado PGA title before moving on to the Regional Championship at The Greg Mastriona Courses at Hyland Hills in September.

If all that isn’t enough, we’ve finalized the details about our upcoming Las Vegas Pro Am! Don’t miss out on this can’t miss event to end the 2017 season!

Be sure to check out all of that and much more in this issue of Colorado PGA Pro Peaks!

www.coloradopga.com

5

Colorado PGA Pro Peaks Digital Magazine

District 9 Director Report

National Award Winners, PGA Championship and More!

By Kyle Heyen, PGA

Dear Colorado PGA Section Members, Led by PGA Golf Professional of the Year Darrell Kestner and PGA Teacher of the Year David Leadbetter, the PGA of America recently announced its 2017 National Awards winners.

“The 2017 class of national award recipients are truly deserving of this recognition, having distinguished themselves as inspirational leaders, mentors, and pioneers among their peers,” said PGA President Paul Levy. “The PGA of America proudly recognizes them for their unwavering commitment to represent the PGA Professional and the game of golf at the highest of levels.”

The Colorado Section adds to our list of National Award winners with the selection of PGA Member Mark Pfingston of The Golf Club at Bear Dance as PGA Merchandiser of the Year for Public Facilities.

Congratulations Mark! We are proud of you and your staff.

The 12 recipients of the 2017 PGA of America National Awards include: PGA Golf Professional of the Year: Darrell Kestner, PGA, Deepdale G.C.—Manhasset, New York

Kyle Heyen, PGA District 9 Director PGA of America Head Professional Hiwan Golf Club

PGA Teacher of the Year: David Leadbetter, PGA, David Leadbetter Golf Academy— ChampionsGate, Florida PGA Youth Player Development Award: Brendon Elliott, PGA, Little Linksters LLC— Deltona, Florida Bill Strausbaugh Award: John Kennedy, PGA Life Member, formerly Westchester C.C.—Rye, New York Horton Smith Award: Jeff Adkerson, PGA, Mississippi State University—Starkville, Mississippi

PGA Player Development Award: Tom Morton, PGA, Haggin Oaks Golf Complex—Sacramento, California Patriot Award: Kevin McKinley, PGA, Treetops Resort— Gaylord, Michigan Deacon Palmer Award: Sam Depe III, PGA, Hickory Heights G.C.—Bridgeville, Pennsylvania Herb Graffis Award: Gateway PGA Section (parts of Missouri and Illinois) PGA Merchandiser of the Year–Private Facilities: Mike Strlekar, PGA, Montclair G.C.—West Orange, New Jersey PGA Merchandiser of the Year–Public Facilities: Mark Pfingston, PGA, Bear Dance G.C.— Larkspur PGA Merchandiser of the Year–Resort Facilities: Zack Chapin, PGA, Arcadia Bluffs - G.C.– Arcadia, Michigan continued on page 9

6

Executive Director’s Message

By Eddie Ainsworth, PGA

My Fellow Colorado PGA Professionals, The end of July is a very inspiring time for me and one of my favorite times of the year as your Executive Director. In this issue of Pro Peaks, we announce our Colorado PGA Award Winners for 2017. These PGA Members are among the “Best of the Best” of the Colorado Section. Each year I have the opportunity and privilege to read the award packages submitted on behalf of our PGA Members; and each year without fail, I am truly inspired by what our Colorado PGA Members accomplish and how they are making a positive impact at their facility, in the lives of their fellow PGA Members and in their local communities. After reading the packets, I am always left with the feelings of am I doing enough, how can I improve and am I truly doing my best each and every day?

Each of us probably asks ourselves similar questions from time to time and I recently came across something that struck me. In David McCullough’s book The Great Bridge, he tells the story of the building of the Brooklyn Bridge, which arched the East River and joined Manhattan to Brooklyn. In June 1872, the chief engineer of the project wrote, “To such of the general public as might imagine that no work had been done on the New York tower, because they see no evidence of it above the water, I should simply remark that the amount of the masonry and concrete laid on that foundation during the Eddie Ainsworth, PGA past winter, under water, is equal Executive Director in quantity to the entire masonColorado PGA ry of the Brooklyn tower visible eainsworth@pgahq.com today above the water line.”

below the water line that determines whether he or she will stand the test of time and challenge.

Today, there is a tremendous emphasis on leadership themes such as vision, organizational strategy and the like. Believe me when I say this is all great stuff. But if it is all about what’s above the water line, we will likely witness a leadership crash of sorts in the coming years.

Leaders blessed with great natural skills and charisma may be vulnerable to collapse in their character, their key relationships and their center of belief because they never learned that you cannot, or should not, build above the water line until there is a substantial support foundation below the water line.

August 2017

Leadership: “Work Below the Waterline”

For examples of leaders who have done considerable work below the water line here at the Colorado Section, you need to look no further than men like Warren Smith, Vic Kline, Clayton Cole and our 2017 Colorado PGA Professional of the Year Mark Kelbel. These are just a few of the great examples of the many PGA Members we have in our Section that reinforce the ageless principle of leadership that it’s the work done below the water line that determines our success and whether or not we stand the test of time.

Please allow me to encourage each of us to continue to do our below the water line work, and allow our 2017 Colorado PGA Award Winners to inspire us through their outstanding accomplishments.

Thank You All for the privilege that is mine to serve you as your Executive Director.

All the Best!

Very Respectfully,

P | (303) 996-1593 C | (719) 761-6125

The Brooklyn Bridge remains a major transportation artery in New York City today because, 145 years ago, the chief engineer and his construction team did their most patient and daring work where no one could see it – on the foundation of the towers below the water line. This is one illustration of an ageless principle in leadership: it’s the work done

Eddie Ainsworth, PGA Executive Director/CEO Colorado PGA 6630 Bear Dance Drive Larkspur, CO 80118 eainsworth@pgahq.com O – 303-996-1593 M – 719-761-6125

www.coloradopga.com

7

Colorado PGA Pro Peaks Digital Magazine

PGA of America News

Nicklaus Companies and Jack Nicklaus Partner With PGA REACH – The Charitable Foundation of the PGA of America PGA REACH, the 501 (c)(3) charitable foundation of the PGA of America, and the Nicklaus Companies announced today a historic partnership to support PGA REACH in its mission of impacting lives by enabling access to PGA Members, PGA Sections, and the game of golf.

The partnership includes financial support from the Nicklaus Companies, as well as a personal commitment from its founder, Jack Nicklaus, to make an impact on all three areas of focus for PGA REACH: Youth, Military, and Diversity & Inclusion. The Nicklaus Companies will become a PGA REACH Trustee, and Jack Nicklaus will serve as a spokesperson for PGA REACH. He will also help promote PGA Junior League Golf, which is a fun, social and inclusive opportunity for boys and girls to learn and enjoy the game of golf in a team environment under the direction of PGA and LPGA Professionals.

“I have a long history with the PGA of America, and I have always had great respect and appreciation for what they do as an organization and through their membership,” said Jack Nicklaus, who last year celebrated 50 years of membership in the organization.

Nicklaus tied Walter Hagen’s record of five PGA

8

Championship victories in 1980 with his win at Oak Hill Country Club, while his wife, Barbara, received the inaugural PGA First Lady of Golf award in 1998.

“From my earliest days learning the game from PGA Professional Jack Grout, to the years helping raise money for junior golf programs, I have been passionate about the role of PGA Professionals as the day-to-day caretakers of the game and those who help grow the game at the green-grass level. We are here to make an impact, and I hope our role can draw others in the game to join us.”

In addition, the Nicklaus Companies will become an Official Partner of PGA REACH and the PGA of America. A portion of the proceeds from the sale of Nicklaus Companies products to PGA Member facilities will benefit PGA REACH. “I believe that there is no person who embodies the values and traditions of the game better than Jack Nicklaus,” said Nicklaus Companies Chairman Howard Milstein. “We are dedicated as a company to giving back and growing the game with the PGA, and we are proud to partner with PGA REACH as a Trustee, building the game’s future.”

PGA of America News

Additional highlights of the partnership include: - The creation of a $100,000 Jack Nicklaus PGA HOPE (Helping Our Patriots Everywhere) Grant will launch five new PGA HOPE programs. PGA HOPE introduces golf to military veterans in order to enhance their physical, mental, social and emotional well-being.

- A commitment by PGA REACH and Jack Nicklaus to explore the construction of a PGA HOPE Jack Nicklaus golf facility as a means to help in the care and rehabilitation of veterans.

continued from page 6 PGA Championship The PGA Championship will be held at Quail Hollow Club in Charlotte, North Carolina, August 10-13.

To kick-off the Championship, CBS Sports will air the annual sports special, “Road to the PGA Championship.” The special relates to several players’ inspirational stories leading into the PGA Championship.

Among the segments are defending PGA Champion Jimmy Walker’s long-standing friendship with the PGA Professionals at his home course, The Clubs of Cordillera Ranch in Boerne, Texas; the unique dynamic shared between PGA Tour player Justin Thomas and his instructor/father, PGA Master Professional Mike Thomas; and PGA TOUR rookie Wesley Bryan’s relationship with his PGA Professional father, George, who competed as a Club Professional in the 1999 PGA Championship at Medinah (Ill.) Country Club.

- The creation of a $120,000 Nicklaus PGA WORKS grant that will enable the addition of two PGA WORKS interns for two years in both the Northern and Southern Ohio PGA Sections. PGA WORKS provides internship opportunities for individuals from diverse backgrounds to gain experience in all facets of the golf industry.

- The Memorial Tournament presented by Nationwide, which was founded by Jack Nicklaus and is annually hosted by the Golden Bear and his family, will also support PGA REACH and its programs.

August 2017

“We’re honored that Jack Nicklaus, Howard Milstein and the Nicklaus Companies have teamed with both PGA REACH and the PGA of America to deliver a positive impact on the lives of today’s youth, our military veterans, and people of diversity through the game of golf,” said PGA of America CEO Pete Bevacqua. “Their commitment to help grow the game is so important to our mission.”

- The PGA will explore the potential integration of Jack Nicklaus Learning Leagues (JNLL) as one of its golf outreach programs, targeting various communities around the country and part of its Leagues programs.

The JNLL was launched by Nicklaus with a goal to create programs at National Recreation and Park Association facilities that introduce the game to young players in a safe, fun and team-oriented environment.

Congratulations to Colorado Section PGA Member Joe Assell and the Professionals of GOLFTEC who were recently part of the national CBS Employment TV special.

The hour-long special “Turning Passion into Profession” was narrated by Gary McCord and featured 9 PGA Professionals and the diverse roles they have played.

The show was designed to inspire men, women and children of all ages who are enthusiastic about the game of golf to turn their passions into careers. Three career paths of a PGA Member—Instruction, Golf Operations and, General Management—are showcased, along with other opportunities to enter the industry, such as an entrepreneur, college coach and golf foundation executive.

Good luck to those playing in the Colorado Section Women’s and Senior Championships this month.!

Have a great August.

Sincerely,

CBS Sports will debut the “Road to the PGA Championship” nationally on Sunday, July 30, from 2-3 p.m. ET, with replays airing on Golf Channel on Tuesday, Aug. 1, from 9-10 p.m. ET and Wednesday, Aug. 2 from 2-3 p.m. ET. Colorado Section PGA Members Congratulations to Jason Gullett of The Golf Club at Bear Dance and Brett Wolf of Hillcrest who were both recently elected to PGA Membership.

Kyle Heyen, PGA National PGA Director, District 9 Head Professional, Hiwan Golf Club kyle@hiwan.com

www.coloradopga.com

9

Colorado PGA Pro Peaks Digital Magazine

PGA of America News

PGA Junior League Golf Announces Eight Regional Competition Sites Former and future PGA Championship, Ryder Cup facilities included

E

ight facilities have been named host sites of the 2017 PGA Junior League Golf Regional competitions, set to begin in September. All-star teams of junior golfers ages 13 and under will compete for the opportunity to advance to the 2017 PGA Junior League Golf Championship presented by National Car Rental, Nov. 16-19, at Grayhawk Golf Club in Scottsdale, Arizona.

“While the focus of PGA Junior League Golf remains on introducing both boys and girls to the game of golf in the encouraging atmosphere of the regular season, the postseason is the natural next-step that provides a fun and competitive outlet for participants,” said PGA President Paul Levy. “We’re thrilled to have eight world-class facilities on board in 2017, to offer these exciting young players the feeling of participating in a major golf event.”

2017 Regional Competition Host Sites: Mississippi Valley Region (Sept. 2-3) Bayou Oaks at City Park (South Course) – New Orleans Host PGA Professional: Alex Abbruzza New championship-level golf course designed by Rees Jones in the heart of New Orleans.

Southeast Region (Sept. 30-Oct. 1) Kiawah Island Club- Cassique Course Host PGA Professional: Dylan Thew Tom Watson-designed links-style course ranked in the top 5 of the Best Golf Courses in South Carolina (2017-’18) and America’s Second 100 Greatest Golf Courses by Golf Digest.

10

PGA of America News Brown Deer Park Golf Course – Milwaukee Host PGA Professional: Andrew Barrett Location of the Greater Milwaukee Open (later the U.S. Bank Championship) where Tiger Woods made his pro debut in 1996; previously hosted the U.S. Mid-Amateur along with Milwaukee Country Club and currently hosts the PHC Classic on the LPGA Symetra Tour.

Southwest Region (Sept. 9-10) Greg Mastriona Golf Courses at Hyland Hills (Blue Course) – Westminster, Colorado Host PGA Professional: Val Heim III Host of the inaugural Colorado State Public Links Championship in 1965; and one of Northern Metropolitan Denver’s most popular nine-hole courses, with more than 40,000 rounds played per year.

August 2017

Midwest Region (Sept. 9-10)

Northeast Region (Sept. 16-17) Atkinson Country Club – Atkinson, New Hampshire Host PGA Professional: Peter Doherty Named “2015 National Course of the Year” by the National Golf Course Owners Association.

Western Region (Sept. 16-17) TPC Harding Park – San Francisco Host PGA Professional: Tom Smith Host site of the 2020 PGA Championship; hosted the Presidents Cup in 2009, which will return to TPC Harding Park in 2025.

Mid-Atlantic Region (Sept. 23-24) LedgeRock Golf Club – Mohnton, Pennsylvania Host PGA Professional: Andy Miller Rees Jones-designed course and returning as a 2016 PGA Junior League Golf Regional site.

Mideast Region (Sept. 30 – Oct. 1) The Bridgewater Club – Carmel, Indiana Host PGA Professional: Rick Witt Pete Dye-design recognized as a Distinguished Emerald Club by BoardRoom Magazine and Top 50 Private Club Practice Facility by Golf Range Association of America; hosted 2005 Ping Junior Solheim Cup. PGA Junior League Golf offers boys and girls — ages 13 and under of all abilities — a fun, social, and inclusive opportunity to learn and play golf in a recreational team setting with their friends. Much like other recreational youth sports, players wear numbered jerseys, utilizing a popular scramble format for competition. PGA and LPGA Professionals serve exclusively as Captains, providing expert coaching and instruction.

Following the regular season, 10-player all-star teams are formed from a combination of players in each league.

Teams move through a series of sub-regional competitions to advance to one of the eight regional competitions.

The eight regional champions advance to the Championship, to be held for the second-consecutive year at Grayhawk Golf Club in Scottsdale, Arizona.

PGA Junior League Golf featured a record-setting 36,000 participants across 2,900 teams nationwide last year, led by more than 2,000 PGA and LPGA Professionals. This growth represents a 300 percent increase from the 9,000 boys and girls who participated on 740 teams nationwide just three years prior.

For more information on PGA Junior League Golf, visit PGAJLG.com.

www.coloradopga.com

11

Colorado PGA Pro Peaks Digital Magazine

PGA of America News Employment News

PGA Forms Strategic Alliance With Lake Hills Resorts Group to Develop PGA Academies in South Korea T

he PGA of America has formed a groundbreaking strategic alliance with Lake Hills Resorts Group, one of the largest multi-course owners and operators in South Korea, to create PGA of America Academies in the country. The agreement marks the first-ever international facility licensing partnership for the PGA, as it looks to support the global growth of the game.

The PGA of America Korea–Lake Hills Academies and their associated golf clubs will be operated and overseen by PGA of America Professionals. The primary locations of the Academies at the outset will be at both Lake Hills Anseong Golf Club—which is located 90 minutes from Seoul and is currently undergoing a series of renovations—and a brand new indoor golf center in the center of Seoul.

Additionally, to drive sustainable growth-of-the-game efforts in South Korea, the Academies will feature junior and adult development programs, as well as custom education programs to help train local professionals on the teaching and business of the game.

12

“With an impressive list of major and Olympic champions, golf in South Korea has become a prominent force,” said PGA of America CEO Pete Bevacqua.

“PGA of America Professionals are known globally as the gold standard, and we’re excited that through this partnership with Lake Hills Resorts, we will now be able to proactively place PGA of America Members in a position to help drive long-term growth of the game in South Korea.”

“This is an exciting day, for not only Lake Hills Resorts, but also the golf industry in South Korea,” said Lake Hills Resorts President Sukhan Yoon. “Through this partnership, we will establish Lake Hills Resorts as the preeminent golf development destination in South Korea. By utilizing the more than 100 years of expertise from the PGA of America, we will be able to create comprehensive junior programs and professional education programs that will elevate the game for years to come.”

Employment News

A

s a PGA Member, I assumed that the CareerLinks notifications that I received for new opportunities were automatically generated; that once I filled out the CareerLinks survey, it would somehow be updated with my experience, wants and desires. I thought of it as a “set it and forget it” type of tool. I had never given much thought to the role I played in being an advocate for my own career advancement within CareerLinks. I didn’t think to craft and update my CareerLinks ProFile in the same way that I managed my LinkedIn Profile or my resume.

Knowing what I know now, I have no doubt that early opportunities along the way were lost.

Now, as your Employment Consultant, I know there is a complex process that we go through to identify candidates for any given position. It’s an exhaustive process that can last days; identifying and managing employer desires and matching them to Member skill sets and preferences. We are easily able to find out what an employer wants in their next Head Professional, Director of Golf, or General Manager; they are explicit in their requests and we spend a significant amount of time with them helping to craft the job descriptions, compensation packages, and skill requirements to meet their needs. There are hundreds of variables that employment consultants manage and coordinate so that we can present you with opportunities that best meet your needs and align with your career goals. But, all that work is for naught if what we know about YOU through your CareerLinks ProFile isn’t just as detailed and current as the information we’ve received from the employer with regards to what they are seeking.

August 2017

Help Me, Help You!

you’ve done EXACTLY what the employer is looking for, in fact it’s something you’re passionate about. But you haven’t updated your CareerLinks ProFile since before you took your current role. Your ProFile doesn’t reflect that you’re one of the best in the industry at activating a lapsed membership. With the employer’s emphasis on this skill, there’s a chance you’d never see that job come across your email because I am unable to match your ProFile with the employer’s needs.

It’s as simple as that and could represent a missed opportunity.

Tom Cruise implored Cuba Gooding Junior to “Help Me… Help You!” in Jerry Maguire. Jerry wanted to be an advocate, a partner, and a resource for Rod Tidwell’s career with the Arizona Cardinals. I want to do the same for you in your career. Help Me Help You – update your CareerLinks ProFile! CLICK HERE to view and update your PGA CareerLinks ProFile. I am happy to discuss how to maximize your CareerLinks ProFile to generate notifications. Or if you want to chat about strategies in landing a new position, please contact me.

I am happy to relay what I know about facilities, their open jobs and the many ways to get prepared.

Keith Soriano, PGA | PGA Employment Consultant | Colorado & Utah Sections | ksoriano@pgahq.com

Consider this simplified example; an employer is seeking a Head Golf Professional with 3+ years of experience in the role and has a significant background in developing programs that drive member engagement and increased activity. You are a Head Golf Professional with 3+ years of experience and

www.coloradopga.com

13

Colorado PGA Pro Peaks Digital Magazine

Colorado PGA Special Awards Feature

Kelbel Named 2017 Colorado PGA Golf Professional of the Year

M

ark Kelbel, Head Professional at The Broadmoor Golf Club, has been named the 2017 Colorado PGA Golf Professional of the Year. The highest honor given annually by the Colorado PGA, the Golf Professional of the Year Award goes to a member for overall performance including leadership, service and promotion of the game of golf.

As the saying goes, golf is in Kelbel’s blood. Being a third generation golf professional, Kelbel started hanging around the course when he was 5 years old.

He learned to love the game at an early age from his grandfather and dad and has carried that passion and devotion within him since.

A common thread throughout Kelbel’s life is that he is a relationship oriented guy. He believes that encouragement is the greatest form of motivation and does his level best to treat everyone with dignity and respect. His leadership style is one of always setting an example through his strong work ethic and high-level of professionalism.

“I am honored and delighted to have my work as a PGA Professional recognized with this award.” - Mark Kelbel, PGA

Kelbel, a PGA member since 1993, began working in the golf business at his father’s pro shop. He spent seven years as the Head Professional at the Grand Hotel Golf Club on Mackinac Island before joining the team at The Broadmoor in Colorado Springs as the Head Professional.

“I am honored and delighted to have my work as a PGA Professional recognized with this award,” comments Kelbel. “Any professional worth his

14

salt knows that I couldn’t have achieved this acknowledgment without the help of the dedicated and talented team that surrounds me. Hour-after-hour, day-after-day, week-after-week, I am proud to be a part of this Broadmoor alliance.”

To date, he has had a hand in helping 36 assistants go on to become Head Professionals and has sponsored more than 300 Professional Golf Management program interns at The Broadmoor. Teaching and mentoring these individuals not only helps them to be successful in the business of golf but, hopefully, helps them to be successful in life…to be good husbands and wives, good fathers and mothers, good community contributors and good people in general. contined on page 16

Colorado PGA Special Awards Feature

T

he 2017 Colorado PGA Teacher of the Year, Trent Wearner, PGA, is a three-time honoree of this award from the Colorado Section having previously received it in both 2014 and 2004. This award conveys special recognition on a Colorado PGA Professional for excellence in golf instruction, along with overall performance.

“Whatever level of success I have had, none of it happens without the great people that I have had the fortune to work with during my 21 years of coaching,” shares Wearner. “As the Colorado Section grows and we have more and more teachers, it is extremely gratifying to again be recognized by my peers for this award.”

Wearner is the owner and director of instruction at the Trent Wearner Golf Academy located at the Meridian Golf Club in Englewood, Colo., where he has been for the past 18 years. He has also been classified as a Certified Golf Coach by Dr. Rick Jensen. He received career guidance from some of the top teachers like Keith Lyford, Mike McGetrick and Dr. Rick Jensen, all of whom he credits with making him a more well-rounded individual. In 2006, he authored and published a book titled Golf Scrimmages: Realistic Practice Games Under Pressure, which is a staple for nearly every teacher and college-golf program in the country.

“I was fortunate to have tremendous mentors who taught be everything from the swing, coaching principles, the mental game and business practices,” regards Wearner. “It is important to me to continue to know what it feels like to be the student so I continue to take lessons myself in various interests like golf, fly fishing, computer classes and guitar. By sharing these experiences with our staff, we have been able to improve our programs, as well as our teaching and communication skills year after year.”

While he works with golfers of all skill levels from beginners to advanced and ages young to old, junior instruction is at the heart of Wearner’s work. Those under his guidance have accomplished numerous feats

on the golf course. The best way to articulate the level of success is to let the statistics speak for themselves.

- Thirty-two of his students, both adult and junior, have qualified to play in a National U.S. Golf Association event.

August 2017

Wearner Earns Third Nod as Teacher of the Year

- In 2016, two of his students won the 4A and 5A Individual High School State Championships, giving Wearner a total of 12 Individual State Champs, as well as 10 Team Championships.

- Nearly 100 students are playing or have played college golf and several have moved up to play mini-tours around the country.

- At the Drive, Chip and Putt level, two students have advanced to the finals at August National Golf Club.

“I have been very privileged and humbled to be a part of the careers of so many great golfers at every level in their development of the game,” responds Wearner.

“Our coaching team’s dedication to the golfer’s game and our ability to speak their language helps to achieve these results. We are guides for our students and just a small part of their journey. It is our hope that we have helped them build a foundation that gives them confidence in their game and that they are able to depend on themselves when they are on the course.”

Even though Wearner’s work has been on a more local level, his recognition as an instructor has been nationwide. Each year since 2005, Golf Digest has named Wearner one of the Best Teachers in the state.

He has been named a top-50 teacher in America

by US Kids Golf and a Top Teacher – Southwest by Golf Magazine. He has been featured in Golf Digest, Golf Week, Golf Magazine, PGA.com and on the Golf Channel. He has also been the sole teacher on the Golf@Altitude show for the last eight years where he inspires people to play the game while representing professionals in the Colorado Section. In addition, he has produced more than 20 2-minutes clips for the Golf Channel’s social media outlets.

Wearner is a devoted supporter of programs within the Colorado PGA as well. He took a lead role in a Get Golf Ready program preceding the 2010 Senior PGA

www.coloradopga.com

15

Colorado PGA Pro Peaks Digital Magazine

continued from page 14 Kelbel’s dad inspired a sense of benevolence in his sons when he taught them to, “Be someone worth knowing and always be willing to get your nose dirty for someone in need.” Kelbel shares this belief with his dad and uses it as a motivation in his life.

“Through our influence as golf professionals, we have a rare and unique opportunity to give back,” continues Kelbel. “I am a true believer that this is our obligation and our responsibility.”

There is an allure to the game of golf that transcends all other variables such as race, age and gender, believes Kelbel. There are so many good things that golf professionals can do with this gift by simply being open to the opportunities. Kelbel has served on the boards of the Southern Colorado Ronald McDonald House and Parents Challenge. He also created his own charity, Hemisphere Charities, that donates shoes to children who would otherwise not have access to them.

young people like The First Tee of Pikes Peak, the USOC FLAME (Finding Leaders Among Minorities Everywhere) and the Colorado Section Golf in the Schools program. He also works closely with the Colorado Springs’ military community by offering wounded warriors free golf instruction. It is his goal to bring two new people a month to the game of golf. He has assisted in procuring and implementing two major golf championships for the State of Colorado with a third coming up in 2018 (the U.S. Senior Open).

“I have always put forth my best effort to represent the PGA of America and the Colorado Section in an exemplary fashion and to use the influence that I have as a PGA Professional to better my community and the lives of the people that I share my life’s journey with,” concludes Kelbel. “I want to thank my fellow professionals for being my friend and for all of your help in my journey.”

It is with great honor that the Colorado PGA names Mark Kelbel the 2017 PGA Golf Professional of the Year.

Kelbel is active in the section’s efforts to grow the game of golf by being involved with programs for

Championship featuring prominent executive business women from the community, has volunteered countless hours at the Denver Golf Expo and has participated with many programs the Colorado PGA offers in Junior Golf.

“As coaches, it is our job to work with golfers in all stages of their training Trent Wearner, PGA Director of Instruction at the Trent Wearner Golf Academy, delivers tips during a recent Golf and to develop programs that fit Channel program. Wearner has been named the 2017 Colorado PGA Teacher of the Year. a wide variety of skill levels,” concludes Wearner. “As coaches, we need to be chameleons. It is our responsibility to our students to alter our methods, demeanor and personality to complement the student because when we do this, our students have the opportunity to learn and improve at a faster rate.”

Because of his dedication to teaching the game of golf, the Colorado PGA is proud to present Trent Wearner with the 2017 Teach of the Year Award.

16

August 2017

www.coloradopga.com

17

Colorado PGA Pro Peaks Digital Magazine

Colorado PGA Special Award Winners Announced

Group to be Honored October 27, 2017 at Special Awards Gala

T

his is the time of year that the Colorado Section announces its 2017 award winners. These PGA Members are among the “Best of the Best” and work diligently to represent the game and the business of golf. Here are your 2017 Colorado Section Award Winners:

Mark Kelbel, PGA, Golf Professional of the Year

Mark Kelbel, Head Professional at The Broadmoor Golf Club, has been named the 2017 Colorado PGA Golf Professional of the Year. The highest honor given annually by the Colorado PGA, the Golf Professional of the Year Award goes to a member for overall performance including leadership, service and promotion of the game of golf. Kelbel, a PGA member since 1993, is a third generation golf professional who learned to love the game at an early age from his grandfather and dad and has carried that passion and devotion within him since.

Trent Wearner, PGA Teacher of the Year

The 2017 Colorado PGA Teacher of the Year, Trent Wearner, PGA, is a three-time honoree of this award from the Colorado Section having previously received it in both 2014 and 2004. Wearner is the owner and director of instruction at the Trent Wearner Golf Academy located at the Meridian Golf Club where he has been for the past 18 years. He has also been classified as a Certified Golf Coach by Dr. Rick Jensen.

He is also the author and publisher of the widely-used book titled Golf Scrimmages: Realistic Practice Games Under Pressure.

Ty Walker, PGA Bill Strausbaugh Award

Ty Walker, GOLFTEC-Denver Tech Center, has been named the 2017 Colorado PGA Bill Strausbaugh Award for showing outstanding integrity and commitment to mentoring PGA Professionals. Walker is Vice President of Sales and the Director of Instruction at GOLFTEC and was the organizations first employee back in

1996. As a PGA Teaching Professional, he has made a significant impact on the careers of PGA Professionals and has taught over 45,000 lessons. Other Section awards he has received are the Colorado PGA Teacher of the Year in 2002 and the Horton Smith Award in 2005.

The October issue of Pro Peaks will offer a feature story about Walker.

Cy Twete, PGA

Assistant Professional of the Year The winner of the 2017 Colorado Section Assistant Professional of the Year Award is Cy Twete, PGA, First Assistant Professional at The Golf Club at Bear Dance.

Having been with the Bear Dance team for eight years, he is an experienced club fitter, as well as the Director of Instruction. Twete enjoys the game and the business of golf as much as helping others find enjoyment in the game.

Learn more about Twete in the September issue of Pro Peaks.

Patrick Nuber, PGA Horton Smith Award

Patrick Nuber has been named the 2017 Colorado Section Horton Smith Award winner. He serves as GOLFTEC’s National Director of Teaching Quality and National Director of Instruction and is one of the chief instructors for all of GOLFTEC coaches. He has taught over 15,000 golf lessons and trained over 1,000 GOLFTEC coaches. He is a PGA Certified Professional in Instruction and General Management. In 2011, he was awarded the Colorado PGA Teacher of the Year award and is recognized as one of America’s Best Young Teachers by Golf Digest for 2017.

The October issue of Pro Peaks will offer a feature story about Nuber.

Be sure to check out more information about all of the Special Award Winners in upcoming issues of Colorado PGA Pro-Peaks 18

Steve David, PGA

Receiving the 2017 Colorado Section Player Development Award is Leighton Smith, PGA, Teaching Professional and Program Director for The First Tee of Pikes Peak. Two of Leighton’s main passions are golf and helping others, and at The First Tee of Pikes Peak he is able to combine those passions to create programs that attract youth to golf and also prepare them for life. With his motto Building Swings, Changing Lives, Leighton is known for getting quick results and building consistency in his clients’ golf games.

The 2017 Colorado Section Private Merchandiser of the Year Award has been given to Steven David, PGA. David is no stranger to receiving this award having received the honor from the Colorado Section in 2012, the Minnesota Section in 2005 and the Nebraska Section in 2002. David is the PGA Head Professional at the oldest country club west of the Mississippi – the Denver Country Club. One of David’s best practices refers to the importance and business impact of developing a handicap-based points-race for women golfers called the Chase to the Championship.

Player Development Award

The September issue of Pro Peaks will offer a feature story about Smith.

Todd Laxson, PGA, Youth Player Development Award

Todd Laxson, Head Golf Professional at Cherokee Ridge Golf Course has been named the 2017 Colorado Section Youth Player Development Award winner. He serves the junior golf community in multiple places, as well in several roles. Being a father of two young boys, he is aware of how the least-experienced athletes are often overlooked when it comes to learning from the best. Laxson pairs the very best and experience instructors with the players who need the most instruction making for a dynamic performance system.

The September issue of Pro Peaks will offer a feature story about Laxson.

Barry Milstead, PGA Warren Smith Award

Barr Milstead, PGA, is the recipient of the 2017 Colorado Section Warren Smith Award, which gores to a professional for special contributions to the game of golf. Milstead served as an officer for the Colorado PGA for nearly a decade and served on the Board of Directors from 2000 until 2016. He has been instrumental in the implementation of numerous growth of the game initiatives at his club and at the Section level. He is the Head Golf Professional at Valley Country Club and was the 2014 Colorado PGA Golf Professional of the year.

Private Merchandiser of the Year

August 2017

Leighton Smith, PGA

Learn more about David in the September issue of Pro Peaks.

Phillip Tobias, PGA

Resort Merchandiser of the Year Phillip Tobias is the recipient of the 2017 Colorado PGA Resort Merchandiser of the Year Award. Being a 20-year resident of Summit County, Tobias has a definite knowledge about the clothing styles and merchandise that best meets the needs of mountain golfers. Tobias is the PGA Head Professional at The River Course and Ranch Course at Keystone Resort.

Learn more about Tobias in the September issue of Pro Peaks.

Dale Smigelsky, PGA

Public Merchandiser of the Year Elected to PGA membership in 1985, Dale Smigelsky is the Director of Golf aat the Collindale Golf Club in Fort Collins and is the winner of the 2017 Colorado Section Public Merchandiser of the Year Award. He is also the owner and operator of Collindale Golf Academy and Club Fitting Center, as well at the Golf Pro Shop. For Smigelsky, business is more about the relationship than it is about the transaction, which may be one of the reasons he was recognized as the 2012 PGA of America Public Merchandiser of the Year.

Learn more about Smigelsky in the September issue of Pro Peaks.

Learn more about Milstead in the September issue of Pro Peaks.

www.coloradopga.com

19

Colorado PGA Pro Peaks Digital Magazine

Tournament News

Bingaman Claims National Car Rental Colorado Assistant Professional Championship F

or someone who hasn’t had a chance to get out and compete much this year, Brandon Bingaman didn’t show many signs of rust. In fact, he showed zero signs of rust as the Apprentice Professional from The Bridges Golf Club in Montrose, CO posted back-to-back rounds of bogey-free 67 to win the 2017 National Car Rental Colorado Assistant Professional Championship on Tuesday, August 1, 2017.

“I played really solid! I hit the ball so darn good but really didn’t make a ton of putts,” the former Colorado Mesa University golfer noted after the event. “I made a few good birdies and then just a bunch of two-putt birdies on the par-5.”

Bingaman wasn’t kidding in his recap of his rounds. He posted ten birdies over two days with seven of those coming on par-5’s.

Bingaman had a strong field to battle against to claim his victory. In all, twelve players finished the event in red numbers. The closest competitor that Bingaman faced was Hertiage Eagle Bend Golf and Country Club Assistant Professiona, Jack Allen. The 29 year old

20

from Parker, CO open with a three-under-par 69 and matched Bingaman’s final round 67 to finish two stroke behind.

Pat Grady, an Assistant Coach for the University of Colorado Men’s Golf team was looking to repeat as champion after posting a victory at Legacy Ridge GC in 2016. After posting an opening five-under-par 67, Grady made three costly bogeys during his second round to take himself out of consideration for the championship. He did however rebound to make a fifteen foot eagle at the last to claim one of the last two qualifying spots for the National Car Rental Assistant Professional Championship coming up this fall. Also qualifying was Geoff Keffer, PGA Assistant Professional at the Greater Golfer Development Center in Park Hill, CO. Keffer was looking to become the first five-time winner of the event after having won in 2007 and then again from 2013-2015.

Tournament News Highlands Ranch Golf Club Qualifiers: 4 Alternates: 4 QUALIFIERS 1 Brandon Bingaman The Bridges Golf and CC 67-67--134 -10 $1,050.00 2 Jack Allen Heritage Eagle Bend GC 69-67--136 -8 $780.00 T3 Geoff Keffer Greater Golfer D.C. 67-70--137 -7 $520.00 T3 Patrick Grady University of Colorado 67-70--137 -7 $520.00 ALTERNATES - IN ORDER 5 Ben Lanting Bear Creek GC 6 Caine Fitzgerald Meadow Hills T7 Ryan Bakken Thorncreek GC T7 Ryan Wroblewski Cherry Hills

69-69--138 -6 $423.00 71-68--139 -5 $390.00 68-72--140 -4 $341.00 71-69--140 -4 $341.00

August 2017

National Car Rental Colorado Assistant Professional Championship

DID NOT QUALIFY T9 Rich Lash MetaGolf Learning Center 71-70--141 -3 $287.67 T9 Christopher Hyten Castle Pines 71-70--141 -3 $287.67 T9 Ross McLean Cherry Creek CC 69-72--141 -3 $287.67 12 Bryan Hackenberg Riverdale GC 72-70--142 -2 $252.00 T13 David Fischer Columbine CC 72-72--144 E $222.50 T13 Jeff Carter Riverdale GC 70-74--144 E $222.50 T15 Nathan LeBlanc Telluride Ski 72-73--145 +1 $191.67 T15 Derek Rush Cherry Hills 72-73--145 +1 $191.67 T15 Blake Sharamitaro Riverdale GC 71-74--145 +1 $191.67 T18 Andrew Hebert Indian Peaks 75-71--146 +2 T18 Somin Lee Valley 71-75--146 +2 T20 Jordan O'Keefe Red Sky Golf Club- Norman 73-75--148 +4 T20 Jeramy Curry The Links Golf Course 73-75--148 +4 T22 Max Twarjan Maroon Creek 74-75--149 +5 T22 Daniel Costenbader Beaver Creek 74-75--149 +5 T24 Seth Zacks The GC at Ravenna 79-71--150 +6 T24 Jared Tedesco Plum Creek 74-76--150 +6 T24 Austin Logan Estes Park 76-74--150 +6 T24 Kory Thurman Denver 73-77--150 +6 T24 Justin Blomberg Red Sky GC 71-79--150 +6 T29 Chris Murzyn Colorado GC 79-72--151 +7 T29 Ed Marzec Country Club of The Rocki 74-77--151 +7 T31 Robert Grall Colorado National GC 79-73--152 +8 T31 Sean Rea Maroon Creek 77-75--152 +8 T31 Thomas Nosewicz Meadow Hills 77-75--152 +8 T31 Travis Gruenenwald Highland Meadows GC 73-79--152 +8 T35 Christopher Williamson Fort Collins 76-78--154 +10 T35 Michael Pope Cherry Creek CC 77-77--154 +10 37 Michael Melena Fox Hollow Golf Course 77-78--155 +11 T38 Mark McCarthy Highlands Ranch GC 77-79--156 +12 T38 Audie Dean Littleton Golf & Tennis 73-83--156 +12 40 Gregory Kohr Legacy Ridge GC 78-79--157 +13 41 Vance Pollock Meadow Hills 81-77--158 +14 T42 Alexander Gough Ranch Country Club, The 79-80--159 +15 T42 Tim Richardson Todd Creek GC 78-81--159 +15 44 Ken Sanchez Valley 80-80--160 +16 45 Trevor Martinet Ridge at Castle Pines - N 80-81--161 +17 T46 John Trierweiler Columbine CC 82-80--162 +18 T46 Grant Miller Lone Tree Golf Club & Hot 81-81--162 +18 48 Nathaniel Weber Todd Creek GC 81-83--164 +20 49 Benjamin Pennymon The Pinery Country Club 81-85--166 +22 50 Cody Hasten Columbine CC 87-80--167 +23

www.coloradopga.com

21

Colorado PGA Pro Peaks Digital Magazine

Tournament News

Witczak Use Home Course Advantage to Claim Pradera Pro-Am Title J

ason Witczak hasn’t been at the Club at Pradera for too long, but by the looks of it, the Director of Instruction knows the course like the back of his hand!

Witczak, who started as the Director of Instruction in March, fired an impressive five-under-par 67 to win the Club at Pradera Pro Am on Monday, July 24, 2017.

Jason made seven birdies during his round, including five on the closing nine to go along with two bogeys.

In second place only one shot behind was PGA Life Member Scott Hart who posted a four-under-par 68 in the afternoon round. Hart notched six birdies during his round to go with two bogeys as well. A large group finished tied for third at three-under-par 69. That group included Caine Fitzgerald and Dan O’Shaughnessy, Assistant Professional and Head

Professional at Meadow Hills Golf Course, Pat Reidy, Instructor at Inverness Golf Club and Chris Johnson, PGA Life Member.

In the Low Gross/Low Net Shamble team event, two teams tied for the victory. Dan Sniffin, PGA Director of Insturction at Omni Interlocken Resort, partnered with Austin Hardman, Kenji Tanaka and Bob Matsunaka to be the first team to post 28-under-par 116. Jeramy Curry, an Apprentice from The Links Golf Course in Highlands Ranch partnered with Bob D'Attilo, Mike Fitzgerald and Bruce Kaldenberg to post a matching 28-under-par 116 in the afternoon round.

O’Shaughnessy Fires Impressive Round to Win Pro-Lady at Indian Peaks GC S

ometimes a fun, casual round of golf yields the best results. That’s exactly what happened when Dan O’Shaughnessy, PGA Head Professional at Meadow Hills Golf Course teed it up at the Pro Lady on Monday, July 17, 2017 at Indian Peaks Golf Course.

O’Shaughnessy made eight birdies and didn’t drop a shot to par as he posted an incredible eight-under-par 64 to win the event. Coming in second place right behind Dan was Eaton Country Club Head Professional Rick Cole, who posted a seven-under-par 65.

22

In the team event, Geoff Keffer, PGA Assistant Professional at the Great Golfer Development Center, led his team to victory. Keffer partnered with his mother, Rochelle Keffer, Wendy Veto and Sue Hopkins to post a 31-under-par 113 in the 2 Low Net Shamble.

Coming in second place was PGA Life Member Chris Johnson, who partnered with Danielle Atkinson, Mary Corson and Robyn Asbury to finish at 29-under-par 115.

August 2017

www.coloradopga.com

23

Colorado PGA Pro Peaks Digital Magazine

Tournament News

Colorado PGA Professional Champ. Registration Open

Red Sky Golf Club - Fazio Course September 11-13, 2017 Registration Closes | Wednesday, August 23, 2017 - 11:59 PM MDT Entry Fee | $250 Click here to register Eligibility Eligibility is limited to PGA members who meet all of the following criteria: 1.

Must be eligibly employed in and classified in one of the following active membership classifications at the time of entry and as of July 7, 2017. The PGA of America headquarters records must reflect this status at time of entry and as of July 7, 2017. *MP Master Professional A-1 Head Professional at a PGA recognized golf course A-2 Head Professional at a PGA recognized golf range A-4 Golf Directors at a PGA recognized golf course *A-5 Past PGA Presidents A-6 Self-employed teaching professionals A-7 Director of Golf or Head Professional at a PGA

recognized golf facility under construction A-8 Assistant Professional A-9 Executives or managers of golf properties A-10 Golf Clinicians A-11 Employees of Go f Associations A-12 College Golf Coaches A-13 General Managers/Directors of Club Operations A-14 Directors of Instruction A-15 Retail A-16 Golf Course Architect/Builder A-17 Golf Course Superintendents A-18 Golf Media A-19 Golf Manufacturer Management A-20 Golf Manufacturer Sales Representatives A-21 Tournament Director A-22 Rules Official A-23 Golf Club Fitting/Golf Club Repair A-24 PGA members primarily employed within the golf industry who are not eligible for another Active classification *Must be eligibly employed in one of the above mentioned active membership classifications or must

24

be eligible for the following Life Member classifications (LM, LMA, LMM or LMMA).

2.

Must not have played in more than ten (10) combined Adams Golf Pro Tours, Asian Tour, Australia/New Zealand Tour, Champions TOUR, Dakotas Tour, eGolf Gateway Tour (eGolf Professional Tours and All-American Gateway Tours), European Challenge Tour, European Senior Tour, European Tour, JPGA Senior Tour, JPGA Tour, Ladies European Tour (LET), LPGA Futures Tour (Symetra Tour), LPGA Tour, LPGT, SwingThought.com Tour (NGA Pro Golf Tours), PGA TOUR, PGA TOUR Canada, PGA TOUR LatioAmerica, The Safari Tour, The Sunshine Tour and web.com TOUR tournaments between July 7, 2016 and July 7, 2017. The U. S. Open, U. S. Senior Open, PGA Championship and Senior PGA Championship are not included in the 10-tournament count.

PGA Tournament Corporation, Inc., reserves the right to determine whether or not any player is so employed and to reject any player who does not meet these requirements.

A PGA member will not be eligible to participate if: a) the member is serving a suspension from membership; b) the member is suspended from tournament

participation for National tournaments; or c) the member is classified as Class F, LM, LMM,

LMC, RM, Inactive, A-3, or Honorary.

Tournament News 1 | Geoff Keffer | Greater Golfer Development Center | 3,874.90 2 | Eric Bradley | Blackstone Country Club | 3,416.00 3 | Blake Sharamitaro | Riverdale Golf Courses | 3,042.17 4 | Kyle Voska | The Links Golf Course | 2,885.65 5 | Caine Fitzgerald | Meadow Hills Golf Course | 2,556.50 6 | Rick Cole | Eaton Country Club | 2,528.33 7 | Chris Johnson | Life Member | 2,520.17 8 | Barry Milstead | Valley Country Club | 2,160.00 9 | Jason Witczak | The Club at Pradera | 2,155.67 10 | Visanu Tongwarin | Legacy Ridge Golf Course | 2,111.50 11 | Sherry Andonian | Valley Country Club | 2,098.48 12 | Dale Smigelsky |Collindale Golf Course | 1,795.50 13 | Peter Norwood | MetaGolf Learning Center | 1,703.12 14 | Ron Vlosich | Life Member | 1,462.14 15 | Kirk Trowbridge | MetaGolf Learning Center | 1,422.00 16 | Dan O’Shaughnessy | Meadow Hills Golf Course | 1,185.42 17 | Ken Krieger | Cheyenne Country Club | 1,155.67 18 | Scott Hart | Life Member | 1,133.00 19 | Dave Detweiler | Life Member | 1,105.00 20 | Paul Lobato | Meridian Golf Club | 1,102.25 21 | Dave Troyer | CommonGround Golf Course | 1,045.50 22| Ari Papadopoulos | Red Sky Golf Club--Norman Course | 959.00 23 | Tyler Parsloe | Jake’s Academy | 950.67 24 | Jeff Carter | Riverdale Golf Courses | 927.00 25 | Patrick Reidy | Inverness Hotel & Golf Club | 868.81 26 | Micah Rudosky | Conquistador Golf Course | 861.00 27 | Scott Sommers | Saddleback Golf Club | 859.50

August 2017

Dow Finsterwald Colorado PGA OMEGA Player of the Year

Senior Colorado PGA OMEGA Player of the Year 1 | Rick Cole | Eaton Country Club | 4,290.33 2 | Dale Smigelsky | Collindale Golf Course | 3,895.50 3 | Chris Johnson | Life Member | 3,490.17 4 | Mike Northern | Life Member | 3,127.50 5 | Ron Vlosich | Life Member | 2,416.14 6 | Sherry Andonian | Valley Country Club | 2,098.48 7 | Barry Milstead | Valley Country Club | 2,060.00 8 | Ken Krieger | Cheyenne Country Club | 1,661.67 9 | Patrick Reidy | Inverness Hotel & Golf Club | 1,528.81 10 | Paul Lobato | Meridian Golf Club | 1,522.25

Colorado PGA Apprentice Player of the Year 1 | Patrick Grady |University of Colorado | 2,679.33 2 | Bryan Hackenberg |Riverdale Golf Courses | 2,096.02 3 | Rich Lash |MetaGolf Learning Center | 1,784.65 4 | Brandon Bingaman |The Bridges Golf and Country Club | 1,677.50 5 | Ben Lanting |Bear Creek Golf Club | 1,156.00 6 | Andrew Hebert |Indian Peaks Golf Course | 1,135.00 7 | Steve Bidne |University of Northern Colorado | 1,006.00 8 | Audie Dean |Littleton Golf & Tennis Club | 868.00 9 | Jeramy Curry | The Links Golf Course | 763.00 10 | Tim Richardson |Todd Creek Golf Club | 619.00

As of August 2, 2017

www.coloradopga.com

25

Colorado PGA Pro Peaks Digital Magazine

Education News

26

Teaching and Coaching Workshop Announced for September 21, 2017

Colorado PGA Professionals to Highlight Hands On Workshop he Education Committee is happy to announce the Event Details creation of the Colorado PGA Fall Teaching and

T

Coaching Workshop. This one-day, hands-on workshop will feature some of the best instructors in the Colorado Section sharing with you their insights into the game in a 30 minute Ted-Talks style presentation.

Below are the confirmed instructors for the event.

The Ranch Country Club Thursday, September 21, 2017 9:00am to 3:00pm Registration - $50 (includes lunch) Golf - an optional 9-hole “fun round” will be held after the seminars conclude

Luke Brosterhous, PGA Catamount Ranch and Club

Steve Beach, PGA Glenmoor Country Club

Nick Clearwater, PGA GOLFTEC

Don Hurter, PGA Castle Pines Golf Club

Ed Oldham, PGA The Ranch Country Club

Trent Wearner, PGA Trent Wearner Golf Academy

August 2017

Cameron McCormick PGA Professional

There is no typical day for a PGA Professional, but it all adds up to thanks.

The PGA of America celebrates PGA Professionals everywhere – for everything they do.

www.coloradopga.com

27

Colorado PGA Pro Peaks Digital Magazine

Membership News

Route 411

An update on our Colorado PGA Members

Happy Birthday!

August 1 Eloy W. Vendegna, PGA Tim Richardson

August 2 Kenneth Everett, PGA Jim E. Eyberg, PGA Jonathan A. Kaye, PGA Brandon D. England, PGA August 3 Wayne D. Leighton, PGA Amy M Stubblefield, PGA Brian R. Thorne, PGA Adam L Cronk August 4 Christopher R. Murzyn, PGA August 5 Joseph Herbert, PGA Ryan M. Bakken, PGA August 6 John M. Dunlop, PGA Scott R. Matthews, PGA Michael E. Weingartner, PGA

Don A. Buchholz, PGA Brian K. Erickson, PGA Gary Marsh, PGA Samantha E. Ginnett, PGA

August 12 Dan H. Sommers, PGA Sonny Williams, PGA Steve Atherton, PGA Tyler G. Parsloe, PGA Corey J. Zoller, PGA Grant R Miller

August 23 Michael T. Clinton, PGA

August 13 Joseph D Kamby, PGA Brian E. Gott, PGA August 15 Michael J. O’Donnell, PGA Dennis McLaughlin, PGA Darryl J. Wilson, PGA Katherine K. Milstead, PGA Adam N. Perko, PGA August 16 Stephen Glowacki, PGA Adam Johnson, PGA

August 7 Robert G. O’Hara, PGA Michael Goff, PGA Bradley F. Alston, PGA

August 17 Christopher R Swinhart, PGA Robert M. O’Neill, PGA Kyle R. Daniell

August 8 Ryan R. DeHaan, PGA

August 19 Gary V. Allacher, PGA Kenneth B. Gannaway, PGA Robert K. Trowbridge, PGA

August 9 William R. Loeffler, PGA Scott Hart, PGA Terra L. Shehee, PGA Mark W Mobley, PGA Garrett T. Hoffman August 10 Steven B. Kurtz, PGA Joseph L. Assell, PGA Eric P. Feely, PGA Shannon E. Hanley, PGA

28

August 11 Eddie Ainsworth, PGA Nathan J. Erickson, PGA Anthony W. Panella, PGA

August 20 Nicole T. Poulos, PGA Bryan Heim, PGA Miles E. Hains, PGA Nathaniel C Weber August 21 Jesse W. Weeks, PGA Seth H. Jamison, PGA August 22

August 25 Geoff M. Greig, PGA Craig Hatch, PGA Jeff K. Ulvedal, PGA Geoffrey M. Keffer, PGA August 26 Willard J. Benner, PGA Douglas F. Wherry, PGA Carina M Capobianco August 27 Jim Johnson, PGA August 28 Daniel J. LaRouere, PGA Michael T Kahler, PGA Michael D. Ritter, PGA Courtney L. Rudolph, PGA Todd R. Schafersman, PGA August 29 Christopher L. Boehm, PGA August 30 Brian M. Brown, PGA August 31 Ty Walker, PGA Brad E. Keating, PGA Casey Brittain, PGA

Jason L. Gullett, PGA | A-8 The Golf Club at Bear Dance Brett R. Wolf, PGA | A-8 Hillcrest Golf Club

Welcome to the Colorado PGA! Geoffrey P. Bisi, PGA A-8 | Roaring Fork Club previously in the Southern California Section

August 2017

New Members

Membership News

New Apprentices Ryan D. Husted B-8 | Valley Country Club

Printer for Sale

Castle Pines Golf Club has a Designjet 800PS plotter printer for sale.

Details: - HP DesignJet 800PS 42” Printer - Post Script High Quality Printer (Great for scoreboards!)

- Up to 42” rolls (but can print and fit rolls as small as 8.3”) - Comes with full ink cartridges installed and can extra from us if you like - The paper holder does come with the printer but no installed paper.

For more information, please contact Chris Hyten at ChrisHyten@castlepinesgolfclub.club

www.coloradopga.com

29

Colorado PGA Pro Peaks Digital Magazine

FASHION & DEMO EXPERIENCE

SAVE THE DATE PGA FASHION & DEMO EXPERIENCE

AUGUST 14 - 16, 2017 THE VENETIAN HOTEL Las Vegas, Nevada

pgalasvegas.com 30

The PGA name, logos, and marks are a trademark of the Professional Golfers’ Association of America

With Fourth-place Showing, Colorado Records Third Top-4 Finish Since 2011 at Junior America’s Cup By: Gary Baines

C

olorado has been sending teams to the Junior America's Cup since 1975, and two of the state's best six performances in the event have come in the last three years, with Davis Bryant of Aurora and Jackson Solem of Longmont playing on both of those teams.

August 2017

Junior Golf News

On Thursday in Dupont, Wash., Bryant and Solem led the squad from the Junior Golf Alliance of Colorado to a fourth-place showing in the tournament that features 18 teams from the western U.S., Canada and Mexico.

Two years ago, the Coloradans were third, which matched the 2011 team for best finish by the Coloradans. This year's fourthplace performance was the same as the golfers from the Centennial State posted in 1984, '85 and 2012.

With the top three individual scores each day counting toward the team total, Colorado shot a 4-over-par 220 in Thursday's final round at The Home Course. That left the Coloradans with a three-day total of 5-over 653, behind only champion British Columbia (645), runner-up Southern California (648) and third-place Utah (650).

Dillon Stewart of Fort Collins also placed in the top 15, at 13th, despite going 2 par in his last six holes. He shot a 3-over 75 on Thursday, leaving him at 220.

Cal McCoy of Highlands Ranch rounded out the Colorado team, finishing 31st at 225 after closing with a 78.

It marked the fifth top-six finish at the JAC in the last seven years for Colorado.

Nolan Thoroughgood of British Columbia claimed the individual title on Thursday. He carded an 8-under-par 208 total after rounds of 71-67-70.

Individually, Davis , winner of the first two JGAC majors of 2017, tied for ninth place in the 72-player field. He was even par for the tournament through 50 holes, but the future Colorado State University golfer bogeyed two of the last four for a 2-over-par 74 and a 2-over 218 total.

(The Colorado representatives are pictured, from left: Ashley Barnhart, Bryant, McCoy, captain Dustin Jensen, Solem, Stewart and Holly Champion. Jensen has served as a captain for all three of the Colorado teams that have placed in the top four since 2011.)

Solem, a former 4A state high school champion who has signed to play for the University of Denver, tied for 11th place after shooting the low round for any of the Coloradans at the JAC, a 1-under-par 71 on Thursday.

After playing the last seven holes in 2 under, he carded a 3-over 219 total.

4. Colorado 216-217-220--653 9. Davis Bryant, Aurora 72-72-74--218 11. Jackson Solem, Longmont 76-72-71--219 13. Dillon Stewart, Fort Collins 72-73-75--220 31. Cal McCoy, Highlands Ranch 72-75-78--225

www.coloradopga.com

31

Colorado PGA Pro Peaks Digital Magazine 32

Junior Golf News

Colorado National GC Hosts DCP Colorado National Golf Club in Erie, CO hosted the sixth of seven local Drive Chip and Putt qualifiers on July 31st, 2017. A registered field of 200 players competed for three qualifying spots in each age bracket, two alternates and the opportunity to move onto to the Sub-regional Qualifier to be held at Walnut Creek Golf Preserve on Saturday, August 19th, 2017.

Among the victors was Taylor Fox, of Broomfield, CO, who was the highest scoring young lady for the day, winning the Girls 12-13 age division with 115 points. Tommy Hammond also of Broomfield, CO who competed in the Boys 14-15 age division, led all participants with the highest point total of the day. Hescored a whopping 137 points, making two out of his three putts.

Listed below are the qualifiers from each age bracket that will move on. (Results listed first thru third) Girls 7-9 Girls 12-13 Fayth Turnbaugh - 69 Taylor Fox - 115 Annabel Roy - 59 Elle Higgins - 101 Acadia Curtis - 58 Bella Kith - 98 Boys 7-9 Ashton Edwards - 86 Ryan Fenton - 75 Cooper Brennan - 74

Boys 12-13 Carter Hinkle - 123 Dylan Everett - 112 Dylan Bundy - 105

Girls 10-11 Mia Huerta - 98 Brenna Higgins - 89 Macy Kleve - 70

Girls 14-15 Alexandra Tammavong - 102 Asha Essenbaggers - 97 Cassidy Weaver - 81

Boys 10-11 Peter Howard - 117 Bode Terry - 96 Larsen Pocs - 95

Boys 14-15 Tommy Hammond - 137 Christopher Gunlikson - 128 Braden Caffarelli - 119

August 2017

Junior Golf News

Drive Chip And Putt Birthday Surprise

Park Hill Golf Club in Denver, CO hosted the fourth of seven local Drive Chip and Putt qualifiers on July 10th, 2017.

A registered field of 159 players competed for three qualifying spots in each age bracket, two alternates and the opportunity to move onto to the Sub-regional Qualifier to be held at Walnut Creek Golf Preserve on August 19th, 2017.

Among the victors was Jackson Rottschafer, of Centennial, CO, who gave himself a great birthday present by winning the Boys 14-15 age division with 116 points. Hannah Basler of Highlands Ranch, CO who competed in the Girls 14-15 age division, led all participants with the highest point total of the day. She scored a whopping 132 points, chipping in on her third attempt.

Listed below are the qualifiers from each age bracket that will move on. (Results listed first thru third) Girls 7-9 Girls 12-13 Addison Hines - 110 Jessica Morrissey - 93 Anica Lest - 60 Erica Culley - 91 Avantika Sami - 60 Kaitlin Zingler - 74 Boys 7-9 Brayden DeStefano - 115 Griffin Lowe - 96 Ace Espinoza - 90

Boys 12-13 Jackson Lowe - 112 Zane Aiken - 103 Jordan McCaslin - 102

Girls 10-11 Madeline Bante - 107 Keira Johnson - 76 Eleanor Bante - 65

Girls 14-15 Hannah Basler - 132 Rachel Penzenstadler - 118 Aubri Braecklein - 95

Boys 10-11 Ty Martin - 126 Daniel Penzenstadler - 125 Keagan Bond - 109

Boys 14-15 Jackson Rottschafer - 116 Nathanel Cho - 114 William Montgomery - 83

www.coloradopga.com

33

34

Colorado PGA Pro Peaks Digital Magazine

August 2017

www.coloradopga.com

35

Colorado PGA Pro Peaks Digital Magazine

Presidents Club | $20,000 and above

Colorado Chevy Dealers Colorado Golf and Turf Tom Bauerle

PGA Tour National Car Rental

Platinum | $10,000 Colorado AvidGolfer Allen Walters

OMEGA

Platinum | $7,500

Under Armour Nancy Huppert

Bandon Dunes

Gold | $5,000

Denver Golf Expo Mark Cramer

36

Breckenridge Distillery Mike Horan

Masek Golf Cars Jason Masek

Greg Norman Mike Giarratano

Adidas/Ashworth Mike Bryant

Sun Mountain Kevin Neff

AHEAD Zach Ledvina

GOLFTEC

August 2017

Silver | $2,500

PTE Golf Matt Pollitt Maui Jim Sunglasses

Parsons Xtreme Golf

Fairway Productions

Sterling Cut Glass

Bronze | $1,000

www.coloradopga.com

37

38

Colorado PGA Pro Peaks Digital Magazine