Colorado PGA May 2017 Pro Peaks Digital Magazine

PRO PEAKS

The Official Publication of the Colorado PGA May 2017

PGA HOPE Training a Huge Hit

PGA Junior League Golf Regionals Coming to Denver

Sign Up for the Ft. Carson IVY Pro Am!

Register for Club Champions Cup!

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

Jacques Deyoe, PGA | 2017-2019 Aspen Glen Club

Theo Gregory Senior Vice President - El Pomar Foundation

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

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

Bob Lally Chief of Staff YMCA of the Pikes Peak Region George Lee Managing Director – Investments Wells Fargo

Staff

Executive Director/CEO Eddie Ainsworth, PGA eainsworth@pgahq.com P (303) 996-1593 C (719) 761-6125 Assistant Executive Director Foundation Programs Keith Soriano, PGA ksoriano@pgahq.com P (303) 996-1590 C (720) 841-1006 Assistant Executive Director Section Programs 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

Scott McGraw Cherry Creek Insurance Group Vice President of Employee Benefits

Executive Assistant Annie O’Donnell adonnell@pgahq.com P (303) 996-1595

Honarable Sue Payton President SCI Aerospace Inc.

Employment Consultant Bruce Lubach, PGA blubach@pgahq.com P | (623) 243-9199 C | (402) 802-8241

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.

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5 Club Champions Cup: Need a Reason to Play?

Exec. Director’s Report 6 It’s Time to Play Golf! Seriously!!!

District Director Report 8 May Update - PGA Golf Properties, Industry Trends, and PGA Championships

Colorado PGA News 10 PGA HOPE Training a Huge Hit 12 Plain, VanDyke, Kamby Elected to Chapter Board of Directors 15 Golf Genius Best Practices 16 Merchandising Matters!

Junior Golf News 18 For Openers!

20 PGA Junior League Regionals Coming to Denver!

Tournament News 30 Trio Ties at Pro-Pro-Pro Championship

May 2017

What’s Inside

President’s Report

Important Dates

Monday, May 8, 2017 Pro-Pro-Pro Championship The Club at Pradera

May 30, 2017 National Car Rental Pro Am Series Lakewood Country Club

Monday, May 15, 2017 Ft. Collins Country Club Pro Am Ft. Collins Country Club

June 1-3, 2017 CoBank Colorado Senior Open Green Valley Ranch Golf Club

May 17, 2017 Playing Ability Test #2 (cancelled) Walnut Creek Golf Preserve

June 5, 2017 Ptarmigan Country Club Pro Am Ptarmigan Country Club

Monday, May 22, 2017 Myran Craig Pro-Pro Championship Colorado Golf Club

June 7, 2017 Club Champions Cup Qualifier #1 Eisenhower Golf Club - Blue Course

Wednesday, May 24, 2017 IVY Pro Am Cheyenne Shadows Golf Course at Ft. Carson

June 12, 2017 The Ridge at Castle Pines North Pro Am The Ridge at Castle Pines North

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Colorado PGA Pro Peaks Digital Magazine

Club Champions Cup: Need a Reason to Play?

By Ty Thompson, PGA

If you need a reason to play in the inaugural year of the Club Champions Cup, I will give you 10,000 reasons. How about the opportunity to play for $10,000 with a fellow professional, from your Club, in a nine-hole scramble and nine-hole best ball tournament?

May 2017

President’s Message

As a section, we are excited to use the strength of our Foundation to provide a playing opportunity for all members to compete for this great purse brought to us by Massage Envy. Now is the time to talk with your club champions in order to assemble a team for qualifying. If you are among the sixteen qualifying teams you are guaranteed a payout!

Along with this momentous event, I hope each of you get a chance to play the game we all enjoy. Whether with a family member, club member, or in competition, take the time to “unplug” and play the game you love – Enjoy your seasons!

My Best,

Ty Thompson, PGA President Colorado PGA Director of Golf Colorado Springs Country Club

Ty Thompson, PGA President - Colorado Section PGA Director of Golf - Colorado Springs Country Club ty.thompson@pga.com | P | (303) 918-9270

ty.thompson@pga.com

Colorado PGA Looking to Fill A Number of Volunteer Positions

Opportunities to support junior golf and receive MSR points abound in 2017. The Colorado PGA and the Junior Golf Alliance of Colorado are in need of volunteers for the following events in 2017. To volunteer, please contact Keith Soriano, PGA at ksoriano@pgahq.com Drive Chip and Putt Qualifiers and Sub Regionals • • • • • • • • •

June 5 | The Ridge at Castle Pines North June 19 | Fort Collins Country Club June 27 | Murphy Creek Golf Course July 10 | Park Hill Golf Club July 20 | Eagle Ranch GC July 31 | Colorado National GC August 2 | The Club at Flying Horse August 12 | CommonGround Golf Course (Sub Regional) August 19 | Walnut Cree Golf Preserve (Sub Regional)

United States Olympic Committee FLAME Program •

July 27 | The Club at Flying Horse (Colorado Springs)

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Colorado PGA Pro Peaks Digital Magazine

Executive Director’s Message

It’s Time to Play Golf! Seriously!!!

By Eddie Ainsworth, PGA

My Fellow Colorado PGA Professionals, I’ve always said that I’m not one to re-create the wheel. I look for inspiration for my monthly message to you in many places. An article came across my desk recently that quickly resonated with me as it’s a message I’ve heard before but continually need to remind myself of. Let me take a moment to share it with you.

“There will always be an endless list of chores to complete and work to do, and a culture of relentless productivity tells us to get to it right away and feel terribly guilty about any time wasted. But the truth is, a life spent dutifully responding to emails or putting out fires at work is a dull one indeed. And “wasted” time is, in fact, highly fulfilling and necessary.”

“There’s an idea we must always be available, work all the time,” says Michael Guttridge, a psychologist who focuses on workplace behavior. “It’s hard to break out of that and go to the park.” Plus, says Guttridge, we’re missing out on the mental and physical benefits of time spent focused on ourselves. The truth is, work expands to fill the time it’s given and, for most of us, we could spend considerably fewer hours at the office and still get the same amount done. “Wasting time is about recharging your battery and de-cluttering,” he says. Taking time to be totally, gloriously, proudly unproductive will ultimately make you better at your job, says Guttridge. But it’s also fulfilling in and of itself.

So seriously, it’s time to play, and I cannot think of any better events to do so then some of our upcoming events in May that will help you do exactly that.

On May 22, 2017 you can once again partner up with a fellow PGA Professional for the Myran Craig Pro-Pro Championship at Colorado Golf Club. This 36-Hole event features a first round of Fourball Stroke Play to get your warmed up for the second round of Foursome Stroke Play. We spice it up in this event by using Modified Stableford Scoring.

Finally, if you really want to de-clutter your mind and recharge your battery, then I invite you to join me at Cheyenne Shadows Golf Club at Fort Carson on Wednesday, May 24, 2017 for the IVY Pro Am. This event teams you up with three active duty or retired soldiers to play golf in a scramble format.

Eddie Ainsworth, PGA Executive Director Colorado PGA eainsworth@pgahq.com P | (303) 996-1593 C | (719) 761-6125

It’s time to get out and play, spend some time with your friends and recharge your batteries. We all got into this profession because we love to play the game; take some time away from work to take advantage of the mental and physical health benefits our game can deliver. We should embrace these moments and see them as what they are: time well spent.

As always, please let us know if we can provide any assistance as we are here to serve you.

All the Best!

Very Respectfully,

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

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May 2017

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Colorado PGA Pro Peaks Digital Magazine

District 9 Director Report

May Update

PGA Golf Properties, Industry Trends, and PGA Championships

By Kyle Heyen, PGA

PGA Golf Properties Update The vision of PGA Golf Club has always been to create a financially sustainable model that also serves as a physical representation of the PGA of America’s core values and high standards. Despite a concerted effort over the past two decades, we’ve been operating the PGA Center for Golf Learning and Performance and St. Lucie Trail Golf Club at a significant financial loss.

That path is no longer sustainable and not in the best interest of our Association.

Divesting these facilities will enable us to focus more sharply on our core golf facility in Port St. Lucie – PGA Golf Club – ensuring it achieves the following:

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

1. Delivering on a brand promise to PGA Members, club members and public customers with a high quality operation at PGA Golf Club that is commensurate with the PGA of America brand.

2. Hosting future PGA Member events.

3. Promoting and conducting core player development programs, and testing innovative and new initiatives.

4. Being a vibrant and active member of St. Lucie County through charitable, educational and volunteer support.

5. Being fiscally responsible in the management and operation of PGA Golf Club.

That’s because PGA Golf Club in Port St Lucie continues to improve, led by its impressive 20,000-square foot clubhouse.

The Wanamaker Course is now ranked 16th in the state of Florida by Golfweek.

The Dye Course recently finished a fairway and greens restoration designed to enhance year-round playability and

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overall appeal. All 18 greens, collars, fairways and bunker faces were resodded; fresh sand was added to fairway and greenside bunkers; and putting surfaces were expanded to their original sizes, revealing pin placements players have not seen in years.

The Ryder Course is scheduled for a renovation of the tees, fairways and greens beginning this summer.

Congratulations to the staff at Valhalla Golf Club in Louisville, Ky. Valhalla moved up 16 spots from #97 to #81 in Golf Digest Top 100 Rankings. The Valhalla Clubhouse renovation project is scheduled for a soft reopening this week.

Industry Trends For the first time in a decade, rounds were up in back-to-back years (+0.6% in 2016…+1.8% in 2015).

Approximately 2.5 million people played on a golf course for the first time in 2016—surpassing the record set in 2000, at the height of Tiger Woods’ popularity.

A great trend is in the growth of female participation, which has increased by more than 13% in the last five years and now stands at 24% of all golfers. In 2016, 34% of the 2.5 million new golfers were female.

In junior golf, diversity is growing, as 33% of juniors are female, compared to 24% of the overall golf population.

As well, 27% of juniors are non-Caucasian, up from 6% in 1995.

2017 PGA Championships The 2017 PGA major championship season begins in May. This year’s field in all four major Championships will provide the best golf at the highest level.

The Championships are: • PGA Championship: Quail Hollow Club, Charlotte, N.C. - The strongest field in golf, the PGA Championship, is experiencing brisk interest in both ticket sales and corporate hospitality for the first major championship to be played in the Charlotte area.

Professionals and golf fans alike will notice various course changes enacted last summer at Quail Hollow, especially on the front nine. Jimmy Walker is our defending Champion.

• KPMG Women’s PGA Championship: Olympia Fields (Ill.) Country Club - We are excited for the 2017 Championship, which will be played for the first of

• KitchenAid Senior PGA Championship: Trump National Golf Club – Potomac Falls, Va. - The most historic and prestigious event in senior golf will be contested in the shadows of our Nation’s Capital for the first time, with KitchenAid debuting as title sponsor.

Rocco Mediate is our defending champion.

• PGA Professional Championship: Sunriver Resort – Bend, Oregon – The PGA Professional Championship returns to the Sunriver Resort, one of the country’s most scenic golf destinations, featuring acclaimed Crosswater Club. Sunriver will host the 50th PGA Professional National Championship presented by Club Car, Mercedes-Benz and OMEGA in June. This will be the fourth visit to Oregon for the PGA of America’s showcase event for PGA Professionals. Rich Berberian is our defending champion.

I hope everyone has a great May of golf! Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions.

Sincerely,

2017 PGA Annual Operations Survey

May 2017

District 9 Director Report

two consecutive years in the Chicago market (the ‘18 Championship is scheduled to be hosted at Kemper Lakes Golf Club—just one hour to the north). Brooke Henderson is our defending champion.

The PGA Annual Operations Survey is the industry’s leading source for golf operations and facility data, providing PGA Professionals with an invaluable tool to help evaluate their facility’s performance. Through your participation in this survey, you and other PGA Professionals will continue to benefit in a number of ways, including: • tool

Access to the survey’s web-based reporting

• Ability to benchmark your facility’s performance against other like facilities • Resource to support your annual budgeting process • Data support for state and national economic impact studies on behalf of the golf industry

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

The 2017 Annual Operations Survey is now live.

This survey is available to the highest ranked PGA Professional at each facility, or to any Professional with proxy rights through their facility. Prior year results are also currently available online now on PGA. org, and PGA Members who complete the survey will earn two MSR credits. Please log in to your profile on PGA.org and participate today!

IVY Pro Am Set for May 24, 2017 T

he IVY Pro Am is an annual event put on by the Colorado PGA and hosted by Cheyenne Shadows Golf Course at Ft. Carson in conjunction with the Warrior Transition Battalion and active duty soliders at Ft. Carson. The event pairs one PGA Professional with three members of the armed forces, either active duty or veterans.

partners. Following golf is a hosted dinner and awards reception. Entry into the event for Colorado PGA Professionals is complimentary.

For more information or to register for the event, please click here.

The event is set for Wednesday, May 24, 2017 and wil begin with a clinic at 11:00am followed by the tournament at 1:30pm. Colorado PGA Professionals are asked to bring along a tee gift for each of their

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Colorado PGA Pro Peaks Digital Magazine

PGA HOPE Training Proves Monumental for PGA Professionals T

he Colorado PGA was thrilled to welcome PGA National Trainer and PGA/LPGA Master Professional, Judy Alvarez to Castle Rock this past month to train PGA Professionals on the finer points of adaptive golf instruction.

“Hands down, this was the best seminar I’ve ever been to. It exceeded my expectations by a ton,” noted Kyle Voska, PGA Instructor at The Links Golf Course in Highlands Ranch, CO. “As a PGA Member, whether you teach or not, attending this seminar needs to be at the top of your list. Not only will you learn a lot, you’ll come away with the knowledge to be able to handle any future situation with an adaptive golfer that will make them feel welcomed and comfortable.”

In support of the PGA HOPE (Helping Our Patriots Everywhere) program, Colorado PGA REACH invited Judy to share her lifetime of experience and passion for teaching golfers with disabilities.

The session, hosted at Plum Creek Golf Course, featured a morning of classroom instruction that provided PGA Professionals guidance on understanding limitations, terminology, equipment, and principles for teaching adaptive golf. Breaking down barriers of discomfort, fear of the unknown and embarrassment were shown to key to engaging with the adaptive golf community.

The 15 PGA Professionals and Apprentices in attendance were joined by Wounded Warrior Veterans

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from Ft. Carson and Craig Hospital who provided unique insight into teaching and learning golf in the physically and mentally challenged world.

The afternoon session took place at on the practice range where students got hands on experience on both sides of the lesson tee, as instructors and students.

Judy set up several live teaching stations where students played the role of sight impaired, amputee, hearing impaired, and mobility impaired students as the instructors attempted to adjust their teaching styles to best help the students enjoy the game.

“Every adult at one point or another will be a caregiver to someone to some degree in their life,” said Lakewood Country Club Instructor Andrew Tucker, PGA. “There is great humanity in being a caregiver and providing someone their dignity. If we as PGA professionals can offer a disabled person, be they a veteran or not, an opportunity to engage in golf, at whatever skill level, we can feel a great sense of personal pride and satisfaction in opening that door.”

There are a number of opportunities in 2017 to get involved in programs like this one include PGA HOPE Chapters at Ft. Carson, Denver, The Links Golf Course and Grand Junction, CO. For more information, please contact Colorado PGA Assistant Executive Director of Foundation Programs, Keith Soriano, PGA (ksoriano@ pgahq.com)

A Guiding Hand for Revenue Management

The five interactive courses focus on driving a healthier bottom line and enhancing a PGA Member’s value to his/her facility

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ooking to develop new strategies for generating revenue this upcoming season? PGA.org may have your answer. After working with Cornell University’s Dr. Cathy Enz, the PGA of America recently launched an impressive lineup of educational revenue management courses that are now available online for PGA Members and those at their facility who are involved in revenue management. The classes are interactive, efficient and free to access on PGA.org, making “It’s essentially five 20-minute classes to help you learn the latest on yield management and understanding how to price your product these days,” says PGA President Paul K. Levy. “That’s a big deal today in a world of third-party tee time providers. This is a way to learn revenue generation strategies to build your price structure, and it’s critical to understand these concepts – in a way that’s different from five or 10 years ago.”

Focused on the three key drivers of rounds, rates and reach, the coursework is divided into five topics that relate back to the central subject of revenue management. They include: Introduction to Golf Course Revenue Management After completing this class, learners will be able to apply the basic ideas of revenue management and describe how it has historically evolved, why it’s important and when it makes sense to use in the golf context. The course also discusses key terms that are a cornerstone in revenue management, including revenue per available tee time round (RevPATR) and its key drivers.

Forecasting and Booking Patterns This course focuses more on the how of revenue management and the patterns discussed are critical when it comes to tee time management. Learners will develop ways they can forecast and measure demand through historic, current and future data. They’ll then be able to recommend strategies for reducing no-shows and cancellations, and be able to implement effective pricing approaches while also building revenue.

May 2017

Colorado PGA News

Differential Pricing and Segmentation

Think about the dynamic of your golf shop this season: One customer or member who enters your shop today is often looking for a completely different experience than the person behind them in line. That’s the premise behind this course, which highlights the idea of differential pricing and moving from a one-price model to a differential pricing approach that creates different versions of a golf experience.

Distribution Channel Management Finding methods to move your customers to your product is absolutely crucial in the golf industry. After completing this course, learners will be able to evaluate their current distribution channel management and evaluate its effectiveness based on net rate yield.

They’ll also be able to understand the pros and cons of online third-party tee time sellers and become more aware of online channel distribution costs as a whole.

Strategic Management and Competitive Analysis A mission statement is critically important when it comes to generating revenue at a golf facility.

This course will enable learners to write their own statement, and use it as a foundation for their ideas and their why in regards to revenue management.

Learners will also be able to develop a competitive analysis for their direct competition that will assist in the process of making important strategic choices.

The central idea behind these courses is to provide a quick and easy way for PGA Professionals and their colleagues to access information on revenue management. A streamlined, five-class approach that PGA Professionals can share with those at their facility also highlights the benefit of PGA Professionals themselves.

“The revenue management coursework provides insights into specific skills our PGA Professionals can use to strengthen their profitability and showcase their value to their employers,” adds Dawes Marlatt, PGA Senior Director of Education and Organizational Development for the PGA of America. “It’s relevant and progressive material that enables you to be more effective in generating revenue and growing your bottom line, as well.”

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Colorado PGA Pro Peaks Digital Magazine

Colorado PGA News

Plain, VanDyke, Kamby Elected to Chapter Board of Directors T

he West Chapter of the Colorado PGA joined together for the West Chapter Spring Business Meeting on Thursday, April 20, 2017 at Bookcliff Country Club.

Vail Golf Club Director of Golf Alice Plain, and Aspen Glen Club Director of Golf Steve VanDyke were elected to full terms on the West Chapter Board of Directors at the recent West Chapter Spring Meeting. Both begin three year terms at the upcoming West Chapter Fall Meeting. Joe Kamby, Assistant Professional at Country Club of the Rockies was elected to fill a vacancy on the board and will serve through the Fall Meeting in 2018.

Plain has been a mainstay in the Vail Valley for more than twenty years. A former collegiate golfer at Oklahoma State, she started her career at Sonnenalp Golf Club in 1993 before joining the staff at Vail Golf Club in 1994. She spent time at Gypsum Creek Golf Club (formerly Cotton Ranch Golf Club) and Eagle Ranch Golf Club before returning to Vail Golf Club in 2007 as the Director of Golf.

Plain has been recognized a number of times for her hard work. She’s be awarded the West Chapter Golf Professional of the Year Award (2014), Bill Strausbaugh Award (2015) and the Horton Smith Award (2015 and 2017). At the Section level, she earned the 2013 Public Merchandiser of the Year Award. Additionally, Plain was appointed to the inaugural class of PGA LEAD, a program that identifies, mentors and progresses PGA Members from diverse backgrounds along a guided path to leadership roles in the Association.

“Alice brings a wealth of knowledge to the Board of Directors,” noted West Chapter President, Ed Marzec.

“With more than twenty years of experience as a golf professional in the Vail Valley and her involvement with PGA LEAD, she will be a tremendous asset to the both the board and chapter in the west.”

VanDyke, a native of Nebraska, has been at the Aspen Glen Club since August of 2000. He started out as an Assistant Golf Professional before moving into the Director of Golf role in 2008. Outside of his duties at the club, Steve founded the Youth Golf Colorado foundation in 2016 delivering golf in a casual, park setting in the Roaring Fork Valley. Steve earned the West Chapter Private Merchandiser of the Year award in 2011 and was recently named the 2017 West Chapter Bill Strausbaugh Award winner.

“Steve brings a new perspective to the board that will help us move forward. His dedication to his club, the chapter, and junior golf will be a great addition

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to the board members we already have in place,” said Marzec.

Kamby, much like Plain, has a long history in the Vail Valley.

He started as an Assistant Professional at Country Club of the Rockies (CCR) in the late 1990’s. He worked there until early 2005 when he was hired at The Club at Cordillera where he served as the Alice Plain, PGA Director of Golf at Vail Golf Head ProfesClub was one of three members elected to the sional at the West Chapter Board of Directors at their recent Summit Course Spring Meeting. and then at the Valley Course before the club hit a rough patch in 2010. He headed back to CCR in 2011 before spending a season as the Head Professional at The Glacier Club in 2013 before returning to CCR and the Vail Valley in 2014.

“We’re excited to have Joe rejoin the board and take over the remainder of the term vacated by Secretary Gagnon,” Marzec noted. “Joe has been a part of the board before and his willingness to jump in immediately to help serve the membership of the chapter is a benefit to our members and apprentices.”

All three will join a group totaling six board members and four officers of the West Chapter of the Colorado Section.

May 2017

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Colorado PGA Pro Peaks Digital Magazine

Colorado PGA News

Playing Ability Test Schedule Announced T

he Playing Ability Test or "PAT" is a measure of golfing ability. It means PGA Professionals have the skills needed to teach and grow the game.

The 36-hole playing ability test for golf is something you must pass if you want to become a PGA Professional.

One of the following must be completed within two years prior to registering into the PGA Professional Golf Management Program: Pass the 36-hole Playing Ability Test or; Attempt the PAT at least once within the two years prior to registering into the PGA PGM Program. Within that

The 36-hole PAT remains valid during the Acceptable Progress period. In order to pass the 36-hole PAT, you must achieve a 36-hole score within 15 shots of the course rating. For example, if the course rating is 72, the target score for the 36 holes would be 159 (72 x 2 = 144 + 15 = 159). This competition is normally conducted in one day. Fewer than 20% of those taking the test achieve a passing score, therefore, it is highly recommended that you work diligently on your game prior to registering for the PAT.

Registration Closes for all PATs Two Weeks Prior to the Event Date Playing Ability Test # 2 (cancelled) Wednesday, May 17, 2017 Walnut Creek Golf Preserve PAT Site Information Men’s Yardage – 6,484 Men’s Target Score – 155 Female Yardage - 5,666 Female Target Score - 157

Playing Ability Test # 5 Tuesday, July 18, 2017 Fitzsimons Golf Course PAT Site Information Men’s Yardage – 6,371 Men’s Target Score – 153 Female Yardage - 5,606 Female Target Score - 156

West Chapter Playing Ability Test # 2 Tuesday, September 19, 2017 River Valley Ranch Golf Course PAT Site Information Men’s Yardage – 6,368 Men’s Target Score – 152 Female Yardage - 5,545 Female Target Score - 156

Playing Ability Test # 3 Wednesday, June 7, 2017 The River Course at Keystone PAT Site Information Men’s Yardage – 6,507 Men’s Target Score – 154 Female Yardage - 5,414 Female Target Score - 154

Playing Ability Test # 6 Wednesday, August 9, 2017 Coyote Creek Golf Course PAT Site Information Men’s Yardage – 6,412 Men’s Target Score – 154 Female Yardage - 5,675 Female Target Score - 158

Playing Ability Test # 8 Wednesday, September 20, 2017 Pine Creek Golf Course PAT Site Information Men’s Yardage – 6,511 Men’s Target Score – 156 Female Yardage - 5,619 Female Target Score - 159

West Chapter Playing Ability Test # 1 Wednesday, June 12, 2017 Aspen Golf Club PAT Site Information Men’s Yardage – 6,499 Men’s Target Score – 156 Female Yardage - 5,426 Female Target Score - 155

Playing Ability Test # 7 Wednesday, August 30, 2017 Cheyenne Shadows Golf Course at Ft Carson PAT Site Information Men’s Yardage – 6,559 Men’s Target Score – 155 Female Yardage - 5,664 Female Target Score - 157

Playing Ability Test # 4 Wednesday, June 28, 2017 Riverdale Golf Club – Knolls Course PAT Site Information Men’s Yardage – 6,436 Men’s Target Score – 154 Female Yardage - 5,695 Female Target Score - 157

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time frame, shoot one 18-hole score in a PAT that is equal to or less than the PAT target score for 18- holes, plus 5 strokes. Note: Each PAT score has a validity date of two years.

Golf Genius Best Practices TV Leaderboard and Event Websites

by Anthony Vitale, PGA Assistant Professional | Colorado Golf Club

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or the staff at Colorado Golf Club, the transition to Golf Genius has been a fantastic process. In our first year of the transition we saw the software make a huge improvement to our Tournament Program. Now we are three seasons in, and the product itself has grown to offer more than we could ever think possible. There have been so many features that have made running a tournament easier from start to finish for us, but the two things that have drawn the most comments from our members have been the TV Leaderboards and the Event Websites.

We still print large paper scoreboards for our major events which are also straight from Golf Genius with their Scoreboard Templates. However, we run most of our daily play and smaller tournaments with a scoreboard displayed on four strategically placed TV’s throughout the clubhouse and patio. Using Google Chromecast devices, when hole-by-hole scores are input to the system, the live leaderboard is automatically updated with the standings for the event. We even have a TV on rollers that we can move around to any room or patio in the clubhouse to display scores for the players to view as they are updated. This is particularly handy because you can display multiple contests (skins, low gross, low net, team game, etc.) and have them rotate through the TV’s. Once all the players are off the course, with the click of a button the TV changes from “live scoring” to the final results, complete with payout and all. The time it takes to finalize all the contest and display them for the members to view is now a fraction of what is used to be!

The second thing which has drawn many positive comments is the event websites. From displaying event information and hosting registration before the event, to sending out a link to the results page after

May 2017

Colorado PGA News

event, many members have been impressed with the data they can see. When using hole-by-hole scoring, members can click on a player/team and see all of the scores, standings, course averages, and much more.

When building the website, we can also include event winner pictures, special contests, season long points standings, and links to future registrations with minimal prep time. Then with one email created through the system, we can easily share the complete summary of the event with all the participants.

Overall, Golf Genius has helped Colorado Golf Club to offer our members an incredible tournament experience. In addition to the initial benefits that come with scoring an event using online software, the scoreboards, and event websites have helped Golf Genius become a great hub for all things tournament related at the club. So many of the setup related tasks that a golf professional normally encounters when preparing an event can now be completed as we prepare during the offseason. At the end of the day, Golf Genius has saved our team time during the golf season and has greatly improved the member tournament experience at the club.

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Colorado PGA Pro Peaks Digital Magazine 16

Colorado PGA News

Merchandising Matters!

A Monthly Feature of What’s Selling in Golf Shops Across the Section “With the Spring weather being so unpredictable, what products are doing well for you this month?”

Kirk Rider, PGA

Head Professional Bear Creek Golf Club

With the weather being so nice this Spring with all of the warm weather, we’ve been doing very well selling shorts earlier than normal at Bear Creek Golf Club.

We did something totally different than in previous seasons with displaying of our shorts. We hung all of them in a high traffick area of the golf shop that everyone walks by and it’s worked wonders for us. Also, we brought some extreme fashion colors (Orange, Yellow and Raspberry) in which attract the customers attention to the shorts. I have not sold this many shorts this early in the season, ever!

Thank you Mother Nature!

Mark Pfingston, PGA Head Professional The Golf Club at Bear Dance

The safest proposition in your buying allocation is seasonally cool weather gear that can easily transition into late spring/early summer sales such as quarter zip cover ups, wind and rain performance jackets, as well as light weight fashion full zip jackets. Our preferred partners in this space are Nike, Travis Matthew, and Sunice. These pieces are essential for the hard core player who is always on the #1 tee despite the inclement weather and needs the appropriate gear to meet the playing conditions.

This year we singularly focused our efforts on consumer product education via some facet of a club fitting experience every weekend in April. It ranged from simple product testing of wedges and putters on the short game area to well-advertised, all-day fitting experiences on the practice tee. With the release of Callaway’s new Epic Driver, we have never seen the demand and buzz they have created and it has transitioned directly to our finest April club sales.

We have recognized over 80 individual club sales generating more than $28k in total equipment sales. We will take a 400% sales increase in any department, anytime! At the end of the day, it is all about new relationships and improved experiences that we are confident will manifest itself into future rounds of golf.

Head Professional Denver Country Club

We are having success with golf bags, golf shoes, wedges and select apparel. The Callaway Hyper Lite Zero is by far our bestselling golf bag. The quality of construction and overall light weight has made it a huge hit! In addition, we have really focused on wedge replacement – educating our membership on the effects of groove wear and overall ball control around the greens. Gap fitting has also been a big part of our wedge success.

With clothing, we focus on layering and basic essentials such as shorts, slacks, light weight jackets and functional shirts. We promote our spring line-up as a “stock up” for the season program.

May 2017

Steve David, PGA

Colorado PGA News

I feel it is important to follow the overall trends in the market and to create a process of “education” to the membership regarding those trends and overall benefits.

The entire staff must be informed and prepared to offer the appropriate service and communication to the membership.

After all, they are looked upon as the experts. In addition, knowing your customer and what they desire is important.

Taking the time to meet with individuals, learning their preferences and styles can be beneficial in understanding and predicting future product purchases within your buying plan.

Education News Member Business Center Videos Available T

he 2016 Member Business Center videos have been taken down and replaced with the 2017 Member Business Center videos. There are eight (8) of the 2017 videos available. PGA members can receive two (2) PGA Education MSRs by watching a video from the list and taking an assessment at the conclusion of the video. Note: The PGA Town Hall is worth one (1) PGA Meeting MSR credit.

MSR credits may be earned only one time for any online MSR course. In order to earn MSR credit, a score of 70% or higher on the assessment is required. If PGA Members do not score 70% or higher, one (1) re-take opportunity will be allowed. PGA Members will be directed to the assessment when the video concludes.

Members must have an updated version of web browsers. Once the video has started it must run in its entirety without any interruptions such as stopping or pausing. Watch the videos by clicking here.

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Colorado PGA Pro Peaks Digital Magazine

Junior Golf News

For Openers By: Gary Baines

T

he Junior Golf Alliance of Colorado Tour season opened this weekend, with the boys event featuring a major comeback and the girls tournament a wire-to-wire champion.

Canon Olkowski of Grand Junction rallied from an eight-stroke deficit going into the final round to win the boys tourney by one at the Country Club of Colorado in Colorado Springs.

And Hailey Schalk of Erie, the 2016 Colorado Junior Match Play champion, wasn’t seriously challenged in posting an eight-stroke victory in the girls competition. (The two winners are pictured.)

Olkowski, brother of 2016 JGAC Tour Championship winner Trevor Olkowski, rebounded from a first-round 77 to card a 1-over-par 72 on Sunday, giving him a two-day total of 7-over 149. Canon, 16, notched four birdies in round 2, offset by three bogeys and a double bogey.

Luke Trujillo of Colorado Springs, who led after an opening-round 69, tied for second at 150 following an 81 on Sunday. Particularly costly was a quadruple-bogey 7 on his 17th hole Sunday. Also sharing second place was University of Colorado-bound Cole Krantz of Windsor, who closed with a 71, the low score on Sunday.

In the girls tournament, the 15-year-old Schalk carded back-to-back rounds of 74 for a 6-over-par 148 total. On Sunday, she overcame a triple-bogey 8 with three birdies, and added three bogeys.

Lauren Lehigh of Loveland finished second at 156 after a second-round 77. Amisha Singh of Greenwood Village took third place at 157 after closing with an 80.

The tournament in Colorado Springs marked the beginning of the “spring points chase”. The top three boys and top three girls in the points standings after three spring Tour events will earn spots in the AJGA Hale Irwin Colorado Junior by Transamerica that’s being hosted by Walnut Creek Golf Preserve (the former Heritage at Westmoor) June 6-8.

For scores from this weekend’s JGAC Tour event, click on the following: BOYS, GIRLS. JGAC Series Opener at Pueblo CC: Meanwhile, the first JGAC Series event of 2017 also concluded on Sunday -- in this case at Pueblo Country Club.

The winners for the various age/gender divisions were: Mario Dino of Denver (boys 14-18), Katelyn Lehigh of Loveland (girls 14-18), Matai Naqica of Centennial (boys 11-13), Sofia Choi of Littleton (girls 11-13), Andre Dumonteil of Centennial and Kaden Devenport of Windsor (boys 6-10), and Ashleigh Wilson of Highlands Ranch (girls 6-10).

For all the scores from Pueblo Country Club, CLICK HERE.

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www.coloradopga.com

May 2017

Quarter Century Feature Story

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Colorado PGA Pro Peaks Digital Magazine

Junior Golf 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. 2-3): Kiawah Island Golf Resort (Oak Point and Turtle Point Courses) –

Kiawah Island, South Carolina - Host PGA Professional: Joshua Wagaman The Resort’s famed Ocean Course has hosted the 1991 Ryder Cup and the 2012 PGA Championship, and is scheduled to host the PGA Championship in 2021.

•

Midwest Region (Sept. 9-10): 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.

•

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.

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•

May 2017

Junior Golf News

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.

• Witt

Mideast Region (Sept. 30 – Oct. 1): The Bridgewater Club – Carmel, Indiana - Host PGA Professional: Rick

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.

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Colorado PGA Pro Peaks Digital Magazine

Membership News

Johnson Joins Quarter Century Club a Little Earlier Than Others Former Section Champion Earns Distinction at Just Fifty Years Young Where did you grow up?

My Dad worked for AT&T as I grew up. He was in a position that required us to move frequently, so as a kid I moved about every three years. I spent most of my time in Helena, Montana and North Bergen County, New Jersey before moving to Colorado in 1985 which is where I have lived since.

What was your first introduction to the game of golf?

My Dad was a very good player. He kept a low single digit handicap and played on weekends and in amateur events when he could. I began begging my Dad to go to the course every weekend and on his Tuesday night Men’s league evenings beginning at about 6 years old and that is one of the places I spent my childhood.

Why did you choose to become a PGA Golf Professional?

I loved the game, competing and just being around the course. I knew at an early age that if I didn’t end up playing for a living that I would work in the industry.

While I was going to school in Boulder, I began working toward membership. In doing that I had become a member by the time I was 25.

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What makes you most proud about being a PGA Professional?

I love the excitement a new golfer gets when they begin to realize that they can learn the game and become a good golfer. The game is so tough but when that light bulb moment hits them and you know they are hooked it is so satisfying.

What golf facilities have you been employed at and in what capacity?

I have worked at a golf course since I was 17. I began with outside services at South Suburban Golf Course then worked as an assistant professional there before moving to the same position at Castle Pines and Buffalo Run. I then got my first Head Professional job in 2000 at Raccoon Creek and later moved to the Pinery Country Club and The Club at Pradera as the Director of Golf before stepping into the GM roll at The Pinery for nearly 3 years.

What do you feel is the most meaningful contribution to the game of golf you have made?

There are many hats to be worn by a golf professional from financial responsibility to your owners to creating a great environment for your team members and guests, but I think if I look back to the meaningful contributions two things come to mind. First, as I look

Welcome to the Colorado PGA! Let us introduce you to the newest Colorado PGA Professionals Joe Chavez, PGA Assistant Golf Professional | Harmony Club

Stefanie Ferguson, LPGA, PGA Instructor ExperienceGolf

Why did you become a PGA Professional?

I became a PGA Professional because not only do I love the business and game of golf but also because I wanted to be part of an organization that is worldly recognized in striving to grow the game of golf!

Why did you become a PGA Professional?

I became a PGA professional for networking and the opportunity to play in more events.

What do you most look forward to now that you are a member?

Now that I am a member of the PGA, I look forward to working along with my fellow PGA members and learning from them, along with using the resources that the PGA has provided, and continue reaching out to lapsed and new golfers!

Sean Rea, PGA Assistant Golf Professional Maroon Creek Club Why did you become a PGA Professional?

I became a PGA professional because when I started to really play golf competitively, I discovered a passion for not only playing the game but also for teaching others how to play.

I tried to think of the best way to combine these two passions and stumbled upon the PGA university program. Since then, it’s always been my main goal to become a PGA professional and help others to try and enjoy the game that I love.

What do you most look forward to now that you are a member?

May 2017

Membership News

I look forward to continuing my education and getting to know more of the other professionals in Colorado.

Matt Kloppenburg, PGA Assistant Professional The Club at Pradera Why did you become a PGA Professional?

I always enjoyed the game of golf through playing but more so through teaching my friends and family. Seeing them succeed and get better over the years was an accomplishment for me. I really enjoy working with people and understanding what their thought process is while playing and helping them find ways to overcome those obstacles.

What do you most look forward to now that you are a member?

Now that I am a member of the PGA I look forward to continuing my education and becoming a better instructor and mentor of the PGA. Through gaining more knowledge and understand in new teaching technologies and strategies is one of many ways I hope to separate myself as an instructor.

Now that I am a member, I am most looking forward to playing in section events, meeting and developing a network with all the pros in the section, and using knowledge given to me to become the best professional I can possibly be going forward.

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Colorado PGA Pro Peaks Digital Magazine

Membership News

Route 411

An update on our Colorado PGA Members

Happy Birthday!

May 1 John A. Williams, PGA Keith E. Soriano, PGA Kyle M. McGee, PGA May 2 David J. Nelson, PGA May 3 Jeff E. Freebury, PGA Stephen J. Wallace, PGA

May 12 Michael A. Knights, PGA Paul J. Surniak, PGA Edward R. Bodigheimer, PGA

May 4 Billy D. Ellison, PGA Kirk R. Mease, PGA Michael J. Petrisko, PGA Dillon B. May, PGA Alexandra R. Braga, PGA Rachel J Cavalier

May 13 Brian V. DallaBetta, PGA Timothy A. Tafoya, PGA

May 5 Craig A. Porter, PGA Douglas C. Rikkers, PGA Gregory Frederick, PGA Kenneth R. Toms, PGA Brian M. Bonos, PGA

May 15 Douglas Rohrbaugh, PGA Anne Kelly, PGA Edward Nosewicz, PGA Steve Patterson, PGA Michael Thomsen, PGA Christopher S. Woods

May 6 Brian C. Lindstrom, PGA Steven C. David, PGA Keith C. Martin, PGA Robert J. Mueller, PGA Nathan S. Vincent, PGA Jesse G. Hansen, PGA May 7 Jason C. Murphy, PGA John E. Mescall, PGA Benjamin D Lanting May 8 Rudy K. Castaneda, PGA Erroll Miller, PGA Scott Sommers, PGA Thomas B. Noonan, PGA Thomas J. Cross, PGA May 9 Kyle Heyen, PGA John M. Karamigios, PGA Penn G. Saad, PGA Jared R Tedesco May 10 Patti Marquis, PGA Edward Oldham, PGA John Vickers Zachary E. Lenart

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May 11 Mark T. Kelbel, PGA Kenneth S Krieger, PGA Ed L. Marzec II, PGA Daniel L. Augustine David T Fletcher

May 14 Kirk Padgett, PGA Lucas J. Brosterhous, PGA

May 16 Tom Apple, PGA David A. Rawlings, PGA Derek W Eley May 17 Nicholas C. Fiorini, PGA George S. Miller Jr., PGA May 18 Eric C. Knotts, PGA May 19 John T. Wilcox, PGA Bill Winfield May 19 Arne C. Hansen, PGA Jim K. See II, PGA May 20 Ken R. Anderson, PGA Winston A. Howe Jr., PGA May 21 Ryan J. Mahlstadt, PGA Andrew S. Pole, PGA May 22 Donald S Campbell, PGA Michael J. Zaremba, PGA

Beau S. Smith, PGA Jerome M Roby May 23 Chad Hansen, PGA Nicholas R. Clearwater, PGA Jeffrey C. Carter, PGA May 24 David A. Dent, PGA Jason L. Witczak, PGA May 25 Visanu Tongwarin, PGA Michael F. Loosley, PGA Robert C Erickson May 27 Brandon L Bingaman May 28 Kevin Vena, PGA Mickey Byrne, PGA Don Corey, PGA Matthew E. Bryant, PGA R.J. Wiegand, PGA May 29 Dennis C. Murray, PGA Richard G Parker, PGA Nathan M Pippett, PGA David M. Thompson, PGA Jon D. Husby, PGA May 30 Corey L. Butler, PGA Max R Twarjan May 31 Scott B. Rethlake, PGA Gary G. Hallberg, PGA Jonathan L. Dron, PGA

New Members

Moving On!

Moving Up!

Jordan J. Kennaugh, PGA | A-8 Red Hawk Ridge Golf Club

Stacy R. Amann, PGA | A-13 Stonebridge GC of New Orleans previously at Hart Ranch Golf Course

Chris G. Bowry, PGA | A-6 Saddleback Golf Club previously at Boulder Country Club

Sean M. Rea Jr., PGA | A-8 Maroon Creek Club

Welcome to the Colorado PGA! Dan Adkins, PGA | A-8 Roaring Fork Club previously at Trump National Golf Club in the Southern Cal Section Mark A. Avery, PGA | A-1 Pinery Country Club previously at Brookstone Golf & CC in the Georgia Section Ryan Flamm, PGA | A-4 EagleVail Golf Club previously at Red Hawk Golf Club in the Sun Country Section Trey M. Johnson, PGA | A-8 Vail Golf Club previously at La Quinta Country Club in the Southern Cal Section Mark D. Matz, PGA | A-1 Beaver Creek Golf Club previously at Scalawags Golf Club in the Michigan Section

Hunter Brown, PGA | A-8 Biltmore Forest Country Club previously at Trackman

Donald S Campbell, PGA | A-1 Grand Lake Golf Course previously at Headwaters Golf Course at Granby Ranch

Steven P. Mauser, PGA | A-8 Forest Highlands/Canyon GC previously at Denver Country Club

Richard A Lash | B-6 Bear Creek Golf Club previously at Topgolf - Centennial

Jack Sommers, PGA | LM previously at Tiara Rado Golf Course

Dillon B. May, PGA | A-8 Lakewood Country Club previously at Cherry Creek Country Club

New Apprentices Tyler W Gunkel | B-8 | Arrowhead Golf Club Benjamin P Vancuren | B-8 | EagleVail Golf Club Nathaniel C Weber | B-8 | Todd Creek Golf Club Riley D Willis | B-8 | Black Canyon GC at Montrose

Continued from page 24 back at my time to this point I have had 4 assistants move on to become head professionals with another 3 not too far from that opportunity. Second, I would say that I feel like the golfers that I have an opportunity to impact through instruction always will look back at the time we spent and know that they received quality instruction and advice that helped them improve significantly and will keep them engaged in the game their entire life.

What hobbies do you have outside of golf?

Right now my kids are my hobby. While I enjoy competing tremendously watching your kids compete is substantially more satisfying to me. While that window of time is small it definitely consumes most of my spare time. In addition, I am a sport fanatic to say the least. I enjoy all sports...football, baseball, basketball and hockey top the list.

May 2017

Membership News

Dennis McLaughlin, PGA | A-1 Hay Creek Golf Club previously at Adobe Creek Golf Course

Newly Certified PGA Professionals Josh W. Troyer, PGA Successfully complete the Certified Professional in Teaching/Coaching program

If you could have a dream foursome, who would it be and why?

Jack Nicklaus, Dan Marino and Tiger (at his peak). Jack and Dan because I idolized these two men growing up and would love to just watch and listen to them for 4 hours. I would pretty much bet you could figure out what it take to be the best at something in life by the time you pulled the ball out of the hole on 18. As for Tiger, while you may not agree with his decisions but you have to marvel at what he did for that period of time when he hit it further than anyone, was the best ball striker, the best putter, had the best short game, the best imagination and on top of all of that was mentally stronger than everyone. To witness that first had would be pretty special.

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Colorado PGA Pro Peaks Digital Magazine

Tournament News

Trio Ties at Pro-Pro-Pro Championship T

he number three was the most popular number of the day at the 2017 Pro-Pro-Pro Championship presented by Masek Golf Cars of Colorado, Antigua, PTE Golf and the PGA Tour on Monday, May 8, 2017. Three players combined to forms teams in the scramble event at the Club at Pradera in Parker, Colorado.

Three teams were crowned champions after posting impressive scores of fourteen-under-par 8. Kevin Bolles (Director of Golf, Sean Miller (Assistant Professional) and Tom Noonan (Assistant Professional) combined for ten birdies and two eagles on their way to being the first team to post their score.

The second team to post a winning score was a duo from The Links Golf Course, Rob Hunt, PGA (Head Professional) and Kyle Voska, PGA (Assistant Professional) who teamed up with Jake’s Academy Director of Instruction Doug Wherry, PGA. The trio made twelve birdies and an eagle to post their own fourteen-under-par 58.

The third team to finish in a tie for first was Chris Johnson, PGA Life Member, Don Allen, PGA General Manager at Raccoon Creek Golf Course and Sherry Andonian, PGA Instructor at Valley Country Club. Their team also combined to make twelve birdies and an eagle.

Coming in fourth place just one shot back after posting thirteen-under-par 59 were two teams.

Dan O’Shaughnessy (Head Professional), Tom Nosewicz (Assistant Professional), and Caine Fitzgerald (Assistant Professional), all of Meadow Hills Golf Course, made three eagles during their round. They tied with the team from The Ridge at Castle Pines North, made up of Mike Weingartner (Head Professional), William Foust (Assistant General Manager) and Trevor Martinet (Apprentice Professional) Thank you to all of the presenting sponsors of the event; Masek Golf Cars of Colorado (Jason Masek, John Halbert and Jordan Webber), Antigua (Glenn Dunleavy), PTE Golf (Matt Pollitt) and the PGA Tour.

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Thank you to host PGA Professional Seth Jamison, his staff and the membership of the Club at Pradera for hosting the event.

T1 Bolles/Miller/Noonan Hunt/Voska/Wherry Andonian/Johnson/Allen

58 58 58

-14 -14 -14

T4 O’Shaughnessy/Nosewicz/Fitzgerald 59 Foust/Weingartner/Martinet 59

-13 -13

T6 Cole/Hensel/Erbes Montgomery/Gott/Ferguson

-12 -12

60 60

T8 Steinmetz/Panella/Keffer 61 -11 Hansen/Kamby/Marzec 61 -11 Sharamitaro/Richardson/Hackenberg 61 -11 Callihan/Fengler/Alston 61 -11 Lash/Franks/Londer 61 -11 Carlton/Bradley/Northern 61 -11 Click here for the complete results

Tournament Update

Cole, Keffer Tie at Valley Country Club Pro Am

Rick Cole, PGA Head Professional at Eaton Country Club and Geoff Keffer, PGA Instructor at the Greater Golfer Development Center tied for first place at the Valley Country Club Pro Am on Monday, April 10, 2017.

Both players fired rounds of three-under-par 69 to post a three-shot victory over PGA Life Member Chris Johnson, PGA who finished at even-par 72. In fourth place was Kirk Trowbridge, PGA Teaching Professional at the Meta Golf Learning Center who posted a oneover-par 73.

In the team event, Sherry Andonian and Dale Smigelsky led their teams to victory a first place tie in the Birdie Bash format. Andonian, a PGA Instructor at Valley Country Club partnered with Joe Fabrizio, Dave Franzmann, and Lisa Lee to amass 21 points.

Smigelsky, the PGA Director of Golf at Collindale Golf Course partnered with Mike Sanders, Paul Schlagel, and Scott Schlagel. Keffer partnered with Lonnie Barnhouse, Frank Grabowski and Jeff Cooley to post 20 points and finish in third place.

Thank you to host PGA Professional Barry Milstead, his staff and the membership of Valley Country Club for hosting the event.

Click here for the complete results

Bradley, Fitzgerald Tie for First at Blackstone Country Club Eric Bradley, PGA Head Professional at Blackstone Country Club and Caine Fitzgerald, PGA Assistant Professional at Meadow Hills Golf Course both shot two-under-par 70 to finish tied for first at the Blackstone Country Club Pro Am on Monday, April 17, 2017. Rick Cole, PGA Head Professional at Eaton Country Club finished in third place, one stroke behind after shooting a one-under-par 71.

Green Valley Ranch Golf Club who partnered with Tim Beckett, Derek Sevier, and Jason McGlone to post a thirteen-under-par 123.

Thank you to host PGA Professionals John Scappatura, Sam Chapman and Eric Bradley, their staff and the membership of Blackstone Country Club for hosting the event.

May 2017

Tournament News

Click here for the complete results

Andonian Wins Common Ground Stroke Play Event Valley Country Club PGA Professional Sherry Andonian notched her first win of the year at CommonGround Golf Course on Monday, April 24, 2017. Andonian, who was recently honored as the West Chapter Regular and Senior Player of the Year, fired an impressive five-under-par 66 to post a one shot victory. Andonian made an eagle and four birdies to go along with just one bogey during her round. Coming in second place was PGA Life Member Chris Johnson who fired a four-under-par 67. In third place was Jason Witczak, PGA Director of Instruction at the Club at Pradera who posted a three-under-par 68.

In the Senior Division, Johnson bested the duo of Paul Lobato and John Ogden to take home the first place prize. Lobato, the PGA Head Professional at Meridian Golf Club and Ogden, the PGA Head Professional at Cherry Hills Country Club both posted two-under-par 69.

In the Apprentice Division, Chris Hyten, Assistant Professional at Castle Pines Golf Club grabbed the victory by firing a one-under-par 70, including a scorching back nine score of 31.

Thank you to host PGA Professional Dave Troyer, his staff and the facility for hosting the event.

Click here for the complete results

In the team event, the Club at Flying Horse Director of Instruction Garrett Froggatte led his team to victory in the 3-2-1 Net Team event. Froggatte partnered with Russ Ford, Chris Swayne, and Todd Retting to post a fourteen-under-par 122. Coming in second place in the team event was Brian Gott, PGA Instructor at

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27

Colorado PGA Pro Peaks Digital Magazine

Tournament News

PGA Professional Championship Returns to Bayonet Black Horse Courses in 2018 B

ayonet Black Horse of Seaside, California, a pair of premier public-access courses among the acclaimed Monterey Peninsula golf landscape, will host the 2018 PGA Professional Championship presented by Club Car and OMEGA, the world’s largest all-professional golf event.

The 51st edition of the PGA Professional Championship will be June 17-20, 2018, marking the return of the 312-player event that was first conducted at Bayonet Black Horse in 2012.

Bayonet Black Horse also was the site of the 2016 Senior PGA Professional Championship.

“The PGA of America is excited to return the PGA Professional Championship to Bayonet Black Horse, long regarded among the most scenic and challenging courses to have hosted this national championship,” said PGA President Paul Levy. “The staff of Bayonet Black Horse has embraced our championships, and we anticipate another great edition in 2018 for our best playing PGA Professionals.”

Dick Fitzgerald, director of Seaside Resort Development, which operates Bayonet Black Horse said, “We are honored to be selected as the host of the 2018 PGA Professional Championship, and we welcome the return of the country’s premier PGA Professionals.

By hosting the PGA Professional Championship, Bayonet and Black Horse continues to cement its

Overlooking Monterey Bay, Bayonet and Black Horse were named in honor of two U.S. Army divisions. The courses occupy property that was once part of the former Fort Ord military base. Bayonet was designed

by Gen. Robert B. McClure in 1954, and after a redesign

by Gene Bates, the course reopened in 2007.

Black Horse Golf Course, a 1964 joint original design

by Gen. McClure and Gen. Edwin Carnes, was named in honor of the 11th Cavalry Regiment (Black Horse), which was stationed at the Presidio of Monterey (1919-1940).

Time to Setup Direct Deposit For Tournament Winnings

A

s the tournament season approaches, for those of you that don’t have Direct Deposit setup for your tournament winnings, you are missing out! Direct Deposit is not only beneficial to you, the member, but also to the PGA of America because it saves them time and resources printing and distributing paper checks.

Here are a few reasons to setup Direct Deposit before the season begins: It Saves You Time - With direct deposit, your money is automatically deposited into your checking account.

You don’t have to find time to drive to the bank and stand in line waiting to cash your check. The days of

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reputation as a home for professional championship golf and one of the great golf venues on the Monterey Peninsula.”

hurrying to the bank before it closes are over. Your money will already be in your account, available to you, three days after the event has finished.

Helps Save You Money - With direct deposit, you can have some money go to your checking account and you can have some funneled directly to your savings account and/or a retirement account.

To access the Direct Deposit form and get this setup prior to the beginning of the tournament season, please click here. If you already have this setup, you are good to go!

Dow Finsterwald Colorado PGA OMEGA Player of the Year 1 | Geoff Keffer | Greater Golfer Development Center | 1,698.40 2 | Blake Sharamitaro | Lake Arbor Golf Club | 1,455.50 3 | Rick Cole | Eaton Country Club | 1,287.00 4 | Chris Johnson | Life Member | 1,256.17 5 | Eric Bradley | Blackstone Country Club | 1,190.00 6 | Paul Lobato | Meridian Golf Club | 1,052.25 7 | Caine Fitzgerald | Meadow Hills Golf Course | 1,033.50 8 | Kyle Voska | The Links Golf Course | 1,008.65 9 | Sherry Andonian | Valley Country Club | 998.14 10 | Jason Witczak | The Club at Pradera | 954.17 11 | Ron Vlosich | Life Member | 942.64 12 | Peter Norwood | MetaGolf Learning Center | 814.12 13 | Visanu Tongwarin Legacy Ridge Golf Course | 753.00 14 | Ken Krieger | Cheyenne Country Club | 698.00 15 | Kirk Trowbridge | MetaGolf Learning Center | 654.00 16 | Dan O’Shaughnessy | Meadow Hills Golf Course | 568.75 17 | Perry Holmes | Colorado National Golf Club | 535.00 18 | Scott Sommers | Saddleback Golf Club | 532.50 19 | Mike Northern | Life Member | 506.50 20 | Brian Gott | Green Valley Ranch Golf Club | 500.50 21 | Remington Post | Hiwan Golf Club | 493.50 22 | Tyler Parsloe | Country Club at Castle Pines | 488.00 23 | Michael Weingartner | The Ridge at Castle Pines North | 487.90 24 | Jeff Carter | Riverdale Golf Courses | 476.00 25 | Dave Troyer | CommonGround Golf Course | 474.50 26 | Gregg Jones | Sand Creek Golf Course | 449.00 27 | Dave Detweiler | Life Member | 436.50

May 2017

Tournament News

Senior Colorado PGA OMEGA Player of the Year 1 | Mike Northern | Life Member |1,486.50 2 | Rick Cole | Eaton Country Club |1,287.00 3 | Chris Johnson | Life Member |1,206.17 4 | Paul Lobato | Meridian Golf Club |1,152.25 5 | Sherry Andonian | Valley Country Club|998.14 6 | Ron Vlosich | Life Member |942.64 7|J eff Hanson | Red Sky Golf Club |721.00 8 | Ken Krieger | Cheyenne Country Club |698.00 9 | Perry Holmes | Colorado National Golf Club |535.00 10 |Scott Sommers | Saddleback Golf Club |532.50

Colorado PGA Apprentice Player of the Year 1 | Patrick Grady | University of Colorado | 1,312.00 2| Christopher Hyten | Castle Pines Golf Club | 757.17 3 | Steve Bidne | University of Northern Colorado | 651.00 4 | Bryan Hackenberg | Riverdale Golf Courses | 562.52 5 | Rich Lash | Bear Creek Golf Club | 521.31 6 | Ben Lanting | Bear Creek Golf Club | 398.00 7 | Jeff Franks | Catamount Ranch and Club | 293.50 8 | Trevor Martinet | The Ridge at Castle Pines North| 252.50 9 | Jeramy Curry | The Links Golf Course | 211.00 10 | Kory Harrell | The Club at Pradera | 197.00

As of May 8, 2017

www.coloradopga.com

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Colorado PGA Pro Peaks Digital Magazine

Presidents Club | $20,000 and above

Colorado Chevy Dealers

Colorado Golf and Turf Tom Bauerle

National Car Rental

PGA Tour

Platinum | $10,000 OMEGA

Platinum | $7,500 Colorado AvidGolfer Allen Walters

Gold | $5,000

Denver Golf Expo Mark Cramer

KBS Shafts

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Fairway Promotions James Schlatter, Nick Porter

Greg Norman Mike Giarratano

Masek Golf Cars Jason Masek

Adidas/Ashworth Mike Bryant

GolfTEC Joe Assell, PGA

AHEAD Zach Ledvina

PTE Golf Matt Pollitt

Club Prophet Systems Tom Robshaw

May 2017

Silver | $2,500

Sun Mountain Kevin Neff

Bronze | $1,000

www.coloradopga.com

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Colorado PGA Pro Peaks Digital Magazine