2017 October Digital Magazine

PRO PEAKS

The Official Publication of the Colorado PGA October 2017

Ogden Claims Rip Arnold Memorial Trophy

Rohrbaugh Wins Record Ninth West Chapter Championship

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 P (303) 996-1594 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.

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President’s Report 5 Championship Season Wraps Up in Style!

District Director Report 6 Disaster Relief, PGA Championship, PGA Professional

Championship and PGA HOPE

Exec. Director’s Report 6 “No, It’s Not a Ball Marker”

PGA of America News 10 The Impact of Mentorship on Career Development and Planning

Special Awards Feature 12 Milstead, PGA, Honored to have Name Connected with Smith 13 Humbled by the Honor, Twete Recognized as Assistant of the Year 15 Radio Hosts with more than 75 Years’ Combined Experience

Demonstrate Love of the Game 16 Tobias, Resort Merchandiser of the Year Believes Passion

Separates Good from Great 19 Smigelsky Accredits Public Merchandiser of the Year Award to

Dedicated Staff 20 Private Merchandiser of the Year Relies on Dedicated Staff to Succeed

Tournament News 22 Section Championship Trophy Returns to Cherry Hills as Ogden Claims Title 26 Rohrbaugh Captures Ninth Colorado PGA West Chapter Championship 28 Player of the Year Updates

Membership News 29 Member Update Junior Golf News 30 Altogether Fitting 28 JGCA Season Ending Event Recaps

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October 2017

What’s Inside

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Colorado PGA Pro Peaks Digital Magazine

President’s Message

By Ty Thompson, PGA

Take Another Step Forward by Joining CMAA

It’s been a great month of championships here in the Colorado Section. It was an incredible finish at Red Sky Golf Club! What a great storybook finish of John Ogden and Rick Cole battling for the championship in playoff fashion. We thank all who participated and congratulate John Ogden, the victor in our biggest championship of the season. I also wish the very best to those who qualified to play in the PGA Professional Championship at Bayonet Black Horse Courses in 2018.

I’m looking forward to honoring the best of the best in the Colorado Section when we gather at the 2017 Special Awards Gala at Colorado Golf Club on Friday, October 27, 2017. This is one my favorite evenings as we get to celebrate our PGA Professionals, their accomplishments and celebrate the end of the golf season! If you haven’t been to the Gala, I encourage you to attend if you have the time!

Ty Thompson, PGA President Colorado PGA ty.thompson@pga.com

Our staff is working diligently to finalize our 2018 schedule. I am thankful for the lengths they take to deliver education, provide playing opportunities, serve the membership and impact our communities. One schedule item to note is that the Spring Meeting next year will be on March 19th, one week earlier than normal. This change is due to the member feedback in regards to school district spring break schedules. In reviewing almost 20 school districts we found our traditional date would conflict with 14 of the most populated districts. Thank you for the feedback and we hope this allows you to enjoy that time with your families!

Finally, please feel free to reach out to myself, or any of your board members, as we begin the process of planning for next year. Our goal in all we do is to serve the member and grow the game. If there is an area of our association, we need to be made aware of, that can enhance this mission we welcome your comments.

My Best,

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

www.coloradopga.com

The role of the PGA Professional has certainly grown over the past two decades. PGA members are running multiple departments and in some cases they are serving in the role of General Manager and/or COO. Have you ever had interest in expanding your leadership into other parts of the business? Currently we have over 50 members serving in these roles and many of them hold dual membership in the PGA and the CMAA. Why is this important? If you have interest in growing your skills in general management or club operations you may consider learning opportunities from holding a dual membership.

October 2017

Championship Season Wraps In Grand Style!

I have had numerous conversations, over the past two years, with our national leadership in regards to the CMAA giving credits and work experience to our PGA professionals interested in this educational opportunity. The CMAA recently ruled that PGA professionals with approved “experience” can reduce the time needed, as a CMAA member, to sit for the Certified Club Manager exam from 6 years to 3 years. In addition, PGA professionals earn 50 of the 300 credits needed for certification from theirr MSR education credits.

As we are seeing more and more collaboration between associations we are seeing these kinds of changes that encourage education and opportunity for advancement. Whether it is working towards a master’s degree, PGA Master Professional or a certification such as the CMAA, I would encourage each of you to find areas of education and personal development that intrigue you and make you more qualified for your next position.

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Colorado PGA Pro Peaks Digital Magazine

District 9 Director Report

October Update

Disaster Relief, PGA Championship, PGA Professional Championship and PGA HOPE

By Kyle Heyen, PGA

Senior PGA Championship presented by MercedesBenz The 29th Senior PGA Professional Championship presented by Mercedes-Benz was conducted Sept.

28-Oct. 1 at Desert Mountain in Scottsdale, Arizona.

The Colorado Section of the PGA was proudly represented by Rick Cole, Bill Hancock, Don Hurter, Chris Johnson, Bill Loeffler, Barry Milstead, Mike Northern, Doug Rohrbaugh, Ron Vlosich and Mike Zaremba.

Congratulations to Rick Cole, Chris Johnson and Bill Loeffler for making the cut and competing for all seventy-two holes!

PGA Annual Meeting The 101st Annual Meeting of the PGA of America will be held this year at the Hilton Austin, in Austin, Texas.

Delegate arrival will take place on Tuesday, Oct. 31, and the meeting will conclude on Friday, Nov. 3.

During the Annual Meeting, we will recognize our National Award winners, including our own Mark Pfingston who will receive the PGA of America Merchandiser of the Year for Public Facilities Award.

We will also celebrate the induction of seven deserving individuals into the PGA of America Golf Hall of Fame and recognize our Distinguished Service Award recipient.

RESOLUTION 2 PROPOSED BY: PGA Board of Directors SUBJECT: Realignment of District Director Class Sizes Article VII, Section 3 of the proposed PGA Constitution and Bylaws provides for establishment of District Directors and governs, amongst other things, the “Election and Removal” of District Directors in subparagraph (a) and the “Term of Office” of District Directors in subparagraph (c).

As the class of District Directors with terms expiring in 2019 is a class of six (6) individuals, an opportunity exists to extend one of those six District Directors by one year (expiring in 2020) to provide a more even distribution of class sizes for the three classes of District Directors.

The Delegates will discuss and vote on the below Resolutions during the Business Meeting. If you have any question on any of the Resolutions, please feel free to give me a call.

The resulting classes of District Directors would be: • District Directors with terms expiring in 2017 – 3; • District Directors with terms expiring in 2018 – 5; • District Directors with terms expiring in 2019 – 5; • District Directors with terms expiring in 2020 – 4; • District Directors with terms expiring in 2021 – 5; • District Directors with terms expiring in 2022 – 5.

RESOLUTION 3

RESOLUTION 1

PROPOSED BY: PGA Board of Directors

PROPOSED BY: PGA Board of Directors

SUBJECT: Mandatory Member Assistance Program Consistent with the Bylaw requiring Members and Apprentices to carry mandatory life insurance and liability insurance coverage at their cost, this would require Members and Apprentices to bear the cost of Member

SUBJECT: Constitution and Bylaws Restructure Following a substantive and holistic review of the PGA’s governance structure as it currently is, this resolution proposes multiple, connected amendments developed to: (i) simplify and consolidate the separate constitution and bylaws documents into one integrated document; (ii) incorporate provisions that are consistent with current best governance practices; and (iii) ensure compliance with applicable federal and state laws.

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This Resolution is supported by The PGA Board of Directors and the PGA Governance Task Force consisting of a current and past District Director, a past PGA President, a current Independent Director and the PGA’s general counsel, with participation by PGA’s parliamentarian and regular outside counsel.

Assistance Program, anticipated to be no more than $5 per year.

RESOLUTION 4 PROPOSED BY: Southern Texas Section SUBJECT: Eligibility for Life Member

PGA of America News

RESOLUTION 5 PROPOSED BY: Southern California Section SUBJECT: Awarding Education Credits Toward PGA Membership. Allow up to six education credits toward PGA Membership for graduation from a nationally accredited golf-specific career college approved by the Board of Directors.

Annual Meeting Schedule The schedule of activities is as follows: Wednesday, Nov. 1 The evening will honor PGA Members who have made significant and lasting contributions to the growth of the PGA of America and the game of golf. The 12 recipients of the 2017 PGA of America National Awards includes:

Service Award Ceremony The Professional Golfers’ Association of America is pleased to recognize this year’s class of Hall of Fame Inductees and its Distinguish Service Award Recipients.

A request for your list of attendees will be forthcoming.

Each Section will be allotted ten seats except for the Host and Officers sections, which will be allotted additional seats.

The seven (7) Inductees for this year’s class are: • Gary Player, Honorary PGA Member • Renee Powell, PGA/LPGA • George Schneiter, PGA* • Michael Schultz, PGA • Joe Tesori, PGA • Lew Worsham Jr., PGA* • Mickey Wright, LPGA • Recipients for the Distinguished Service Award are Mark & Debi Rolfing

October 2017

Addition of a Life Member-Tour classification for those eligible for Life Member who have only been classified as A-3 PGA Members during their career.

Friday, November 3

• PGA Golf Professional of the Year: Darrell Kestner, PGA, Deepdale G.C.—Manhasset, New York • PGA Teacher of the Year: David Leadbetter, PGA, David Leadbetter Golf Academy—Champions Gate, 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 • 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.— Denver, Colo.

• PGA Merchandiser of the Year–Resort Facilities: Zack Chapin, PGA, Arcadia Bluffs G.C.– Arcadia, Michigan • Herb Graffis Award: Gateway PGA Section (parts of Missouri and Illinois) will be given out during the Annual Meeting on Thursday, Nov. 2.

101st PGA Annual Meeting – General Session & Business of the Association

Thursday, Nov. 2

National PGA Director, District 9

101st PGA Annual Meeting – Informal Session, Herb Graffis Presentation & Keynote

Head Professional, Hiwan Golf Club

It will be a great week to celebrate the game of golf and the PGA of America.

Colorado Section Fall Meeting I look forward to seeing all of you on Monday, Oct. 16, at our fall meeting.

We have a great lineup of guests including Jim Richerson, PGA of America Secretary and Scott Wellington, PGA of America Director of Section Affairs Staff Member joining our panel discussion with our Colorado Section President Ty Thompson.

Again if you have any questions please feel free to give me a call.

All my best,

Kyle Heyen, PGA

kyle@hiwan.com

2017 PGA of America Hall of Fame & Distinguished

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Colorado PGA Pro Peaks Digital Magazine

Executive Director’s Message

No, it’s Not a Ball Marker A

bout five years ago after meeting with the Commanding Officer of the Warrior Transition Battalion at Fort Carson where we discussed our PGA HOPE Program, I asked Keith Soriano to develop a “Challenge Coin” for Colorado PGA REACH. It was our desire to present these coins to the soldiers who graduated from our PGA HOPE Program. Being sons of distinguished military veterans, we knew the meaning and significance these coins could bring and how treasured they would become to our Veterans going through the program.

I can remember the very first time we drove around the golf course at Fort Carson greeting each graduating group to “coin” them. When they realized what we were about to do, they stood tall and very appreciatively accepted the coin by the traditional “secret handshake” – the coin being in the presenter’s palm. To watch a “Challenge Coin” being passed from one person to another is to witness the equivalent of the “secret handshake.”

Starting and ending as quickly as a bullet, the ritual is performed in plain sight and almost always in the presence of others.

Three years ago, I started presenting the Colorado PGA REACH Challenge Coins at our fundraising events. Only a few people knew of the tradition of the “Challenge Coin” and when I explained its meaning and significance, it became a treasured memento leading to more detailed conversations around Colorado PGA REACH. We all should be very proud of the accomplishments of our Foundation and what we have been able to accomplish over the last 10 years. I hope you’ll be able to join us on Monday, October 16, when our Vice President Ben Welsh shares with all of us the great things we have been able to accomplish in ways of supporting our fellow Colorado PGA Professionals and our local communities. It’s going to be a very exciting day. Joining us in a fireside chat are special guests Jim

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Richerson, Secretary of the PGA, and our very own Clayton Cole.

It’s a privilege to serve as your Executive Director and we look forward to celebrating all of your accomplishments in 2017. I especially look forward to our President Ty Thompson sharing a look ahead for our Section in “Supporting Our Members and Growing the Game.” Let me encourage you to bring up any questions you would like addressed during our Panel Discussion or during the Open Forum.

Only through your feedback and input can we continue to support the best PGA Professionals in the country, Colorado PGA Professionals.

Be sure to read the history of the “Challenge Coin” on the next page. It’s quite a remarkable story.

I look forward to seeing all of you at Heritage Eagle Bend on October 19 where our Board of Directors will present each of you with a Colorado PGA REACH Challenge Coin.

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

PGA of America News

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ccording to the most common story, challenge coins originated during World War I. Before the entry of the United States into the war in 1917, American volunteers from all parts of the country filled the newly formed flying squadrons. Some were wealthy scions attending colleges such as Yale and Harvard who quit in mid-term to join the war.

In one squadron, a wealthy lieutenant ordered medallions struck in solid bronze and presented them to his unit. One young pilot placed the medallion in a small leather pouch that he wore about his neck. Shortly after acquiring the medallion, the pilot's aircraft was severely damaged by ground fire. He was forced to land behind enemy lines and was immediately captured by a German patrol. In order to discourage his escape, the Germans took all of his personal identification except for the small leather pouch around his neck. In the meantime, he was taken to a small French town near the front. Taking advantage of a bombardment that night, he escaped.

However, he was without personal identification. He succeeded in avoiding German patrols by donning civilian attire and reached the front lines. With great difficulty, he crossed no-man's land. Eventually, he stumbled onto a French outpost. Saboteurs had plagued the French in the sector. They sometimes masqueraded as civilians and wore civilian clothes. Not recognizing the young pilot's American accent, the French thought him to be a saboteur and made ready to execute him. He had no identification to prove his allegiance, but he did have his leather pouch containing the medallion. He showed the medallion to his would-be executioners and one of his French captors recognized the squadron insignia on the medallion. They delayed his execution long enough for him to confirm his identity. Instead of shooting him, they gave him a bottle of wine.

October 2017

The History of the Military Challenge Coin

Back at his squadron, it became tradition to ensure that all members carried their medallion or coin at all times.

This was accomplished through challenge in the following manner: a challenger would ask to see the medallion, if the challenged could not produce a medallion, they were required to buy a drink of choice for the member who challenged them. If the challenged member produced a medallion, then the challenging member was required to pay for the drink.

Save the Date

March 19, 2018 Spring Business Meeting Pinehurst Country Club | Denver, CO

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Colorado PGA Pro Peaks Digital Magazine

Employment News

The Impact of Mentorship on Career Development and Planning Keith Soriano, PGA | PGA Career Consultant | Colorado & Utah Sections In Alice in Wonderland, Lewis Carroll famously wrote, “If you don’t know where you’re going, any road will get you there.” That sentiment rings often, rings true both personally and professionally. Within our chosen industry, there are a lot of roads to navigate during the course of your career.

The PGA has 24 distinct career classifications, beginning with multiple green-grass based classifications that can be held at any number of different facility types including public, private, resort, semi-private, municipal, university, ranges, academies and retail locations; not to mention classifications that cover Associations, Manufacturers, Management Companies, Designers, Superintendents, Coaches, Rules Officials and more. Figuring out exactly how many different paths there are for a PGA Professional is like an ACT exam question.

So, with all of the options in front of you, how could you possibly decide which road to take? How about being intentional about spending time with some people who have navigated those roads, learned the hard lessons, succeeded, failed, learned and persevered? A mentor can be a critical part of your career and professional development.

Perry Holmes that I was able to identify my passion for helping others. While I didn’t know what my destination would look like, or how that passion would materialize, it was those who I trusted and leaned on who helped shepherd me to this point. It will be those same mentors who I will lean on again when the time comes to take the next turn in the road.

Mentoring is a one-to-one relationship between two trusted parties that can bear many of the following benefits:

If you are interested in finding a mentor but don’t know where to begin, contact me so we can talk about your career goals, and I will help identify fellow PGA Professionals who can help you along the way. If you are a seasoned PGA Professional and would like to give back and help guide the next generation, contact me and I will connect you with Members who seek your wisdom and knowledge. We are better together.

• Career guidance and the perspective gained by experience.

• Critical feedback in major areas like leadership, social relationships and interpersonal skills.

• Identifying and imparting the professional skills required to be successful.

• Building your professional network.

• Understanding organizational culture and learning adaptability.

• Personal growth and development.

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Seventeen years ago when I decided to commit to the golf industry as my chosen career, I had no idea my road would lead to where I am now. It is thanks to the support, friendship and guidance of a few carefully chosen mentors like PGA Professionals Eric Jensen and

Keith Soriano, PGA ksoriano@pgahq.com 720.841.1006

October 2017

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Colorado PGA Pro Peaks Digital Magazine

Special Awards Feature

Barry Milstead, PGA, Honored to have Name Connected with Warren Smith B

arry Milstead, Jr., PGA, is the recipient of the 2017 Colorado Section Warren Smith Award.

This honor goes to a professional who makes a special contribution to the game of golf and is awarded based on his/her entire career as a PGA member.

“It is an extreme privilege to win an award that is associated with the name Warren Smith,” comments Milstead. “Warren is a gentleman other golf professionals, including myself, strive to emulate.

He is known for always doing everything possible to help a golf professional, a facility, the section and the game of golf, in general. I am honored to have my name connected to his.

“It has never been a goal of mine to win an award but it is a pleasure to see that the things I do help others,” he continues. “It has always been my goal to make everything I do a pleasurable experience, whether it is playing a round of golf or doing section work to enhance the job of the professional.”

Milstead knew from a young age that he wanted to be a golf professional. He had a club in his hands from the age of 2 and received his first real set of clubs at the age of 5, playing many rounds of golf with his father and grandfather, who were avid golfers.

Milstead leads using the DCEA philosophy that he learned years ago – Delegation, Communicate, Enthusiasm and Accountability. He believes this way of thinking creates confidence in the staff and keeps everyone heading in the same direction. It also supports his conviction of leading by example and never asking someone to do something that he is not willing to do himself.

“I believe leading by example and staying with my beliefs creates a positive atmosphere and a productive work environment where my staff and members can be happy and successful,” emphasizes Milstead.

Barry Milsead, Head Professional at Valley Country Club has been named the 2017 Warren Smith Award Winner.

Milstead has been instrumental in the implementation of countless initiatives to advance the game of golf throughout his 26 years as a golf professional. From helping a junior gain the love of the game and assisting a professional advance their career to dedicating

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his time to board membership, he loves the game and does what he can to grow the game.

For the last 18 years, Milstead has been bringing the game of golf to the members at Valley Country Club and endeavoring to make every visit to the club a resort-like experience. Creating programs and events that promote the game and incentivizing people to play helps to increase participation at Valley. Whether continued on page 14

Special Awards Feature

October 2017

Humbled by the Honor, Twete Recognized as Assistant of the Year T

he 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 six 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.

“I am honored to be recognized as the assistant of the year,” says Twete when asked what receiving this award means to him. “It means a lot to me but it also means a lot to Bear Dance and the team here. I am being acknowledged but it is a result of the entire team’s hard work. I couldn’t do it alone.”

Twete lived near a golf course in Ohio as a boy where he developed a relationship with a grandfather-figure who lived across the street from his family. Since this gentleman was a golfer and the two of them did everything together, Twete was playing golf by the young age of seven.

“My ‘surrogate’ grandfather bought me a set of ChiChi Rodriguez golf clubs at a garage sale when I was seven and I never put them down,” remembers Twete.

“I played golf all-day every-day when I was younger.”

Directly out of high school, Twete joined the U.S. Air Force and was stationed at F.E. Warren AFB in Cheyenne, Wyo. After eight years, he decided to leave the Air Force and put his efforts toward the PGM program at the University of Colorado-Colorado Springs. Having met Mark Pfingston while at Warren, he reached out to him and was able to devote the first two years of his golf career at Bear Dance. He then spent a couple years at Sanctuary Golf Course and a little time at Blackstone Country Club before getting the opportunity to return to Bear Dance as the First Assistant.

There are many hats for Twete to wear as First Assistant, which is beneficial when being considered for an award that recognizes overall performance including leadership, service and the promotion of the game of

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continued on page 14

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Colorado PGA Pro Peaks Digital Magazine

Special Awards Feature

continued from page 12 he is creating programs from scratch or customizing existing programs, Milstead works every angle to meet the needs of his membership.

“I particularly love the interaction I am able to have with the members of the club,” comments Milstead.

“Interacting with the people is something I hope to be able to do for a very long time.”

He also takes pride in helping his Assistants become the best they can be while giving them the tools they need to secure their next position. His goal is to inspire his staff to exceed their expectations in all facets of the operation by not just telling them what to do but by showing them what is important. He believes that when people understand why things are important, they are more likely to support the initiative.

Milstead gives of his time and energy to the Colorado Section as well. He served on the Executive Committee of the Colorado PGA from 2008 through 2016 and was a member of the Board of Directors from 2000 to 2016. His goal on the board was to always do the best

continued from page 13 golf. From lessons, running tournaments and merchandising to being responsible for daily operations, his days are full.

According to Twete, leadership is an important attribute toward his success and having had the opportunity to observe many great leaders throughout his life has been extremely beneficial. From those he respected in the Air Force to the influencers he has encountered in the golfing world, like Rudy Zupetz, Stuart Bruening and Pfingston, Twete continues his education by observing others interactions and business styles.

“I try to emulate what I see and then put my own personal touch on things,” continues Twete. “I have definitely grown in the business of golf by utilizing what I have learned from leaders I have watched and events I have been involved with. I get to develop into a head professional based on the guidance of these great people.”

Then there is customer service. Bear Dance may not be a private course but the team makes every effort to give guests that “private club feeling” every moment they spend here. Each contact, whether it is with a guest or staff, is geared toward making that person feel like they are the most important interaction of the day.

“Our mantra here at Bear Dance is to create raving fans in everything we do,” comments Twete. “We focus on going above and beyond in every way possible.”

Earning the teams respect through leading by example

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for the PGA members and to increase the sections ability to grow the game of golf. The creation of the Golf in Schools Program and the PGA Foundation, now PGA Reach, are two accomplishments he is proud to have been a part of while serving on the Board.

Asked what advice he might give to other golf professionals, Milstead says, “Be present. If you ask people to donate their time and talents, I feel it is my responsibility to be there myself. This creates trust and accountability.”

“Being presented an award is always nice but it is never an individual accomplishment,” concludes Milstead.

“Being surrounded by a supportive family and a dedicated staff makes all of this possible. I wish to thank all of them for their encouragement and support.”

Milstead received the Colorado Section Golf Professional of the Year Award in 2014 and 2009, the Vic Kline Award in 2007, as well as the Assistant Professional of the Year Award in 2003.

is also important to Twete. He considers himself just one member of a very solid team where each associate pulls his/her own weight.

“I believe it is important to first give respect to others to then earn their respect,” considers Twete. “In this way, I trust that any request I make of the staff is fulfilled because they know I care about them as individuals.”

What does the future hold for Twete? He would definitely like to run his own facility one day and is fortunate that he is in a position where he can patiently work toward that goal.

“I look forward to one day running my own club,” says Twete. “I know that I can shine in this role and will be able to help a company grow. And, doing it at a facility under Stuart’s umbrella would be an ideal situation for me. I feel like I can continue to grow and succeed under his tutelage.”

In conclusion, Twete emphasizes, “Although I am the one getting this award, my success is not dependent solely upon on my actions. I am in this position because of the assistance of Jason Gullett, Jeff Stevens and Josh Belfrage and all they do to help me.

“My hope is that I can be a part of growing these guys as leaders so when I am given the opportunity to advance, they will have the skills to step in and continue the success that we have attained here at Bear Dance.”

Special Awards Feature

T

he Colorado PGA is proud to announce that Doug Perry, PGA, and Stan Fenn, PGA, co-hosts of theMorning Cup of Golf Radio Show airing on 600 KCOL in Loveland and on iHeart Radio, are the winners of the 2017 Todd Phipers Award. Named after the late Denver Post sports writer, the Todd Phipers Media Award recognizes individuals for their contributions in the area of promotion and public awareness, and who have helped to elevate the status of PGA Professionals and the Colorado Section.

Colorado PGA Section President Ty Thompson surprised Perry and Fenn during their show one Saturday morning by calling in under the auspice of reporting tournament news from the PGA Championship but announced to them that they were the recipients of the 2017 Todd Phipers Media Award.

When asked what receiving this award meant to him, Perry said, “It was a complete shock to hear we were selected for the Todd Phipers Award. We are just a couple of pro’s who love golf and wanted to do something to promote the game and bring some recognition to our PGA Section members, as well as to all the junior golfers out there competing in Colorado and beyond. For us, talking about golf is as natural as breathing. Both Stan and I appreciate the award and are grateful for the support from the Section and all of the members who have been a part of the show.”

“It is nice to know that our peers are aware that we are continuing find alternative ways to grow the game and give additional exposure for the Colorado PGA,” Fenn added.

Fenn and Perry host a two-hour radio talk show about current events in the world of golf during the season –March through September. Their witty banter with national and local guests and between themselves keeps their nationwide audience coming back for more on Saturday morning between 7 and 9 a.m. The show’s tag-line accurately describes the overall sentiment of

October 2017

Radio Hosts with more than 75 Years’ Combined Experience Demonstrate Love of the Game

the show, “Teeing it up are two golf pros who sure talk a good game.”

Between them, Perry and Fenn have logged more than 75 years as PGA Members and strongly believe in the promotion of the game. In an effort to get the word out about programs being implemented by PGA Professionals in Northern Colorado, they successfully pitched the idea of a weekly, live golf show during the season to the local radio station. Content for the program is always readily available from their own experiences, as well as tapping into some tour players, national PGA officers, national television golf announcers, local PGA members and great junior programs present in the section.

Fenn, Director of Instruction for the Golf Academy at Harmony Club in Timnath, Colo., also received this award in 1998. In 1994, he and radio personality, Don Martin, hosted the very first golf-radio show in Colorado. He then co-hosted with Jerry Walters and Bob Doyle the Chip Shots Radio Show on the Fan and ESPN for ten years. Fenn has been teaching and coaching golf for more than 35 years.

“I want to thank all of the PGA members who have been a part of the show and who have supported Doug and I,” comments Fenn. “I appreciate everyone in our section for trusting that we will represent them as the leaders in the industry on the air.”

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Colorado PGA Pro Peaks Digital Magazine

Special Awards Feature

Tobias, Resort Merchandiser of the Year Believes Passion Separates Good from Great P

hilip Tobias, PGA, Director of Golf at the Ranch Course and the River Course at Keystone Resort, is the recipient of the 2017 Colorado PGA Resort Merchandiser of the Year Award. This award recognizes a Colorado PGA Member who has demonstrated superior skills as a resort merchandiser in the promotion of golf.

“This is fun,” was Tobias’s response when asked what receiving this award means to him. “I am incredibly honored and super proud of my staff for all of their hard work. We have always had the potential to be great and this award provides that validation for the team.”

Like a lot of golf professionals, Tobias was introduced to the game by his grandfather when he was 12 years old. Two years later, he started working at the course and by the young age of 14, he already knew that he wanted to pursue a career in golf.

However, having a mother who believed her son should have a more diverse background, Tobias completed a bachelor’s degree from Northern Michigan University in environmental conservation. In 1998, after a short stint in Washington, D.C., this northern Michigan boy accepted an opportunity to teach ski lessons in Keystone, Colo. He transitioned to golf and worked through multiple part-time positions at the course to now being the guy who is in charge of two Keystone Resort golf courses.

“There was a lot of learning to be had along the way but I was hungry for it. I was always seeking opportunity and taking the time to learn,” comments Tobias. “Not being the smartest guy in the room has benefited me in my career.”

Tobias chose to become a golf professional because of his passion for golf and his love of the game. In the beginning of his career, his goal was to play a lot of golf but as he advanced and his responsibilities grew, the number of rounds decrease while the meetings increased. He became responsible for a lot of people

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– not only their safety and performance but also their livelihood. Being a golf professional became a serious job.

“As I progress through my career, my passion for the game evolves. What started out as a passion to play has transitioned into a passion for the guests that come to us to play,” recognizes Tobias. “I also enjoy being a leader for my staff. I want to give them the opportunity to better themselves professionally and financially, as well as allow them to become the leaders that they want and need to be. It is these things that keep me going every day.”

Merchandising allows for a great amount of flexibility and creativity, which has a direct impact on how well the shop performs. Being a 20-year resident of Summit County, Tobias has a definite knowledge about the clothing styles and merchandise that will best meet the needs of resort golfers. Yet, depending on the economy and the weather, things change from year-to-year. It is the challenge of overcoming these oppositions that inspires him to continue to do his best.

A game-changer at the Keystone Resort courses came a few years ago with the addition of a merchandise manager, Amy MacDonald. More staff was brought into the merchandising side of the business to broaden the range of items available and to diversify the buy. continued on page 17

Special Awards Feature

October 2017

continued from page 16 With less than 800 square feet of retail space between the two shops, the team brings in smaller quantities of a larger variety of items making sure to cover a broad spectrum of prices. The additional emphasis placed on this aspect of the business has resulted in greater revenue along with providing a greater service to the guests. Vendor-offered staff-sales incentives, shop credit for prizes and trunk shows are just a few of the programs Tobias utilizes to accomplish increased sales.

“Updating our golf shops has helped sales but I would be remised if I did not give credit to our merchandise manager and our staff for their tremendous efforts in elevating the look, feel and service levels at both of our golf courses,” says Tobias. “I am incredibly proud of their individual and team efforts.”

Keystone Resorts, a Vail Resorts property, holds its employees accountable for living its foundational values every day in everything they do – Serve Others, Do Right, Drive Value, Do Good, Be Safe and Have Fun. These values are also reflective of Tobias’s core values.

“What separates good from great is passion,” concludes Tobias. “That passion reflects itself not only in the merchandise we offer but filters all the way from point of arrival through departure. Each guest is treated like a good friend that we have not seen for a long time. We believe this is one of the reasons why our numbers and our revenue have increased year-over-year. This is a great success story.

“It takes passion, drive and doing everything very well to be relevant in this industry. I am fortunate to have a staff that also believes this and wants to put our guests first every step along the way of their experience at our clubs.” continued from page 15 Perry, Head Professional at City Park Nine Golf Course in Fort Collins, relocated to Colorado in 2000. He took the opportunity to play on the tour in 1982 putting “all of my eggs into one basket.” He has been promoting the business of golf for 44 years.

Perry believes that the future of golf is healthy and moving in the right direction. “Over the years, golf has had its ups and downs but I believe we have and continue to see an upward trend. More adults and youth are getting involved and are having fun playing the game. On any day, you can see multi-generational foursomes leaving the club house, all enjoying their time on the course. I am happy to be a small part of helping people enjoy the game and keeping this game growing.”

Radio listenership has increased from the first season to the second and people from across the country also log-in to the pod cast. Fenn and Perry are hopeful to return to the airways for the 2018 golf season so plan to set a 7 a.m. tee time each Saturday to listen in to Morning Cup of Golf.

Fenn and Perry enjoy promoting, growing and sharing the game of golf. The radio show is just an addendum to what they do on a daily basis. They have a true love for the game, which is evident from their combined 75 years of involvement with the sport.

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Colorado PGA Pro Peaks Digital Magazine

Special Awards Feature

October 2017

Smigelsky Accredits Public Merchandiser of the Year Award to Dedicated Staff E

lected to PGA membership in 1985, Dale Smigelsky is the Director of Golf and Head Professional at the Collindale Golf Club in Fort Collins and is the recipient of the 2017 Colorado Section Public Merchandiser of the Year Award. This award recognized a Colorado PGA Member who has demonstrated superior skills as a public merchandiser in the promotion of golf.

“It means a lot to me that my peers would again recognize me for this award,” Smigelsky says when asked what receiving this award means to him. “This award is also a testament of the great job that my staff does in representing the course, the shop and themselves.”

Growing up, Smigelsky knew he wanted a career in sports but recognized he wasn’t going to make it as a professional baseball player so he concentrated on golf. This was an excellent decision for this Florida boy as he turned Professional at the age of 19. He has been employed with the City of Fort Collins as a Head Professional for more than 20 years and is currently the

Director of Golf at the Collindale Golf Club. He is also the owner and operator of Collindale Golf Academy and Club Fitting Center, as well as the Golf Pro Shop at the Collindale Golf Club.

For Smigelsky, business is more about the relationship than it is about the transaction. He will tell you that what he does as a merchandiser is fairly routine and extremely simple. In the spring, clubs dominate the display areas. Summer and fall are geared toward merchandise purchased with gift certificates and shop credit and winter is all about Christmas sales and off-season golf travel items.

“We have consistently been doing business this way for years,” says Smigelsky. “We have trained our customers to expect this rotation. Our success relies on the consistency of this model that only gets slightly refined each year.

“But the most important part of our success,” continues Smigelsky, “is the individual customer service

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Colorado PGA Pro Peaks Digital Magazine

Special Awards Feature

Private Merchandiser of the Year Relies on Dedicated Staff to Succeed

T

he 2017 Colorado Section Private Merchandiser of the Year Award was presented to Steven David, PGA. This award recognizes a PGA member who demonstrates superior skills as a merchandiser in the promotion of golf in a private club.

David is no stranger to receiving this aware having been the recipient of this honor from the Colorado Section in 2012, the Minnesota Section in 2005 and the Nebraska Section in 2002.

“To me, getting this award is all about recognizing the staff here at the Denver Country Club and providing them confirmation about the successes we can achieve when we work together,” says David when asked about what receiving this award means to Steve David, PGA Head Professional at Denver Country Club, has been named the 2017 him. “It definitely shows that all of Colorado PGA Private Merchandiser of the Year. the hard work, effort and passion One of the exciting challenges David and his staff displayed by the staff pays off. It’s have been navigating since 2010 is the seven-year not always easy but when we collaborate as a team, decrease in the average age of the club’s membership. especially in the difficult times, we can achieve great As a legacy club, they are faced with the expectations things.” of maintaining the clubs traditions and culture while Golf has pretty much been a mainstay in David’s life continuing to introduce new and innovative offerings. having started working as a range attendant at the age Recognizing that all age groups are important to of 10 at the country club near his home in Minnesota the continued success of the club, the staff stays where his grandparents were members. Skipping creative in the programs and opportunities they offer around the country, he has been fortunate to hold head understanding that not each offering will be attractive professional positions at clubs in the New England, to all members.

Michigan, Nebraska, Minnesota and Colorado sections.

As an example, the time-honored members prefer Since 2010, David has been the PGA Head Professional more traditional apparel like solid shirts and plain at the oldest country club west of the Mississippi – the shorts and skorts, while the younger component craves Denver Country Club. performance items, slimmer fits and brighter colors.

“We push ourselves every single day,” comments David A concerted effort is made to modify the buying about him and his staff. “We have worked through plan by segmenting the buying window to satisfy some challenging situations but our passion and both demographics with the right product mix and desire to succeed motivate us to continue to create presentation. This translates to the staff working with exceptional experiences and the best programs, the traditional golf-apparel vendors, as well as the nonservices and products possible for our membership. traditional dealers that offers more progressive golf The energy we get from these successes inspires us to apparel better suited for the younger demographic. keep moving forward.” continued on page 21

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Special Awards Feature

To accomplish the positive outcomes seen by David and his team, his merchandising philosophy is multifaceted. Hiring and training the right people, selecting quality products that are exciting to the customer and providing outstanding and consistent customer service are just a few of the focal points. The team creates a sense of urgency for the customer to buy products through a procurement technique that offers a wide variety of lines that are purchased narrow and tight.

Knowing everything possible about the customer through conversations, surveys and buying habits helps to increase sales. Additionally, patrons can be led

into current fashions and trends by offering a proper mix of programs and products along with education.

Members are invited to touch and feel the apparel and merchandise through the use of creative and accessible display techniques.

“Everything we do builds on prior programs so we never do exactly the same thing two years in a row,” continues David. “In the end, our goal is to generate excitement through our programs and services and to create the best experience possible for our membership.

October 2017

continued from page 20 “Balancing the needs of three-generations of members is certainly exhilarating but can also be tricky,” continues David. “We are fortunate to have a board of directors that has a clear vision for the club and provides insightful leadership to help us balance the mix of products we offer. It all comes down to establishing trust and building relationships with our established membership and our newer members, helping them all to feel welcome and a part of our great club.”

“My staff has a vested interest in the success of their respective responsibilities. The new generation of staff here at the club takes pride in the fact that they were able to increase sales by more than 7 percent this season along with improving member satisfaction.

There are great things ahead for this group.”

In conclusion, David stressed, “Our success is contingent on the passion and desire my staff has to exceed expectations and to push themselves every day to be the best they can be. Along the way, I want them to have fun!”

continued from page 19 provided by every staff member. We treat our staff as family. They know how deeply we value them and they, in turn, share this same attitude with our customers, who always experience the feeling of being a part of the Collindale family. I am very proud of the sense of community my staff and I have created at Collindale.”

And, the fact that Smigelsky is an above average golfer doesn’t go unnoticed. His skill level has lent itself to building credibility in the golf community. People know that he and his staff truly know the game of golf on a deeper level. The trust this brings to the entire buying experience makes Collindale the “Go To” place in Northern Colorado.

Consistent messaging is woven throughout all of Smigelsky’s marketing campaigns. Since pricing is basically the same everywhere, the true value the Collindale customer receives is to be fit by PGA Professionals, they receive unmatched customer service and are provided the ability to support a local business.

“Working with PGA Professionals serves the customer best, does not cost anymore and is a truly great value to our golfers,” relays Smigelsky.

It isn’t always easy, assures Smigelsky. Continuing to find new clothing and accessory lines is a consistent challenge, as well as being confronted by the ever growing on-line retailers. He also continues to look

for new ways to maintain staff energy and current knowledge levels.

Smigelsky’s future may deviate a bit from golf with the arrival of his first grandbaby.

“I had no idea how much joy a grandchild would bring to my life,” confesses Smigelsky. “As a golf professional, my family has had to endure the long hours and the busy schedule that has driven me over the years. I am now fortunate to have the time to reconnect with my kids as they become adults and start their own families.”

“The people I have working with me are the reason for this highly successful business,” concludes Smigelsky.

“From my wife, my operations director and my incredible assistants to all the staff I have had for years and years, I have been truly blessed and uniquely lucky to surround myself with really great people who have become true friends for life.”

Other awards Smigelsky has received include the 2012 PGA National Public Merchandiser of the Year, 2016 Colorado PGA Bill Strausbaugh Award, 2010 Colorado PGA Section Public Merchandiser of the Year and the 1983 Nebraska PGA Section Assistant of the Year. Among his tournament wins he claims the 2015 Colorado PGA Section Senior Champion, the 2003 Colorado PGA Section Campion, the 1985 Nebraska Open and the 1982 Nebraska Assistants Championship.

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Colorado PGA Pro Peaks Digital Magazine

Special Awards Feature

Section Championship Trophy Returns to Cherry Hills as Ogden Claims Title W hat is likely common knowledge to the Colorado golf community by now is that John Ogden, PGA Head Professional at Cherry Hills Country Club, won the 2017 Colorado PGA Professional Championship. What may be less known is that this is the first time since its inception in 1964 that the Rip Arnold Memorial Trophy, presented to the Colorado PGA Professional Tournament winner, will be going back home to Cherry Hills Country Club.

Ogden turned in rounds of 72-70-70 for a winning 4-under 212 to capture the title on Sept. 13 at Red Sky Golf Club in Wolcott. Rick Cole, PGA Head Golf Professional at Eaton Country Club, was runner-up, also posting a 212 with rounds of 70-75-67 – 67 being the lowest round of the tournament by two strokes.

The tie set up an 18th hole playoff.

Ogden attested that the professional championship is the sections leading major tournament. It is the pinnacle event each year and a sought-after victory for

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John Ogden gets ready to hit his tee shot at the par-3 ninth hole during the final round of the Colorado PGA Professional Championship.

the membership. The Colorado Section has produced a lot of exceptional players over the years making for robust competition. Having competed in this event for the last 16 or 17 years, Ogden’s victory is well earned.

“For me to finally win the section’s number one championship at my age is a lot of fun for me,”

October 2017

confessed Ogden. “I am honored that I have finally succeeded in this quest and that I get to add my name to the trophy that memorialize Rip Arnold, a past head professional at Cherry Hills.”

Verbally walking through his final round, he chuckles as he recalls 3 putting the first hole for a bogey. On the second hole, he blocked his tee and second shots and then his ball hit something on the course that kicked it onto the green setting him up to birdie. He birdied the third hole, made a bad wedge shot on the fourth for another 3-putt. At that point, he just hung in there. He made a beautiful birdie on seven, which is a hard par 3. After that, he was able to settle down and just keep making pars all the way through until 18, which he birdied.

“I let a few good chances get away from me on 12, 14 and 15,” remembers Ogden. “The key to my round was on 16 where I had a great save for par.

Then I was fortunate with the birdie on 18.

“I’ve played here a few times before and it definitely requires a lot of thinking and experience. It is a course where you can make a lot of birdies but, adversely, you can make some doubles as well,” continues Ogden. “One thing I am proud of is that I kept from making even one double-bogie this week.”

But play wasn’t over at the end of 72. Cole’s 67 to close out regulation play created a tie triggering a playoff on the 18th hole. After errant tee shots by both players, Ogden bogied to win the tournament over Cole’s double bogie.

But to Ogden, the win was bitter-sweet. In true form, as he came off the course, his first words to the scorer were to inquire about the success of one of his assistant professionals, Derek Rush.

Rush was the frontrunner after the first round and was in a three-way tie for the lead going into the final round. Unfortunately, he struggled on the back nine of his last round on Wednesday where the course proved to get the best of him.

He finished the tournament in a tie for tenth, which awards him an alternate position for the 2018 PGA Professionals Tournament.

This article, from the Denver Post in 1963, describes the establishment of the Ralph “Rip” Arnold Memorial Trophy.

“I am fortunate to have two of my assistants, Derek Rush and Ryan Wroblewski, playing in the tournament this week,” confided Ogden. “Rush is a fine player and actually had a chance to qualify last year and was off to a great start this year. I was really pulling for him.

Truth is, I would have probably been happier for him to

win than for me to win.”

Ogden, only the sixth Head Professional to be employed at Cherry Hills Country Club established in 1922, is the first Cherry Hills Head Professional to bring the coveted award back to the club of the professional for which it is named. The Rip Arnold Trophy memorializes Colorado Golf Hall of Famer Ralph ‘Rip’ Arnold who served as Head Professional at

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Colorado PGA Pro Peaks Digital Magazine

Special Awards Feature

Colorado PGA Vice-President Ben Welsh presents John Ogden, the 2017 Colorado PGA Professional Champion with the Ralph “Rip” Arnold Memorial Trophy.

Cherry Hills from 1939 to 1962. The perpetual trophy was established in 1964 by Arnold’s wife in memory of her late husband and is presented each year to the winner of the Colorado PGA Section Championship. It may have taken 52 years, but the Rip Arnold Trophy has finally returned to its roots. The cup will remain in the Cherry Hills Club House throughout Ogden’s reign as Colorado PGA Section Champion.

As the winner of the Section Championship, Ogden was presented with the $8,000 first prize check.

Upon receipt, he quickly announced that he would be donating half of his winnings to the Colorado PGA REACH Foundation.

"Colorado PGA REACH is a great foundation," he says.

"I sat on the board for many years and I believe in the foundation’s fundamental values. Besides working to assist our PGA Professionals, the foundation works to support our military, develop youth programs and make golf available for people from all cultural and ethnic backgrounds. I've been very blessed in my life and my profession, so anything I can do to give back, I'm happy to do so."

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Ogden will lead seven other section PGA Professionals when they compete in the 51st PGA Professional Championship to be played at Boyonet Black Horse in Seaside, Calif., on June 17-20, 2018. The top eight finishers who qualified to move on to that event include: Ogden; Cole; Kirk Trowbridge, MetaGolf Learning Center; Geoff Keffer, Greater Golfer Development Center; Doug Rohrbaugh, Ironbridge Golf Club; Jack Allen, Heritage Eagle Bend Golf Club; Micah Rudosky, Conquistador Golf Course; and Barry Milstead, Valley Country Club.

The Section would like to especially thank Director of Golf Jeff Hanson, PGA Head Professional Chris Lai and the Red Sky staff for their extraordinary hospitality and the use of their fine facility. This was the second time they have hosted this premiere championship and the membership is grateful for the privilege. Also, thank you to the partners in this event: Club Car, MercedesBenz USA and OMEGA.

presented by Club Car, Mercedez-Benz and OMEGA Red Sky Golf Club - Fazio Course September 11-13, 2017 QUALIFIERS

212 -- John Ogden, Cherry Hills 72-70-70; Rick Cole, Eaton 70-75-67. John Ogden won in a playoff.

October 2017

Colorado PGA Professional Championship

213 -- Kirk Trowbridge, MetaGolf Learning Center 74-69-70; Geoff Keffer, Greater Golfer D.C. 70-71-72.

215 -- Doug Rohrbaugh, Ironbridge 72-72-71.

216 -- Jack Allen, Heritage Eagle Bend GC 75-72-69; Micah Rudosky, Conquistador 77-69-70; Barry Milstead, Valley 71-72-73.

ALTERNATES - IN ORDER 216 -- Larry Rinker, Red Sky GC 71-70-75.

218 -- Paul Lobato, Meridian 76-70-72.

219 -- Bill Loeffler, The Links Golf Course 68-75-76; Derek Rush, Cherry Hills 67-74-78.

220 -- Kyler Booher, River Valley Ranch 72-77-71.

DID NOT QUALIFY 220 -- Chris Johnson, Life Member 71-75-74; Matt Schalk, Colorado National GC 73-73-74.

221 -- Kyle Voska, The Links Golf Course 75-74-72; David Arbuckle, Springs Ranch GC 77-74-70; Ari Papadopoulos, Red Sky Golf Club- Norman 74-73-74.

222 -- Rob Hunt, The Links Golf Course 73-76-73; Dale Smigelsky, Collindale 72-74-76.

223 -- Vince Buelk, Collindale 77-72-74; Eric Bradley, Blackstone CC 77-74-72; Justin Blomberg, Red Sky GC 71-75-77.

224 -- David Fischer, Columbine CC 77-72-75; Jason Witczak, The Club at Pradera 78-72-74; Dustin Miller, Black Bear 77-71-76; Ryan Wroblewski, Cherry Hills 77-74-73; Bobby Quaratino, West Woods GC 74-71-79.

225 -- Michael Zaremba, Desert Hawk 77-71-77; Caine Fitzgerald, Meadow Hills 71-75-79; Mike Northern, Life Member 69-75-81; Heikke Nielsen, Golf Styles.com 75-79-71; Mike Swan, Crested Butte 76-67-82.

226 -- Darren Szot, The Club at Cordillera 73-76-77; Tyler Parsloe, Jake's Academy 76-74-76; Bryan Heim, Columbine CC 75-76-75.

227 -- Ben Honaman, Lakewood CC 75-74-78; Jeff Carter, Riverdale GC 78-74-75; Sherry Andonian, Valley 78-7574.

228 -- Michael Johnson, Three Crowns GC 79-71-78; Ross McLean, Cherry Creek CC 74-74-80; Dan O'Shaughnessy, Meadow Hills 76-76-76.

229 -- Kirk Rider, Bear Creek GC 75-74-80.

230 -- Mark Avery, The Pinery Country Club 78-74-78; Craig Stephens, Indian Peaks 79-75-76.

231 -- Remington Post, PGA Tour 72-80-79.

233 -- Phil Gerlach, Collindale 75-75-83; Kevin Bolles, Boulder 76-78-79; Mark Matz, Beaver Creek 72-82-79; Andy Clavin, Linksoul 79-75-79.

234 -- Scott Wells, CommonGround GC 80-73-81; Gregory Kohr, Legacy Ridge GC 80-74-80; Blake Sharamitaro, Riverdale GC 77-77-80.

236 -- Jeff Hanson, Red Sky GC 75-78-83

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Colorado PGA Pro Peaks Digital Magazine

Rohrbaugh Captures Ninth Colorado PGA West Chapter Championship I

t’s safe to say that no other Colorado PGA Professional has dominated one particular event the way Doug Rohrbaugh has dominated the Colorado PGA West Chapter Championship.

Rohrbaugh, the Head Professional at Ironbridge Golf Club, claimed his ninth Chapter Championship title on Wednesday, October 4, 2017 at Aspen Glen Club.

Rohrbaugh won the title in 1993, 1996, 2000-2002, 2008, 2012 and 2014. “I actually didn’t know that was the number,” Doug noted after the awards ceremony. “I think what feels the best is to do it at 55 years old. Never say never!”

While the feat of nine in a row is Doug Rohrbaugh, PGA Head Professional at Ironbridge Golf Club, won the 2017 Colorado PGA impressive, what may be more impressive was the fact that Doug West Chapter Championship this past week at Aspen Glen Club. was even able to play and contend a comfortable lead. Rohrbaugh finished with three for the title. An avid skier, Rohrbaugh consecutive par’s to wrap up a six-under-par 66 and a tore his ACL on the first run of the day while skiing in two-shot victory. the Aspen area earlier this year. “It has been a long, hard road,” Rohrbaugh noted of his recovery. “Both Finishing in third place was Sommers who posted 69-71 mentally and physically, it has taken some time. It feels for a three-under-par 140. Rounding out the top-five good to be back in the winner’s circle.” was Caine Fitzgerald, PGA Assistant Professional at Rohrbaugh was two shots behind the leaders following Meadow Hills Golf Course and Brandon Bingaman, Apprentice Professional at The Bridges Golf and the first round after he posted a one-under-par 71.

Country Club. The duo fired identical rounds of 72-71Paired with co-leaders Kyler Booher, PGA Head 143.

Professional at River Valley Ranch Golf Club and Scott Sommers, PGA Head Professional at Saddle Back Golf Course, Rohrbaugh got out to a fast start to open the second round. He birdied four of the first six holes and made the turn tied with Booher at five-under-par.

Doug rolled in birdie putts at the tenth and eleventh holes to open up a two-shot lead.

“The putter was definitely the key club in (the second round),” Rohrbaugh noted. (I) made some good putts for birdie early and kept it going.”

Booher wasn’t giving up though. Rohrbaugh made a three-putt bogey at the par-3 14th which allowed Kyler to pull within one shot. The duo both birdied the par-4 15th hole. Booher faltered coming down the stretch though as he bogeyed the 16th and 17th to give Doug

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Results 137 -- Doug Rohrbaugh, Ironbridge 71-66.

139 -- Kyler Booher, River Valley Ranch 69-70.

140 -- Scott Sommers, Saddleback 69-71.

143 -- Caine Fitzgerald, Meadow Hills 72-71; Brandon Bingaman, The Bridges Golf and CC 72-71.

144 -- Mike Swan, Crested Butte 74-70.

146 -- Geoff Keffer, Greater Golfer D.C. 77-69; Jacques Deyoe, Aspen Glen 74-72; Jeff Carter, Riverdale GC 74-72.

147 -- Chris Johnson, Life Member 75-72.

149 -- Jason Witczak, The Club at Pradera 76-73.

Click here for the complete results

October 2017

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Colorado PGA Pro Peaks Digital Magazine

Tournament News

Dow Finsterwald Colorado PGA OMEGA Player of the Year 1 | Geoff Keffer | Greater Golfer Development Center | 7,559.57 2 | Kyle Voska | The Links Golf Course | 5,535.77 3 | Rick Cole | Eaton Country Club | 5,479.58 4 | Eric Bradley | Blackstone Country Club | 5,253.92 5 | Blake Sharamitaro | Riverdale Golf Courses | 4,880.84 6 | Caine Fitzgerald | Meadow Hills Golf Course | 4,717.37 7 | Chris Johnson | Life Member | 4,209.72 8 | Barry Milstead | Valley Country Club | 4,025.50 9 | Jason Witczak | The Club at Pradera | 3,806.51 10 | Kirk Trowbridge | MetaGolf Learning Center | 3,565.33 11 | John Ogden | Cherry Hills Country Club | 3,104.75 12 | Doug Rohrbaugh | Ironbridge Golf Club | 3,089.50 13 | Sherry Andonian | Valley Country Club | 3,073.48 14 | Visanu Tongwarin | Legacy Ridge Golf Course | 2,982.67 15 | Kyler Booher | River Valley Ranch Golf Club | 2,645.67 16 | Peter Norwood | MetaGolf Learning Center | 2,627.12 17 | Dale Smigelsky | Collindale Golf Course | 2,598.50 18 | Jeff Carter | Riverdale Golf Courses | 2,234.67 19 | Dan O’Shaughnessy | Meadow Hills Golf Course | 2,049.09 20 | Scott Sommers | Saddleback Golf Club | 1,988.50 21 | Ari Papadopoulos | Red Sky Golf Club--Norman Course | 1,986.00 22 | Ron Vlosich | Life Member | 1,929.39 23 | Micah Rudosky | Conquistador Golf Course | 1,871.00 24 | Paul Lobato | Meridian Golf Club | 1,863.75 25 | Jack Allen | Heritage Eagle Bend Golf Club | 1,575.00 26 | Ken Krieger | Cheyenne Country Club | 1,540.50 27 | Dave Detweiler | Life Member | 1,462.50

Senior Colorado PGA OMEGA Player of the Year 1 | Rick Cole | Eaton Country Club | 8,684.58 2 | Chris Johnson | Life Member | 7,379.72 3 | Dale Smigelsky | Collindale Golf Course | 5,074.50 4 | Mike Northern | Life Member | 4,910.00 5 | Doug Rohrbaugh | Ironbridge Golf Club | 4,897.50 6 | Barry Milstead | Valley Country Club | 4,825.50 7 | Ron Vlosich | Life Member | 4,583.39 8 | Sherry Andonian | Valley Country Club | 4,413.48 9 | John Ogden | Cherry Hills Country Club | 4,303.75 10 | Scott Sommers | Saddleback Golf Club | 2,662.50

Colorado PGA Apprentice Player of the Year 1 | Bryan Hackenberg | Riverdale Golf Courses | 3,371.19 2 | Patrick Grady | University of Colorado | 2,997.33 3 | Rich Lash | MetaGolf Learning Center | 2,872.32 4 | Ben Lanting | Bear Creek Golf Club | 2,041.00 5 | Brandon Bingaman | The Bridges Golf and Country Club | 1,745.00 6 | Jeramy Curry | The Links Golf Course | 1,528.67 7 | Andrew Hebert | Indian Peaks Golf Course | 1,474.97 8 | Tim Richardson | Todd Creek Golf Club | 1,355.00 9 | Somin Lee | Valley Country Club | 1,208.00 10 | Max Twarjan | Maroon Creek Club | 1,087.00

Final Player of the Year Standings 28

Route 411

An update on our Colorado PGA Members

Happy Birthday!

October 1 Bryce Bervig, PGA Jacob G. O’Dell, PGA

October 3 David A. Brown, PGA Jordan S. Londer, PGA October 4 William J. Bernhardt, PGA October 5 Peter D. Hymes, PGA Jonathan Arnold, PGA Derek J. Rush, PGA Scott R. Ough, PGA

October 14 Rick Graves, PGA Jeff C. Hanson, PGA Stewart G. Koch, PGA Caine L Fitzgerald, PGA October 15 Sherry Andonian, PGA Michael E. Northern, PGA October 16 Chad J. Miller, PGA October 17 Geoffrey J. Strasser, PGA Narudol P Yoadjarust

October 6 Brad A. Thorberg, PGA

October 18 Matthew B. Kloppenburg, PGA

October 7 Sam G. Broome, PGA Manny Martinez III Melissa A Martin

October 19 Donald J. Cook, PGA

October 9 Phil Gerster, PGA David W. Heinly, PGA Scott E. Stevenson, PGA October 12 Jaime M. Sniffin, PGA October 13 Rynk M. Strothers, PGA Zachary L. Lambeck, PGA

October 20 Nick B. Welch, PGA Alexander P Calleja October 21 Daniel Ward, PGA October 22 Christopher A. Johnson, PGA Stephen B. Crane, PGA October 23 J R Hamblet, PGA Bill A. Majure, PGA

October 24 James R. Owens, PGA October 25 Steven Bruening, PGA Gregg C. Jones, PGA Gregory Bryan, PGA Tara G. Morris, PGA

October 2017

Membership News

October 26 Jay A. Ewing, PGA Eugene Miranda, PGA Dominic D. Principato, PGA October 27 Grant Wittenwyler, PGA Craig S. Vollmar, PGA October 28 Donald A. Fox, PGA October 29 Patrick M. Tait, PGA Stan Sayers, PGA Benjamin D. Pilon, PGA October 30 Judy Begin-Sloan, PGA Gary R Washington, PGA Ross W. McLean, PGA Kevin C. Montano, PGA October 31 Frank J. Jacobson, PGA Jeremy Beck, PGA Kala A Keltz

Newly Certified Professionals

Jeffery S. Kelly, PGA | A-13 | King’s Deer Golf Course | Certified Professional - Golf Operations

New Members Jamie S Carson, PGA | A-8 | Highlands Ranch Golf Club Jonathan R Roth, PGA | A-8 | Broadmoor Golf Club

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Colorado PGA Pro Peaks Digital Magazine

Altogether Fitting

By Gary Baines

The 2017 Player of the Year choices for the Junior Golf Alliance of Colorado were all but set in stone going into this weekend's final major of the season.

But as if to put an exclamation point on their Player of the Year honors, Davis Bryant of Aurora and Hailey Schalk of Erie won the JGAC Tour Championship at Cherry Hills Country Club, leaving absolutely no doubt.

With Sunday's victories, Bryant and Schalk ended up both winning every JGAC major championship in which they participated in 2017. In fact, earlier this year, they also both prevailed at the Colorado Junior PGA Championship, which was appropriate as both are the children of Colorado PGA general managers, Matt Bryant of Green Valley Ranch Golf Club and Matt Schalk of Colorado National Golf Club, respectively.

Hailey Shaclk, daught of Colorado National Golf Club General Manager Matt Schalk, wrapped up the Tour Championship and Player of the Year title on Sunday at Cherry Hills Country Club

Sunday's victory in the Tour Championship was major victory No. 3 for Bryant in 2017 and the second for Schalk this year, though she also won one on 2016.

They become the first three-time winners of JGAC

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majors since the Alliance debuted at the beginning of 2016.

The 17-year-old Bryant, who also won the 5A state high

October 2017

school title this past week, prevailed by three strokes on Sunday, shooting rounds of 70-72 for a 2-under-par total of 142.

After being 3 over par for the day through 10 holes on Sunday, the Colorado State University-bound Bryant played his last eight holes in 3 under, punctuated by a tap-in birdie on No. 14 and by a 6-inch birdie on No. 18 after a superb bunker shot.

Including his major wins in the Colorado Junior PGA, Colorado Junior Amateur and JGAC Tour Championship, the Eaglecrest High School senior captured five titles Davis Bryant, son of Green Valley Ranch Golf Club General Manager Matt Bryant won his third JGAC Major Championship on Sunday at Cherry Hills Country Club. Bryant also wrapped up the JGAC Player in Alliance events in 2017. of the Year title at the event.

In the one JGAC major in which Bryant didn't after I bogeyed 10. I really turned it around." In the girls compete, his sister Emma won the girls title, at the Colorado Junior Match Play, so Tour Championship, the 15-year-old Schalk won by six after posting rounds of 74-74 for a 4-over-par 148 total there was a "Bryant Slam" in some respect. at Cherry Hills. She made three birdies in Sunday's final round and played the final four holes in 1 under to pull "It's pretty awesome," Davis Bryant said of his overall away. performance in 2017. "It's been a season to remember.

This year I've played so consistent and played such Besides the JGAC Tour Championship, Schalk won good golf over the last six months. The win at Cherry titles in the 3A state high school championship as a Hills today was just gravy on top. It feels awesome Holy Family freshman, the AJGA Hale Irwin Colorado to finish the year off strong. It's great to play in three Junior, the Colorado Junior PGA and the season majors and win them all. Unfortunately I wasn't able to opener on the JGAC Tour in April. play in the third (of the four majors as he was instead competing in the national Junior PGA, where he "It feels really good" to have that kind of year, Schalk finished 14th). It was a cool feeling to accomplish as said. "There are so many competitive players, so just to much as I did." be able to pull through and win the majors is a big deal.

You work so hard all year, then coming to the end of it, Cal McCoy of Highlands Ranch shared the Tour to win (another) big major is definitely a confidenceChampionship lead with Bryant after 15 holes on booster."

Sunday, but a second shot into the water and the resulting double bogey on No. 16 dropped him back.

But the future University of Denver golfer finished second at 145 after closing with a 72.

Barrett Jones of Eagle placed third at 146 after a pair of 73s. "(The many top competitors in JGAC events) make me a better player," Bryant said. "I think that's a big factor in why I played so well this year. It makes you a better player because you've got to step up your game.

"Today, I didn't play the best on the front nine, but I got in a groove on the back nine over the last eight holes

Lauren Lehigh of Loveland, the 4A state high school champ, placed second at 154 after carding a finalround 74. Julia Baroth of Denver was within one of Schalk after 15 holes, but played the last three holes in 5 over to card a 79 and share third place at 155 with Caroline Jordaan, who closed with a 77 on her home course.

"On the front nine we were close, and I knew I had to finish strong and have a good back nine," Schalk said.

"After I made my birdie putt on 16 (from 5 feet) and Julia made bogey, I thought I had a little bit of a lead. I just needed to keep it going and make pars and birdies on the way in."

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Colorado PGA Pro Peaks Digital Magazine

Junior Golf News

Estes Park Plays Host to JGAC Fall Series Event M

edalists were named at the Junior Golf Alliance of Colorado Fall Series in Estes Park on Sunday, September 10. Estes Park Golf Course hosted the 11-18 year old divisions and Lake Estes Golf Course hosted the 10-and-under division.

The Boys 14-15 division was led by Max Noffsinger of Greeley, Colo. Max's two day total was 169. Trey Harman of Boulder, Colo., found himself two strokes back (171) in second place and Samuel Hoover of Longmont shot 173 to earn third place.

In the Boys 6-8 division, Wyatt Harlow of Fort Collins, Colo., held his Round 1 lead to win with a two-day score of 95. Carter Brace of Lakewood, Colo., finished in second place with a score of 103. Jude Gasser of Denver, Colo., shot 119 to earn third place.

In the Girls 14-18 division, Megan Miller of Estes Park won by five strokes on her home course. Megan shot a two-day total of 165. Taylor Bandemer of Loveland, Colo., shot 170 to earn second place. Rounding out the top three was Alyssa Chin of Greenwood Village, Colo., who shot 174.

In the Boys 9-10 division, Landon Houska of Fort Collins bested the field by two strokes. He finished three-over-par (69) after an openingday 31 (-2).

Second place was earned by Tyler Long of Evergreen, Colo., with a two-day total of 71. Andre Dumonteil of Centennial, Colo., shot consistent rounds of 37 both days to finish third.

In the Girls 10-and-under division, Ashleigh Wilson of Highlands Ranch, Colo., won with a total score of 75 (+9). Seven strokes back, was Alena Kasnicky of Longmont, Colo., who finished with 82. Addison Hines of Arvada, Colo., found her way into the top-3 with a total score of 84.

In the Boys 11-13 division, Maxwell Lange of Golden, Colo., fired a second round 75 to win his division with a total score of 156. He was followed by two strokes (158) by Christopher Gunlikson of Longmont in second place. Third place was earned by Jake Chesler of Firestone, Colo., at 159.

In the Girls 11-13 division, Kaylee Chen of Highlands Ranch valuted to victory after a second round score of 76 to finish with a total of 159. Hadley Ashton of Erie, Colo., and Abigail Aechelman of Highlands Ranch both shot 166 to tie for second place.

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In the Boys 16-18 division, Robert Noffsinger of Greeley shot two consistent rounds of 84 to earn first place (168). Isaiah Mallory of Grand Junction, Colo., finished back 2 strokes (170), while Camden Long of Highlands Ranch finished third (172).

In the Girls Tour division, Lauren Lehigh of Loveland held her first round lead and shot 149 to earn first place. Brandy McClain of Denver shot 33 on her day-two back nine (-3) to score 157 and earn second place. Meghan Vogt of Broomfield, Colo., finished in third with a total score of 159.

In the Boys Tour division, TJ Shehee fired a second round 68 (-3) to finish the weekend one-under par and earn top honors. Billy Howenstein of Boulder fired 68 (-3) in round one, but finished second at even par overall. Jack Hastings of Fort Collins carded rounds of 73, 71 to finish third. 26 birdies were made by these three players this weekend!

JGAC Fall Series Concludes at Kind’s Deer Golf Club T

his past weekend, Kings Deer Golf Club played host to nearly 100 JGAC members.

Players fought through some very tough conditions to post some great finishes.

In the Boys 6-8 division, players played two 9-hole rounds and James Flaxbeard of Greenwood Village was crowned our champion.

Flaxbeard shot a two-day total of 89 to score an impressive 25-stroke victory. Carter Brace of Lakewood, CO finished in second place with a score of 114 and Marcel Barnhill of Pueblo, CO rounds out the top 3 with a score of 120.

In the Boys 9-10 division, Tyler Long of Evergreen, CO fired a two-day total of 76 to best the field by three strokes. Landon Houska of Fort Collins, CO takes the silver medal after rounds of 42-36 (79). After a two-way scorecard playoff for third between Frank Lockwood of Meridian, CO and Jake Dost of Parker, CO, Lockwood takes home third place with an 80.

In the Girls 10 & Under division, we had some excitement with Ashleigh Wilson of Highlands Ranch, CO going into a sudden death playoff with Maddie Makino of Parker, CO. Wilson and Makino both fired 92 with Wilson securing the win on the first playoff hole.

Taylor Wilson of Highlands Ranch, CO rounds out the top 3 with scores of 52-48 (100).

In the Boys 11-13 division, Trae Andrews of Windsor, CO fired a second round 73 to earn the victory by one.

This was Andrew’s third win of the season. Finishing in second place was Ryan Falender of Colorado Springs, CO after consistent rounds of 77-77—154. Hunter Swanson of Denver, CO takes homes the bronze medal after a two-day total of 155.

In the Girls 11-13 division, Abigail Aeschleman of Highlands Ranch, CO went wire-to-wire to secure her second victory of the season. Aeschleman’s final round 75 gave her a two-day total of 154 for a six-stroke victory over Kaylee Chen of Highlands Ranch, CO. Brooke Hudson of Parker, CO finished in third place to earn her third medal of the year.

The Boys 14-15 division was led by Greg Lewis of Monument, CO. Lewis' two-day total was 165 to earn his first victory of the season. Sam Knowlton of Boulder, CO found himself three strokes back (168) in second place and Adam Walker of Fort Collins, CO shot 172 to earn third place.

October 2017

Junior Golf News

In the Girls 14-18 division, Maxine Choi of Colorado Springs, CO shot rounds of 82-77 (159) to win by an impressive 17 strokes. This marks her first victory of the season, as well. Coming in second place was Merielle Gojo of Cherry Hills Village, CO (176) and rounding out our Top 3 medalists was Christina Cheng of Colorado Springs, CO. Cheng bested Haena Kim of Highlands Ranch, CO in a scorecard playoff.

In the Boys 16-18 division, Rizzul Karki of Englewood, CO notched his first victory of the season after rounds of 86-78 (164). Finishing in second place was Camden Long of Highlands Ranch, CO. Long fired rounds of 92-91 to take home the silver medal.

In the Girls Tour division, Caitlin O’Donnell of Centennial, CO held her first round lead and shot a two-day total 165 to earn first place. Three players, Emma Bryant of Aurora, CO, Meghan Vogt of Broomfield, CO and Lauren Murphy of Carbondale, CO all finished in a tie for second place. After a scorecard playoff, Vogt secured second place due to her back nine 39 and Bryant takes home the bronze medal.

In the Boys Tour division, Davis Bryant of Aurora, CO fired a very impressive final round 67 (-4) to complete the comeback and win by six strokes. Jackson Klutznick of Denver, CO also shot a fantastic second round (70) to earn second place. Rounding out our Top 3 and taking home the bronze medal was Liam O’Halloran of Colorado Spring, CO

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Colorado PGA Pro Peaks Digital Magazine

Junior Golf News

Headed for Augusta National Colorado Springs’ Kaden Ford becomes fourth Coloradan ever to qualify for Drive, Chip & Putt Nationals

by Gary Baines - 9/16/2017

If Kaden Ford of Colorado Springs wonders what it will be like to compete in the Drive, Chip & Putt Nationals at Augusta National Golf Club in Georgia the week before the Masters, he won’t have to look far for someone with experience.

Ford, who on Saturday became just the fourth Coloradan ever to qualify for the DC&P Nationals, is a high school golf teammate of defending 4A state individual champion Luke Trujillo, who went to the Nationals at Augusta in the spring of 2016.

That should give Ford some insights.

The high school freshman overcame the DC&P Regional Qualifying hurdle on Saturday at Southern Hills Country Club in Tulsa, Okla.

With just the winner -- out of 10 competitors -- in each age/gender division of the Regionals advancing to Nationals on April 1, 2018, Ford won the Boys 14-15 competition. He scored 67 points in the drive portion of the contest, 17 in the chipping and 55 in the putting.

That gave him 139 points overall, three more than runner-up Carsen Silliman.

The only other Coloradans who have made it to DC&P Nationals in the first five years of the competition are Trujillo, Arielle Keating and Caitlyn Chin, all of whom went in April of 2016. The Nationals are televised from Augusta by the Golf Channel.

Ford had to survive Local, Sub-Regional and Regional Qualifying to advance. In the Sub-Regional at CommonGround Golf Course in Aurora last month, he finished second to Joshua Gallegos of Belen, N.M. Ford was one of 20 Colorado residents who were competing in the Regionals at Southern Hills. None of the others advanced to Nationals, but here’s how all 20 fared on Saturday, with their scores and placing (Note: The top finisher in each division advances to Nationals.

Points are for Drive-Chip-Putt--Total): Boys 14-15 1. (out of 10 competitors) Kaden Ford of Colorado Springs 67-17-55--139 4. Hunter Khan of Highlands Ranch 42-13-65--120 8. Joshua Stouder of Grand Junction 42-13-36--91

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Girls 14-15 3. (out of 10 competitors) Emma Bryant of Aurora 56-17-31--104 4. Alyssa Chin of Greenwood Village 36-26-41--103 5. Sofia Choi of Littleton 36-13-51--100 10. Rachel Penzenstadler of Centennial 34-3-31--68 Boys 12-13 4. (out of 10 competitors)Yusuke Ogi of Arvada 58-531--94 5. Wesley Erling of Arvada 18-30-41--89 Girls 12-13 3. (out of 10 competitors) Abigail Aeschleman of Highlands Ranch 47-27-41--115 4. Kaylee Chen of Highlands Ranch 39-17-45--101 Boys 10-11 3. (out of 10 competitors) Kaden Devenport of Windsor 46-3-50--99 7. Matai Naqica of Centennial 19-16-45--80 10. Tucker Jaffe of Vail 0-3-21--24 Girls 10-11 10. (out of 10 competitors) Macy Kleve of Windsor 30-4-17--51 Boys 7-9 2. (out of 10 competitors) Max Riley of Fort Collins 35-7-50--92 8. Ashton Edwards of Boulder 15-12-27--54 9. Collen Todd of Golden 20-3-27--50 Girls 7-9 4. (out of 10 competitors) Adrielle Miller of Highlands Ranch 15-18-36--69 6. Allie Smith of Aurora 8-22-35--65 In all, 40 boys and 40 girls will compete in the Nationals of the Drive, Chip & Putt Championship, which is sponsored by the Masters, the USGA and the PGA of America. The competition is limited to players 7-15.

Each participant in the DCP is awarded points for each skill based on his or her performance, with the points added together for an overall score.

Junior Golf News

October 2017

Golf in Schools Program Request Forms Available W

ithout question, the Golf in Schools program has quickly become an essential tool in introducing kids to the game of golf as well as a great stepping stone for your junior programs during the summer. Would you like to get involved?

The Colorado PGA is now accepting program requests for the Spring semester. PGA Professionals and Educators are welcome to submit a program request form. The fall program request window is now open and will close on October 31st. Forms submitted after this date may not be considered, so get yours in soon! Requests do not guarantee funding; those programs that are approved will be notified and further details will be required. A huge thank you to those who have made GIS a huge success thus far. We anticipate another great year for this program as we continue to positively impact the lives of others through the game of golf.

Click here to access the Program Request Form for Teachers Click here to access the Program Request Form for Golf Professionals

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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

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

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Breckenridge Distillery Mike Horan

Masek Golf Cars Jason Masek

Wells Fargo Financial Advisors Tom Gunnerson

Adidas/Ashworth Mike Bryant

Loan Depot Pete Garvin

Maui Jim Sunglasses

AHEAD Zach Ledvina

Sun Mountain Kevin Neff

Parsons Xtreme Golf

GOLFTEC

October 2017

Silver | $2,500

PTE Golf Matt Pollitt

Sterling Cut Glass

Bronze | $1,000

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Colorado PGA Pro Peaks Digital Magazine