Colorado PGA April 2017 Pro Peaks Digital Magazine

PRO PEAKS

The Official Publication of the Colorado PGA April 2017

What, Why and How

Tournament Changes Approved Three Elected to Board of Directors Growth of the Game Grants Awarded West Chapter Award Winners Announced

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

Brett Gagnon, PGA | 2016-2018 Red Sky Golf 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

Jacques Deyoe, PGA | 2016-2018 Aspen Glen Club

CJ Rhyne, PGA | 2016-2018 GJ Golf Luke Brosterhous | 2016-2018 Catamount Ranch and 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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Colorado PGA Pride Exec. Director’s Report It All Starts With You! District Director Report April Update - PGA Graduate Management Universities, Section Business Operations and more Colorado PGA News Miller, Murray and O’Donnell Elected to Board of Directors West Chapter Award Winners Announced Club Champions Cup Set to Debut Colorado PGA REACH News Colorado PGA REACH Pillar Grants Announced Junior Golf News Golf in Schools Requests Available Tournament News Tournament Changes Approved

April 2017

What’s Inside

President’s Report

Important Dates

Monday, April 10, 2017 Valley CC Pro-Am Valley Country Club

Monday, April 24, 2017 Pro Only Stroke Play # 2 CommonGround Golf Course

Wednesday, April 12, 2017 PGA HOPE Training Plum Creek Golf Course

Monday, May 1, 2017 Lakewood CC Pro-Am Lakewood Country Club

Monday, April 17, 2017 Blackstone CC Pro-Am Blackstone Country Club

Thursday, May 4 Pro Only Stroke Play # 3 Indian Tree Golf Club

Thursday, April 20, 2017 West Chapter Spring Meeting & Pro-Pro Bookcliff Country Club

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

Friday, April 21, 2017 W.C. – Pro-Am #1 Bookcliff Country Club

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

www.coloradopga.com

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Colorado PGA Pro Peaks Digital Magazine

Colorado PGA Pride!

By Ty Thompson, PGA

W

hat an exciting time to be a part of the Colorado Section of the PGA! At our Spring Business Meeting, we considered the programs and services we offer and the motivation behind them. My hope is that you felt very proud of the accomplishments and growth the section has achieved over the past few decades. Our growth is a credit to each of you that have taken time throughout your career to play in a tournament, volunteer for a growth of the game program, or simply share the message of who we are as PGA members.

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

April 2017

President’s Message

I spoke of the “chapters” each of us live throughout our careers. At times, we have more time to play in tournaments, other times we are engaged in education & career development, while other times have been the perfect opportunity to volunteer for a committee or the board. It does not matter what chapter you are currently living, what matters is that you take pride in what “WE” are accomplishing as a collective group. Our executive director and staff are second to none and our mission to serve the member and grow the game is at the center of it all. I am extremely proud of the dedication your board of directors has shown to be educated and engaged in leading our section. The “member” is always at the center of the conversation and an effort to hear the perspective of all members is always present. Here’s to a great 2017!

My Best,

ty.thompson@pga.com

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

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Colorado PGA Pro Peaks Digital Magazine

Executive Director’s Message

It All Starts With You!

By Eddie Ainsworth, PGA

Colorado PGA Professionals, Each and every day your Section Staff focuses on how we can better engage our PGA Members, Apprentices, and UCCS PGM Students so we can assist in better equipping you to empower you on your way to enhanced employment and compensation. Our vision always starts with you in mind as we are in a constant pursuit of excellence, always looking to be innovative and improve what we do and collaborate so we can better serve you. Bottom line is you are the ones that make the difference. You are the ones that grow the game. You are the ones that make a positive difference in the lives of others, day in and day out, at your facilities and in your local communities.

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

Stephen Covey talks about beginning with the end in mind.

The end goal is to have all 712 Colorado PGA Members, 109 Colorado PGA Apprentices, and 60 UCCS PGA_PGM Students fully engaged, equipped, and empowered to be more fruitful, enhancing their employment opportunities and compensation, and making a positive difference in their communities. That’s 881 people of the Colorado PGA Family firing on all cylinders.

That’s the vision. That’s the end goal. That’s why we are in constant pursuit of excellence and committed to the task at hand; it all starts with you!

I’m extremely excited to be launching the Colorado PGA’s Club Champions Cup this summer! This is presented by not only an opportunity for 96 of our facilities to participate in an event that will raise a tremendous amount of money for our Colorado PGA REACH Foundation, but we will also see 32 of our Colorado PGA Professionals representing the 16 Clubs in the finals playing for a purse of $10,000!!! (Be certain not to delay in registering your team as

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we have only 4 Regional Qualifiers at some wonderful facilities where each player will be treated to a great event, along with some great tee gifts, fighting it out to see whose Club has the best Club Champions in the State of Colorado!)

Being recognized as a leading Section isn’t always easy because people are always gunning for you. That is why we will always be in constant pursuit of excellence, committed to innovation, collaboration and improvement, while we strive to serve our members and grow the game. I’m excited to have PGA Professionals Dennis Murray, Jim Miller, and Mike O’Donnell join our Board of Directors this October. They will help continue to build upon the great framework that the members of our Boards before them have laid. Congratulations and my thanks to all who ran this year. It was a terrific group of candidates and a tough decision for our membership to make. I hope you’re ready to roll up your sleeves this Fall and are ready to continue working hard!

To each of you in our family of 881, know that we do not take for granted the honor of working for each and every one of you. We are here for you when you need us as it all starts with you!!!

Thanks for the opportunity to serve.

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

April 2017

Check Out Our Vision2020 Videos V

ision2020 was the main highlight of the recent Colorado PGA Spring Business Meeting. Vision2020 is the laser focused direction the Board of Directors of the Colorado PGA has set to complete our strategic mission. It focuses on what the Colorado PGA does, why we do it and how we do it.

What we do is work towards our mission statement; Serve the Member, Grow the Game.

Through those two tenants, we also happen to make an Impact in Our Communities.

We Serve the Member so that we can improve our PGA Members lives and careers. We do this through a number of professional development programs; Employment, Education, Player Development, Playing Opportunities and Networking. In addition, we Serve the Member through the Colorado PGA REACH Foundation and the scholarships and pillar grants that fall under the foundation.

Why we Grow the Game is our reason for being.

The Colorado PGA is keenly positioned to leverage our position within in industry to ensure the sustainability of our industry. We accomplish this through our Player Development programs, allied association collaboration and through the Growth of the Game Grants under the Colorado PGA REACH Foundation.

We Impact Our Communities to make a positive difference in the lives of others. We do this by empowering our membership to make a difference and by administering all of our Colorado PGA REACH Foundation programs.

For more information on all of this, check out the video links on this page.

www.coloradopga.com

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Colorado PGA Pro Peaks Digital Magazine

District 9 Director Report

April Update PGA Graduate Management

Universities, Section Business Operations, Governance

By Kyle Heyen, PGA With the Long Term Strategic Plan as our guide, we’re excited to discuss some key initiatives in furthering our mission of serving the Member and growing the game throughout 2017.

PGA Graduate Management Universities Over the last two years we engaged Texas A&M to partner with the universities to perform a comprehensive evaluation of the PGA Golf Management University Programs at the different universities. As a next step, we’ll be partnering with the universities to share best practices and identify opportunities for improvement, with the goal of better preparing graduates for future success in the industry.

Kyle Heyen, PGA

District 9 Director PGA of America Head Professional Hiwan Golf Club

For years, the committee structure has been an instrumental part in helping us gather diverse perspectives. As a result, the Board of Directors developed a plan over the last year to evolve the committees to create greater impact. We made the committees smaller to ensure greater interaction and changed the areas of focus themselves to better align with the core products of the long-term strategic plan: The Committees are: Championships & Member Tournaments, Education, Employment, Global, Junior Golf, Membership, Properties Advisory and Coaching and Player Development.

There will still be other committees/groups such as the Awards, Budget and Hall of Fame but they’ll be more specific in nature.

Section Business Operations

Junior PGA Championships

With Scott Wellington as the Senior Director of Section Business Operations, we are working through the development of a strategic plan to create greater alignment between sections and national, and ultimately help deliver greater value to the membership via the 41 Sections.

The Junior PGA Championship will transition this year with an expansion of the size of the field. This presents an opportunity for the Junior PGA Championships to offer all 41 Sections a minimum of 2 boys and girls players each, thanks to the addition of an at-large bid.

Governance As we look to the next 100 years of our organization, some aspects of our Constitution and bylaws require updating to current times, based on the changes in the industry and our organization.

President Levy has assigned a Committee to investigate options looking to the future but still ensuring the preservation of our rich history and mission.

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National Committees

By creating separate boys and girls events, we will double the number of players for all of our Sections. In addition, the number of boys and girls participating in each Championship will increase from 78 to 144.

As part of this change, we have discontinued the PGA Junior Series. As a large majority of our PGA Sections now either run or manage their own junior tours/ events, Sections will now no longer have to compete with the Series for entrants into their own events.

Drive, Chip & Putt Championship Drive, Chip & Putt continues to grow! This year, there will be more than 330 local, sub-regional and regional events across all 50 states and Puerto Rico.

Registration is now open for local qualifying for the 2018 Drive, Chip & Putt National Finals. Local qualifying begins Saturday, May 6 at TPC Sawgrass in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida.

Disaster Relief Fund The disaster relief fund was created to provide assistance to PGA members who find themselves faced with temporary financial problems due to medical emergencies or natural disasters.

In fiscal year 2015/2016, roughly 11,000 members and apprentices donated to this fund. Since 2000, more than $1.6M has been distributed to PGA members Disaster Relief is exclusively supported by donations from PGA Professionals. When you receive your annual dues billing, you can make voluntary contributions to PGA Disaster Relief.

The PGA of America and the Golf Industry in 2017 Following an exciting year for the PGA and the golf industry, we have witnessed an exciting start to the New Year.

For the first time in a decade, rounds were up in backto-back years = Up +0.6% in 2016‌Up +1.8% in 2015.

We’re also off to a good start so far in 2017: Rounds up +2.6% year to date.

Wait until they get Colorado numbers for March!

All my best to you in the upcoming golf season! I hope your tee sheets, tournaments, lesson and clinic books are full!!!

Please call or email me if you have any questions.

Sincerely,

Donate Wine Today!

April 2017

District 9 Director Report

Wine to be Auctioned at Colorado PGA REACH Invitational One of the biggest sources of funding for Colorado PGA REACH is through live and silent auctions.

We need your help in gathering fifty (50) bottles of wine to auction off as one large package. If you happen to have a wine collection of your own or if your club has a collection, please help us in reaching our goal!

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

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Colorado PGA Pro Peaks Digital Magazine

Miller, Murray and O’Donnell Elected to Board of Directors T

hree members of the Colorado PGA were elected to join the Board of Directors at the Spring Business Meeting at Pinehurst Country Club.

The members elected were; Jim Miller, Director of Golf Club Operations at Sonnenalp Golf Club, Dennis Murray, Instructor at Valley Country Club and Mike O’Donnell, Director of Family & Morale, Welfare & Recreation - United States Army Garrison Fort Carson, CO. “We couldn’t be happier to be adding three great PGA Members to the Colorado PGA Board of Directors,” noted Colorado PGA President Ty Thompson, PGA. “Dennis, Jim and Mike all have a tremendous amount of knowledge and experience across nearly every facet of our industry.

I’m very confident these three members will be great stewards of our organization as we continue to work towards our mission of Serving Our Member and Growing the Game of Golf.”

Jim Miller was elected to membership in 1998 and has spent the majority of his career working in Steamboat Springs and the Vail Valley. After serving at Catamount Ranch and Club for a number of years, Miller worked outside the golf industry before returning to golf as the Director of Golf Club Operations at Sonnenalp Golf Club in early 2016.

Dennis Murray was elected to membership in 1980 and has served in a number of capacities in the Colorado Section and five other Sections during his career. Murray most notably served as the Head Professional at Bear Creek Golf Club in Lakewood, CO before spending more than thirteen years teaching the game at The Ridge at Castle Pines North in Castle Pines, CO. He currently serves as an Instructor at Valley Country Club and became a Certified Professional in Teaching and Coaching in 2015.

Mike O’Donnell is a PGA Master Professional and currently provides support services to the approximately 123,000 Service Members, Family Members, Retirees and Department of Defense Civilians that comprise the Fort Carson Military Community. O’Donnell began his career and has spent a majority of it working at military installations. After spending time as the Head Professional and Director of Golf at two facilities in Germany, O’Donnell took on the role of General Manager at the Four Seasons Terre Blanche Golf Club and Domaine de Terre Blanche in the south of France. O’Donnell came back stateside to Ft. Carson in 2011.

The three members will begin their three year term at the upcoming Fall Membership Meeting.

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en Welsh, PGA Head Professional at Frost Creek Golf Club was named the 2017 West Chapter Golf Professional of the Year during the annual Spring Membership Meeting on Monday, March 27, 2017 at Pinehurst Country Club. Welsh, a PGA Member since 2003, earn the honor for the second consecutive year. He served at EagleVail Golf Club since early 2005, both as the Head Professional and then the Director of Golf. He recently took over as the Head Professional at Frost Creek Golf Club. Welsh was active in the West Chapter for a number of years before being elected to the Secretary’s position with the Colorado PGA in 2014.

In all, fourteen Colorado PGA Professionals were named as West Chapter Award Winners. Each winner will be recognized during the West Chapter Spring Meeting, scheduled for Thursday, April 20, 2017 at Bookcliff Country Club.

April 2017

West Chapter Award Winners Announced

Player Development Award – Tom Buzbee, PGA – Gypsum Creek Golf Course Youth Player Development Award – Luke Brosterhous, PGA – Catamount Ranch and Club Horton Smith Award – Alice Plain, PGA – Vail Golf Club

Apprentice Player of the Year – Brandon Bingaman – The Bridges Golf and Country Club

Bill Strausbaugh Award – Steve VanDyke, PGA – Aspen Glen Club

Player of the Year and Senior Player of the Year – Sherry Andonian, PGA – Valley Country Club

Warren Smith Award – Brett Gagnon, PGA – Red Sky Golf Club

Resort Merchandiser of the Year – Chris Lai, PGA – Red Sky Golf Club – Fazio Course

Teacher of the Year – Nathan Mead, PGA – Vail Golf Club

Private Merchandiser of the Year – Darren Szot, PGA – The Club at Cordillera

Assistant Professional of the Year – Ed Marzec, PGA – Country Club of the Rockies

Public Merchandiser of the Year – David Thompson, PGA – EagleVail Golf Club

Golf Professional of the Year – Ben Welsh, PGA – Frost Creek Golf Club

West Chapter Spring Meeting Set for April 20, 2017 T

he annual Colorado PGA West Chapter Spring Meeting will be held on Thursday, April 20, 2017 at Bookcliff Country Club. During the meeting the West Chapter Awards winners will be recognized, an update on Colorado PGA section business will be given, and much more.

Following the meeting, Gerry Brown, Director of Handicapping and Course Rating with the CGA will be delivering an introductory presentation on the new USGA Tournament Management System (Golf Genius). Once the meeting concludes, the annual West Chapter Pro-Pro Scramble will take place at Bookcliff Country Club.

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

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Colorado PGA Pro Peaks Digital Magazine

Get to Know the Candidates

Club Champions Cup Set to Debut W

e are happy to announce the creation and launch of the Club Champions Cup presented by Massage Envy!

The Club Champions Cup is a Section-wide event, open to every facility with the goal of crowning the best club in the Colorado Section! Clubs will be represented by a team of four to include their Men's, Women's and Senior Club Champions who will compete in local qualifiers and the Club Champions Cup Finals at the Golf Club at Ravenna on August 22, 2017!

How It Works One PGA Professional from each participating facility will register their "team", which will consist of the current Men's, Women's, and Senior Champions, along with any former "authenticated" Club Champion from the facility (from any division). If the current Men's, Women's or Senior Club Champions are unavailable to participate, a former authenticated club champion from that division can fill the spot.

Teams may register for the "Regional Qualifier" closest to them when registration opens on Friday, April 7th. If a Team wishes to participate at a different Regional Qualifier site other than the one closest to them, they may register for that site beginning on Tuesday, May 2nd. Teams within a Regional area will be given priority in their area until the site is either full or until May 2nd. The deadline to register for all events is May 19, 2017.

Four"Regional Qualifiers" will be held during the "Chase for the Cup". The top-4 teams (1 qualifying spot per every 5 teams registered) from a full qualifier will advance to the Club Champions Cup Finals to determine which Club takes home the Club Champions Cup. The committee reserves the right to invite teams that have competed in a qualifier (based on score) until a full field of 16 teams is finalized.

Event Details - Two 2-Person Teams playing a 9-hole Scramble and a 9-hole Four-Ball.

- Two PGA Professionals from each club that qualifies for the Finals will compete together, in the same format, for $10,000!

- Team scores will be combined to determine the Team Score.

- Teams will be able to arrange their pairings as they choose.

- Players will compete from their "corresponding tee-boxes", with the Women's Champions playing from the forward tee, the Senior Champions playing from one tee back from the forward tee, and the Men's Club Champions playing from tee boxes at least 6,500 yards in total yardage.

- The registration fee for each facility's team will be $600.00.

- Clubs may choose to cover the fee for their Champions, or to pass the entire fee, or a portion thereof, to the players. The entire fee must be paid upon registration.

- Each player will receive a Club Champions Cup golf shirt.

- Teams that advance to the Club Champions Cup Finals will not be required to pay an additional fee.

Schedule Club Champions Cup Qualifier # 1 | Wednesday, June 7, 2017 | Eisenhower Golf Course - Blue Club Champions Cup Qualifier # 2 | Wednesday, June 14, 2017 | Hiwan Golf Club Club Champions Cup Qualifier #3 | Wednesday, July 12, 2017 | Keystone Ranch Golf Course Club Champions Cup Qualifier #4 | Wednesday, July 19, 2017 | Colorado National Golf Club Club Champions Cup Finals | Tuesday, August 22, 2017 | The Golf Club at Ravenna Once again registration begins Friday April 7, 2017 with the official launch of www.ClubChampionsCup.com.

There are only 20 spots for teams per site so be sure to not delay in registering your Club's Team.

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www.coloradopga.com

April 2017

Get to Know the Candidates

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Colorado PGA Pro Peaks Digital Magazine

Welsh Earns Master Professional Certification B

en Welsh, PGA Head Professional at Frost Creek Golf Club and the Vice-President of the Colorado PGA has become the thirteenth current member to earn the to earn the distinction of being a PGA Master Professional. The PGA Master Professional Program is the PGA of America's highest designation and is comprised of an extensive project based on the specific certification previously acquired.

The process to become a Master Professional is an arduous one. The first step in getting started in the MPP 2.0 program is to complete and submit an application at which time you will be notified of its receipt and assigned a mentor. Candidates are required to complete and submit a Literature Review and written Project in phases per schedule, which the MPP Review & Evaluation Team as well as the Master Professional Mentor will have designed to advise the Candidate on the Project for Approval prior to Checkpoint. Once approved, the Candidate attends the Checkpoint to present the approved Project, respond to Project and Presentation questions, and complete a Skill Simulation. The final requirement is for the Candidate to participate in a debrief of Grading and Review of Presentation, Q&A, and Skill Simulation if required following the Checkpoint.

Welsh has received a number of accolades for his work in the chapter and in the section. He is a two-time Colorado PGA West Chapter Golf Professional of the Year and has earned the Youth Player Development and Warren Smith Award in the Section.

Welsh was raised in Fort Collins, CO and grew up playing golf at City Park Nine. He worked in Denver for five years, first at West Woods Golf Course and then at the Inverness Golf Club. He moved to the Vail Valley in 2005 when he was hired as the Head Professional at EagleVail Golf Club. He served as Head Professional for 4 years and before moving on to the Director of Golf position. Welsh recently took over as the Head Professional at Frost Creek Golf Club.

IVY Pro Am Set for May 24, 2017 T

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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.

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

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

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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.

April 2017

Playing Ability Test Schedule Announced

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 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.

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. Playing Ability Test # 1 Wednesday, April 26, 2017 CommonGround Golf Course PAT Site Information Men’s Yardage – 6,459 Men’s Target Score – 154 Female Yardage - 5,616 Female Target Score - 156

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

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 # 2 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

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

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

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

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Colorado PGA Pro Peaks Digital Magazine

PGA Junior League Golf Shaping Up to be Another Succesful Year T

he following clubs and PGA Professionals have stepped up to host PGA Junior League Golf Teams in 2017, and the list continues to grow. In 2016, Colorado parents committed more than $250,000 in participation fees alone to the program across the Colorado Section. In 2017, more than 98% of clubs are returning to host; many coming on board with multiple competitive, 16 & under and developmental teams. We’re excited to announce that, to date, eleven new facilities have joined in the fun! There is still plenty of time to catch the PGAJLG wave of momentum. New teams and leagues are forming daily, if you want to learn more about this revenue generating opportunity, contact Keith Soriano, PGA or Holly Champion, PGA to schedule a one on one meeting.

Mt. Massive League Mt. 16 U League Raccoon Creek GC | Pat Tait, PGA Eisenhower GC | John Trujillo, PGA Timm Golf Academy #2 | Rick Timm, PGA Country Club of Colorado | Anne Finke, PGA South Suburban GC Simpson #1 | Todd Marley, PGA Fort Collins CC | Craig Salib Family Sports Center | Brian Sevier, PGA Foothills GC | Nina Krats, LPGA South Suburban GC Paav #1 | Todd Marley, PGA Legacy Ridge GC | Erin Diegel, PGA Aspen Glen Club | Steve Van Dyke, PGA Mt. Harvard League Valley Country Club | Barry Milstead, PGA Fossil Trace GC | Adam Finch, PGA CommonGround GC | Dave Troyer, PGA Arvada Golf | Bobby Quaratino, PGA Trent Wearner Golf Academy | Philip Linares, PGA Foothills GC | Nina Krats, LPGA The First Tee of Green Valley Ranch | Philip Linares, Foothills GC | Jeff Freebury, PGA PGA The Meadows GC | Nina Krats, LPGA Highlands Ranch Golf Club | Mark McCarthy, PGA South Suburban GC Marley #3 | Todd Marley, PGA Hiwan Golf Club | Kyle Heyen, PGA Sunshine Peak League South Suburban GC Marley #2 | Todd Marley, PGA Highlands Ranch GC Team #2 | Mark McCarthy, PGA Meridian GC | Philip Linares, PGA The Club at Ravenna | Christopher Carroll Mt. Elbert League Highlands Ranch GC Team #1 | Mark McCarthy, PGA South Suburban GC Marley #1 | Todd Marley, PGA Timm Golf Academy #1 | Rick Timm, PGA The Links Golf Club | Kyle Voska, PGA Family Sports Center | Mike McCutchen, PGA MetaGolf Learning Center | Scott Lane, PGA South Suburban GC Simpson #1 | Todd Marley, PGA

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Mt. Lincoln League Murphy Creek Eagles | Leslie Core Drevecky, PGA Murphy Creek Jets | Dane Reese Fitzimons Golf Course | Dan O’Shaughnessy Saddle Rock GC #1| Mike Fengler, PGA Saddle Rock GC #2 | Mike Fengler, PGA Meadow Hills Golf Course | Caine Fitzgerald, PGA Mt. Antero League CCA Bulldogs #1 | Tommy Thomas, PGA CCA Bulldogs #2 | Tommy Thomas, PGA CCA Bulldogs #3 | Tommy Thomas, PGA CCA Bulldogs #4 | Tommy Thomas, PGA

Mt. Evans League Cheyenne Shadows Golf Club | Paul Surniak, PGA Eisenhower Blue | John Trujillo, PGA Eisenhower Silver | John Trujillo, PGA King’s Deer Golf Club | Nate Vincent, PGA Mt. Wilson League Columbine Developmental Team #1 | Cody Hasten, PGA Columbine Developmental Team #2 | Cody Hasten, PGA Columbine Developmental Team #3 | Cody Hasten, PGA Columbine Developmental Team #4 | Cody Hasten, PGA Mt. Cameron League Buffalo Run Golf Course | Garret Hoffman CommonGround Golf Course | Dave Troyer, PGA CommonGround Golf Course | Andy Connell Colorado National Golf Club | Rob Grall, PGA Green Valley Ranch Golf Club | Philip Linares, PGA Hyland Hills GC | Val Heim, PGA Legacy Ridge GC | Erin Diegel, PGA Mt. Shavano League Cherry Creek CC | Jim Owens, PGA Denver Country Club | Alexandra Braga, PGA Valley Country Club | Barry Milstead, PGA The Country Club at Castle Pines | Tyler Parsloe, PGA Cherry Hills White | Ryan Wroblewski, PGA Colorado Golf Club Ducks | Anthony Vitale, PGA Mt. Belford League Ravenna Rattlers | Christopher Carroll The Club at Pradera | Seth Jamison, PGA Cherry Hills Red | Ryan Wroblewski, PGA The Pinery Country Club Pinehurst Country Club | Christopher Sholts, PGA Colorado Golf Club Coyotes | Anthony Vitale, PGA Mt. Princeton League Eagle Ranch Golf Club #1 | Nathan Corsbie, PGA Red Sky Golf Club | Jeff Hanson, PGA Sonnenalp Club | Chad Rush, PGA Club at Cordillera | Darren Szot, PGA Eagle Vail GC | Dave Thompson, PGA Mt. Columbia League Eagle Ranch Golf Club #2 | Nathan Corsbie, PGA Eagle Ranch Golf Club #3 | Nathan Corsbie, PGA Gypsum Creek Golf Club | Tom Buzbee, PGA Country Club of the Rockies | Chad Hansen, PGA Vail Golf Club | Nathan Mead, PGA

Mt. Yale League Lincoln Park GC | Brian Franco, PGA Tiara Rado Golf Club | Mike Mendelson, PGA Tiara Rado Golf Club | Chance Semones, PGA Bookcliff Country Club | Tim Tafoya, PGA Mt. Bross League Fort Collins CC – Tiger | Craig Salib Fort Collins CC – Palmer | Craig Salib Ptarmigan CC | Matt Kantor, PGA Ptarmigan CC | Jeff Uldeval, PGA Greeley CC | Josh Troyer, PGA Harmony Golf Club | Eric Knotts, PGA

April 2017

Pike’s Peak League The Country Club of Colorado | Ann Finke, PGA Garden of the Gods Club | Ben Spiers, PGA The Club at Flying Horse | Garrett Froggatte

Mt. Oxford League Hiwan Golf Club | Kyle Heyen, PGA The Ranch Country Club | Paul Klatt, PGA Boulder Country Club | Sean Miller, PGA Lake Valley Golf Club | Jeff McNair, PGA Mt. Elous League Coal Creek GC – Fireside | David Baril, PGA Coal Creek GC – Sunnyside | David Baril, PGA Fox Hill Golf Club | Stewart Koch, PGA Coyote Creek GC | Tyler Tarpley, PGA Mt. Bierstadt League Catamount Club | Luke Brosterhous, PGA Rollingstone Ranch | Jim MacDougall, PGA Haymaker GC #1 | Tom Taylor, PGA Haymaker GC #2 | Tom Taylor, PGA Mt. Lindsey League Desert Hawk at Pueblo West #1 | Mike Zaremba, PGA Desert Hawk at Pueblo West #2 | Mike Zaremba, PGA Desert Hawk at Pueblo West #3 | Mike Zaremba, PGA Desert Hawk at Pueblo West #4 | Mike Zaremba, PGA Desert Hawk at Pueblo West #5 | Mike Zaremba, PGA Elmwood GC | Randy Bregar, PGA Mt. Sherman League Keystone Ranch GC #1 | Philip Tobias, PGA Keystone Ranch GC #2 | Philip Tobias, PGA Keystone Ranch GC #3 | Philip Tobias, PGA Creston Peak League Lakewood CC | Jeff Corona, PGA Red Rocks CC | Ben Tremayne, PGA The Club at Rolling Hills | Jacob Anderson, PGA Columbine Country Club | Cody Hasten, PGA

www.coloradopga.com

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Colorado PGA Pro Peaks Digital Magazine

Colorado PGA News

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 | Location TBD (Colorado Springs)

PGA HOPE Training Returning April 12, 2017 T

he Colorado PGA is teaming up with PGA REACH to provide specialized training to our PGA Professionals on the PGA Foundation's PGA H.O.P.E. program. PGA/LPGA Master Professional Judy Alvarez (www. judyalvarez.com) for an immersive educational opportunity on April 12, 2017 at Plum Creek Golf Courese. Attendees will be trained on the best and most effective methods for coaching wounded warriors, veterans, and those with physical limitations. Students will be better prepared to engage the veteran communities in which they serve and engage in PGA HOPE (Helping Our Patriots Everywhere) programming. The session will be a combination of classroom and practical, hands-on training with veteran volunteers.

We will be joined by recreational therapists from the local VA hospitals who will be providing insight on the therapeutic and rehabilitation benefits of golf for

18

our Wounded Warriors and Veterans. The afternoon session will be attended by volunteer veterans with disabilities who will help to provide hands-on teaching experience for the attendees.

April 2017

www.coloradopga.com

19

Colorado PGA Pro Peaks Digital Magazine

...SPEND 79% MORE IN RETAIL Than a Non-Engaged Golfer

A Lesson Taker Will….

A Lesson Taker Will….

...PLAY 20% MORE GOLF

...SPEND 65% MORE IN FOOD & BEVERAGE

Than a Non-Engaged Golfer

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Of Those Members Surveyed Who Were Up For Renewal, 100% of Those Golfers Engaged in Lessons With a PGA Professional Renewed Their Membership

A Lesson Taker Will….

Than a Non-Engaged

Golf Genius Best Practices Great Tool for Corporate Leagues

by Adam Finch, PGA Assistant Professional | Fossil Trace Golf Club

F

or the staff here at Fossil Trace Golf Club, Golf Genius has been a great tool for our corporate leagues and eventually will do the same for our other leagues.

One league in particular has been able to setup their league for the entire season, with the assistance of Fossil Trace staff.

The league includes different team and individual formats, season-long points, skins, and much more! It makes a big difference for the league coordinator because all of the scores will be entered either through a smart phone, or in our case, using the Visage GPS. There are no scorecards to collect and no scoreboards to create. Additionally, there is no need to print cart signs/tags as the names get uploaded to the GPS. This all enables us to make changes in an instant.

April 2017

Colorado PGA News

From a golf course perspective, we can see who is playing and what the pairings are prior to their arrival because pairings are completed off-site. From the coordinator perspective, when the coordinator gets back to his office after play has concluded, they can see the scores and provide updates to all of the league participants. We do not utilize the Leaderboard function for this specific group, but it could be enabled if a group or league were to choose to do so. We do however use the Leaderboard function for corporate events and outings using an iPad for score entry and a Smart TV for display.

This is the first in an ongoing series of Best Practice articles focused on the Golf Genius software. The United States Golf Association (USGA) and Golf Genius Software (GGS) have entered into a collaboration agreement whereby GGS will provide golf tournament management software to GHIN State and Regionals Golf Associations (SRGAs) and their member clubs.

www.coloradopga.com

21

Colorado PGA Pro Peaks Digital Magazine

Colorado PGA News

Three Awarded Colorado PGA REACH Foundation Pillar Grants C

olorado PGA REACH Foundation is happy to announce the development of the brand-new Colorado PGA REACH Pillar Awards worth five hundred dollars each. The awards, developed to give back to a PGA Professional who has gone above and beyond in utilizing the programs under a Pillar of Colorado PGA REACH, can be used to pay for your Certified Professional Program, Business Seminar, Education Program or even a personal retreat.

The criteria were set forth for these awards by the Growth of the Game Grant taskforce at a recent meeting and the three winners of the inaugural awards were recognized during the Colorado PGA Spring Business Meeting. The recipients of these awards were as follows: Diversity and Inclusion Pillar Grant Phillip Linares, PGA Instructor | Trent Wearner Golf Academy Philip has been a longtime supporter of the Colorado PGA Golf in Schools program. He has been very specific in his selection of schools with which to partner. Philip selects schools where by his estimation, the students would have little or no access or exposures to the game of golf were it not for the GIS program. Through his efforts, hundreds of children have been introduced to the game of golf in traditionally underserved communities.

Supporting Our Military Pillar Grant Kirk Mease, PGA Head Professional | Wellshire Golf Couse Kirk has been an active participant in the last three

22

years’ worth of IVY Pro-Ams and is in his 3rd year of hosting PGA HOPE at Wellshire Golf Club. Kirk has engaged volunteers and staff in the support of PGA HOPE and has taken it upon himself to solicit sponsors to enhance the HOPE experience for his students. Kirk annually participates in the Visit a Vet program hosted by the Colorado PGA at the Denver VA and has attend all of the adaptive golf training opportunities hosted by the Section as well as securing a separate adaptive training event at his facility.

Youth Development Pillar Grant Todd Marley, PGA Head Professional | South Suburban Golf Course Todd started 2015 with a tentative agreement to recruit PGAJLG 1 team; ended up fielding two teams in 2016. Now in 2017, Todd has 6 teams plus he’s trying to create a 16 U team. South Suburban is the primary location in the area for high school teams to host tryouts and events – Todd offers a budget-friendly rate for doing so and gladly blocks off his tee sheet for hours upon hours to make sure kids can play. Todd is an eager and willing host to our Junior Golf Alliance of Colorado events, hosting multiple events each year ranging from 10 & under events on the Par 3, to multiday elite player events on the championship course.

Todd is a junior golf leader in every sense of the term.

Growth of the Game Grants Awarded for 2017 $25,500 Award to Colorado PGA Professionals to fund programs to attreact and retain golfers

April 2017

Colorado PGA News

It is the mission of the Colorado PGA REACH Growth of the Game Grant Program to provide financial assistance to facilities within the geographic boundaries of the Colorado Section PGA, that employ PGA members or apprentices in good standing, to develop and/or significantly enhance Growth of the Game programs that will attract and retain new golfers.

This year, fifteen deserving PGA Professionals and their programs were awarded grants.

Aspen Glen Club (Youth Golf Colorado Foundation) King's Deer Golf Club Steve VanDyke, PGA Nate Vincent, PGA This grant helps fund “Golf in the Park” events. In its’ This grant will help fund the implementation of the second year, Golf in the Park deliver instruction in a fun, Operation 36 program, a long-term family coaching casual park atmosphere in the Roaring Fork Valley. program designed to create long-term engagement of the entire family in the game of golf.

Aspen Junior Golf Foundation Brian Dalla Betta, PGA Legacy Ridge Golf Course The grant will help fund their junior programs.

Joe Carlton, PGA This grant will help fund the implementation of the Cherokee Ridge Golf Course (Pikes Peak Linkers) – Operation 36 program, a long-term family coaching Todd Laxson, PGA program designed to create long-term engagement of The grant will help fund their new junior program, Pikes the entire family in the game of golf.

Peak Linkers.

Overland Park Golf Course Cherokee Ridge Golf Course (Pikes Peak Junior Golf) Joe Pinson, PGA Todd Laxson, PGA The grant will help fund the continuation of their This grant helps fund the Pikes Peak Junior Golf women’s instruction programs.

League. This program promotes and provides a competitive golf experience for junior golfers of Pagosa Springs Golf Club Southern Colorado and to further their enjoyment and Dick Dorn, PGA development of the game.

The grant will help fund their junior programs.

Cheyenne Shadows Golf Course Paul Surniak, PGA This grant will help fund the implementation of the Operation 36 program, a long-term family coaching program designed to create long-term engagement of the entire family in the game of golf.

Collindale Golf Club (Collindale Golf Academy) Dale Smigelsky, PGA The grant will help fund their junior programs.

Estes Park 18 Hole Golf Course Mark Miller, PGA The grant will help fund their junior programs.

Golf and Leadership Foundation Phillip Linares, PGA The grant will help fund their follow up programs to the Colorado PGA Golf in Schools program.

The First Tee of Denver – Scott Rethlake, PGA This grant helps fund programs at The First Tee Chapter(s) as they promote life skills & leadership through the game of golf.

The First Tee of Green Valley Ranch Matt Bryant, PGA This grant helps fund programs at The First Tee Chapter(s) as they promote life skills & leadership through the game of golf.

The First Tee of Pikes Peak Leighton Smith, PGA This grant helps fund programs at The First Tee Chapter(s) as they promote life skills & leadership through the game of golf.

www.coloradopga.com

23

Colorado PGA Pro Peaks Digital Magazine

Junior Golf News

JGAC Tournament Season Right Around the Corner A

s the Junior Golf Alliance of Colorado gets ready to open the 2017 season, here’s what you need to know.

Our opening weekend will include two, two-day events being held on April 8 and 9 simultaneously. Our Tour will open at The Country Club of Colorado in Colorado Springs. Our Series event will open at Pueblo Country Club in Pueblo. Our full spring schedule is below: Apr 8-9, 2017 Spring JGAC Tour Event - Country Club of Colorado | Colorado Springs, CO Spring Series (6-18) - Pueblo Country Club | Pueblo, CO Apr 29-30, 2017 Spring JGAC Tour Event - Walking Stick Golf Course | Pueblo, CO Spring Series (6-18) - Elmwood Golf Course | Pueblo, CO May 13-14, 2017 Spring JGAC Tour Event - Todd Creek Golf Club | Thornton, CO Spring Series (6-18) - Mad Russian Golf Course | Milliken, CO Registration for every event closes seven days before and pairings information is available five days in advance.

We are hopeful the weather will cooperate better than last year as both of our spring events were canceled due to snow.

These are great events to encourage your juniors to participate in regardless of skill level. The JGAC offers playing opportunities for juniors of all ages and abilities. In the shoulder seasons we purposely book events on the weekends as to not interfere with school. This is also the perfect season to get your players ready for high school or future college events and to take advantage of the lengthy Colorado golf season. If you need any additional information or your young golfers have questions please contact Holly Champion, PGA at (303) 996-1591 or hchampion@pgahq.com.

List Your Facilities on JGAC Website!

W

ith a wildly successful 2016 launch, the JGAC website continues to grow and attract consumers on a daily basis. A number of these consumers are looking for programs to enroll their children in.

Take advantage of this opportunity by listing your facilities on the website. All it takes is a few minutes to fill out a form about your club and your programs.

Click here for more information

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Spring Golf in Schools Program to Reach 5,000 Students T

his Spring the Colorado PGA Golf in Schools program is projected to reach over 5,000 school children across 29 different schools this semester. All over the state, our golf professionals are working hard to introduce the game of golf to children who may have never had the opportunity if it wasn’t for this program.

April 2017

Junior Golf News

For those of you that are conducting your own GIS programs this semester please follow the step-by-step guide below for follow up and invoicing procedure.

To help you finalize your fall programing please use the Work Flow Chart below. This will help you through the process of invoicing and payment both to PGA Professionals and the Schools. If you have any questions please contact Holly Champion, PGA at hchampion@pgahq.com or (303) 996-1591.

Click here to access the Instructor Follow Up Click here to access the Teacher Follow Up

Applications Now Being Accepted for Fall Golf in Schools Programs

Without 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 fall semester. PGA Professionals and Educators are welcome to submit a program request form. The fall program request window will open on April 1st and close on April 30th, 2017. 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 Requstion Form for for Teachers Click here to access the Program Request From for PGA Members

www.coloradopga.com

25

Colorado PGA Pro Peaks Digital Magazine

Membership News

Route 411

An update on our Colorado PGA Members

Happy Birthday!

April 1 Jason A Brandt, PGA

April 3 Tom W. Taylor, PGA Andrew J. Clavin, PGA

April 17 Lynn Blevins, PGA Douglas Cook, PGA Bryan M. Collins, PGA Andrew H. Firman, PGA Somin Lee

April 5 Roger Shields, PGA

April 18 Jeffrey A. Nova, PGA

April 7 Cary Callihan, PGA James R. Miller, PGA

April 19 Charles Weir, PGA Scott A. Meyer

April 8 John T. McIntyre, PGA John D Ogden, PGA Dennis S Weber Blake A.D. Fletcher, PGA

April 20 Daniel A. Smith, PGA Brian J. Lavender, PGA Christopher A. Schultz, PGA Michael Wilson, PGA Gregory W. Kohr, PGA April 21 Jeffrey B. Boyer, PGA Andrew M. Tucker, PGA Eric M. Bradley, PGA Charles G Wallace, PGA

April 9 Billy Peterson, PGA April 10 James W. Arendt, PGA April 11 Scott D. Lane, PGA Harold Garrison, PGA John M. Murray, PGA John Trenck III, PGA Cory A. Lehrman, PGA

April 23 Steven J. Samuels, PGA Nicholas J Borgeson

April 12 Robert V. Hunt, PGA Philip E. Gerlach, PGA

April 25 Thomas Connell, PGA Brett E. Gagnon, PGA Clement D Michel

April 13 Todd P. James, PGA Mark A. McMunn, PGA Brandon M. Roll, PGA Cody S. Hasten, PGA Kory M. Thurman, PGA April 14 Erica E. Webster, PGA April 15 Larry P. Collins, PGA Paul Lobato, PGA Nicholas K. Perry, PGA Anthony G. Oberle, PGA Nicolas G Damiana April 16 David W. Keesee, PGA

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April 24 William H. Foust, PGA

April 26 Perry A. Holmes, PGA Scott D. Erwin, PGA Richard A Lash April 27 Greg A. Heiny, PGA April 28 Kirk L. Rider, PGA April 29 Hank Hough, PGA Joseph D. Pinson, PGA Gregory A. Salas, PGA Tyson C. Schalock, PGA Brandon S. Roedder April 30 Frank M Adgate

2018 Annual Dues Billing P

reliminary processes leading up to the creation of the FY2017/2018 annual dues invoices has begun. Invoices will be created based upon an individual’s employment and section affiliation as of May 1, 2017 for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2018.

Dues invoices will be emailed to all individuals with an email address on file. A targeted email will be sent to those individuals once the dues link is open/active. Those persons without an email address will be sent a printed invoice through the US mail service the first week in May.

April 2017

Membership News

Update Your Contact Info Today!

If you are changing your employment for 2017, don’t forget to make that change at PGA.org. This should be done even if you have left employment and new employment has not been secured yet. You should also update changes to your address, phone, and email. This will also ensure that you are listed correctly in the Member Directory App and receive any email in a timely manner. If you have questions or need assistance, please call the Colorado PGA Section Office at (303) 681-0742.

Click here if you have questions about updating your employment

New Members Christopher L. Boehm, PGA | A-8 | Red Hawk Ridge Golf Club Stefanie N. Ferguson, PGA | A-6 | Experience Golf

Moving On! Stacy R. Amann, PGA | A-13 | Stonebridge GC of New Orleans | previously at Hart Ranch Golf Course Hunter Brown, PGA | A-8 | Biltmore Forest Country Club | previously at Trackman Steven P. Mauser, PGA A-8 | Forest Highlands/Canyon GC | previously at Denver Country Club Jack Sommers, PGA | LM | previously at Tiara Rado Golf Course

Welcome (Back) to the Colorado PGA! Timothy M Fuhrer, PGA | A-14 | GolfTEC - Park Meadows Meghan P. Hunter, PGA | A-8 | Fort Collins Country Club

New Apprentices Anna M Dutch | B-8 | Telluride Ski & Golf Resort William J. Margetich | B-8 | Cherokee Ridge Golf Course Jared R Tedesco | B-8 | Plum Creek Golf & Country Club

www.coloradopga.com

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Colorado PGA Pro Peaks Digital Magazine 28

Tournament News

The Rules Explained Rule 25: Abnormal Ground Conditions

A

lthough some may believe that a thin area in the middle of the fairway is an Abnormal Ground Condition, the Rules of Golf state otherwise! Rule 25 – Abnormal Ground Conditions consists of 19 different definitions and contains nearly 1,300 words! You will also find Embedded Ball and Wrong Putting Green under this rule. That’s a lot to comprehend!

As we head into Spring the course conditions might not be the best; Thin areas, Snow & Ice, Hole made By Greenkeeper, Material Piled for removal, Aeration holes or Animal Hoof Damage are just some of the conditions you might find on the course coming out of the Winter. We wanted to give you an overview of how the Rules of Golf could assist you if you find your ball in one of these conditions. Below are a few scenarios.

Abnormal Ground Conditions (Rule 25) Scenarios: 1 - A player’s T-shot comes to rest in the fairway, it is 6 - A player’s ball comes to rest on the green and in the located on a thinly grassed area. line of the putt is Animal Hoof Damage. a) These areas are not considered Ground Under Repair. a) If no local rules are in place, the ball must be b) Play your ball as it lies played as it lies. b) However, the committee may, by local rule, 2 - A player’s second shot on a par-5 and it bounces declare damage that is clearly identifiable as having and then disappears into a snow drift. been caused by animal hoofs to be ground under repair. a) Snow & Ice - Snow and natural ice, other than frost, If there is a strong possibility that animals may cause are either casual water or loose impediments, at the hoof damage to putting greens, and the extent of the option of the player. damage could make it impracticable to take relief under b) If the player chooses to proceed under casual water, Rule 25-1b(iii). The Committee may make a Local Rule then please refer to Rule 25-1b for relief options. permitting the repair of such damage on the putting green rather than treating such damage to the putting 3 - A player plays his approach shot to a green; the ball green as ground under repair. comes to rest over the green in a trench that has been i) The following Local Rule would be freshly dug. recommended in such circumstances: "Other than on a) Hole Made by Greenkeeper - A “hole made by a the putting green, damage that is clearly identifiable as greenkeeper” is defined as usually ground temporarily having been caused by animal hoofs is ground under dug up in connection with course maintenance, such repair (Rule 25-1 applies). Such damage on the putting as a hole made in removing turf or a tree stump, laying green may be repaired (Rule 25-1 does not apply). pipe lines, etc… b) The player would then proceed under Rule 25-1b.

There are a few main points that need to be remembered when it comes to Abnormal Ground 4 - A player plays a tee shot and the ball comes to rest Conditions. next to a pile of wood freshly cut.

• There are three types of abnormal ground conditions: a) Material Piled for Removal – This is found under the 1) Casual water definition for Ground Under Repair 2) Ground under repair i) Ground under repair includes material piled for 3) Holes, casts and runways made by a reptiles, birds or removal and a hole made by a greenkeeper, even if not burrowing animals. so marked. Grass cuttings and other material left on the • Taking free relief from any abnormal ground condition course that have been abandoned and are not intended is a two-step procedure: to be removed are not ground under repair unless so 1) Identify the nearest point of relief and marked.

2) Drop your ball within one club-length of that point not nearer the hole.

5 - A player’s ball is in the fairway however it has come • You are not entitled to relief from an abnormal ground to rest in an aeration hole. condition if your ball is: a) Aeration Holes – When a course has been aerated, 1) In a water hazard (or lateral water hazard) a Local Rule permitting relief, without penalty, from an 2) Because your interference comes about aeration hole may be warranted. The following Local through an unnecessarily abnormal stance, swing or Rule is recommended: direction of play. i) "Through the green, a ball that comes to rest in or on an aeration hole may be lifted without penalty, cleaned The secondary point in regards is: and dropped as near as possible to the spot where it lay • Relief is optional. but not nearer the hole. The ball when dropped must • Taking free relief from any abnormal ground condition first strike a part of the course through the green. on a putting green is a slightly different two-step ii) On the putting green, a ball that comes to rest procedure: in or on an aeration hole may be placed at the nearest 1) Identify the nearest point of relief spot not nearer the hole that avoids the situation.

2) Place your ball at the nearest point of relief.

www.coloradopga.com

April 2017

Quarter Century Feature Story

29

Colorado PGA Pro Peaks Digital Magazine

Tournament News

Tee Setup Changed for Male PGA Professionals

For the 2017 tournament season, the following tee setup will be used for Male Colorado PGA Professionals.

White Colorado PGA Tee – Male PGA Professionals Black Colorado PGA Tees – Senior Male PGA Professionals 55 years of age and older may play the Black Colorado PGA Tees Green Colorado PGA Tees – Male PGA Professionals 70 years or age and older may play the Colorado PGA Green Tees Note: PGA Professionals MAY move up a tee based on their age. Whichever tee they select at the beginning of the round must be played for the entire competition.

Shorts Policy Adopted by Colorado PGA Board of Directors

On the heels of the European Tour and the PGA of America, we will allow our member professionals to wear shorts during a limited number of “shorts eligible” Pro Am’s during the months of June, July and August. PGA Professionals and Apprentices will still be required to present a neat appearance during these events. Shorts must be hemmed and must not be more than 2” above the knee.

In communication with the host facility, the board of director of the Colorado PGA has identified the following as shorts eligible events:

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•

Ptarmigan C.C. Pro-Am

•

Ridge at C.P. North Pro-Am

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CC of Colorado Pro-Am

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Inverness G.C. Pro-Am

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Pro-Lady

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The Club at Pradera

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Eisenhower G.C. Pro-Am

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Greeley CC Pro-Am

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Cheyenne C.C. Pro-Am

Cherry Hills Duo Wins Spring Meeting Pro-Pro

John Ogden, PGA Head Professional and Ryan Wroblewski, PGA Assistant Professional, from Cherry Hills Country Club fired an impressive 12-under-par 58 to win the Spring Meeting Pro-Pro Scramble. The duo made 13 birdies to just one bogey to post a one-stroke victory over Pat Grady, Assistant Coaching at the University of Colorado Boulder and Remington Post, PGA Assistant Professional at Hiwan Golf Club.

April 2017

Tournament News

Leaderboard 1

Blake Sharamitaro Lake Arbor Perry Holmes Colorado National GC

-6

66

$475.00

2

Peter Norwood MetaGolf Learning Center Kyle Voska The Links Golf Course

-5

67

$395.00

T3

Bobby Quaratino West Woods GC Rob Hunt The Links Golf Course

-2

70

$272.50

T3

Kory Harrell The Club at Pradera -2 Matt Kloppenburg The Club at Pradera

70

$272.50

T3

Paul Lobato Meridian Caine Fitzgerald Meadow Hills

-2

70

$272.50

T3

Kirk Trowbridge TGPI Tyler Parsloe CC at Castle Pines

-2

70

$272.50

Time to Setup Direct Deposit For Tournament Winnings

By Justin Limon, PGA

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

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!

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Colorado PGA Pro Peaks Digital Magazine

Tournament News

Modified Knuth Tournament Points System Adopted for 2017 W

hile it is true that some competitors do play better in competition than they do in everyday casual play, it is the opinion of many that most competitors seem to not score as well in competition as they do in their casual rounds. There are competitors that finish near the top quite often, yet they never seem to play well enough to have their handicap reduced under Section 10-3.

In reviewing net tournament results and addressing concerns from our members, the indication is that Section 10-3 may not be doing enough to insure that all competitors are competing on any equal basis. If we assume that all golfers are abiding by the score posting guidelines established by the USGA Handicap System, then each competitor should have the same chance as the next to win in tournaments. For example, if you played in 100 tournaments of 100 players, each of you should win but once.

We have found this to be true in Colorado PGA Pro-Am events concerning Section 10-3. Our goal is to ensure that Colorado PGA Pro-Am team competitions are equitable and every team has a chance to win.

Therefore, the Tournament Committee and the Board of Directors have approved the Modified Knuth Tournament Points System to be implemented in the 2017 season.

The system to be implemented is based on assigning points to Amateurs finishing in the top 5 places of the team competition, including ties in Colorado PGA Pro-Am events (excluding shamble formats.) The points will be assessed to all Amateurs finishing in the top 5 places of the team competition.

The handicap reduction will be calculated on an ongoing basis (two (2) year rolling points list.) When the most recent tournament is entered into the list, then the oldest tournament will be deleted and a new point total will be calculated. The points list will be updated to the membership on the first of every month (April-October). PGA Members who have played with an amateur who will receive a reduction will receive an email stating on the first of every month stating what the reduction of that amateur will be.

Click here for more information on the Modified Knuth Tournament Points System

Gold Division to be Implemented in Select Events I

n an effort to give players that don’t typically finish in the top half of the professional division; we have developed a gold division to give these players a chance to compete for prize money. After registration has closed for an event, the field will be broken in half with the gold division including the bottom 50% of the field (excluding those that have finished in the top-10 of the Dow Finsterwald Player of the Year race in the last 10 years). These members and apprentices in the gold division will compete for a purse of $500 (courtesy of our Web.com agreement) to be paid out to the top three players. A player cannot earn prize money in both the Professional Division and the Gold Division and will only earn the higher of the two amounts.

The Gold Division will be implemented at the following events in 2017: • • • • •

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Valley Country Club Pro Am Fort Collins CC Pro-Am Myran Craig Pro-Pro CC of Colorado Pro-Am The Ranch CC Pro-Am

Dow Finsterwald Colorado PGA OMEGA Player of the Year 1 | Blake Sharamitaro | Lake Arbor Golf Club | 927.50 2 | Geoff Keffer | Greater Golfer Development Center | 766.50 3 | Ron Vlosich | Life Member | 757.50 4 | Paul Lobato | Meridian Golf Club | 712.50 5 | Rick Cole | Eaton Country Club | 552.00 6 | Perry Holmes | Colorado National Golf Club | 437.50 7 | Mike Northern | Life Member | 412.50 8 | Peter Norwood | MetaGolf Learning Center | 398.00 9 | Ken Krieger | Cheyenne Country Club | 394.00 10 | Kyle Voska | The Links Golf Course | 371.00 11 | Caine Fitzgerald | Meadow Hills Golf Course | 352.00 12 | Visanu Tongwarin | Legacy Ridge Golf Course | 351.00 13 | Brian Gott | Green Valley Ranch Golf Club | 334.00 14 | Scott Hart | Life Member | 312.00 15 | Scott Sommers | Saddleback Golf Club | 309.00 16 | Kevin Bolles | Boulder Country Club | 308.50 17 | Robert Grall | Colorado National Golf Club | 300.00 18 | Ben Honaman | Lakewood Country Club | 286.00 19 | Ed Kujalowicz | Springs Ranch Golf Club | 279.00 20 | Dan O'Shaughnessy | Meadow Hills Golf Course | 275.00 21 | C.J. Parry | Glenmoor Country Club | 270.00 22 | Doug Rohrbaugh | Ironbridge Golf Club | 259.50 23 | Tyler Parsloe | Country Club at Castle Pines | 253.00 24 | Gregg Jones | Sand Creek Golf Course | 252.00 25 | Kevin Cohrs | Mariana Butte Golf Course | 247.00 26 | Brad Keating | Springs Ranch Golf Club | 240.00 27 | Barry Milstead | Valley Country Club | 239.00

April 2017

Tournament News

Senior Colorado PGA OMEGA Player of the Year 1 | Mike Northern | Life Member | 1,392.50 2 | Paul Lobato | Meridian Golf Club | 812.50 3 | Ron Vlosich | Life Member | 757.50 4 | Jeff Hanson | Red Sky Golf Club | 721.00 5 | Rick Cole | Eaton Country Club | 552.00 6 | Perry Holmes | Colorado National Golf Club | 437.50 7 | Ken Krieger | Cheyenne Country Club | 394.00 8 | Scott Hart | Life Member | 312.00 9 | Scott Sommers | Saddleback Golf Club | 309.00 10 | Kevin Bolles | Boulder Country Club | 308.50

Colorado PGA Apprentice Player of the Year 1 | Patrick Grady | University of Colorado | 937.00 2 | Christopher Hyten | Castle Pines Golf Club | 309.00 3 | Rich Lash | Topgolf-Centennial | 169.00 4 | Jeramy Curry | The Links Golf Course | 139.00 5 | Alexander Calleja | Country Club of Colorado | 127.00 6 | Somin Lee | Valley Country Club | 100.00 7 | Andrew Hebert | Indian Peaks Golf Course | 93.00 8 | Trevor Martinet | The Ridge at Castle Pines North | 87.00 T9 | Bryan Hackenberg | Riverdale Golf Courses | 81.00 T9 | Ben Lanting | Bear Creek Golf Club | 81.00

As of April 4, 2017

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Colorado PGA Pro Peaks Digital Magazine

Presidents Club | $20,000 and above

Colorado Chevy Dealers

PGA Tour

National Car Rental

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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Colorado Golf and Turf Tom Bauerle

Imperial Headwear Jamie Zabolio

Fairway Promotions James Schlatter, Nick Porter

Infinium Spirits Mike Horan

Greg Norman - Dunning Mike Giarratano

Masek Golf Cars Jason Masek

Adidas/Ashworth Mike Bryant

GolfTEC Joe Assell, PGA

PTE Golf Matt Pollitt

AHEAD Zach Ledvina

Golf MD’s Alex Weber

Sun Mountain Kevin Neff

Club Prophet Systems Tom Robshaw

April 2017

Silver | $2,500

GPS Industries Kevin Carpenter

TaylorMade Golf Shaun Haberstroh

Bronze | $1,000

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Colorado PGA Pro Peaks Digital Magazine