Colorado PGA February 2016 Pro Peak Digital Magazine

February Newsletter

PROPEAKS

The Official Publication of the Colorado PGA February 2016

G4 SUMMIT

CAN’T MISS!

What’s Inside?!?

Volunteer to Run for the Board of Directors Scholarship Deadline Fast Approaching Plain Named to PGA LEAD and much more!

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Colorado PGA Pro Peaks Digital Magazine

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

Colorado PGA Officers

Leslie Core-Drevecky, PGA President | 2015-2016 Murphy Creek Golf Course Ty Thompson, PGA Vice-President | 2015-2016 Colorado Springs Country Club Ben Welsh, PGA Secretary | 2015-2016 Eagle-Vail Golf Club Barry Milstead, PGA Honorary President | 2015-2016 Valley Country Club

Board of Directors

Andy Benson, PGA | 2014-2016 Highlands Ranch Golf Club Jeff Carlson, PGA | 2014-2016 Cherry Creek Country Club Sam Chapman, PGA | 2014-2016 Blackstone Country Club Rick Ellefson, PGA | 2015-2017 PGA Member Scott Erwin, PGA | 2015-2017 Maroon Creek Club Kyle Heyen, PGA | District 9 Director Hiwan Golf Club

Executive Director/CEO

Eddie Ainsworth, PGA eainsworth@PGAHQ.com P (303) 996-1593 C (719) 761-6125

Jim Hajek, PGA | 2015-2017 Fossil Trace 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 Dave Troyer, PGA | 2016-2018 CommonGround Golf Course

Independent Directors Theo Gregory Spencer Zinn

West Chapter Officers Mike Mendelson, PGA President | 2015-2016 City of Grand Junction

Ed Marzec, PGA Vice-President | 2015-2016 Country Club of the Rockies Jeff Boyer, PGA Secretary | 2015-2016 Eagle Ranch Golf Course Darren Szot, PGA Honorary President | 2015-2016 The Club at Cordillera

Tournament Director Justin Limon, PGA jlimon@PGAHQ.com P (303) 996-1588 C (720) 390-1160

Assistant Executive Director/Foundation Programs

Junior Golf Director

Assistant Executive Director/Section Programs

Executive Assistant

Keith Soriano, PGA ksoriano@pgahq.com P (303) 996-1590 C (720) 841-1006

Patrick Salva psalva@PGAHQ.com P (303) 996-1597 C (303) 246-1007

Katie Ann Lehman krobinson@PGAHQ.com P (303) 996-1591 C (303) 668-1551

Annie O’Donnell adonnell@PGAHQ.com P (303) 996-1595

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

Want to Make a Difference? 14 Get Invovled?

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District Director Report PGA of America Merchandise Show Recap

Junior Golf News PGA Junior League Golf Success Stories

16 PGA Junior Series

Returning to Air Froce Academy

Exec. Director’s Report Our Words and Deeds Can Make a Difference

Member News 18 Route 411

Tournament News

Section News 20 Registration Deadlines for 9 Nominations Being

Section Championships

Accepted for Colorado PGA Changed

Board of Directors 20 Ty Walker Rule Announced 9 March 1 Deadline Set For

Music Allowed in Certain

PGA of America Events Scholarships 22 Exciting Updates to 10 Volunteer for the Annual

Colorado PGA Tuornament

Colorado PGA VA Schedule

Hospital Visit

The Buzz 10 Plain Named to First Class 24 What people are saying on

of PGA LEAD

Social Media!

11 Compensation Survey is a No-Brainer!

Sponsors 26 Colorado PGA Partners

11 PGA of America Launches

KPMG Future Leaders Program

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Junior Golf News Junior Golf Membership Registration Open

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Drive, Chip & Putt Registration Open

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1.

Tournament registration is now open!

2.

Trent Wearner, PGA Director of Instruction at the Trent Wearner Golf Academy was named a top 25 teacher by Future Champions Golf.

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Check out the “Growing the Game, With an Emphasis on Women” article on page 112 and you will find our very own Casey Brittain featured!

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Tristen Fay has been named the PGA Head Professional at Fort Collins Country Club.

5.

Colorado had more juniors advance to the Drive, Chip & Putt Championship than any other state.

February Newsletter

What’s Inside

Things to KnowDate

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Eisenhower Golf Club will host a Colorado PGA Pro A on Monday, August 8, 2016.

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The Colorado PGA has an App available on both the Android and iPhone platforms.

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Our weekly Chip Shots email was recently redesigned to be more mobile friendly. Be sure to take a moment to check it out every Thursday morning.

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The 2016 Season Championship has been set for a 27-hole tournament at The Pinery Country Club.

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The Colorado PGA Section Office will be closed on Friday, March 25, 2016 in honor of Good Friday.

Save The Date February 16, 2016 G4 Summit The Broadmoor

February 19-21, 2016 Denver Golf Expo Denver Merchandise Mart

March 28, 2016 Spring Business Meeting Pinehurst Country Club

February 17, 2016 Teaching and Coaching Summmit The Broadmoor

March 1, 2016 Scholarship Application Deadline

April 4, 2016 Columbine Country Club Pro-Pro Columbine Country Club

March 5-8, 2016 USGA-PGA Rules Workshop Marriott - South Denver

www.coloradopga.com

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Colorado PGA Pro Peaks Digital Magazine

Do You Want to Make a Difference? Get Involved!

By Leslie Core-Drevecky, PGA

Hello Fellow PGA Members and Apprentices, Hope that all of you are enjoying the beautiful mountain snow that we are so lucky to have!

I had the pleasure to see many of you at the PGA Merchandise Show in Orlando a few weeks ago. I hope all of you had a great show and a wonderful time on your trip. I had the honor of being a part of the PGA’s Centennial Kick-Off Celebration by representing the Colorado Section during the Ceremonial Tee Shot at Demo Day. It was a lot of fun! I was also able to attend the PGA Jr. League’s clinic for the juniors that helped us out that morning.

The clinic featured one of our PGA Jr. League spokespersons, Lexi Thompson. She did an awesome job and the kids loved her.

Leslie Core-Drevecky, PGA President Colorado PGA Head Professional Murphy Creek GC LCore@auroragov.org

rolled into one. If you would like more information or to volunteer for a committee, please give me a call or send me an email.

The other way to make a difference is to run for one of the three Colorado Section Board of Director, At-Large seats that will expire in October at our Fall Business Meeting. If you would like more information on how to become a BOD candidate, the responsibilities of being a Board Member and the estimated time commitment to be involved, contact the Section Staff, myself or one of my fellow officers.

As your President, I appreciate you allowing me to serve the Colorado Section. If you have any questions for the Section Officers, Board of Directors or Section Admin Staff, please don’t hesitate to contact any of us.

February Newsletter

President’s Message

Hope to see all of you at the G4 Summit on Tuesday, February 16!

Sincerely,

WANT TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE? If you truly want to make a difference by Growing the Game & Serving the Members, there are several ways to do it.

One way is to volunteer to serve on one of the Colorado Section’s five committees. The committee choices include the Awards, Education, Junior Golf, Membership Engagement and Tournament. The Membership Engagement Committee sounds like a new committee but it’s actually the Apprentice, Employment and Player Development Committees

Leslie Core-Drevecky, PGA President – Colorado Section PGA Certified Head Golf Professional Murphy Creek Golf Course lcore@auroragov.org Direct Line -- 303-739-1562

Want to Serve on a Committee?

There are six committees that Members and Apprentices can volunteer their time and experience on.

Those committees include: Membership Engagement, Junior Golf, For more information on any of the Committees or to volunteer for one of them, please click here.

www.coloradopga.com

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Colorado PGA Pro Peaks Digital Magazine

PGA Merchandise Show Recap!

By Kyle Heyen, PGA

L

ee Trevino and his PGA Professional Bill Eschenbrenner alongside President Derek Sprague provided such a fitting way to open the 2016 PGA Merchandise Show and celebrate the start of our Centennial.

Anytime you hear Lee Trevino speak about his career, it always goes back to if it were not for Bill Eschenbrenner and the game of golf, his life would have gone down a completely different path.

The 2016 PGA Merchandise Show attracted more than 7,000 PGA Professionals from around the world to drive a 3 percent increase in overall attendance, despite the early-week Winter Storm Jonas impacting the East Coast of the United States.

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

Golf Channel televised 25 hours of on-air coverage from the 63rd PGA Merchandise Show - the most-ever coverage of the PGA Merchandise Show for the network.

The start of this coverage began at “Demo Day” where on Tuesday’s show they aired a live ceremonial tribute that honored our Centennial and the game’s storied PGA Professionals. The tribute featured 82 tee shots from 41 Section PGA Professionals including Colorado Section President Leslie Core Drevecky, along with 41 junior golfers from the PGA Junior League team in the greater Orlando area, symbolizing the PGA of America’s next 100 years.

During an interview, Pete Bevacqua, PGA of America CEO was quoted “The PGA of America is delighted that our friends at Golf Channel will once again provide comprehensive coverage of the PGA Merchandise Show,” said “This year is especially meaningful, as together we will celebrate

the PGA’s Centennial by focusing on the impact PGA members and our PGA Sections have on the game.

This is a wonderful moment for the PGA, as we pay tribute to our past and look toward our promising future.”

It was also announced at Demo Day that LPGA Tour member Lexi Thompson was joining Rory McIlrory, Rickie Fowler and Michelle Wie as PGA Junior League Golf Ambassadors. What a great team of Ambassadors we have to support PGA Junior League Golf.

Morning Drive’s coverage of the PGA Show continued indoors with multiple guests, such as our own Joe Assell, PGA member and CEO of GolfTEC along with the likes of Bubba Watson and Graeme McDowell.

February Newsletter

District 9 Director Report

One of the highlights of the floor was the #ThxPGAPro area where individuals were filmed thanking their PGA Professional along with a large seating area that PGA Professionals gathered at to network and planned their day.

The PGA Merchandise Show was just the start of a 100-day long member and section-focused Centennial Celebration. During this celebration each PGA Section will be highlighted on Golf Channel through vignettes, providing an overview and in-depth look at a feature program of the Section. The Colorado Section will be featured on April 15 on with our golf in school program.

If you have any questions please feel free to call or email me.

Kyle Heyen PGA Head Professional | Hiwan Golf Club National PGA Director | District 9

www.coloradopga.com

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Colorado PGA Pro Peaks Digital Magazine 8

Executive Director’s Message

Making a Contribution

By Eddie Ainsworth, PGA

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dding value to our PGA Members and Apprentices is our highest priority here in the Colorado Section. Everything we do is viewed through the lenses of “Serving the Member & Growing the Game”. Serving you has been my motivation since the day I became your Executive Director. Just like everyone else in a leadership position, along the way throughout my career there were goals I wanted to accomplish and milestones I wanted to achieve, but along the way, I made a life-changing discovery. My progress in personal growth also opened the doors for others. It made it possible for me to make a contribution to them. As a staff, keeping this in mind guides us not just to the Eddie Ainsworth, PGA Executive Director achievement of success, but to a Colorado PGA work of significance. eainsworth@pgahq.com P | (303) 996-1593 C | (719) 761-6125

Next month during our Spring Membership Meeting we will be electing three (3) Colorado PGA Members to our Board of Directors. What does it take to be a member of our Board of Directors? In my opinion, simply someone who is looking to make a contribution by serving others.

In John Maxwell’s Book “The 15 Invaluable Laws of Growth”, Maxwell asks the question, “How do you increase your chances of being able to help others and make a significant contribution in your lifetime?”

His answer is to think of yourself as a river instead of a reservoir. “Most people who make personal growth part of their lives do it to add value to themselves. They are like reservoirs that continually take in water but only to fill

themselves up. In contrast, a river flows. Whatever water it receives, it gives away”.

If you are committed to learn and grow, and give away what you have received, then I would ask you to consider running for the Board of Directors. Giving of your time, expertise, and resources without expecting anything in return is an unselfish act that makes the world a better place. What you can expect in return is that it always seems when you focus more on the wants and needs of others, more of your own wants and needs are met. Additionally, Board Member Development is a high priority for our current Officers and Board. Together we are all committed to the future development of our Board of Directors, as these Members become our future Officers, and are responsible for the future growth and development of our Colorado PGA Members and Apprentices.

If you feel like you are ready to make this type of commitment then I would ask you to reach out to our Section Secretary Ben Welsh, bwelsh@pga.com, and submit your name as a candidate for our upcoming election in March.

As always, please let me know if you have any questions or we can be of assistance in any way possible.

Thank you for the opportunity to serve.

Very Respectfully,

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

Nominations Being Accepted for Colorado PGA Board of Directors T

he process to submit your name for consideration for the Colorado PGA Board of Directors is now open. The membership in attendance at the March 28th Spring Membership Meeting will be electing three (3) new Colorado PGA Members to replace our outgoing Board of Directors this coming October. Each newly elected Board Member will serve a three (3) year term beginning this October 12th, 2015 at the Section's Fall Membership Meeting and ending three (3) years later at the same meeting. Currently, the Board of Directors

is comprised of a diverse group of PGA Members filled with members from Public and Private Golf Facilities, both men and women, and new and veteran members of the organization. The goal is to also try to keep the Board of Directors as diverse as possible. If you would like to submit your name or one of your fellow Colorado PGA Members as a candidate for the upcoming election please email Ben at bwelsh@pga. com and copy Executive Director Eddie Ainsworth at eainsworth@pgahq. com.

March 1 Deadline Set For PGA of America Scholarships

February Newsletter

Section News

Over $6 million in scholarships have been awarded to nearly 3,000 students

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stablished in 1986, the program provides college scholarships for children and grandchildren of PGA members.

It encourages and promotes the attainment of higher educational goals for the children and grandchildren of

PGA members, based on evidence of a high level of academic achievement during high school or college. Last year, this program awarded 128 scholarships totaling $301,000.

Important Information

Applications must be completed and submitted online at PGA Financial Assistance Fund Scholarship Program by 5:00 p.m. ET on March 1, 2016.

Students must submit, via mail, a sealed official transcript for the first semester of the current school year and ACT/SAT test scores. These must be IN HAND at PGA HQ by March 18, 2016.

Current College Students Cumulative GPA of 3.4 or higher Most recently completed semester GPA EFC Score from SAR report if applicable Apply Now

Please be aware of your spring break times from school as school offices may be closed.

To learn more about the Application Requirements and to begin your application, click here.

If you are applying for financial need also submit the first page of your Student Aid Report (SAR).

Other Tips

High School Seniors Cumulative GPA of 3.4 or higher SAT/ACT Test Scores

We're providing additional suggestions and tips about submitting your applications for scholarships.

Additionally, we have provided a list of websites that can assist you as you research other potential scholarships that might be available.

Expected Family Contribution (EFC) Score from SAR report, if applicable

www.coloradopga.com

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Colorado PGA Pro Peaks Digital Magazine

Section News

Volunteer for the Annual Colorado PGA VA Hospital Visit T

he annual Colorado PGA visit to the Denver VA will be held on Monday, February 29, 2016. The event will be held from 1p to 3p at the Denver VA Health Center located just east of Colorado Boulevard and 9th Avenue.

This annual event that includes nearly 30 Colorado PGA Professionals coincides with the National Salute to Veteran Patients.

The Denver VA Hospital is located near the Rose Medical Center, east of the intersection of Colorado Boulevard and 8th Aveneue.

For more information or to volunteer your time, please click here.

Plain Named to First Class of PGA LEAD A

lice Plan, PGA Director of Golf at Vail Golf Club has been named to the inaugural class of PGA LEAD. PGA LEAD is a strategic initiative of the PGA’s Diversity & Inclusion Business Plan, which is devoted to developing the talent and leadership skills of PGA members across all disciplines and locations, including leadership roles where diverse representation, particularly among women, and racial and ethnic minorities, is disproportionately low.

“As a member of the National Diversity & Inclusion Committee, I’m extremely proud to have Alice join the first class of PGA LEAD,” noted Colorado PGA President Leslie Core-Drevecky, PGA. “She seems truly excited about the opportunity that awaits her in learning the governance of the PGA of America and the Colorado Section, as well as, the experiences that await her during this two year program.”

Initially, PGA LEAD will help the PGA of America develop and mentor up to 15 emerging leaders, a maximum of one from each PGA District (plus one unaffiliated), for future involvement as leaders in the aforementioned roles. While the program is focused on driving a diverse demographic of participants – gender, age, race/color, national origin/ancestry, sexual orientation, disability and veteran status – the program is open to all PGA members.

“It’s a goal of the Officers of our Association along with the National Diversity & Inclusion Committee to establish a group of diverse PGA Members who are prepared to ascend through the governance of the Association on a National or Section level,” commented

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Core-Drevecky. “Time will only tell how much of an impact that PGA LEAD but after witnessing the enthusiasm of the fifteen members of this first class, I only envision this program making a significant impact.”

PGA LEAD was created by the PGA of America and its National Diversity & Inclusion Committee in an effort to identify, mentor and progress a dedicated group of PGA members from diverse backgrounds, who aspire to leadership roles within the Association, along a guided path. Integrating diversity and its vast array of personal dimensions into our leadership ranks will help position the PGA for success, as we embark on our next 100 years. The ultimate goal of PGA LEAD is to establish a deep bench of diverse PGA members who are prepared to ascend to and through the volunteer leadership ranks of the Association. In addition, PGA LEAD will assist in developing PGA members who desire to serve and make an impact on nonprofit boards within the communities where they work and live.

Compensation Survey is a No-Brainer!!!

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he annual PGA Compensation Survey, known as the industry standard for providing invaluable data on golf professional compensation and benefits levels, launched its new version in January and will close at the end of March. Generally, there are approximately 15,000 PGA Professionals (members and apprentices) completing the survey each year.

• Contract Renewals

Why is completing the compensation survey so important? The Survey provides key information to assist with:

Keep in mind that:

• Meaningful comparisons to improve one’s Compensation and Benefits when working with the employer • Performance Evaluations

• Staff Budgeting • Employer/employee interactions providing PGA Professionals and employers general comparable compensation, both locally and on a broader scale based on a variety of factors.

• Completing the Survey provides up to two MSR credits • Higher wage earners bring up averages which are critical to increase job compensation

February Newsletter

Section News

• All information provided is CONFIDENTIAL on the Survey

PGA of America Launches KPMG Future Leaders Program KPMG

is deeply committed to the advancement, development and empowerment of women. As women break glass ceilings in the workplace and excel on the international athletic stage, the influence of women will only continue to grow and affect our society for the better.

In 2015 KPMG, in collaboration with the PGA of America, the LPGA, and NBC, hosted the first ever KPMG Women’s PGA Championship, to elevate the game of women’s golf, and Women’s Leadership Summit, to reach the next generation of women leaders to senior leadership positions in business.

Accomplished women from around the country participated in Summit discussions about women in the workplace. The 2015 tournament was won by Inbee Park, a 26 year old from South Korea.

The third pillar of the initiative, the KPMG Future Leaders Program in partnership with Dr. Condoleezza Rice, will “pay it forward” to future generations of women leaders by providing leadership training to top high school senior female students from around the country preparing for their college career. The KPMG Future Leaders Program will foster a strong foundation for young women to succeed in college and ultimately in their long-term business career.

The students selected will: 1) Receive a KPMG Future Leaders Scholarship of $10,000 per year for 4 years of college 2) Attend a three-day KPMG Future Leaders Retreat the summer before their freshman year of college, at Stanford University in Stanford, CA with one parent/guardian (July 11-13, 2016) • Day 1: Seminars on leadership, developing business skills, public speaking, and social media • Day 2: Introduction to golf as a business networking tool • Day 3: Seminars on building a network, university resources, internships, and mentorship pairing 3) Actively participate in a one year KPMG Future Leaders Mentoring Program • Each participant will be paired with a Next Generation woman leader mentor from the KPMG Women’s Leadership Summit.

www.coloradopga.com

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Colorado PGA Pro Peaks Digital Magazine

Junior News

Junior Golf Membership Registration Now Open!

by Katie Ann Lehman

2016

is here, which means we are that much closer to the launch of a new junior golf season! Membership registration is official open for the new premier junior golf program, whose name and logo will be revealed later this month. In the meantime, many are getting a head start in their junior golf experience and enjoying these member benefits for just $100…

Junior Golf Membership Benefits •

GHIN Handicap number

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•

Membership gifts

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Access to our Player Development Pathway

• National Tour Partnerships with the AJGA and PGA Junior Series

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College Counseling

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Off-Season Education

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Volunteer Opportunities

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10 & Under Par 3 Punch Card (valued at $75)

• More playing opportunities (54 tournament schedule spanning over spring/summer/fall)

Major Championships

• National Qualifying for the US Junior Amateur, US Girls Junior Amateur, IMG Junior World, Optimist International and Big I Championships.

• AJGA Performance Based Entry status for all multiday events •

And so much more!

Drive, Chip & Putt Registration Open R

egistration for the 2017 Drive Chip and Putt is now OPEN! Boys and girls ages 7-15 are now able to sign up for one of our six local qualifiers at drivechipandputt. com. This FREE youth golf initiative aims to help younger generations begin their lifelong connection with golf by providing a fun, interactive platform for participants of all ages and skill levels.

Local Qualifiers Colorado National Golf Club | Erie, CO Monday, June 6, 2016 Entry Deadline - June 1, 2016 at 3:00pm MST Fort Collins Country Club | Fort Collins, CO Wednesday, June 15, 2016 Entry Deadline - June 10, 2016 at 3:00pm MST The Club at Flying Horse | Colorado Springs, CO Tuesday, June 21, 2016 Entry Deadline - June 16, 2016 at 3:00pm MST Murphy Creek Golf Course | Aurora, CO Thursday, July 7, 2016 Entry Deadline - July 2, 2016 at 3:00pm MST

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Don’t miss out on the opportunity to join Colorado’s premier junior golf program! A step-by-step video tutorial is up on our temporary website, www.coloradojuniorgolf.org, to help navigate the registration process and become familiar with Blue Golf. We look forward to seeing old and new faces on the course this year!

Heritage at Westmoor | Westminster, CO Monday, July 11, 2016 Entry Deadline - July 6, 2016 at 3:00pm MST

Lincoln Park Golf Course | Grand Junction, CO Thursday, July 21, 2016 Entry Deadline - July 16, 2016 at 3:00pm MST The top-3 performers in each age division and gender (boys and girls 7-9, 10-11, 12-13, 14-15) at these local qualifiers will advance on to the Sub-Regional staged at CommonGround Golf Course on Saturday, August 13. From there, the top-2 in each age division and gender will move on the Regional Qualifier in Pacific Palisades, Calif. at the Riviera Country Club.

The top 80 performers - 40 boys and 40 girls - across the country will earn an invitation to the National Finals at Augusta National on Sunday April 2, the eve of the 2017 Masters. This is an event you don't want to miss!

There is a limited number of spots available at each of these qualifiers, so get registered TODAY at www. drivechipandputt.com.

February Newsletter

Junior News

䈀唀䤀䰀䐀 吀䔀䄀䴀匀 䈀唀䤀䰀䐀 䜀伀䰀䘀䔀刀匀 䈀唀䤀䰀䐀 䈀唀匀䤀一䔀匀匀 䨀漀椀渀 甀猀 愀琀 愀渀礀 漀昀 琀栀攀猀攀 倀䜀䄀 䨀甀渀椀漀爀 䰀攀愀最甀攀 椀渀昀漀爀洀愀琀椀漀渀 猀攀猀猀椀漀渀猀㨀

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䜀爀攀攀氀攀礀 䌀漀甀渀琀爀礀 䌀氀甀戀 䘀攀戀爀甀愀爀礀 ㈀㐀 簀 ㄀ⴀ㌀瀀洀

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䰀攀愀爀渀 栀漀眀 琀漀 攀渀最愀最攀 樀甀渀椀漀爀 最漀氀昀攀爀猀 愀渀搀 琀栀攀椀爀 瀀愀爀攀渀琀猀 琀漀 最爀漀眀 琀栀攀 最愀洀攀 漀昀 最漀氀昀 愀渀搀 礀漀甀爀 戀漀琀琀漀洀 氀椀渀攀℀

匀椀最渀 甀瀀 吀伀䐀䄀夀℀

攀洀愀椀氀 䬀攀椀琀栀 匀漀爀椀愀渀漀Ⰰ倀䜀䄀 ⴀ 欀猀漀爀椀愀渀漀䀀瀀最愀栀焀⸀挀漀洀

www.coloradopga.com

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Colorado PGA Pro Peaks Digital Magazine 14

Junior News

PGA Junior League Golf Success Stories

Celebrating a PGA Concept for all of us!

A

s the PGA of America enters our centennial year of 2016, I hope that you join me as a PGA professional to celebrate our history. From humble beginnings to the largest professional sports association in the world, the PGA of America offers us much to celebrate. Aside from the anniversary for our association, I am celebrating because we have a concept that is deliverable at any golf facility in our Section.

This concept is called PGA Junior League Golf.

Keith Soriano, PGA Assistant Executive Director - Foundation Programs Colorado PGA ksoriano@pgahq.com P | (303) 996-1590 C | (720) 841-1006

I would like to share with you, the story of PGA Junior League told not from my viewpoint, but from that of your fellow PGA Professionals who live and breathe it every day and who have seen the impact of PGA Junior League at their facilities in the past year.

or direct reports, then PGA Junior League is a must!

We have over 150 kids from ages 4-17 in junior golf, and as rewarding and exciting this is, it’s also a challenge.

Many parents would like us to expand this offering, but we really have to balance our membership needs and operational logistics with this request. Assuming we can achieve this request, we are looking to field a traveling team (i.e. All Star), as well as form our own league at the Club with consisting of four additional teams. We are reviewing our attendance and ages before making this decision, but our goal is to make 2017 even better and bigger for the kids, and ultimately advancing them into our traveling team.

-Bryan Heim, PGA Head Golf Professional

Columbine Country Club

Legacy Ridge Golf Club

First Year

2015 marked the first year of involvement in the PGAJLG for Golf Westminster and the response was overwhelming.

We capped our registrations at 32 players and formed 2 teams. The first year was a learning experience for sure, but we can account for the success of the program to a couple of key areas.

The involvement of our parents was instrumental in running a program that hosted weekly practices (held at both facilities) and six matches. We had a parent volunteer to help with supervision at our practices and we had parent scorers and player shuttles at all of our matches.

2015 was the first year Columbine participated in the PGA Junior League. It was one of the most successful and impactful initiatives we took in our operation! The positive responses we received from parents, and kids were more than I could have imagined.

If you are thinking about the League, have 10-15 kids less than 13 years of age, or want to show even more value to your Board

First Year

The other key to our first year success was the fact that the program was FUN. The playing format and

The PGAJLG has encouraged not only more juniors to visit the golf course, but entire families. We have seen an increase in family play, adult clinic participation and food and beverage revenue. We are looking forward to the expansion of the PGAJLG this season and view this program as the hub of our youth player development.

-Erin Diegel, PGA Assistant Golf Professional

Meadow Hills Golf Course Third Year In 2015, the City of Aurora ran our 3rd season of PGA Junior Golf League. We were fortunate to have 72 juniors between the age of 7 and 13 continue, or begin, their competitive “careers”. Junior Camps and Programs are great for introducing kids to the game but I believe getting them on the golf course and playing is the first step to get them playing for life. The low pressure, competitive format of PGAJLG delivers big time in this regards. The kids clearly loved the competition and the colorful uniforms, as kids in any sport will, but the parent involvement in helping with the teams and them cheering for kids on both teams during the matches was a joy to see. It brought a very unique environment to the golf course during our Sunday afternoon matches.

-Caine Fitzgerald, PGA Assistant Golf Professional

Lake Valley Golf Club

League. This was our Club’s first year participating but it was quickly apparent that this is going to be a staple for years to come. Not only did we see a huge increase in interest from the participating children, we immediately began seeing residual gains in other aspects of the operation. Shop sales increased with children purchasing necessary items such as ball markers, sharpies, golf balls, divot repair tools, towels, shoes, as well as several sets of clubs! It didn’t stop there. We offered weekly practices from beginning of June through end of July working around our match schedule. These practices were strategically placed in the evenings when the course was not busy but also around dinner time. Food and beverage sales increased dramatically, so much so that on the practice nights we had to start scheduling more staff! As the season wound down, several parents expressed how sad their children were that is was over and were interested in fall options.

February Newsletter

Junior News

the matches are a huge contributor to this, but our practices were set up as stations of learning games with very little focus on technique. Witnessing the growth of each player in areas of comradery, mentorship, and sportsmanship created a realm of success bigger than we imagined.

The roadmap for the program had already been laid out by the PGA so I simply followed that, kept the league going and turned it into and intra-club league amongst my team. There was an additional fee which was the same as the original league. I added a points competition but kept the format the same. We started in August, met once a week for two hours (5-7pm) over 8 weeks. Practice’s alternated between play nights and practice nights and points were awarded each week.

I had 9 of my original 14 team members participate as well as 2 new kids for a total of 11. Shop sales continued, food and beverage sales continued, and to top it off our membership director has received three inquires from parents of children who participated in the league(s). Can’t wait to see what 2016 brings.

-Cameron Morton, PGA Head Golf Professional PGA Junior League is a tested, proven way to engage more junior golfers, families and friends at your facility.

I will be holding informational meetings throughout the Section in the coming weeks. Please let me know if you are interested in hosting or attending one of these sessions. I look forward to working with you to grow Junior League in Colorado!

First Year We are in a very exciting time for Junior Golf! The game is getting more and more attractive to juniors thanks to the advent of programs such as the PGA Junior

www.coloradopga.com

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Colorado PGA Pro Peaks Digital Magazine 16

Section News

PGA Junior Series Returning to Air Force Academy T

he 2016 PGA Junior Series, a series of summer-long, affordable, professionally managed and competitive golf tournaments for juniors ages 12-18, is returning to Colorado as they will host Event #5 of the Series on June 29-July 1, 2016.

“The PGA Junior Series at Eisenhower is a landmark event on the junior golf landscape and we couldn’t be happier to see it returning to the Centennial state,” noted Colorado PGA Assistant Executive Director Keith Soriano, PGA. “We’re looking forward to watching some of our State’s best junior golfers compete and win at the PGA Junior Series at Eisenhower this summer.”

The Series, which debuted in 1996 and is run by the PGA of America, opens June 4, at PGA Golf Club in Port St. Lucie, Florida, and concludes July 20, at the Penn State Golf Course in State College, Pennsylvania.

Each Series event will feature a field of up to 156 players and includes boys’ and girls’ divisions.

The announcement of a return to Colorado fits into an already busy Junior Golf landscape. Later this month the Colorado PGA and Colorado Golf Associations will announce the official name of their new junior golf collaboration.

“With the new collaboration between the Colorado PGA and the CGA in the area of Junior Golf, the PGA Junior Series event dovetails perfectly into the existing junior golf offerings here in Colorado,” Soriano noted after the PGA of America made the announcement. “A national event, with a field of the best junior golfers in Colorado and beyond speaks to the pinnacle of the “junior golf pathway” that we have developed that begins with our Golf in School Program, advances through PGA Summer Camps and PGA Junior League, all the way to high school golf, the new collaborative tournament offerings and elite junior opportunities like the PGA Junior Series.”

The PGA Junior Series event at Eisenhower Golf Club is included on the new Junior Golf schedule. Potential entrants can apply at PGAJuniorSeries.com.

2016 PGA of America Junior Series Dates Event Host Club Location June 4-5

PGA Junior Series Event #1

PGA Golf Club, Ryder

Port St. Lucie, Fla.

June 6-8

PGA Junior Series Event #2

Kearney Hill Golf Links

Lexington, Ky.

June 17-18

PGA Junior Series Event #3

Sunriver Resort, Crosswater

Sunriver, Ore.

June 23-24

PGA Junior Series Event #4

Chaska Town Course

Chaska, Minn.

June 29-July 1 PGA Junior Series Event #5

Eisenhower Golf Club, Blue

Colorado Springs, Colo.

July 6-8

PGA Junior Series Event #6

ArborLinks

Nebraska City, Neb.

July 11-13

PGA Junior Series Event #7

Westbrook Country Club

Mansfield, Ohio

July 18-20

PGA Junior Series Event #8

Penn State Golf Courses, Blue State College, Pa.

Aug. 9-12

41st Junior PGA Championship

Wannamoisett Country Club Rumford, R.I.

Sept. 26-27

10th Junior Ryder Cup

Interlachen Country Club

Edina, Minn.

www.coloradopga.com

February Newsletter

Ask the Experts

17

Colorado PGA Pro Peaks Digital Magazine 18

Section News

Route 411

An update on our Colorado PGA Members

Happy Birthday!

2/1

Dustin D. Miller, PGA

2/2

Joe Little, PGA Brian C. Hodges, PGA Zachary E Abbruzzese

2/3

David Karnel, PGA Roger Prenzlow, PGA Jim Sanborn, PGA Ben Kristopeit II, PGA

2/4

Edward D. Leuppe II, PGA Christopher G. Culver, PGA David Noble, PGA Kyle A. Voska, PGA

2/6

John A. Scappatura Jr., PGA Brad D. Bogard, PGA John J. Cassidy, PGA

2/7

David W. Arbuckle, PGA David Baril, PGA Bill M. VerBrugge, PGA

2/8

Pete A. Roach, PGA Kirk S. Usui

2/9

Martin L. Kauffman, PGA Rick A. Price, PGA Kelly P. Deimund, PGA Michael K. Melena, PGA

2/10

Christopher T. Johnson, PGA Clarence Parry Jr., PGA Craig Stephens, PGA

2/11 2/12

Thomas P. Anton, PGA Paul O. Dalpes, PGA

2/13

Thomas N. Thomas, PGA Daniel J Kane, PGA Thomas D. Begay, PGA

2/14

David H. Delin, PGA Peter M. Norwood, PGA Cody J. Stalcup, PGA

2/15

Carlo F. Alaqua, PGA

2/16

Grant E. McLaughlin, PGA Ian H. Madinger Stephen R Horvey

2/17

Scott R. Wells, PGA Holly J. Champion, PGA William R Eubanks

2/18

Richard E. Ellefson, PGA

2/19

Val R. Heim Jr. Jr., PGA Jack L. Allen, PGA

2/20

Jeffrey D. Hill, PGA Michael Bratcher Logan S. Beatty, PGA Benjamin J Splichal

2/21

Christopher T. Moore, PGA Alden Richards Jr., PGA

2/22

Darren R. Szot, PGA Ben P. Welsh, PGA Jeffrey D. Martin, PGA

2/24

Brian W. Dahmer, PGA Don L. Chavez, PGA David R. McCleave, PGA Mark T. McCarthy, PGA Chad W Rush Ben K. Honaman, PGA Ryan M. Wroblewski, PGA

2/25

Joe Linnemeyer, PGA Shad A. Johnson, PGA Robert J Ellison

2/26

Ray Fielder, PGA Michael S. Marsili, PGA

2/27

Eric J. Jensen, PGA Ronald W. Zwemke, PGA

2/28

Zachary Bailey Cameron T. Morton, PGA

Jeff E. Freebury, PGA | Certified Professional - Teaching/Coaching Beau S. Smith, PGA | Certified Professional - Golf Operations

New Members Jack L. Allen, PGA | A-8 | Heritage Eagle Bend Golf and Country Club

Movin’ On Up Patrick Ruddy, PGA | previously an A-8 at Cherokee Ridge Golf Course | currently an A-6 at GolfTEC - Chapel Hills Kyle A. Voska, PGA| previously an A-8 at The Links Golf Course | currently an A-6 The Links Golf Course Scott R. Wells, PGA | previously an A-1 at Beaver Creek Golf Club | currently an A-24 at Catch - 72 Golf Tristen B. Fay, PGA | previously an A-8 at Denver Country Club | currently an A-1 at Fort Collins Country Club

Welcome Wagon

February Newsletter

Section News New Certified PGA Professionals

Nicholas R. Clearwater, PGA | A-14 at GolfTEC Headquarters Derek R. Francois, PGA | A-1 David R. Hagan, PGA | A-1 James R. Miller, PGA | A-9

Movin’ On Out Joseph M. Brown, PGA | previously at Cherry Hills Country Club | relocated to The Courses at Watters Creek | North Texas Section | A-6 Ashley A. Cox, PGA | previously at GolfTEC | relocated to Salt Lake Community College | Utah Section Justin M. Fox, PGA | previously an A-1 at The Bridges Golf and Country Club | currently an A-13 at Thornberry Creek at Oneida | Wisconsin Section Charles M. Winn, PGA | previously an A-1 at Sonnenalp Golf Club | currently an A-1 at Cobleskill Golf & Country Club | South Florida Section Brandon L. Flynn, PGA | previously an A-8 at Lakewood Country Club | currently an A-6 at GolfTEC - Bellevue

New Apprentices Alexander C Gough | B-8 | Red Rocks Country Club Shane S Sutherland | B-8 | Cheyenne Shadows Golf Course at Ft Carson Ryan D Treptow | B-4 | Arrowhead Country Club

www.coloradopga.com

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Colorado PGA Pro Peaks Digital Magazine

Tournament News

Registration Deadlines for Section Championships Changed More Timely Deadlines Coming This Year

By Justin Limon, PGA

T

he PGA of America Board of Directorshas approved a new policy allowing Sections the opportunity to establish their own registration deadline for all Section National Championships (Section PGA Professional Championship, Senior PGA Professional Championship & Assistant Championship.) Also, the time of the deadline will be local time of each section at 11:59 PM. As Sections will have the opportunity to select their own deadline, a five-year averaging system will be implemented to determine “entries” utilizing the most recent 5 years of participation. Registration will continue to be processed through the National office.

The Colorado PGA Section has set a deadline two and a half weeks prior to the start of each Championship.

This change is intended to allow less fluctuation between eligible entries and actual number of players with the deadline closer to the actual Championship dates.

The following registration dates have been set for each Championship.

Event Date | Monday & Tuesday, August 1-2, 2016 Registration Opens | Tuesday, April 19, 2016 Registration Deadline | Wednesday, July 13, 2016 at 11:59 PM (MST) Colorado Senior PGA Championship Event Date | Monday & Tuesday, August 15-16, 2016 Registration Opens | Tuesday, May 17, 2016 | Registration Deadline | Wednesday, July 27, 2016 at 11:59 PM (MST) Colorado PGA Professional Championship Event Date | Monday - Wednesday, September 12-14, 2016 Registration Opens | Tuesday, May 31, 2016 Registration Deadline | Wednesday, August 24, 2016 at 11:59 PM (MST)

Ty Walker Rule Announced

Members Permitted to Listen to Music During Certain Events

By Justin Limon, PGA

O

ver the past few years Section Staff has been asked the question of whether or not competitors can listen to music more times than we could count.

One member in particular, Ty Walker, makes it a point to not only ask during event, but in some cases even before he signs up for an event.

Unfortunately, listening to music during a round is against the USGA Rules and in particular Decision 14-3/17. While this decision stands, many clubs have put wording into place to allow competitors to listen to music during the round. This winter the Tournament Committee met to discuss allowing music in Colorado PGA events. After much discussion it was recommended and approved by the Board of Directors to allow music in particular events. The Board

20

National Car Rental Colorado PGA Assistant Championship

approved listening to music in Pro-Am and Scramble format events. For each event that music is allowed, it will be posted on the notice to competitors and announced before the start of the round.

During the events listed below, Decision 14-3/17 will be waived. If the level of sound becomes a distraction, the player must refrain from playing music during the remainder of the round.

•

Spring Meeting Pro-Pro

•

Pro-Pro-Pro Championship

•

Fall Meeting Pro-Pro-Pro

•

All Pro-Am events

2

0

1

6

February Newsletter

REGISTER TODAY

OAKLEY SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA OPEN MARCH 21ST - 23RD 168 PLAYER FIELD OPEN TO PROFESSIONALS & AMATEURS SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA’S OLDEST PROFESSIONAL TOURNAMENT

HISTORY OF THE SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA OPEN Little did anyone know at the Coronado Country Club in 1899 that more than 113 years later the Southern California Open would still be considered a major event among the Professional Golfers Association of America. The Southern California Open is the third oldest golf tournament played in the United States. The oldest event is the U.S. Open, which was started in 1895 by the United States Golf Association. Second on the list is the Western Open, which began in 1899 at the Glen View Club.

CURRENT SO CAL OPEN CHAMPION JOHN MALLINGER

2013 SO CAL OPEN CHAMPION JASON GORE

PLAY TWO TOP SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA COURSES

ARROYO TRABUCO GOLF CLUB

MONARCH BEACH GOLF LINKS

REDUCED ENTRY FEES:

PGA MEMBERS/APPRENTICES

CLASSIFICATION

PGA MEMBER OPEN PROFESSIONAL PGA APPRENTICE AMATEUR

FEES $275 $675 $325 $275

*OPEN PROFESSIONALS & AMATEURS MUST QUALIFY AT TEMECULA CREEK INN ON FEB. 25.

VISIT SCPGA.COM TO SECURE YOUR SPOT TODAY Questions or More Information Please Contact: Max DeSpain mdespain@pgahq.com | 951.845.4653 | scpga.com

www.coloradopga.com

21

Colorado PGA Pro Peaks Digital Magazine

Tournament News

Exciting Update to Colorado PGA Tournament Schedule

Prepare Yourself for the Upcoming Season

By Justin Limon, PGA

T

he launch of the 2016 Tournament Schedule included plenty of excitement with the announcement that Cherry Creek Country Club would be hosting the Section Championship and the addition of the Pro-Super and Women’s Championship. Since the initial release, there have been a number of other exciting additions and changes to the schedule.

Fall Member Meeting Now Schedule for October 17, 2016 To coincide with the Fall Merchandise Show hosted by the Rocky Mountain Golf Salesman’s Association, the 2016 Fall Membership Meeting has been pushed back a week and will be held on Monday, October 17, 2016.

The Pro Scratch, originally scheduled for this date, will move up to the October 10, 2016 date.

Eisenhower Golf Club to host August 8, 2016 Pro Am

Ptarmigan Country Club to host Northern Colorado Pro Am The Northern Colorado PGA Am will be hosted this year at Ptarmigan Country Club in Windsor, CO. The Jack Nicklaus designed course follows up Fort Collins Country Club who hosted in 2015 in our efforts to include an event in the Fort Collins area.

Columbine CC Stroke Play Moved to April 4, 2016 Columbine Country Club, set to remodel their clubhouse this year and therefore not hosting their traditional Pro Am, will host a Stroke Play event on Monday April 4, 2016. Look for Columbine to return to the Pro Am schedule once their clubhouse renovation is complete.

The Blue Course at the Eisenhower Golf Club on the United States Air Force Academy will host a double shotgun Pro Am on August 8, 2016. The former host

New Name For National Car Rental Assistants Championship

S

ince its inception in 1977, the Assistant PGA Professional Championship has assembled some of the most talented members of the PGA of America who would become models of the caliber of PGA Professionals making up the Association.

Formerly the National Car Rental PGA Assistant Championship, the 132-player field assembling in October 2016 at PGA Golf Club in Port St. Lucie, Florida, will compete in the newly-titled 40th National Car Rental Assistant PGA Professional Championship.

The Assistant PGA Professional Championship field is composed of representatives from 41 nationwide Section Championships conducted in the late summer and fall of 2016.

The Champion, if eligible, advances to compete in the following year’s PGA Professional Championship.

“The National Car Rental Assistant PGA Professional

22

of the Colorado PGA Foundation Pro Am will host an event for the first time in two years.

Championship is both a national showcase of our best playing assistant and apprentice PGA Professionals, as well as a tremendous competitive opportunity,” says PGA President Derek Sprague. “Events such as this cultivate our future leaders and celebrate their on-course achievements and competitive spirit.”

The 40th National Car Rental Assistant PGA Professional Championship will be contested Oct. 27–30, 2016, at PGA Golf Club in Port St. Lucie, Florida.

National Car Rental is the title partner of the Assistant PGA Professional Championship in addition to being the Official Partner and Rental Car of the PGA of America.

www.coloradopga.com

February Newsletter

Tournament News

23

Colorado PGA Pro Peaks Digital Magazine

@The Buzz

A monthly recap of the Colorado PGA @TrentWearner Section Prez @soonerlcd Leslie kicking off Demo Day with juniors and Bubba #PGAShow2016

Found our 2015 Rider Cup Champion @klrider during the @PGAShow ! #ThxPGAPro

Tell us how your PGA Pro has impacted your life with #ThxPGAPro Check out Jim Hajek, PGA HPl at Fossil Trace on PGA Tour Radio with Brian Katrek & John Maginnes.

24

CPGA President @soonerlcd at the Centennial Tee Off at the @PGAShow We hear the guy in the visor is pretty good.

@GolfChannel is here filming our Golf in Schools program at Glacier Peaks!

Colorado PGA Congrats to Dottie Pepper on being honored by the Golf Writers Association of America! Don’t miss out on your chance to see Dottie right here in Colorado as she will be a featured speaker at both the G4 Summit and the Teaching and Coaching Summit, February 16-17, 2016 at The Broadmoor!

Colorado PGA

A great American and a wonderful supporter of the Colorado PGA REACH Foundation. Thank you, LTG (Ret.) Ed Soriano! #ImpactingLivesThroughGolf

By The Numbers Colorado PGA Facebook Fans | 732 Twitter Followers | 659

February Newsletter

A Twitter and Facebook World

Colorado PGA

The Colorado PGA colors have been changed for this week! Go Broncos! #unitedinorange

Colorado PGA Junior Golf Facebook Fans | 371 Twitter Followers | 273

Colorado PGA

It would have been pretty cool to see the 2-time Colorado PGA Junior Champion make the cut in her professional debut! Good luck next time Paige!!!

www.coloradopga.com

25

Colorado PGA Pro Peaks Digital Magazine

Presidents Club | $20,000 and above

Colorado Chevy Dealers

National Car Rental

PGA Tour

Platinum | $10,000 2UNDR Mary Mahoney

OMEGA

Platinum | $7,500 E-Z Go John Trenck, PGA

Colorado AvidGolfer Allen Walters

Gold | $5,000

Denver Golf Expo Mark Cramer

KBS Shafts

26

Colorado Golf and Turf Tom Bauerle

Fairway Promotions James Schlatter, Nick Porter

Infinium Spirits Mike Horan

Imperial Headwear Jamie Zabolio

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

GPS Industries Kevin Carpenter

February Newsletter

Silver | $2,500

TaylorMade Golf Mike Mendoza

Bronze | $1,000

www.coloradopga.com

27

Colorado PGA Pro Peaks Digital Magazine

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