The SUMMIT - Colorado PGA Magazine - May 2019

The

SUMMIT

The SUMMIT is the official digital magazine of the Colorado PGA - May 2019

What’s Inside Special Career Development Feature Section Championship Registration Open Witczak Featured in CBS Special Colorado Represented by 3 at DCP Finals

The Official Magazine of the Colorado PGA The SUMMIT is produced by the Colorado PGA

Colorado PGA Officers

West Chapter Officers

Jim Hajek, PGA Vice-President | 2019-2020 Fossil Trace Golf Club

Brett Gagnon, PGA Vice-President | 2019-2020 Red Sky Golf Club

Ben Welsh, PGA President | 2019-2020 Frost Creek Golf Club

Cathy Matthews-Kane, PGA Secretary | 2019-2020 Country Club of Colorado Ty Thompson, PGA President | 2019-2020 Crosshairs Consulting

Board of Directors

Andy Benson, PGA | 2017-2019 Highlands Ranch Golf Club

Dr. Phil Brown President/Founder, Six Points Consulting

Jeff Boyer, PGA President | 2019-2020 Eagle Ranch Golf Course

Dr. Stephen Davis Cheyenne Mountain Dental Group Brad Dombaugh CEO - PSA Worldwide Corp.

Luke Brosterhous Secretary | 2017-2019 Catamount Ranch and Club Ed Marzec, PGA Honorary President | 2019-2020 Red Sky Golf Club

West Chapter Board of Directors

Walter Glover EVP/COO - United States Olympic Endowment Theo Gregory Senior Vice President - El Pomar Foundation

Jeff Boyer, PGA | 2019-2020 Eagle Ranch Golf Course

Tom Apple, PGA | 2019-2021 Country Club of the Rockies

Dominic Karaba President - Specialty Lending and Business Banking - UMB

Bob Doyle, PGA Past District 9 Director Life Member

Jacques Deyoe, PGA | 2017-2019 Maroon Creek Club

Bill Keller Lieutenant Colonel USAF, Retired

Alice Plain, PGA | 2018 - 2020 Vail Golf Club

Bob Lally Navy Captain, Retired

Kenny Thayer, PGA | 2019-2021 Beavercreek Golf Club

George Lee VP - Ameriprise Financial Services

Steve VanDyke, PGA | 2018-2020 River Valley Ranch GC

Adam McDiarmid Regional Manager - Business Banking - UMB

Kyle Heyen, PGA Past District 9 Director Hiwan Golf Club Charles ‘Vic’ Kline, PGA Past District 9 Director Ed Marzec, PGA | 2019-2021 PGA Member Jim Miller, PGA | 2018-2020 Sonnenalp Golf Club Josh Miller, PGA | 2019-2021 GOLFTEC Dennis Murray, PGA | 2018-2020 Valley Country Club Mike O’Donnell, PGA | 2018-2020 Fort Carson Bobby Quaratino, PGA | 2017-2019 West Woods Golf Course Chris Swinhart, PGA | 2017-2019 Thorncreek Golf Course Dave Troyer, PGA | 2019-2021 CommonGround Golf Course

Independent Directors Theo Gregory Spencer Zinn

Colorado PGA REACH Trustees Spencer Zinn Chairman

John Andrew Brigadier General USAF - Retired Dan Bennett Investor/Partner, Southwest Greens Management John Bond President, BOOST Performance Consulting Agent, ReMax Urban Properties Anne Broholm CEO | AHEAD Tom Bauerle Owner - Colorado Golf and Turf

Staff

Executive Director/CEO Eddie Ainsworth, PGA eainsworth@pgahq.com P (303) 996-1593 C (719) 761-6125 Assistant Executive Director Patrick Salva psalva@pgahq.com P (303) 996-1597 C (303) 246-1007 Tournament Director Justin Limon, PGA jlimon@pgahq.com P (303) 996-1588 C (720) 390-1160 Player Development Director Holly Champion, PGA hchampion@pgahq.com P (303) 996-1591 C (217) 232-1790 Junior Golf Manager Scott Minta sminta@pgahq.com P (303) 996-1590 C (630) 532-3230 Finance Specialist Annie O’Donnell adonnell@pgahq.com P (303) 996-1595

Scott McGraw VP of Employee Benefits Cherry Creek Insurance Group

Marketing and Communications Coordinator Judy Malone jmalone@pgahq.com P (303) 996-1594

Honorable Sue Payton President - SCI Aerospace Inc.

Field Staff

LTG Ed Soriano, US Army (Ret) Director, Bus. Dev. Global Land Forces - Northrop Grumman Corporation Mike Talaga Credit Analyst Janus Henderson Investors

Career Consultant Keith Soriano, PGA ksoriano@pgahq.com C (720) 841-1006 PGA Junior League Regional Manager Anthony Vitale, PGA avitale@pgahq.com C (561) 267-1208

Bill Vogeney Chief Revenue Officer Ent Credit Union

Colorado PGA

6630 Bear Dance Drive | Larkspur, CO 80118 P | (303) 681-0742 www.coloradopga.com

The SUMMIT is distributed free to members and affiliates of the Colorado PGA eleven 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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What’s Inside

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President’s Report Career Development at the Heart of PGA Professionals District Director Report/PGA of America News PGA Board At-Large Director, PGA Championships and more Membership News Member Update Executive Director’s Report Cats Have Nine, We Have One… Colorado PGA News National Golf Foundation to Launch WELCOME2GOLF in Denver Market Career Development Comes In Many Forms ~ PGA.Coach May Be Right For You Colorado PGA Continues to Set the Standard in Certified Professional Program West Chapter News Schafersman, Twarjan Elected to West Chapter Board Special Career Development Feature Mark Kelbel, PGA 22 Alan Abrams, PGA Kelly Deimund, PGA 23 Kyle Voska, PGA Doug McNeil, PGA 24 Ty Walker, PGA Ed Oldham, PGA 25 Alice Plain, PGA Larry Collins, PGA 26 Bill Hughes, PGA Keith Soriano, PGA

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Tournament News Section Championship Registration Early Season Update Junior Golf News Witczak Featured in CBS Special Focused on PGA Jr League Top-5 Breakthroughs For Coloradans JGAC Season Underway

May 2019

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President’s Message

Career Development at the Heart of PGA Professionals A

s we all ramp up for the summer, it is easy to get short sighted with the coming busy season or overwhelmed in your current situation. It’s important to remember that it is the sum of your experiences that create the most well-rounded Professionals. The Golf Profession is a multifaceted industry and as we all talk about the many hats we wear, it is important to carve out some time for yourself…for your personal sanity, selfdevelopment and social engagement.

The Board and staff have spent countless hours this past off-season gearing up to serve you with all the resources you need to succeed this summer. Whether that is teaching, playing or managing your operation, feel free to reach out to Section staff with your questions or concerns.

The Colorado PGA Section is an incredible network of great golf professionals but even greater people, all working in similar ways. I encourage you to stay engaged in whatever ways fit your career, family life and self as you work to manage your daily schedule and work load. Reach out to fellow professionals if you need inspiration, help or just to say hi, remembering that this great game is what brings us all together and keeps you moving forward.

Ben Welsh, PGA President Colorado PGA Head Professional Frost Creek bwelsh@pga.com P | (970) 328-2326 C | (970) 688-0115

One of my mentors once said, “Every next step is a right place, right time opportunity and it is your job to be ready when it presents itself.” With that in mind, I encourage you to explore PGA.org and all of the online educational opportunities provided by our Association. While you may take a break from those things during the busiest times of the season, it can be helpful to remember these when you need some guidance in a particular area of expertise or to stir some of that knowledge that just hasn’t been exercised in a while. Staying engaged in your own education path, even through the busy times, can keep you mentally fresh and motivated while certainly making those certifications easier to dive into again when things slow down. The new Specialist Certification offers career specific information to re-engage the learning pathways. Continuing on the Certified or Master Professional paths can certainly bolster a resume but more importantly, keep you engaged and challenging yourself. As they say, “If you need something done, give it to a busy person!” Stay busy and keep developing yourself and your career.

I wish you all the best this coming season with full tee sheets and lesson books. Hope to see you all at our next CPGA tournament or event.

All the Best,

Ben Welsh, PGA Head Golf Professional President, Colorado PGA Section 970-328-2326 (Shop) 970-688-0115 (Cell)

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PGA of America News

PGA of America Update PGA Board At-Large Director, PGA Championships and more

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enjoyed spending time with some of you at the Spring Meeting the end of March. There was a lot of great discussion and feedback on the logo changes and potential changes. If you didn’t get the chance to give me your feedback, please don’t hesitate to contact me. I have had a few calls from Colorado Section Members and some great discussions on these changes.

PGA Board At-Large Director Renee Powell, the PGA Head Golf Professional at Clearview Golf Club in East Canton, Ohio, has been elected the first at-large director of the PGA of America Board of Directors. Powell is a member of the PGA Hall of Fame and serves on the Pro Football Hall of Fame Board of Trustees. The addition of a PGA Member as an at-large director brings additional expertise to the board, balances representation, increases diversity and enables Officers and the Board to recruit and cultivate talent. The at-large PGA Board Director also will increase Section representation. Powell will serve a term through the 2020 Annual Meeting.

PGA Championships The “Championship Season” has begun! The recently completed PGA Professional National Championship was the first of four championships in an eight-week stretch for the PGA of America. The PGA Championship will be played at Bethpage Black on Long Island May 16-19. This will be the first PGA Championship played in May and should be an outstanding event, especially with what took place at Augusta! The KitchenAid Senior PGA Championship will be hosted at Oak Hill Country Club in Rochester, New York, May 21-26. Paul Broadhurst will defend his title. Finally, the KPMG Women’s PGA Championship will be contested at Hazeltine National Golf Club in Chaska, Minnesota, June 20-23. It should be an exciting two months!

PGA.Coach If you haven’t visited PGA.Coach, I encourage you to do so. PGA.Coach is a vehicle to help PGA Professionals understand the American Development Model (ADM) principles and how to apply them at their facilities. PGA.Coach provides a short training program for the industry and coach-specific tools for PGA members. There is no cost for PGA.Coach. Just go to www.PGA.Coach and sign up for the training. After you complete the virtual training (which takes 2-3 hours), you will be given access to the PGA.Coach app. The app includes: •

Lesson planning, note taking and assessment tools for all ages and skill levels

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The ability to create your own lesson plans using over 150 different ADM inspired activities

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Preset lesson plans designed by ADM experts

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Assessments for all ages and skill levels

Ron Rawls, PGA District 9 Director PGA of America Head Professional Crane Creek CC

PGA Members will be eligible to earn MSR credits for completing the PGA.Coach training. continued on page 7

May 2019

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Membership News

Membership News An update on our Colorado PGA Members By the Numbers Members - 723 | Associates - 104 Total - 827 Male Members - 692 | Female Members - 35 11th out of 41 Sections 113 – Management positions (MP, A-4, A-9, A-11, A-13) 310 – Club Professionals (A-1, A-2, A-7, A-8) 109 – Instructors (A-6, A-10, A-12, A-14) 23 – Expanded Career Paths (A-15 thru A-24) 116 – Life Members (LM, LMM, LMA, LMMA) 56 – Other Categories (A-3, A-5, HM, IN, F, RM)

Generational Breakdown 1900-1926 - G.I.s 1 ( 0.1%) 1927-1945 - Traditionalists - 33 (4.6%) 1946-1964 - Baby Boomers - 243 (33.6%) 1965-1977 - Gen X - 198 (27.4%) 1978-1999 - Millennials - 248 (34.3%)

New Members

The Colorado PGA welcomes new members and associates to our Section on a regular basis. For some, this is the first time they have joined our Section while others may be returning. Please join us in welcoming them!

Morgan A. Berger, PGA | A-8 | Pine Creek Golf Course

David L. Good, PGA | A-23 | Dick’s Sporting Goods

Andrew M. Hebert, PGA | A-8 | Indian Peaks Golf Course

Samuel M. Siebert, PGA | A-8 | Denver Country Club

Class and Employment Changes

Colorado PGA members are always on the move. The following members have changed classification within the Section in the last month.

Craig Hatch, PGA | A-8 Heritage Eagle Bend Golf Club | previously at Green Valley Ranch Golf Club

Dennis McLaughlin, PGA | A-8 | Hay Creek Golf Club | previously at Hay Creek Golf Club

Eric M. Bradley, PGA | A-1 | Catamount Ranch & Club | previously at Black Bear Golf Club

Stephen M. VanDyke, PGA | A-4 | River Valley Ranch Golf Club | previously at Aspen Glen Club

Jason A. Franke, PGA | A-8 | Heritage Eagle Bend Golf Club | previously at Green Valley Ranch Golf Club

Jacques C. Deyoe, PGA | A-8 | Maroon Creek Club | previously at Aspen Glen Club

Geoffrey M. Keffer, PGA | A-8 | Lakewood Country Club | previously at Greater Golfer Development Center

On the Move

Colorado PGA members are always on the move. The following members have relocated outside of the Colorado PGA. We wish them the best of luck in their future endeavors.

Steven Johnson, PGA | A-13 | El Tigre Golf Club | Previously at Three Crown Golf Course

Aristides A. Papadopoulos, PGA | A-1 | Tam O’Shanter Golf Course | previously at Red Sky Golf Club

Brian P. Bussinger, PGA | A-8 | Chambers Bay | previously at The Golf Club at Devils Tower

Alexander J. Reynolds, PGA | A-8 | Thousand Oaks Golf Club | previously at Maroon Creek Club

Welcome Wagon

Welcome to the following members who have recently joined the Colorado PGA.

Jeff Covington, PGA | A-4 | Blackstone Golf Club | previously in the Minnesota Section

New Associates

The Colorado PGA welcomes our newly registered associates. Associates in the PGA of America are responsible for upholding the mission of the PGA, to establish and elevate the standards of the profession and to grow interest and participation in the game of golf.

Jason R. Maddox | Mariana Butte Golf Course | B-8

Evan M. Schultz | West Woods Golf Club | B-8

Edward J Sheptak | Eagle Ranch Golf Club | B-8

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Membership News

Kenealy Adds Expertise as Colorado PGA REACH Trustee T

he Colorado PGA Reach Foundation is pleased to announce the addition of three new trustees to its Board: Dr. Stephen Davis, Mike Talaga and Eric Kenealy.

The Board, which is made up of diverse business professionals, provides the leadership to carry out the Foundation’s mission of furthering the scope of the game of golf and fostering the growth of the mission of the Colorado PGA REACH Foundation.

“It is with great excitement that we introduce Eric Kenealy as a Trustee,” states Jim Hajek, PGA, Colorado PGA Vice President. “He brings a wealth of experience and expertise in his fields and understands the power the game of golf can have on others. He will be tremendous asset to our Foundation as we further our mission of supporting our PGA Professionals as they continue to make a difference in their local communities.”

Kenealy serves as Chairman of Mackinaw Holding Corporation, a private equity investment group specializing in acquiring and operating businesses in the Rocky Mountain region. He was a success operator of multiple Massage Envy locations from 2005 until 2019, recognized for developing several of the top performing stores in the United States. Kenealy began his career at Mid-States in 1982 where he served as Director of Transactional Services for the Illinois Credit Union League Service Corporation.

military support and diversity in the game we love,” says Kenealy.

Kenealy holds a BS in Accounting from Elmhurst College and an MBA in Finance from DePaul University.

He lives in Broomfield with his wife and their two sons. He enjoys golfing, fishing, camping, skiing and other outdoor activities.

“I look forward to serving on the Board of the Colorado PGA Reach and working to further youth development, continued from page 5 I can’t stress too much about the value of this platform. PGA.Coach will have a positive impact on your teaching and coaching, and on your development of young players. Don’t wait, visit PGA.Coach now!

I hope the season is starting out well for all of you. As we get locked into our day-to-day demands of our respective positions, I just hope we can all take some time and play this great game we love. For a lot of us, the love of playing is why we are in this business. As the demand of our daily jobs takes its toll, the challenge is to find time to play. I encourage all of you to find some time to play and to support your section and chapter events.

It is a great example of leadership to play this game. It is important to show our love for the sport and to teach those coming behind us that playing is still an important part of what we do. Go Play!!

Sincerely, Ron Rawls, PGA District 9 Director PGA of America Head Professional Crane Creek CC

May 2019

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Executive Director’s Message

Cats Have Nine, We Have One… O

n Sunday, April 28, we had eight of our fellow Colorado PGA Professionals tee it up in the 2019 PGA Professional Championship at Belfair in South Carolina. These six men and two women started with a goal, and possibly a dream, of qualifying for this Championship during our Colorado PGA Section Championship. For Sherry Andonian and Alexandra Braga, it was a first here in Colorado to have two women PGA Professionals qualify for this event. Although none of our Professionals made the cut, they competed, they went for it and gave it their best shot. And I am certain they each gained a lot of great experience they will use to their benefit in the future.

This issue of The SUMMIT focuses on Career Development. I cannot encourage you enough to take the time to read and learn from the experience of the PGA Professionals that we are featuring this month. Each of their careers started with a goal, a dream to take them where they want to go and what they want to achieve.

How about you? What’s your goal? What’s your dream? What steps are you taking to get there? Do you have a plan?

There is an ancient proverb that claims, “A cat has nine lives. For three he plays, for three he strays and for the last three, he stays.” As for us as human beings, last time I checked, we only have one life on this earth. Are you focused on making the most out of the one life you have? Are you pursuing your dream? Many choose like the cat to play at life, to stray, instead of being laser focused on what they truly want to accomplish. They sit on the sidelines hoping that things might happen, instead of taking charge and taking a chance on pursuing their goals and dreams.

This reminds me of a speech that Theodore Roosevelt delivered at the Sorbonne, in Paris, France, on April 23, 1910: “It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs, who comes short again and again, because there is no effort without error and shortcoming; but who does actually strive to do the deeds; who knows great enthusiasms, the great devotions; who spends himself in a worthy cause; who at the best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement, and who at the worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who neither know victory nor defeat.”

I look forward to seeing all of you in the arena! And we look forward to assisting you in any way we possibly can to help you achieve your goals and dreams.

Eddie Ainsworth, PGA CEO/Executive Director Colorado PGA eainsworth@pgahq.com

My congratulations to all eight of our Colorado PGA Professionals who played in the PPC! Way to Compete!!!

As always, please let us know how we can assist you. Hope to see you at our upcoming events.

Very Respectfully,

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

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Colorado PGA News

National Golf Foundation to Launch WELCOME2GOLF in Denver Market H

ow do we as an industry embrace some of the 47 million Americans who express an interest in playing golf, but haven’t taken that first step? The answer in the Denver area might just be a first-of-its-kind growth initiative called WELCOME2GOLF. A new promotional campaign created by the National Golf Foundation, WELCOME2GOLF is designed to help interested non-golfers figure out how and where to begin playing golf.

Denver was selected for the pilot program because of its strong golf community and its pool of over 600,000 non-golfers who have expressed an interest in trying traditional golf. The Colorado PGA has been a nationally recognized leader in player development efforts, including receiving the 2018 Herb Graffis award from the PGA of America, and has thrown its support behind the WELCOME2GOLF initiative along with the Colorado Golf Association and more than a dozen sponsors.

WELCOME2GOLF will be promoted throughout June and July with a paid, city-wide media campaign that includes ads on TV, in magazines such as 5280, AvidLifestyle and Rooster, as well as through social media and other digital channels. This extensive publicity effort is expected to yield around seven million impressions in the Denver market and drive interested non-golfers to welcome2golf.com. The website will then direct them to courses around the city, and facilitate sign-ups for player development programs and events for beginning golfers.

WELCOME2GOLF aspires to make the game of golf more welcoming, friendly and fun for everyone. It’s about erasing uncertainty and self-doubt through special events and offerings created to make newcomers feel comfortable with what can be an intimidating game. Content and beginner curriculum are being developed by instructional designers from Purdue University, with input from golf professionals and course operators.

Denver is just the first step -- call it starting at the top.

The program’s ultimate goal is connecting people nationwide with facilities where they can try golf. To that end, WELCOME2GOLF is aggressively building local networks of courses and facilities committed to embracing new customers and delivering golf experiences that drive retention.

The success of WELCOME2GOLF hinges on the enthusiasm and cooperation of everyone in the golf community.

We all share a common goal - create more golfers and grow the game. If WELCOME2GOLF works well, every golf business in the market should benefit.

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Colorado PGA News

Career Development Comes In Many Forms ~ PGA.Coach May Be Right For You “A

good coach will show you how to play the game; a great coach will show you how to play it for life,” says Bill Cowher, Super Bowl Winning Coach.

The era of specialized training is coming to an end; the transformation of sports is here. Through the PGA.Coach program, you can unlock greatness in yourself, in your students, in your business and in your facility and help lead this transformation in sports.

As we focus on Career Development, there are many different paths PGA Members can take to reach their goals. There are training and educational opportunities that will meet both your short-term and your long-term goals, as well as fill your needs for shorter, less-time intensive courses versus extensive, in-depth training.

One such less time-demanding option that is show impressive results is the PGA.Coach program. The course requires just 2-3 hours to complete the training; the course-work is done on your own time and at your own pace; it is free; you receive MSRs; and upon completion, Members have access to an extensive data-base of lesson plans, drills and assessments. Who doesn’t want a bank of proven activities to use when giving lessons?

The ultimate goal of the program is to maximize each athlete’s potential, create well-rounded athletes and develop principles that create life-long golfers for generations. It is a concerted effort to apply long-term athlete development principles in a way that resonates with the culture of sport in the United States.

PGA.Coach utilizes the American Development Model, which is believed to be essential for growing the sport.

It allows PGA Professionals to evolve and adapt to the changes in the game and to create passionate students and life-long golfers. The seven stages of ADM for the PGA are broken down into physical and physiological development levels. Using this strategy, the right skills, exercises and instruction can be delivered at the right time, leading to success for your students and your coaching program. Activities are delivered through fun, inclusive, multi-sport and developmentally appropriate activities, all of which are spelled-out in the lesson plans provided upon completion of the program.

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Twenty Colorado Section Members have already completed the training and are using the materials provided. They are: Brandon Howard, Legacy Ridge Golf Course; Eric Twesme, The Club At Pradera; Thomas Nosewicz, Meadow Hills Golf Course; Michael Weingartner, Thorncreek Golf Course; Thomas Young, Black Canyon Golf Club At Montrose; Tucker Campbell, Columbine Country Club; Austin Logan, Estes Park Golf Course; Bryan Marshall, Ironbridge Golf Club; Don Randall, The Meadows Golf Course; Anthony Vitale, PGA Jr. League Regional Manager; Miles Hains, Kennedy Golf Course; Christopher Hamilton, Kennedy Golf Course; Tim Mahoney, Club at Cordillera; Gary Hoffman, Murphy Creek Golf Course; Andrew Hebert, Indian Peaks Golf Course; Holly Champion, Colorado Section; Alexandra Braga, Denver Country Club; Pete Roach, Sonnenalp Golf Club; Jason Franke, Heritage Eagle Bend Golf Club; and Tara Morris, Country Club at Castle Pines.

As Many as Possible.

As Long as Possible.

With the Best Experience Possible.

If that motto resonates with you, then PGA.Coach might be a great Career Development tool for you to investigate. To find out more, visit www.PGA.Coach.

The SUMMIT

Colorado PGA News

Colorado PGA Continues to Set the Standard in Certified Professional Program Blass Earns Four Certifications This Winter

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he Colorado PGA has always been a leader in education and has led the way in members earning their CPP Certification since the program was launched. This off-season saw a number of Colorado PGA Professionals complete the Certification process.

Caleb Blass, Head Professional at The Broadmoor, completed his CPP coursework in all four disciplines; General Management, Golf Operations, Teaching & Coaching and Player Development. Erin Diegel, PGA Assistant Professional at Legacy Ridge Golf Course wrapped up a certification Golf Operations after having already earned a certification in Player Development.

Greg Kohr, PGA Head Professional at Heather Gardens Golf Course also completed the CPP program as he earned a certification in Player Development.

Certified PGA Professionals from Colorado Mark N. Bacheldor, PGA Ryan M. Bakken, PGA Steven R. Beach, PGA William J. Bernhardt, PGA Erik L Billinger, PGA Caleb S. Blass, PGA Alexandra R. Braga, PGA Lucas J. Brosterhous, PGA Gregory Bryan, PGA Tom F. Buzbee, PGA Tucker R.B. Campbell, PGA Douglas E Carlisle, PGA Jeffrey C. Carter, PGA John J. Cassidy, PGA Russell W. Clark, PGA Graham T. Cliff, PGA Joshua L. Coccagna, PGA Bryan M. Collins, PGA Douglas Cook, PGA Leslie J. Core-Drevecky, PGA Jeffery C. Corona, PGA Terry Dear, PGA Erin E. Diegel, PGA Jonathan L. Dron, PGA Richard E. Ellefson, PGA Billy D. Ellison, PGA Ryan Flamm, PGA Jeff E. Freebury, PGA Kenneth B. Gannaway, PGA James L. Hajek, PGA Jesse G. Hansen, PGA Andrew C. Hedrick, PGA

May 2019

“We are incredibly proud of the work that has been done by all of our Colorado PGA Professionals to earn their CPP Certification,” noted Colorado PGA President, Ben Welsh. “Education and professional development have always been important to our Section and I think that is reflected in the fact that so many of our members have gone through the program.”

Kohr became the 95th PGA Professional from the Colorado Section to earn CPP Certification. 13% of all Certified PGA Professionals are from the Colorado PGA, ranking the Section the highest in the PGA of America.

Russell R. Herndon, PGA Gary W. Hoffman, PGA George C. Kahrhoff, PGA Jeffery S. Kelly, PGA Kenneth M. Kettler, PGA Gregory W. Kohr, PGA Todd B. Laxson, PGA Matthew D. Lodwick, PGA Jaime M. MacDonald, PGA James W. MacDougall II, PGA Todd R. Marley, PGA Ed L. Marzec II, PGA Kirk R. Mease, PGA Michael K. Melena, PGA Randall L. Meyers, PGA Chad J. Miller, PGA Joshua G Miller, PGA James B. Milstead Jr., PGA Nathan C. Morris, PGA Tara G. Morris, PGA Cameron T. Morton, PGA Jason C. Murphy, PGA Dennis C. Murray, PGA Thomas B. Noonan, PGA Peter M. Norwood, PGA Patrick G. Nuber, PGA Stephen M. O'Brien, PGA Michael J. O'Donnell, PGA Daniel J. O'Shaughnessy, PGA Will Panella, PGA Tyler G. Parsloe, PGA Steve Patterson, PGA Joseph D. Pinson, PGA Remington D. Post, PGA

Jeff L. Rafferty, PGA Patrick Ruddy, PGA Steve Saulsbery, PGA Alan L. Saunders, PGA Matt D. Schalk, PGA Bradford B. Skupaka, PGA Jack E. Small, PGA Beau S. Smith, PGA Leighton T. Smith, PGA Daniel P. Sniffin, PGA Scott Sommers, PGA Keith E. Soriano, PGA Paul J. Surniak, PGA Christopher R Swinhart, PGA David M. Thompson, PGA Ty Thompson, PGA Visanu Tongwarin, PGA David Troyer, PGA Josh W. Troyer, PGA John R. Trujillo Jr., PGA Andrew M. Tucker, PGA Eric J. Twesme, PGA James C. Vaughn Samuel W. Veigele, PGA Nathan S. Vincent, PGA Kyle A. Voska, PGA Scott R. Wells, PGA Ben P. Welsh, PGA Rudolph T. Zupetz, PGA

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West Chapter News

Schafersman, Twarjan Elected to West Chapter Board of Directors I

t’s Spring-time in the Rockies, which means its that time of year when the Colorado PGA West Chapter elects its members to the West Chapter Board. On April 18, during the West Chapter Spring Memberships Meeting at Bookcliff Country Club in Grand Junction, Todd Schafersman, PGA, Head Professional at The Bridges of Montrose, and Max Twarjan, PGA, Director of Golf at Maroon Creek Club, were elected to serve two-year terms on the Board.

Schafersman has been a PGA Member since 2008 upon receiving his Bachelor’s Degree in Professional Golf Management from the University of Nebraska (Go Big Red!). His first Assistant positions were at the Fremont Golf Club and at Ptarmigan Country Club in Fort Collins before eventually landing at The Bridges Golf Club in Montrose as Head Professional.

Max Twarjan, PGA Director of Golf at Maroon Creek Club (left) and Todd Schafersman, PGA Head Professional at The Bridges Golf and Country Club (right) were recently elected as new members of the West Chapter Board of Directors.

When asked what it means to represent the West Chapter Members on the Board, Schafersman said, “It is a real honor to represent the West Chapter PGA Members and it means a great deal to me that the members trust me to communicate their ideas and concerns to the Board and to know that I have their best interests in mind. The West Chapter is a large territory with spectacular golf courses and awesome golf professionals. I am looking forward to being a positive influence to our Chapter.”

A native of New Hampshire, Twarjan began his career in golf at the young age of 12 working at local municipal and semi-private clubs. It was his B.S. in Adventure Education from Plymouth State University that led him West. After a brief spell out of golf, he has since been working at private clubs in the Roaring Fork Valley as Assistant and Head Professional and now Director of Golf. He feel fortunate that he had the opportunity to start at the bottom and work his way up to a position of responsibility at a Platinum Club of America.

“As PGA Professionals, we are tasked with being ambassadors of the game of golf and serve the people who play the game,” said Twarjan when asked what it means to be a West Chapter Board Member. “Being elected to the Board provides me the opportunity to serve my fellow members. I’m excited for the opportunity.”

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Twarjan’s goals for his time on the Board are to stay open minded while gathering information from fellow PGA Members to understand how they can be better served. He especially looks forward to being part of the team that will implement the governance structure provided by the PGA. Asked the same question, Schafersman indicated, “The West Chapter professionals have been known for their networking ability throughout the Chapter and Section.

The Colorado Section offers many resources that may not be fully utilized, and it is my goal to help educate others on how these resources can improve our facilities and our professionals. I am also interested in expanding upon the Western Slope Interclub, creating more competitive playing opportunities within a local setting.”

Both PGA Professionals will begin their tenure on the West Chapter Board at the Fall Membership Meeting on October 1.

Congratulations to these two PGA Professionals and thank you for your service!

The SUMMIT

Career News

Sisyphus, Signficance & Sovereignty

“Sisyphus, of course, was worried; he’d come to depend on his burden, he wasn’t sure who he was without it.” Sisyphus and the Sudden Lightness - Stephen Dunn In Greek mythology, Sisyphus was the evil and cunning king of Corinth, infamous for his trickery and for twice cheating death. He was punished by Zeus for his misdeeds in life by being condemned eternally to roll a heavy stone up a hill. As he neared the top, the stone would roll down again, so that his labor was everlasting and futile.

Great philosophers, poets and statesmen have weighed in on the modern-day applications of the legend of Sisyphus and his fruitless endeavor. Sisyphus has been painted as everything from a cautionary tale to a hero. I am, however, drawn to the point of view of poet Stephen Dunn, who saw Sisyphus as a man so engrossed in his meaningless, never-ending task, that he embraced the burden; and found his identity within it. Quite simply, for Dunn, Sisyphus was a man who became dependent on the work in front of him to define who he was.

Just as Dunn saw Sisyphus as being characterized by his work (in fact, the term Sisyphean Task was created to describe a futile endeavor), so many of us are guilty of allowing our work to define us. After “What’s your name?”, “What do you do?” might be the second-most frequently asked question. If it weren’t so customary, it might be perceived as odd or even rude. But it’s so common that most of us have a well-practiced elevator pitch of what we do for work. Given the emphasis that we place on our career choice, it’s no wonder that so many of us think that the significance of our title defines who we are; and how quickly the work that we do becomes the easiest way to describe who we are.

But what if your answer to what you do was more than what services you provide in exchange for monetary reward? What if there was a different way of thinking about it? Jennifer Ritter tells a story about studying abroad in Italy. Her Italian was conversational at best when she arrived and when she would ask someone “What do you do?,” she expected to hear about their job. What she got was their passions,

May 2019

hobbies, families, origin stories and more.

Those discussions opened an entirely new and fascinating perspective. Gregg Popovich, coach of the San Antonio Spurs, summed it up perfectly when asked by a reporter “What will be your legacy?”

“What’s my legacy? Food and wine. This is just a job.”

-Gregg Popovich What Jennifer and Gregg discovered is that you have sovereign power over how you see yourself. It doesn’t matter if you are a teacher, a manager, business owner, an employee, or even unemployed…you are more than that ‘title’. I am a Consultant, PGA Professional, Strategist, and Advocate, but those roles don’t define me or how I live my life. I am a Christian, husband, father, brother, son, and friend.

And you? You are the way you treat other people. You are the way you cheer others on and build others up. You are the things that make you happy and the smile on your face. You are the beliefs you have and the goals you strive toward. You are the confidence you deserve to have about yourself. You are your hopes and dreams. You are the person you want to become.

I love writing these for you; but this is just my job, Keith Soriano, PGA PGA of America PGA Career Consultant Serving the Colorado & Utah Sections of the PGA

Keith Soriano, PGA, is a PGA Career Services Consultant serving the Colorado and Utah Sections. He can be reached at (720) 841-1006 or ksoriano@ pgahq.com.

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Career Development

his off-season we re-thought the concept of our monthly magazine. We wanted to create a medium where we could highlight some of our outstanding PGA Professionals. We wanted to get their input on topics that were near and dear to their hearts while also pushing them to share stories that would often remain un-told.

This month, we reached out to a number of PGA Professionals who we believe have made great strides in their career. These stories vary from member to member. We hear about setting an early goal to be a Master Professional from Bill Hughes, the GM at the Country Club of the Rockies. We learn about finding a mentor from Alan Abrams, PGA Director of Golf at Indian Tree Golf Club. We find out what it takes to make a career transition from Ed Oldham, PGA Director of Instruction from The Ranch Country Club and Kelly Deimund, PGA Sales Rep with Club Glove/Levelwear.

Check out all of that and much more in this special Career Development Feature of The SUMMIT magazine.

People Key to Kelbel’s Career Meet Mark Kelbel, PGA

Mark Kelbel, PGA, Head Professional at The Broadmoor, had few stops along the way in his distinguished career.

As an assistant, he worked in Naples, Fla., at Hole In The Wall Golf Club. From there, he spent the next decade as Head Professional on Mackinac Island in Michigan at The Jewel at the Grand Hotel. Kelbel could be found at The Broadmoor Golf Club in Colorado Springs as the Head Professional for the last 19 years.

When asked what the key to his getting his current position, he stressed the following three things: He wrote a letter to Russ Miller, PGA, Broadmoor Director of Golf, expressing his interest in the position. Miller indicated that his letter was the single best-written letter he had ever received.

Kelbel’s experience at The Grand Hotel was extremely varied and widespread. He did everything from score tournaments and merchandising to teaching, accounting, playing with VIP’s and much more. This broad experience helped him build his confidence to the level that he was able to take the next step.

Finally, he was humble during his interview process. His approach of explaining that he could learn from the various accomplished members already on staff served him well.

How important was finding a mentor to your career growth and why?

In Kelbel’s Words: Having my father and brother as my mentors was the single most important reason for my success. I am a huge believer in everybody needing and benefiting from having a mentor. This person should primarily be a cheerleader and encourager while, at the same time, holding accountable. It was important for me to learn how a professional and a man in general should conduct himself. I never had far to look. Since losing them both, I have been fortunate to have had numerous people in the PGA and from our Broadmoor membership step up to care about me and serve as a mentor. I am extremely grateful for their impact on my life and career.

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The SUMMIT

Special Career Development Feature

Deimund Creates Work-Life Balance Through Career Transition Meet Kelly Deimund, PGA

Kelly Deimund, PGA, Independent Sales Representative for Club Glove and Levelwear, began her career at The Club at Cordillera and spent her first eight years working her way through the positions of shop assistant, merchandiser, Assistant Professional and lastly 1st Assistant Professional. From there, she moved to Country Club of the Rockies as Assistant Professional, running women’s golf events and instructional programs until 2015. For 10 years, Deimund did double-duty, working at the club while also taking on the responsibilities of an independent sales representative. She has worked with LIJA, Marbas, Straight Down and Lisette-L/Swing Control. Since 2015, Deimund’s focus has been solely that of a sales representative. She currently reps for Club Glove and Levelwear.

How have you handled a career transition? Please explain.

In Deimund’s Words: When I started in the golf industry, I aspired to become a head professional or a general manager. I was fortunate to work for a female head professional who became an influential mentor in my life. I saw a strong need for more women in leadership in our industry. However, as my priorities changed in my personal life, I wasn’t sure the demands of a club professional’s schedule would allow me to balance work and life. My head professional would allow me to assist in merchandise buying and invited me to attend trade shows with her. It was here I started to consider the possibility of working in sales as a manufacturer’s representative. On a buying trip to Orlando in 2005, I met a sales manager looking for a Colorado rep. Without hesitation I said, “What about me?”

That short exchange started me on a new and exciting path in the golf industry - although it hasn’t been without its challenges. Most sales reps work solely on commission and you don’t get paid until the product ships. They are not reimbursed for expenses, such as travel or trade shows, and many have to pay for their samples. The initial start-up can be very costly. For this reason, I decided to continue working as a club professional to guarantee a regular paycheck. Juggling both jobs was a lot of work, but manageable due to

May 2019

the small size of the line and the shorter season of the Vail Valley. I had also taken a new position that offered a more flexible schedule and they were extremely supportive of my other commitments.

As my business grew, so did my rapport with many buyers and professionals in the territory. I started getting approached by other lines to represent their product. There have been many years of trial-and-error to find the right merchandise mix. I need to make sure I can give the line its due diligence, while not compromising my other brands, and keep my sales presentation manageable and time-efficient. I have been fortunate to work for some excellent companies and my business has reaped the benefits - but I was now working two full-time jobs, and something had to give. I was better equipped to focus on sales fulltime, so in 2015, I resigned from my position as a club professional.

I feel very blessed to work in the golf industry and even more thankful that my career can transition with my changing priorities. Working from a home office and traveling often can be a bit lonely and you have to be self-motivated, organized and very goal-oriented.

Yet, the sales business offers a great deal of flexibility, introduces you to dynamic people and places, and has incredible earning potential. I look forward to many more years ahead … but if my path shifts again, I’m certain that this experience will only better prepare me for the next opportunity.

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Special Career Development Feature

Career Development is All About Opportunities Meet Doug McNeil As a 31-year Member of the PGA of America, Doug McNeil, PGA, Manager of Golf at the City of Aurora, has had the occasion throughout his career to work at all kinds of facilities from municipal courses, to private clubs and even high-end resorts. He started his golf experiences at a municipal course and has been fortunate to return to what he found to be his passion … a municipal course. His opportunities introduced him to facilities in Kansas, Arizona, Texas and Colorado.

McNeil believes that the key to him landing his current position with the City of Aurora was a combination of things – his extensive experience at a variety of facility types combined with his passion for wanting to get back to the municipal side of the business.

What recommendations would you give to members or associates just entering the profession?

In McNeil’s Words: Career development is all about opportunities. It’s not so much about waiting for the right opportunity as it is about creating those opportunities for yourself. Each day is an opportunity to showcase your skills. You can make the most of each day by going above and beyond or you can treat it as another routine day. Those that consistently take their service to another level will likely be the ones to see more career opportunities come their way. It’s important to conduct yourself with a sense that you are always being watched. Whether it’s your employer, fellow employees or anyone walking through the door, each interaction paints a picture in their mind of what kind of person you are. You need to make the most of those interactions, no matter how insignificant they may seem. When a potential employer is considering you for a career advancement opportunity, you never know who they might reach out to for a character reference.

They may not know anyone close to you, but they may

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know people who are your regular customers.

When advancement opportunities come along, have an open mind to experiencing different types of facilities. I started out at a municipal course, moved to private clubs and then on to high-end resorts. In the end, I found my way back to my true passion, municipal golf. Each experience along my journey allowed me to see different sides of the golf business and learn from some of the most respected people in the industry.

The more experiences you have, the easier it is to know what environment will allow you to flourish.

On a final note, when you start to advance in your career and begin to manage people, I can’t emphasize enough the importance of showing your employees how much you appreciate what they bring to the organization and how much you value their input. Your approach needs to be genuine. We all have an inherent need to be appreciated. As managers, we often think we have the answers. More times than not, your staff has the best answers.

The SUMMIT

Special Career Development Feature

Learning Something New Every Day Allowed Oldham to Reach His Goals Meet Ed Oldham, PGA Ed Oldham, PGA, grew up in North Platte, Nebraska. The summer before his junior year in high school, he worked at North Platte Country Club for Head Professional Richard Skinner. It was then that he decided that he would pursue a career in the golf business.

Oldham got a job as an Assistant Professional at The Ranch Country Club in the fall of 1982 after working a season at Rifle Creek Golf Course. At The Ranch, he was an assistant for eight years, moved into the Head Professional position for 27 years, before becoming the Director of Instruction in 2018. Throughout his career, teaching has been his passion and it continues to be today.

How did you set your career goals early in your career and what did you do to achieve them?

In Oldham’s Words: My dad was a high school and college coach and eventually became a PGA Member. I was influenced by a great high school basketball coach that I played for, Doug Schakel.

Also, my first golf contact, Richard Skinner, was a good teacher. All of those influences inspired me to be a teacher and a coach. When I entered the business, there was no such thing as a Director of Instruction, so my career track was to be a Head Professional, although teaching golf was what I really wanted to do.

When I was an Assistant at The Ranch, the Head Professional didn’t really like to teach so I was able to teach a lot of lessons. He wasn’t really a great mentor to me for teaching, so I had to seek knowledge on my own. Back then, it was mostly books and I read everything I could find to learn more about teaching. When I became the Head Professional, I was able to afford to travel around the country and spend time with some of the top teachers. Over the years, I watched Hank Haney, Butch Harmon, Mike Malaska, Jim Flick, Dr. Jim Suttie and Bill Harmon to name a few. I would encourage young professionals to shadow other teachers as I think it is a great way to learn.

I still read a lot of books. There are a ton of resources available on the internet for young teachers to learn.

Learn from a variety of sources. There are Facebook groups for teachers, several good podcasts and plenty of certification programs. Read books from teachers that you like and from teachers who teach something that you don’t agree with. Learn about how people learn, about marketing and how to read body language. I have completed four certifications in the past seven months plus completed an online class through Penn State University on the biomechanics of golf.

I try to learn something every day. I get up early and while I’m having my coffee, I’m watching video or reading.

That’s my learning time. I listen to podcasts driving to and from work. I think to be a successful teacher, you can never stop learning.

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Special Career Development Feature

Learning From the Best PGA Professionals Key to Collins’ Long Career Meet Larry Collins, PGA

Larry Collins’, PGA, General Manager at TPC Colorado, career began as a professional player spanning four-years playing the international tours including Asia, South American and the Australian/New Zealand Tour, as well as the mini-tours throughout the United States. His PGA career started a short time later in Southern California in 1983. At that time, he joined the PGA Tours TPC Network. Over the next seven-year period, he served at six TPCs, including TPC Sawgrass.

In 1992, Collins returned to Colorado as Director of Golf at Boulder Country Club. From there, he joined Omni Hotels and Resorts, serving as Director of Golf at the Omni Interlocken Golf Club. In 2017, he rejoined the PGA Tour with the privilege of opening TPC Colorado in the position of the General Manager. His 36-years as a PGA Professional were filled with many experiences including the opening of five clubs and hosting 16 PGA Tours, Champions Tours and LPGA Tour events. This month, Collins will be retiring from the golf industry but will remain active at the club in the role of General Manager Emeritus supporting TPC Colorado.

How important was finding a mentor to your career growth and why?

Larry Collins, PGA General Manager at TPC Colorado rejoined the TPC Network in 2017. He will be retiring this month from the position but will continue to serve as General Manager Emeritus.

each leaving a profound impact on my work and personal life. From each relationship, their willingness to share their wealth of knowledge in the business of golf, how to balance the demands of career, family and even “keeping up your game” has had a lasting effect on me. Through many discussions and teamwork, they nurtured my characteristic of wisdom and guided me as to when and how to apply the knowledge I learned.

Mentors, those humble individuals who take the time to invest in your life, are everywhere. They tend to fly under the radar but will always find the time to listen and speak to your life. I would advise any young PGA Professional to seek individuals to “do life with.”

If you’re looking to advance in the private, resort or public arena, then reach out to the best in our Colorado Section and meet with them periodically. Rarely will a professional turn down that invitation. And the leading question is quite simple. “How did you get to where you are?” My answer is this is through determination, stamina and a desire to make a positive difference in the lives of people I came in contact with while utilizing my strengths that have been slowly developed over my 36 years of service in the golf industry.

In Collins’ Words: Early in my career, I was counseled that it was not only important to find the type of facility that would best suit your professional ambitions (private, public or resort) but more importantly to work under and learn from the best PGA Professionals you can find. The names of PGA Professionals whom I would call mentors are simply too many to mention,

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The SUMMIT

Special Career Development Feature

Soriano Notes Creative Ways of Recruiting New Employees What are some best practices in recruiting new people to the golf industry (or your facility)?

PGA Career Services is expanding its recruiting efforts across the entire spectrum of future talent. From introducing the PGA PGM Programs to junior golfers of all skill levels through Junior Tours, Drive, Chip, & Putt and PGA Junior League, to sponsoring NCAA, NAIA and Junior College events, we are creating an awareness campaign that we believe will continue to funnel people into the industry who are passionate about the game of golf and the impact it has on families and communities.

I spend a lot of time on both sides of the employment equation; with employers looking for new talent and with individuals seeking new opportunities. The following are a collection of creative recruiting tactics that are in use both inside and outside of our industry

• Signing and Retention Bonuses This is a creative way to offer incentives to potential new talent without impacting your bottom line.

o Say you have $29,120 in the budget for a full-time position ($14/hour X 2,080 hours). Consider offering the position at $13/hour and offer the following:

 $1,000 signing bonus  $13/hour  Up to $1,000 retention bonus paid at 1-year anniversary (contingent upon a positive performance review)

 You should have some language in the employment agreement to protect yourself if the

person leaves within the first year… $1,000 signing bonus = $84/Month, so if they left or were fired after the sixth month of employment, there would be no retention bonus and the $1,000 signing bonus would be prorated with the balance being deducted from their final check – something like that.

Asking an hourly employee to either move or take on a longer commute is a big ask. The upfront money could help with relocation or down payment on a new apartment and it doesn’t compromise your bottom line.

Student Loan Repayment Outside of the golf industry, we’re seeing significant increases in companies who offer retirement or 401k packages who are instead offering to match contributions that will be directed towards the employee’s student loans.

- 76% of Millennials surveyed indicated that this would be a significant benefit and could be the deal breaker for employment.

Health and Well-Being Included in this segment, beyond gym memberships or the opportunity to use the club fitness center when it’s closed to Members, are educational opportunities, career development planning and flexible work schedules. I personally have seen the positive effects of moving a team of assistant golf professionals from the standard golf work week to working four days on, three days off. With the appropriate planning, communication and cross training, you can offer a workplace with significant flexibility that can be attractive to new talent.

May 2019

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Special Career Development Feature

Mentorship Key to Abrams’ 52-years in the Golf Industry Meet Alan Abrams, PGA

Alan Abrams, PGA, Golf Operations Manager and Director of Golf at Indian Tree Golf Club, started playing golf when he was just 8-years old and at 13, he began working at a golf facility for his uncle, a PGA Professional at Highland Hills Golf Course in Greeley, Colorado. That was the start of a passion and a career.

From 1973 through 1976, Abrams played golf for the University of Northern Colorado where he earned a bachelor’s degree in teaching. He continued to work at Eaton Country Club and Villa De Paz in Phoenix, Arizona. It was in 1978 that he decided to make golf his career and turned professional, becoming a PGA Professional in 1983. This milestone shaped both his career and his personal life.

Abrams has worked at Indian Tree Golf Club in Arvada since 1980. Under the mentorship of Vic Kline, PGA, Life Member, he developed and defined a deeper love for the game – especially teaching juniors – and became active in the Colorado Section.

What recommendations would you give to members or associates just entering the profession? And What are your most valuable talents and skills?

In Abram’s Words: Vic Kline, PGA, has been the key to my successes. I got lucky, I wasn’t looking for a mentor, but he saw something in me and he allowed me to make my mistakes, always patted me on the back, gave me the “learning lessons” from those mistakes and then sent me back out. Something he always said to me and it still sticks today was, “You will always get tenfold back what you put in.” I continue today to seek his advice.

under his guidance, and now, I’ve been employed here for 39 years. Today, I currently hold the position of Golf Operations Manager and Director of Golf at Indian Tree.

Some of my highest honors were to represent the Colorado Section Membership as their Section President from 2007- 2009. And, in 1997 I was selected as the PGA National Junior Leader.

And two accomplishments I’m very proud of are from 1984 through 1998 when I designed, developed and taught a “Golf in Elementary Schools” program that took golf professionals to the elementary schools to provide students with an introduction to golf during their physical education classes. These classes were taught on a “mini driving range” set up on the playground or soccer field. This program became very popular and it introduced over 10,000 Denver metro youngsters to the game of golf.

I also designed and implemented a “Junior Golf Information Line” that created a database of all junior golf lessons, programs, clinics, tournaments, camps, etc. in Colorado. This information was something I felt was needed at the time and was made available to parents and educators, free of charge, to assist them in finding ways to get their children involved in junior golf.

Fifty-two years in golf…I have been blessed.

I encourage anyone starting in any field to find that person(s) who will help your future. It was and still is so helpful to me.

I started as the 2nd Assistant Golf Professional for Vic

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The SUMMIT

Special Career Development Feature

Relationships Drive Golf Business According to Voska Meet Kyle Voska, PGA Starting at 16 years old, Kyle Voska, PGA, Instructor at The Links Golf Course, worked at public and private courses in three different states (Ohio, Florida and Colorado). He held just about every position at golf courses including facility specialist, caddy, assistant professional and head professional. Like most golf professionals, he admits to cleaning his fair share of golf cars, golf shops and restrooms.

In 2006, Voska started his PGA journey at the course he worked at when he was 16, becoming a PGA Member in 2009. Just over five years ago, his wife had an opportunity to move to Denver to better her career and make their family life a lot better. Shortly thereafter, he was lucky to find a home as an Assistant Professional at The Links Golf Course in Highlands Ranch. Bill and Sandy Loeffler, Jason Brandt and Rob Hunt welcomed him into their golf family and allowed him to grow. Fortunately, he was able build his student base and player development programs to turn his focus solely on teaching. This is his fourth year being an A-6 and Voska is happy to say it’s going great and he loves it.

What recommendations would you give to members or associates just entering the profession?

In Voska’s Words: First, I’d highly recommend networking to meet as many golf professionals as you can. As someone new in the profession, most likely, you’ll be changing positions/courses every few years as opportunities arise. If the hiring professionals know who you are, you have a much better chance at getting an interview. Go to as many meetings, seminars, tournaments and events as you can.

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Second, learn as much as you can from other golf professionals. For me, I was lucky in the fact that I worked in a park district that had over 20 golf professionals at seven courses including three Master Professionals. It was a wealth of knowledge. If you don’t currently work in a setting like that, I recommend seeking out 2-4 golf professionals each off-season.

Call them and see if you could meet them at their club or offer to buy them lunch somewhere. In an hour or two, you can learn quite a bit. Eventually, as you narrow down your career path, you can fine-tune the professionals you seek out.

Third, our industry is based around a recreational game. What this means is our customers have the opportunity to do whatever they want with their time and money. The best golf professionals do a wonderful job building relationships, being friendly to new guests at their facilities, training their staff to follow their lead and they make sure their customers feel like they are just as important over-the-phone/internet as they are in person. While it’s more enjoyable to be off our devices, it’s imperative to respond to messages/emails in a timely fashion. Nowadays, customers have options, want quick answers and if they feel ignored, they can easily jump to the next option. You probably can’t respond in full detail all the time, but sending a quick note acknowledging their existence can pay huge dividends.

And last, set up a time to meet with Keith Soriano, our PGA Section Career Consultant. Not only is Keith a great guy, he will offer you priceless advice on how to further your career.

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Special Career Development Feature

Working Smarter is the Key to Success for Walker

photo courtesy of GOLFTEC

Meet Ty Walker, PGA Ty Walker, PGA, Regional Manager with GOLFTEC, will achieve membership in the PGA of America’s Quarter Century Club in 2021. He began his days as an apprentice at Aspen Golf Course in 1990, spent a few years back in his home-state of Illinois before becoming the first employee of GOLFTEC in 1996.

From instructor to center manager to director of instruction, Walker is currently regional manager at GOLFTEC-Denver Tech Center.

According to Walker, the key to his success was focusing on teaching and coaching while building long-term relationships through excellent service and a commitment to improvement. His calling card is to always go the extra degree to help people reach their goals. He believes that if you go the extra degree in life, you can make a difference in the lives of others.

How have you seen the industry change in terms of work/life balance in your career? What’s the difference between working hard and being busy?

In Walker’s Words: Since I am approaching the Quarter Century Club mark as a PGA member, I can say that the landscape in the golf business has dramatically changed in the past few decades, along with the entire world. As a young Apprentice, we had a paper schedule book and time clock, and now, it is all electronic and available online. We faxed new forms across the country, and now, we email letters, photos and video clips across the world in seconds. We used

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to keep track of your Fairways, Greens in Reg and Putts, and now, it is your Strokes Gained and Trackman data. I have been fortunate that my career at GOLFTEC has allowed me to have a healthy balance of working hard to grow a new business and experiencing other exciting life highlights.

The game of golf has afforded me the opportunity to play amazing courses all over this great planet with friends and family members and to be able to reciprocate my passion for the game by teaching and mentoring other golf professionals. However, as my responsibilities grow at work/home, my time to devote to my game and playing has taken a back seat. I am striving to find that balance between expectations and enjoyment. It has been amazing to be a PGA Member during the Tiger era and what he has done for the game of golf and our careers.

Working hard is important but working smarter is the key to success. Learning to delegate and give others ownership will only help develop an improved culture and promote advancement and retention. Usually when you are busy, you are doing the things you want to do and the things you are good at doing. This “busy work” is easiest to do but does not challenge growth as an individual. Make sure you make time for developing yourself and making sure you are doing valuable work.

Find a mentor and take a time management class to continue your lifelong development. Most people will define work ethic as what you do when no one is watching.

The SUMMIT

Special Career Development Feature

Plain Leans On Mentorship from Outside Golf as Key to Her Success Meet Alice Plain, PGA

In 1990, Alice Plain, PGA, Director of Golf at Vail Golf Club, began her golf career working as an outside staff person at the Sonnenalp Golf Course in Edwards, Colorado. Playing collegiate golf at Oklahoma State University provided a strong foundation for a possible career in golf. Thirty years ago, management in the golf industry was dominated by men and, unfortunately, this has not changed in recent years. In 1992, Plain made the decision to apply to be a PGA Apprentice. Attending the PGA business school was interesting as she was typically one of four females out of 300 men in the room. However, having grown up playing competitive golf against men for most of her childhood and even in her first Alice Plain, PGA Director of Golf at Vail Golf Club works with a student on the practice range. year in collegiate golf, she felt comfortable and strong that she could compete in a male dominated industry. Plain applied for the Director of Golf position at the Vail Golf Club in Vail, Colorado, 12 years ago. Her competition was eight other qualified men. She was prepared and ready to earn her dream position in the golf industry and just three days later, the job was hers.

According to Plain, the key to her success in golf and the ability to retain her position at the Vail Golf Club is empowering her staff, dealing with adversity, being prepared, innovative, enthusiastic and willing to work together with the Vail Recreation District managers and employees.

How important was finding a mentor to your career growth and why?

In Plain’s Words: Finding a mentor was a key to my success. It is vital to have someone in your life who is able to give you guidance, direction and thoughtful criticism. A mentor is someone you can rely on to learn from and share ideas to help you reach your highest potential.

My mentor is a good friend, not in the golf industry but in the recreation field. He helped me prepare for job interviews, guiding me through the process. Throughout the first couple years of my position at the Vail Golf Club, my mentor was a sounding board for me with the many challenges that arose.

As my career has evolved in the golf industry, my mentor continues to be an important part of my life and continues to provide valuable advice. Now, as I mature in my career, I have become a mentor to young golf professionals. This is an important cycle. We need to help our Associates and PGM, PGA golf professionals. We need to share our knowledge and experience with our young people and take pride in what we are teaching them.

I can’t imagine my career without a mentor. I encourage all individuals to find a mentor if you do not have one. On the flip side, mentoring someone is rewarding and fulfilling for you as you progress in your career.

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Special Career Development Feature

Hughes Set Early Goal of Becoming PGA Master Professional Meet Bill Hughes, PGA Bill Hughes, PGA, became a PGA of America Member in 1984 after an accomplished career playing junior, collegiate, amateur and professional golf. In 1995, Hughes joined an elite group of PGA Professionals when he was named the 169th PGA Master Professional in the history of the association.

Hired by the PGA TOUR in 1996, Hughes served in a number of capacities including Chief Operating Officer/ General Manager at TPC Southwind in Memphis, Tennessee; TPC River’s Bend, Cincinnati, Ohio; TPC Craig Ranch in Dallas, Texas; and in 2006, arrived at TPC Sawgrass, the PGA TOUR’s Flagship property located in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida, to oversee construction of the 110,000 sq. ft. clubhouse, extensive renovations of both the PLAYERS Stadium and Dye’s Valley golf courses while repositioning TPC Sawgrass and the PGA TOUR Brand worldwide.

Hughes has been recognized by the PGA of America with several awards including: Junior Golf Leadership, The Bill Strausbaugh and Golf Professional of the Year on more than one occasion. Mr. Hughes was also the inaugural recipient of the American Junior Golf Association’s General Manager of the Year Award in 2013.

After a 22-year career with the PGA TOUR, the last 12 as Chief Operating Officer and General Manager at TPC Sawgrass, Hughes recently retired from the PGA TOUR and is currently Chief Operating Officer/ General Manager of the Country Club of the Rockies in Edwards, Colorado.

How did you set your career goals early in your career and what did you do to achieve them?

In Hughes’s Words: I set a goal of becoming a PGA Master Professional before I knew what a PGA Master Professional actually was. Playing in the Toledo Junior Golf Association’s inaugural year in 1970, I met a PGA Professional that, in hindsight, changed my entire professional career path. His name is Don Kotnik, an early PGA Master Professional from Toledo Country Club in Toledo, Ohio. The position he held at TCC, the prominence he had within the golf community and the respect others had of him made a lasting impression on me. PGA education seemed to be a great separator from your peers and created a pathway to success even back in the early days of the PGA Master Professional program.

After years of junior golf, collegiate golf and professional golf, I awoke one day to the realization

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that my dream to become a PGA Professional, and one day a PGA Master Professional, may be right in front of me. The journey began in South Florida in 1981 with a PGA Professional at Pompano Beach Country Club named Roger Kennedy, who simply believed in me and provided a young man a job as starter/ranger to get his foot in the door. After three years in South Florida as an Assistant Professional, completing the business schools, moving to the Breakers Resort as an Assistant Professional and searching for that mentor that could help propel my career, another legendary PGA Professional named Bob Ross Jr. walked into my life. Pine Tree Golf Club, Boynton Beach, became another separator in my career. This assistantship lead to a wonderful Head Professional position in my home state of Ohio a few years later that fueled this journey of lifelong learning.

After 10 years as a PGA Head Professional, it was a very proud day when I was recognized as the 169th PGA Master Professional in 1995. I had no idea that completing the highest levels of PGA education would put my career on a completely different trajectory.

This action, combined with the development of PGA of America’s Career Links initiative, would converge as I was hired by the PGA TOUR in 1996 as the COO/GM of TPC Southwind in Memphis. TPC Southwind played host to the annual PGA TOUR FedEx St. Jude Classic.

Recently, after 23 years as a COO/Regional Director/ GM for the Tournament Players Clubs/PGA TOUR, hosting over 125 PGA TOUR events, building two TPC golf courses, constructing the new Clubhouse at TPC Sawgrass, renovating both Pete Dye golf courses including hosting 13 PLAYERS Championships and repositioning the PGA TOUR/TPC Sawgrass brand as COO/GM at TPC Sawgrass, I am honored and blessed each and every day of my life to be a PGA Professional.

For me, it was simple. Separation through PGA education is an absolute must for anyone wanting to compete for the best jobs in this country. A PGA Membership is just not enough in this day and age with 25,000 PGA Members and 4,000 Associates. What is going to separate YOU from the other 100 resumes for the position you seek? PGA education is the answer, for starters.

The SUMMIT

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May 2019

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Tournament News

Registration Open For Colorado PGA Major Championships Colorado PGA Women’s Championship Glenmoor Country Club June 19-20, 2019 Registration Deadline – June 14, 2019 Click here for more information

National Car Rental Colorado Assistant Professional Championship Walnut Creek Golf Preserve July 29 - July 30, 2019 Registration Deadline - July 10, 2019 Click here for more information

Colorado Senior PGA Professional Championship Inverness Golf Club August 12-13, 2019 Registration Deadline - July 24. 2019 Click here for more information

Colorado PGA Professional Championship Meridian Golf Club September 9-11, 2019 Registration Deadline – August 21, 2019 Click here for more information

Colorado PGA West Chapter Championship Aspen Glen Club Oct 1-2, 2019 Registration Deadline – September 28, 2019 Click here for more information

EC2 TEE GIFTS

custom starts here

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Build your own EC2 Tee Gift from start-to-finish for an individual, your foursome or the entire field.

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Tournament News

Weather Plays a Major Factor in Early Season Tournaments Four-Way Tie atop Lakewood Country Club Leaderboard

Mother Nature finally cooperated with the Colorado PGA Tournament Schedule as we hosted the Lakewood Country Club Pro Am presented by Breckenridge Distillery on Monday, May 6, 2019. A strong field of players were tested on quick greens.

Four players were able to post rounds of one-over-par 72. Those four players were; Chris Johnson, PGA General Manager at The CC at Woodmoor; Brian Gott, PGA Director of Instruction at Gott Golf; Kyle Voska, PGA Instructor at The Links Golf Course; and Ben Lanting, Associate Professional at Bear Creek Golf Club.

In the team event, Gott was able to lead his team to a seven-shot victory. Gott partnered with Mike Horan, Stan Martinez and Derek Sevier. In second place was Kirk Trowbridge, PGA Instructor at MetaGolf Learning Center who partnered with Adam Kuzinski, Darren Rowell, and Bill Feldhake. Trowbridge and his team posted an eleven-under-par 131.

Thanks to Ben Honaman, PGA Head Professional at Lakewood Country Club for hosting the event.

Click here to access the leaderboard Cole Wins Stroke Play #3 at Collindale GC It was a tight race on Monday, April 15 at Collindale Golf Course for the third Stroke Play event of the year.

At 3-under-par 68, Rick Cole, PGA Head Professional at Eaton Country Club claimed the top spot. In a tie for second place at 2-under-par 69 were Ron Vlosich, PGA Life Member, and Ben Honaman, PGA Head Professional at Lakewood Country Club rounding out the top 3.

rounds of 72 and 73, respectively.

Thank you to hosts Michael Bratcher and Bryan Heim, PGA General Manager and PGA Head Professional, their staff and the membership of Columbine Country Club for hosting the event.

Click here for the Leaderboard.

No April Fool's Joke ~ Bakken and Schalk Tie at Boulder Country Club Ryan Bakken, PGA Assistant Professional at Thorncreek Golf Course, and Matt Schalk, PGA General Manager at Colorado National GC, both carded even par rounds of 70 to share first-place by four strokes at the first Stroke Play event of the season at Boulder Country Club. In a five-way tie for third place and carding 4-over-par 74’s was Paul Lobato, PGA Head Professional at Meridian Golf Club; Kyle Voska, PGA Instructor at the Links Golf Course; Mark Avery, PGA Head Professional at the Pinery Country Club; and Seth Zacks, Assistant Professional at the Golf Club at Ravenna.

In the optional Pro-Pro Contest utilizing Four-Ball stroke play (best ball) the team of Ryan Bakken and Mike Weingartner, PGA Assistant Professionals at Thorncreek Golf Course, squeaked out first-place in the team contest by one stroke carding a 4-under-par round of 66. On the heels of Ryan and Mike were the teams of Jason Witczak, PGA Instructor at the Club at Pradera and Kyle Voska; Matt Schalk and Stewart Koch, PGA Assistant Professional at Colorado National Golf Course rounded out the top 3 with rounds of 67 and 68, respectively.

Thank you to host Kevin Bolles, PGA Director of Golf, his staff and the membership of Boulder Country Club for hosting the event.

Thank you to host Vince Buelk, PGA Director of Golf at Collindale Golf Course and the City of Fort Collins for hosting the event.

Click here for the Leaderboard.

Click here for the Leaderboard.

Unfortunately, Mother Nature did not cooperate for the first two Pro-Ams of the year. Both the Inverness GC Pro-Am and Valley CC Pro-Am were cancelled due to unseasonable weather conditions.

Lanting Triumphs at Columbine CC for Stroke Play #2 Mother Nature provided another good day for spring golf on Monday, April 8 at Columbine Country Club for the Stroke Play #2. Ben Lanting, Assistant Professional at Bear Creek Golf Club carded the only under par round of the day to triumph with a 1-under-par 71.

Kevin Bolles, PGA Director of Golf at Boulder Country Club; and Barry Milstead, PGA Head Professional at Valley Country Club rounded out the top 3, carding

May 2019

Mother Nature Uncooperative for April Pro-Ams

The Inverness GC Pro-Am has been re-scheduled as a Pro-1(one) Am on Monday, October 28. Stay tuned regarding a possible Valley CC re-schedule date!

Click here for more info and to register for the Inverness GC Pro-1 Am.

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YOUR MOUNTAIN SPIRIT BOURBON

PORT CASK FINISH

PX SHERRY CASK FINISH

PX SHERRY CASK FINISH

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Tournament News

Dow Finsterwald Colorado PGA OMEGA Player of the Year 1 | Doug Rohrbaugh | AndersonOrd Apparel | 1,170 2 | Caine Fitzgerald | Meadow Hills Golf Course | 1,003.65 3 | Ryan Bakken | Thorncreek Golf Course | 910.30 4 | Barry Milstead | Valley Country Club | 705 5 | Eric Bradley | Catamount Ranch and Club | 675.70 6 | Mark Avery | The Pinery Country Club | 621.83 7 | Ben Honaman | Lakewood Country Club | 589 8 | Jason Witczak | The Club at Pradera | 571.76 9 | Bill Hancock | Littleton Golf & Tennis Club | 136.5 10 | Kyle Voska | The Links Golf Course | 537 11 | Matt Schalk | Colorado National Golf Club | 525 12 | Michael Weingartner | Thorncreek Golf Course | 482.70 13 | Alexandra Braga | Denver Country Club | 462.50 14 | Dan Sniffin | Omni Interlocken Resort and Golf Club | 456 15 | Brian Gott | Gott Golf | 390.33 16 | Geoff Keffer | Lakewood Country Club | 375 17 | Kirk Trowbridge | MetaGolf Learning Center | 369 18 | Jeff Hanson | Red Sky Golf Club | 360.75 19 | Dan O’Shaughnessy | Meadow Hills Golf Course | 321.65 20 | Peter Norwood | MetaGolf Learning Center | 316 21 | Patrick Reidy | Inverness Hotel & Golf Club | 309 22 | Dustin Miller | Black Bear Golf Club | 301 The Top-22 Players will receive an exemption into the CoBank Colorado Open in the following year

Colorado PGA Women’s Player of the Year 1 | Alexandra Braga | Denver Country Club | 262.50 2 | Terra Shehee | Boulder Country Club | 100 3 | Rachel Cavalier | Boulder Country Club | 75 t4 | Sherry Andonian | Valley Country Club | 50 t4 | Stefanie Ferguson | The Pinery Country Club | 50

Senior Colorado PGA OMEGA Player of the Year 1 | Doug Rohrbaugh | AndersonOrd Apparel | 1,322 2 | Rick Cole | Eaton Country Club | 998.50 3 | Barry Milstead | Valley Country Club | 805 4 | Sherry Andonian | Valley Country Club | 618 5 | Kevin Bolles | Boulder Country Club | 604.50 6 | Paul Lobato | Meridian Golf Club | 561.70 7 | Bill Hancock | Littleton Golf & Tennis Club | 542.15 8 | Jeff Hanson | Red Sky Golf Club | 460.75 9 | Ron Vlosich | Life Member | 460.50 10 | Ken Krieger | Cheyenne Country Club | 371.55

Colorado PGA Associate Player of the Year 1 | Ben Lanting | Bear Creek Golf Club | 1509.50 2 | Seth Zacks | The Golf Club at Ravenna | 504 3 | Uli Heitz | Fox Hill Country Club | 311.15 4 | Mark Franz | Saddle Rock Golf Course | 243.75 5 | Benjamin Pennymon | The Pinery Country Club | 156 6 | Patrick Grady | University of Colorado | 154.50 7 | Jeramy Curry | The Links Golf Course | 125.50 8 | Robert Cooley | Aurora Hills Golf Course | 120 9 | Tom Hensel | Eaton Country Club | 100.20 10 | Rich Lash | Greater Golfer Development Center | 96

May 2019

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Junior Golf News

Witczak Featured in CBS Special Focused on PGA Junior League From April 24, 2019 - www.pga.org

A

n hour-long special spotlighting PGA Jr. League and stories of its players and coaches will air Saturday (April 27) at 2 p.m.

ET on CBS Sports. Hosted by CBS Sports’ Amanda Balionis, “PGA Jr. League: Join the Team!” will feature stories ranging from local PGA and LPGA Professional coaches making a difference in their communities … to heartwarming stories of young players … to PGA Tour superstars whose lives have been touched by PGA Jr. League players.

“We’re thrilled to showcase to a national audience how PGA Jr. League is designed for every child, everywhere to fall in love with the game of golf,” said PGA President Suzy Whaley, PGA/LPGA, whose experience Jason Witczak, PGA Director of Instruction at The Club at Pradera and The Pinery was featured in a recent CBS Special focused on PGA Junior League. Click the as a PGA Jr. League coach will be featured image above to watch the video. in the special. “I am extremely passionate PGA Jr. League is the flagship youth pillar program about PGA Jr. League, as its positive impact of PGA REACH, the PGA of America’s 501 (c)(3) transcends the game to benefit families nationwide. foundation. Through PGA REACH’s partnership with PGA Jr. League is opening doors for both girls and DICK’S Sporting Goods Sports Matter Foundation, boys to play and love the game of golf.” scholarships are available to players of participating Alongside Whaley, PGA Professionals Cameron Milton, facilities who meet financial need requirements or are PGA; Chuck Higgins, PGA; and Jason Witczak, PGA, from an active military family. PGA Professionals Henry will also be featured for their inclusive PGA Jr. League Stetina and Daniel Duchene will be spotlighted for their programs. Milton, Higgins and Witczak show that work reaching into the community and bringing kids to coaching in this team-based atmosphere can change the course through these scholarships. To date, nearly lives for the better.

2,200 scholarships have been provided to boys and girls nationwide.

Last year, a record of more than 50,000 boys and girls played on 4,200 teams nationwide, a nearly 20% While the emphasis of PGA Jr. League is on its increase in participation from 2017. PGA Jr. League is recreational seasons, the PGA Jr. League Postseason divided into two age divisions: 13-and-under (13u) and presented by National Car Rental provides a fun and 17-and-under (17u). aspirational environment for the program’s competitive golfers. PGA Professional John Mason and Jackie Rory McIlroy, Michelle Wie, Rickie Fowler, Lexi DeWald-Mason led their San Diego-based All-Star team Thompson — and most recently Stephen Curry to victory at both the 2015 and 2018 PGA Jr. League and Alex Morgan — are official PGA Jr. League Championship presented by National Car Rental.

Ambassadors, for their commitment to growing youth golf. Two stories in the broadcast feature McIlroy and In addition, two PGA Jr. League alumni who have Fowler, who have formed friendships with and become reached great heights in the competitive golf world – role models for Oklahoma-based PGA Jr. League 2017-’18 Boys Junior PGA Champion Akshay Bhatia and players, Traden Karch and Jhett Skaggs. Both boys 2018 Girls Junior PGA Champion Yealimi Noh – discuss have recovered from serious medical issues to return to how PGA Jr. League set them up for success. Bhatia the game they love. Skaggs was introduced to PGA Jr. and Noh were members of the victorious 2018 United League by his coach, Aurora Kirchner-McClain, PGA/ States Junior Ryder Cup Team in Paris, and they both LPGA, while living in Houston. have a goal of playing professional golf.

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Junior Golf News

Colorado PGA Jr. League

Games are just around the corner

T

he 2019 PGA Jr. League season is getting started very soon, while some of you may already be underway. Registration numbers are up from last year and the “in-house league” has been a contributing factor. 2019 looks to have 11 facilities hosting their own leagues. Demand from siblings and friends has led to this increased number of Captains creating their own in-house leagues.

This is a great way to be able to accommodate that demand while bringing added value to the facility, creditability and job security to the Golf Professional, consistency to practices and games, and a fun and welcoming social atmosphere to help introduce kids to the sport.

New Assets Available for Captains We're excited to begin offering Captains the opportunity to order PGA Jr. League signage through our partners at Hightech Signs! Available for purchase are tee markers, small signs, table covers, vinyl banners, pin flags and feather banners. Ordering is done directly through Hightech.

Click here to download the order form with pricing, examples and next steps.

Online Store Now Open The PGA Jr. League Online Shop – where your teams can buy gear for the entire family – is now open! All registered Captains have been emailed their unique shop links to share with parents and families. Captains receive 35% of all gross sales revenues for apparel and headwear and 30% of all accessory revenues from items offered online. If you indicated during registration that you’re affiliated with one of our supporter brands, this will be marketed and emphasized throughout the shop.

Anthony Vitale, PGA avitale@pgahq.com 561-267-1208 Holly Champion, PGA hchampion@pgahq.com 303-996-1591

May 2019

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Junior Golf News

Top-5 Breakthroughs For Coloradans

By Gary Baines – 04/07/2019

Less than 24 hours after one Coloradan made history at Augusta National Golf Club in Georgia, three other players from the Centennial State gave it a go.

On Saturday, Jennifer Kupcho of Westminster won the inaugural Augusta National Women’s Amateur, the first women’s championship ever contested at the home of the Masters.

Then on Sunday, a record-tying three Coloradans were among the 80 competitors overall in the Drive, Chip & Putt National Finals, also nationally televised at Augusta National.

Kupcho was among those in atten- Grady Ortiz, Caitlyn Chin and Chunya Boonta pose for a picture on Magnolia Lane at Augusta National Golf Club during the Drive, Chip and Putt National Championship dance on Sunday, signing autographs, presenting trophies and the first top-five for a Coloradan — her division finished supporting the junior golfers. And she was interviewed earlier than Boonta’s — and was a significant improveon the Golf Channel, saying that Saturday’s experience ment over Chin’s 10th-place Finals showing in the girls was “probably the most fun I’ve ever had on a golf 7-9 competition in 2016. course.”

Chin placed fifth out of 10 in both driving and putting, No Coloradans followed up Kupcho’s victory with one and was eighth in chipping. of their own, but all three junior golfers did crack the top five — out of 10 competitors in their respective “She’s got a golf swing to watch as she gets bigger and age/gender divisions — marking the first, second and stronger,” Golf Channel analyst and seven-time PGA third times that’s been done by Coloradans in the DCP Tour winner Peter Jacobsen said of Chin.

National Finals.

Both Boonta and Chin are members of the CGA’s Hale Chunya Boonta of Centennial will now go down as the Irwin Player Program at CommonGround Golf Course, highest Colorado finisher ever in the Drive, Chip & Putt with Boonta in her fourth year and Chin in her second.

Nationals. Thanks to strong showings in chipping and putting, she placed second in the girls 12-13 division in The third Coloradan competing on Sunday, Grady Ortiz her first trip to Augusta National. of Colorado Springs, tied for fifth in the boys 7-9 division. He finished off his competition in style by making After finishing seventh in driving, she was second in the his 15-foot second putt on Sunday to place third in chipping and third in the putting, recording 21 points the discipline conducted on the 18th green at Augusta overall, seven fewer than champion Yana Wilson of National, site of next week’s Masters. It was Ortiz’s first Henderson, Nev. In chipping, Boonta tied for the top trip to ANGC. spot in regulation, but lost in a chip-off to place second in that discipline.

Ortiz finished eighth in driving and fifth in chipping earlier, giving him a 17-point total, which left him eight Caitlyn Chin of Greenwood Village, the only two-time points behind champion Conner Ford of Mount Vernon, DCP National Finalist from Colorado, tied for fifth in Ky. the girls 10-11 division, ending up eight points behind champion Sophia Li of Fresh Meadows, N.Y. That was All three Coloradans received some air time on Golf

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Junior Golf News Channel’s telecast — Boonta multiple times.

The only other year three Coloradans qualified for the DCP National Finals was 2016, when Chin was joined by Luke Trujillo and Arielle Keating, both of Colorado Springs. The one other Coloradan to have previously competed in the Finals was Kaden Ford of Colorado Springs, last year.

In all, six different Coloradans have earned spot in the DCP National Finals, with Chin appearing twice.

Here are the results of the previous-year DCP National Finalists from Colorado: 2016 Finals •

Luke Trujillo of Colorado Springs (sixth in boys 14-15).

•

Arielle Keating of Colorado Springs (sixth in girls 14-15).

•

Caitlyn Chin of Greenwood Village (10th in girls 7-9).

2018 Finals •

Kaden Ford of Colorado Springs (sixth in boys 14-15).

This year, just seven states had more DCP National Finals representatives than Colorado: California and Florida (seven each), Georgia (six), Texas and Illinois (five each) and New Jersey and New York (four each).

As always, this year’s National Finals was a star-studded affair. Among those on hand during Sunday’s competition were past Masters champions Bubba Watson, Nick Faldo, Bernhard Langer, Patrick Reed, Adam Scott and Mark O’Meara, along with World Golf Hall of Famers Annika Sorenstam and Nancy Lopez, and former U.S. Secretary of State Condoleeza Rice, a member at Augusta National.

In DCP events, contestants score points in each discipline — driving, chipping and putting — based on how they place in each, with the points added together for a cumulative total.

There are three qualifying stages for Drive, Chip & Putt: Locals, Sub-Regionals and Regionals. At each of 10 Regional Qualifiers, the winners of each age/gender division advanced to the DCP National Finals. There are eight age/gender divisions in each DCP event.

In all, 40 boys and 40 girls competed on Sunday, with 10 contestants in each division. DCP is sponsored by the Masters, the USGA and the PGA of America. The competition is limited to players 7-15.

This next season of DCP — the seventh — will mark a first for Colorado. The Junior Golf Alliance of Colorado and a Colorado facility were recently named hosts for a Regional Qualifying event for the first time ever. Colorado Golf Club in Parker will do the honors on Sept. 8, less than a week before the course will host the U.S. Mid-Amateur Championship.

Of course, Colorado facilities have regularly hosted Local and Sub-Regional Qualifying in the past.

Here are the results for the Coloradans at the Drive Chip & Putt National Finals at Augusta National in Augusta, Ga., on Sunday: Score: Drive-Chip-Putt=Total Points GIRLS 12-13 2. (out of 10) Chunya Boonta of Centennial 4-9-8–21 GIRLS 10-11 T5. (out of 10) Caitlyn Chin of Greenwood Village 6-3-6–15 BOYS 7-9 T5. (out of 10) Grady Ortiz of Colorado Springs 3-6-8–17 For all the scores from the Drive, Chip & Putt National Finals, CLICK HERE.

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Junior Golf News

Going Strong Junior Golf Alliance of Colorado aims to build on momentum with its fourth season set to begin

By Gary Baines – 04/10/2019 Season 4 of the Junior Golf Alliance of Colorado begins this weekend — weather-permitting — with hopes high that the momentum the organization has built isn’t stopping anytime soon.

Season-opening tournaments are scheduled Saturday and Sunday in the Pueblo area. But already in 2019 it’s been a very eventful year for the JGAC, which was founded — and is jointly operated — by the CGA and the Colorado PGA. To wit: — In February, it was announced that the 2020 U.S. Girls’ Junior will be played at Eisenhower Golf Club at the Air Force Academy, with the JGAC being designated the “host group” for the championship.

In that role, the Alliance is responsible for raising $400,000 for the national event.

— In March, it was revealed that for the first time,

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Colorado will be the site of a Regional Qualifying competition for the Drive, Chip & Putt, with JGAC and Colorado Golf Club in Parker doing the honors on Sept.

8. Winners of each of eight age/gender divisions there will advance to the DCP Nationals Finals that will be held April 5, 2020 on the eve of the Masters.

“We’re really going to try to make it an incredible experience for the players and their families,” said Ashley Barnhart, managing director of golf operations for the CGA and one of the key players in running the JGAC in its formative years. “We’ll really try to emulate, as much as we can, what’s done at the National Finals at the (site of the) Masters. I know Colorado Golf Club is really invested in making sure they’ve got all the pieces in place to make sure the kids have a great experience.”

Holly Champion, player development director for the Colorado PGA, said the top performers from seven Sub-Regional Qualifiers, including the two in Colorado,

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Junior Golf News will compete at Colorado Golf Club on Sept. 8.

— Also this spring, the City of Denver courses joined the fold for the Youth on Course program in Colorado. That program, which came to the Centennial State starting last year, subsidizes the cost of golf for YOC-member juniors, who pay no more than $5 per round at participating facilities in the U.S., often with some date/time restrictions. Then a subsidy of a similar amount per round is paid to the participating course. But the cost for JGAC members at the seven City of Denver courses — though City Park Golf Course has not yet reopened after being redesigned — is a mere $2 for 18 holes and $1 for nine.

“We continue to add courses to our list to give kids more access to golf,” Barnhart said.

All told, 27 courses to date have signed up to participate in Youth on Course in Colorado in 2019, a dozen more than last year. For a complete list, with costs and day and time restrictions for each facility, CLICK HERE. “I see Youth on Course just growing exponentially, I really do,” CGA executive director Mate said earlier this year.

— And just this last weekend, Colorado junior golfers had their best showings ever at the Drive, Chip & Putt National Finals at Augusta National Golf Club in Georgia. Prior to this year, no Coloradan had ever placed in the top five in his or her age/gender division at the National Finals, but on Sunday Chunya “Bead” Boonta of Centennial finished second in the girls 12-13 competition, and Caitlyn Chin of Greenwood Village (girls 10-11) and Grady Ortiz of Colorado Springs (boys 7-9) both tied for fifth.

Then there’s this nugget: Barnhart reported this week that year-to-date, JGAC membership numbers are up 21 percent — to 640 members — compared to a year ago at this time.

“I’d credit most of that to Youth on Course, but I think junior golf is alive and well” in Colorado, Barnhart said.

“We’re certainly excited about it.”

There are many aspects of the Junior Golf Alliance of Colorado — from developmental programs to education to high-level competition — but the tournament side of things cranks up this weekend in the Pueblo area, assuming the weather cooperates.

A 36-hole JGAC Tour event is set for Walking Stick Golf Course in Pueblo on Saturday and Sunday. A Series tournament — for players of all age divisions — is scheduled for Desert Hawk at Pueblo West the same days.

Among the players signed up for the Tour event at Walking Stick are Boonta and past JGAC Girls Players of the Year Hailey Schalk and Lauren Lehigh. Chin and Ortiz are scheduled to compete at the Series tournament at Desert Hawk.

When the thick of the golf season comes around, the 2019 JGAC majors are set for: — Colorado Junior PGA Championship, Eisenhower Golf Club’s Blue Course, June 10-12.

— Colorado Junior Amateur, Frost Creek in Eagle, July 8-10.

— Colorado Junior Match Play, Lake Valley Golf Club in Niwot, July 29-31.

— JGAC Tour Championship, Cherry Hills Country Club in Cherry Hills Village, Oct. 12-13.

This will mark the third time in four years that Cherry Hills has hosted the Tour Championship.

Meanwhile, a JGAC major has never been held in the mountains, but that will change when the Tom Weiskopfdesigned Frost Creek hosts the Junior Amateur in July.

“We want to make sure we’re truly representing the entire state of Colorado, and to give everyone an opportunity to have a ‘home game’ once in a while,” Barnhart said.

As for the AJGA Hale Irwin Colorado Junior, it’s set for Walnut Creek Golf Preserve in Westminster for the third consecutive year, this time with tournament dates of June 4-6.

For the complete JGAC tournament schedule for 2019, CLICK HERE.

May 2019

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Junior Golf News

For Starters

Eagles on same hole help Shehee, Vogt win titles at JGAC Tour season opener in Pueblo

By Gary Baines – 04/14/2019 The Junior Golf Alliance of Colorado tournament season started, appropriately enough, on Masters Sunday — and a very memorable one at that.

On the same day Tiger Woods won a major championship for the first time since 2008, TJ Shehee of Mead and Meghan Vogt of Broomfield claimed the titles in the JGAC Tour event at Walking Stick Golf Course in Pueblo.

A Series tournament for juniors of all ages also was held Sunday, at Desert Hawk at Pueblo West.

Division winners at Desert Hawk included Tyler Eddy of Littleton (boys 14-18 with a 73), Hadley Ashton of Erie (girls 14-18 with a 78), Austin Barry of Fort Collins (boys 11-13 with a 73), Ashleigh Wilson of Highlands Ranch (girls 11-13 with a 78), Collen Todd of Golden (boys 10 and under with a 34 for nine holes) and Brynn Balliet of Thornton (girls 10 and under with a 40 for nine holes).

At both sites, the events were shortened to one-day affairs due to weather issues on Saturday.

Shehee (above) and Ben Daane of Rapid City, S.D., both shot 2-under-par 70s to tie in regulation in the boys tournament at Walking Stick. Then Shehee, who has signed to play his college golf at the University of Northern Colorado, prevailed on the first hole of a playoff as he made a par there to Daane’s bogey.

Vogt, who competed in last year’s U.S. Girls’ Junior, shot a 2-over-par 74 at Walking Stick to win by one over Hailey Schalk of Erie, the 2017 JGAC Girls Player of the Year, and Sofia Choi of Littleton.

Like Shehee, Vogt eagled the par-5 15th hole (her sixth of the day) and also made two birdies, three bogeys and a triple bogey.

For all the scores, click on the following:

WALKING STICK

DESERT HAWK.

Jackson Klutznick of Denver, the 2018 3A boys state high school champion and winner of the 2018 JGAC Tour Championship, also broke par on Sunday, shooting a 71 to place third.

In regulation, Shehee carded an eagle on the par-5 15th and also made three birdies and three bogeys. Daane chalked up seven birdies and five bogeys, but playing the last three holes in 2 over par.

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The SUMMIT

Junior Golf News

Success In The Springs

Schalk hangs on down the stretch; Kennedy comes from behind to capture victory at CC of Colorado

By Scott Minta – 4/30/2019

The Junior Golf Alliance of Colorado made its second Tour stop of 2019 at the Country Club of Colorado this past weekend - April 27-28.

Playing conditions were not ideal as high winds posed a challenge for the players on both Saturday and Sunday. However, players managed to cope with the tough conditions and fired great scores throughout the two days.

After Day 1, TJ Shehee, of Mead, held the Boys lead by carding a 1-over par 72. Hailey Schalk, of Erie, took the Girls lead into Sunday with a first round 73.

Beginning the day 4 shots behind Shehee, Christopher Kennedy fired a 1 over par 72, with 3 birdies and 4 bogies to post the clubhouse lead at +6. Shehee then came to the 9th hole (His 18th of the day) needing a par to force a playoff with Kennedy. His second shot finished long left of the green and his chip left him with a downhill 4-footer for par. Shehee lipped out the par putt and Kennedy claimed his first JGAC Title of his career.

Owen Cornmesser and Bo Wardynski both posted 9 over par for the tournament, with Cornmesser winning the scorecard playoff (Back Nine 34) to claim third position.

Also, in the Boys Tournament and during the final round on Sunday, Carter Surofchek (right) holed out from 170 yards on the par 3 6th hole for his first career hole-in-one. Congratulations Carter!

On the girls’ side, Hailey Schalk and Meghan Vogt played together in the final group and began the day 2 shots apart. Schalk never relinquished the lead, but after Vogt's birdie on number 9, her lead was only 1.

Both girls shot a 1 over par 36 on their final 9 holes and Schalk held on to claim victory.

Jessica Zapf, of Windsor, played with Schalk and Vogt in the final pairing and posted rounds of 77, 80 to finish in 3rd position.

Just across town, at Valley Hi Golf Course, the JGAC Series teed it up for their second tournament of 2019.

May 2019

Grady Ortiz used rounds of 40, 37 to finish at 5 over par and claim the Boys 6-8 title.

Brayden Destefano fired a final round of 2 under 34, which began with an eagle on the opening hole and contained 2 more birdies and a double bogey to win the Boys 9-10 crown by 6 strokes.

A tight race ensued in the Girls 6-10 division with 1st and 3rd separated by only 4 shots. Adrielle Miller fired rounds of 41, 43 to come out on top. Brynn Balliet (+14) and Jadie Wilson (+16) finished 2nd and 3rd, respectively.

Austin Barry continued his early season dominance with rounds of 72, 72 to post an ever par total for the two days and win the Boys 11-13 division by 7 shots.

Ashleigh Wilson (81, 81) again claimed victory over Alexandra Remaklus (87, 78), this time by 3 strokes in the Girls 11-13 division.

The Boys 14-15 Division was another tight race, with Yusuke Ogi (75, 76) coming out on top by 2 strokes over two players and by 3 shots over two others.

Nathan Rabuck (79, 78) won the Boys 16-18 title by 5 strokes over Connon Moberly (81, 81).

Hadley Ashton continued her JGAC dominance posting another victory in the Girls 14-18 Division. Ashton fired a 6-over par total for the two days (76, 74) to win by 13 strokes.

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