The SUMMIT - Colorado PGA Magazine - October 2020

The

SUMMIT

The SUMMIT is the official digital magazine of the Colorado PGA - October 2020

Ed Oldham Earns Induction to Colorado Golf Hall of Fame

charting our way

FORWARD SERVE THE

MEMBER

GROW THE

GAME

What’s Inside: Colorado PGA Special Award Features

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

Colorado PGA Officers

West Chapter Officers

Cathy Matthews-Kane, PGA Vice-President | 2021-2022 Country Club of Colorado

Luke Brosterhous, PGA Secretary | 2019-2020 Catamount Ranch and Club

Jim Hajek, PGA President | 2021-2022 Fossil Trace Golf Club

Mike O’Donnell Secretary | 2021-2022 Fort Carson Ben Welsh, PGA Honorary President | 2021-2022 Frost Creek

Board of Directors

Mark Bacheldor, PGA | 2020-2022 UCCS PGA Golf Management Program Jeff Boyer, PGA | 2019-2021 Eagle Ranch Golf Course Joe Carlton, PGA | 2021-2022 Legacy Ridge Golf Course Bob Doyle, PGA Past District 9 Director Life Member Kyle Heyen, PGA Past District 9 Director Hiwan Golf Club Charles ‘Vic’ Kline, PGA Past District 9 Director Ed Marzec, PGA | 2019-2021 Red Sky Golf Club Jim Miller, PGA | 2018-2022 Sonnenalp Golf Club Josh Miller, PGA | 2019-2021 GOLFTEC CJ Perry, PGA | 2020-2022 West Woods Golf Course

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

Ed Marzec, PGA Honorary President | 2019-2020 Red Sky Golf Club

West Chapter Board of Directors

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

Maj. Gen. Barbara Faulkenberry, USAF, Retired - Corporate Director: Callon Petroleum; USA Truck Walter Glover EVP/COO - U.S. Olympic Endowment Theo Gregory Senior Vice President - El Pomar Tom Gunnerson VP Investments, Wells Fargo

Alice Plain, PGA | 2018 - 2020 Vail Golf Club

Dominic Karaba President - Specialty Lending and Business Banking - UMB

Todd Schafersman, PGA | 2020-2022 The Bridges Golf & CC

Bill Keller Lieutenant Colonel USAF, Retired

Kenny Thayer, PGA | 2019-2021 Beavercreek Golf Club

Eric Kenealy Chairman - Mackinaw Holding Corp.

Max Twarjan, PGA | 2020-2022 Maroon Creek Club

Sandy King Entrepreneur/Songwriter

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

Bob Lally Navy Captain, Retired

Colorado PGA REACH Trustees

George Lee VP - Ameriprise Financial Services

Spencer Zinn Chairman

John Andrew Brigadier General USAF - Retired Tom Bauerle Owner - Colorado Golf and Turf Dan Bennett Investor/Partner, Southwest Greens Management

Keith Stilwell, PGA | 2020-2022 Cheyenne Shadows Golf Course

John Bond VP Sales & Marketing, Golf Division of Garb

Dave Troyer, PGA | 2019-2021 CommonGround Golf Course

Anne Broholm CEO | AHEAD

Independent Directors

Dr. Phil Brown President/Founder, Six Points Consulting

Theo Gregory Spencer Zinn

Brad Dombaugh CEO - PSA Worldwide Corp.

Dr. Stephen Davis Cheyenne Mountain Dental Group

CEO/Executive Director Eddie Ainsworth, PGA eainsworth@pgahq.com P (303) 996-1593 C (719) 761-6125 Operations Manager Justin Limon, PGA jlimon@pgahq.com P (303) 996-1588 C (720) 390-1160 Education Director Holly Champion, PGA hchampion@pgahq.com P (303) 996-1591 C (217) 232-1790 Tournament Director Scott Minta sminta@pgahq.com P (303) 996-1590 C (630) 532-3230 Junior Golf Manager Samantha Crawford p (303) 966-1597 C (720) 884-6130 Finance Specialist Annie O’Donnell adonnell@pgahq.com P (303) 996-1595

Adam McDiarmid Regional Manager - UMB Scott McGraw VP of Employee Benefits Cherry Creek Insurance Group Honorable Sue Payton President - SCI Aerospace Inc. LTG Ed Soriano, US Army (Ret) Director, Bus. Dev. Global Land Forces - Northrop Grumman Corporation Mike Talaga Credit Analyst - Janus Hendeson Bill Vogeney Chief Revenue Officer Ent Credit Union

Staff

Marketing/Comms. Director Judy Malone jmalone@pgahq.com P (303) 996-1594 C (720) 490-0333 Marketing/Comms. Manager Cathy Thompson cthompson@pgahq.com P (303) 996-1589

Field Staff

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

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 eight 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 Cheers to All Succeses Shared

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Executive Director’s Report Charting Our Way Forward District Director Report/PGA of America News Congratulations and Farewell Career Development News Time Waits for No Man

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Colorado PGA News Fall Membership Meeting Review Ed Oldham Earns Headed to Colorado Golf Hall of Fame Quarter Century Club Inductee - Pete Hymes

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Special Awards Feature Ryan Bakken - Assistant Golf Professional of the Year Ed Oldham - Player Development Award Tom Young - Youth Player Development Award Jeff Seltz - Private Merchandiser of the Year Award Matt Schalk - Public Merchandier of the Year Award Colorado PGA REACH News Southwest Greens Teams Up With Tito’s To Support ...

Tournament News Lanting Wins West Champter Championship Morris Captures Second Colorado PGA Women’s Championship Headed to Southern Hills Junior Golf News 39 100 Hole Hike Raises Over $23,000 for Youth on Course 40 Colorado PGA Jr. League

Membership News 46 Membership Update

October 2020

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President’s Message

Cheers To All Successes Shared Reflecting on the Past Season and Term of Office Fellow PGA Professionals,

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s we come to the home stretch of the 2020 golf season, what a year it has been! Amidst all the uncertainty that came with the course openings in the spring amid the pandemic, who would have thought that the golf industry and our game would see unprecedented growth? I am sure that many of you were bracing for impact the way I was at my club, tightening budgets and trying to predict the unpredictable. It seems now that we must shift our focus to retention of the new and returning golfers this year. I am confident that the dedicated PGA Professionals we have in the Colorado Section will rise to the challenges as we have many times, promoting and growing the game of golf!

As I wrote in the last issue, it is my sincere hope that you, your families and staffs have been able to take care of yourselves and each other this year. I hope that the fall season gives you some time to reflect and recover while preparing for the future.

We are living in complicated times that can prove the need for fellowship, family and some much-needed time on the golf course. Cheers to another golf season winding down!

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

Once again, this month, I want to give my personal congratulations to the featured award winners on their accomplishments: Ryan Bakken (Assistant PGA Golf Professional of the Year), Ed Oldham (Player Development), Tom Young (Youth Player Development), Matt Schalk (Public Merchandiser of the Year) and Jeff Seltz (Private Merchandiser of the Year). I am honored to share this Section with such passionate Professionals. Please read on to hear from some of our best and brightest and give your congratulations the next time you see them.

Lastly, I want to thank you all for the opportunity to serve as your president the past two years. This has been the honor of my career to be entrusted with the leadership of your Colorado Section PGA, the best of the 41! My 10 years of experience on the Board, six as an officer, have been the greatest learning experiences for me, not to mention the wonderful relationships that I have gained. I believe that we have accomplished great things, including the creation of the Golf in Schools programs, Colorado PGA LEAD, the Junior Golf Alliance of Colorado, expansion of Colorado PGA REACH Programs to include partnerships presenting seven mortgage-free homes to veterans, among other things. All of these accomplishments belong to you, the Colorado PGA Member, and none of which I would have had the opportunity to share in without your permission to serve.

Sincerely,

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

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UNDER ARMOUR is a proud sponsor of the COLORADO PGA.

Please contact Nancy Huppert Nancy.Huppert@gmail.com (303) 880-6331

October 2020

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Executive Director’s Message

Charting Our Way Forward My Fellow Colorado PGA Members,

W

hat a season! Not one of us could have imagined, with the world experiencing a Global Pandemic, that golf would experience tremendous growth and revenue the likes we haven’t seen in quite some time. In fact, most, if not all, operations cut back on their regular seasonal staffing in anticipation of the exact opposite. But thanks to the ingenuity and entrepreneurial spirit of all the professionals who manage golf – the Superintendents, General Managers and PGA Professionals, along with our Allied Associations working together with our state and local government officials – could we pull off a safe and very profitable year for golf. Profitable, not only in revenue, but introducing or reintroducing numerous people to our sport. It’s now up to all of us to capture these people and turn them into life-long golfers!

As most people in business, we’ve learned a lot about ourselves and new ways of doing things. For your Colorado PGA Section Staff, not only did we have to deal with the Coronavirus, but we experienced quite a bit of employee transition. In January, we brought on Cathy Thompson as our Marketing and Communications Associate. She will be transitioning into our Marketing and Communication Manager position as we say farewell to Judy Malone, our Marketing and Communications Director, as she retires at the end of the year. In March, we hired Samantha Crawford to be our Junior Golf Coordinator, as Holly Champion informed us that she would like to become a part-time employee with the coming of the birth of her daughter in July. Then also in March, Patrick Salva accepted the Executive Director position for the Southern Ohio Section. All outstanding reasons and opportunities for each of these exceptional individuals who have done so much during their time with the Colorado PGA! Eddie Ainsworth, PGA CEO/Executive Director Colorado PGA eainsworth@pgahq.com C | (719) 761-6125

For our Section Board of Directors and Officers, a lot of very important decisions will take place over the next two weeks, and in the coming month. As we have shared with you, the Colorado Golf Association has informed us that they no longer wish to partner with us through a unified handicap agreement that has been in place for almost 50 years. As we have made you aware, this is a potential loss of 10% of our overall operating budget and just over $200K. Our goal from the very beginning, when the CGA informed us they were terminating our handicap contract at the end of 2020, has been to do everything within our power to save this relationship, as we believe this is in the best interest of Golf in Colorado. We have reached out to the CGA once again, in the hopes of saving this relationship, and the decision now lies in their hands. We are asking all of you, our Colorado PGA Professionals, to conduct yourselves in a very professional manner in dealing with anyone with the CGA. They have been our partners and friends for quite a long time, and it is our hope to put all this behind us and continue forward as partners and friends. Please allow our Officers and Board of Directors time to hopefully work all of this out. It is our hope that we will have a resolution No Later Than Friday, November 6, as this has been going on for over four months now. Please know that if this relationship falls through, we have already put together a Task Force to begin working on how we replace the lost revenue we have earned for almost 50 years.

Back in June, for Father’s Day, my daughter gave me a trial subscription to Spotify, hoping I’d enjoy it. I enjoyed it so much she turned it into a year’s subscription for my birthday.

This subscription just might be one of the best and most used gifts I have ever received. I, of course, use it every day and have started to listen to music I haven’t listened to in years.

Recently, I was listening to Huey Lewis and the News. I was a big fan in the 80’s. I was

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Executive Director’s Message listening to their song, “Jacob’s Ladder,” thinking about all that we have going on, and the words really spoke to me. “Step by step, one by one, higher and higher. Step by step, rung by rung, Climbing Jacob’s Ladder. All I want from tomorrow, Is to Get it better than today.”

As we, Together, Chart Our Way Forward, please know that you will always have this commitment from me personally. Step by step, one by one, we will always be committed to serving our Colorado PGA Professionals in the best way we possibly can and do what we believe is in the best interest for Golf in Colorado. All we truly want to do is, get tomorrow better than today!

May the Good Lord watch over you and your family as we go through this Winter Season and truly bless you through this time. Please know that we are here for you in any way we can possibly be.

My sincere thanks to each one of you for allowing me the opportunity to serve as your CEO and Executive Director.

Very Respectfully,

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

2021 Colorado PGA Section Staff As announced during the 2020 Colorado PGA Fall Membership Meeting, following are your 2021 Colorado PGA Section Staff Members.

Eddie Ainsworth, PGA | CEO/Executive Director | eainsworth@pgahq.com Justin Limon, PGA | Operations Manager | jlimon@pgahq.com Scott Minta | Tournament Director | sminta@pgahq.com Samantha Crawford | Junior Golf Manager | scrawford@pgahq.com Holly Champion, PGA | Education Director | hchampion@pgahq.com Cathy Thompson | Marketing and Communications Manager | cthompson@pgahq.com Annie O’Donnell | FInance Specialist | aodonnell@pgahq.com

October 2020

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PGA of America News

Congratulations and Farewell Virtual Fall Meetings Bring Changes in Leadership

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would like to start off by congratulating Colorado PGA Golf Professionals who played in last week’s Senior PGA Professional Championship: Jeff Hanson, Doug Rohrbaugh, Michael Zaremba, Micah Rudosky, Bill Hancock, Dale Smigelsky, John Ogden and Barry Milstead. Here’s hoping they played well, as I am writing this the week before the Championship.

ANNUAL MEETING As we move forward, we look towards the Annual Meeting to be held virtually on October 29th, with the formal business session beginning at 2:00 pm Eastern Time. The election for National officers will be held virtually as well. We will say goodbye to Suzy Whaley, who has done an outstanding job leading our Association in these difficult times. We will also welcome a new president, Jim Richerson, and look forward to his leadership going forward. District 9 will also have a new Director, Jerad Barnes from Cedar City, Utah.

Jerad will be an outstanding representative for the three sections that make up District 9. Best of luck to Jerad and the rest of the incoming Board members. This virtual meeting and election are going to be very interesting, as well as historic.

GOVERNANCE UPDATE At the September Board Meeting, the National Board of Directors approved a recommendation from the PGA Membership Committee that uses the scores from the first two competition rounds of a PGA Qualified Professional Tour golf tournament to satisfy the 36-hole PGA Playing Ability Test requirement. Playing Ability Test validity would extend eight years past the date of passing. The applicant would be responsible for submitting documentation of scores, yardage and course rating to verify Playing Ability Test eligibility, and all PGA minimum standards for the Playing Ability Test must be met.

This is consistent with what the Board has passed for NCAA, NAIA, NCCGA National Championships and APGA Tour events over the past two years. Additionally, the PGA Championships and Membership Departments will collaborate to determine eligibility of “Qualified Professional Tour” events on an on-going basis.

MEMBER ASSISTANCE PROGRAM 2020 has been a very trying and difficult year. As we all face the stress and uncertainty in our lives, it’s reassuring to know that the PGA of America provides assistance to Members and Associates. The SupportLinc Member Assistance Program (MAP) is a company-sponsored resource that helps you deal with life’s challenges and the demands that come with balancing home and work. SupportLinc provides Members and Associates with confidential, professional counseling for a wide array of personal and work-related concerns, including short-term counseling, legal and financial consultation, dependent care referrals and technology-based resources to assist in every aspect of life. You can call SupportLinc toll-free at 866-4PGAMAP (474-2627). You will be immediately connected to a licensed SupportLinc counselor who can provide you with assistance.

SupportLinc is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. If you are logged into PGA.org, you can access the Member Assistance Program website directly through the Benefits & Tools area. Login information is not required. You can also access services through pgamap.com.

You will need to enter “pga” as the login name. The password is linc123.

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

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As I mentioned, I will finish my term as the District 9 Director on October 29, in conjunction with the virtual Annual Meeting. While this final year has been challenging, I have enjoyed the past three years. I have learned a lot about the governance of our Association and the many facets of our Association. It has been difficult at times navigating the ever-changing waters, but it has been very rewarding as well. I have enjoyed getting to know many of you and learning about the Colorado Section. You have great leaders in the Colorado Section, starting with your Executive Director, Eddie Ainsworth, and your outgoing Board President, Ben Welsh. You are in great hands for the foreseeable future as well, with new President Jim Hajek and Vice-President Cathy Matthews-Kane. The Colorado Section is exemplary within our Association, and it is due to all of you – the Colorado Section Members and Associates. It has been an honor serving you, and I remain accessible if I can ever help you with anything. It has truly been my pleasure!

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Career Services Update

Time Waits for No Man F

or so many of you, the light at the end of a very strange tunnel is in view. The frost delays have begun, and the cold nip in the air means that winter, and the relative calm it brings, is on the horizon.

During my 15 years at green grass, I learned to use this time to reflect on what the year has been like. Granted, I never had a year like this one to reflect on, but the discipline of looking critically at the previous season still holds. Too often, I would find that I had managed my time poorly, and that failure had led to fires that needed to be put out that sucked up both time and enjoyment from my career.

To that end, here are a few tips I’ve employed in my career to better manage my time.

1. Prioritize your work.

Stephen Covey, co-author of First Things First, offers an organizational tool for your to-do list based on how important and urgent different tasks are.

Looking at what goes into making up your day, where do your work activities fit into these categories?

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Important and Urgent — Tasks that must be done. Do them right away.

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Important but Not Urgent — Tasks that appear important, but upon closer examination aren’t. Decide when to do them.

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Urgent but Not Important — Tasks that make the most “noise,” but when accomplished, have little or no lasting value. Delegate these if possible.

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Not Urgent and Not Important — Low-priority stuff that offers the illusion of “being busy.” Do them later.

2. Don’t add to your plate.

What are you agreeing to that is preventing you from accomplishing your top priorities? Is it something that could be delegated to someone on your team?

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

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3. Plan your day.

I know some of you think it takes too much time to make a checklist or plan the next day, but believe me, you will get more done if you do! Depending on your personality, try one of these options: •

The night before — At the end of the day, take 15 minutes to put together a list of the next day’s most important or urgent tasks.

•

First thing in the morning — Arrive a few minutes early and make your urgent to-do list (see #1). This may prove to be the most productive part of your day.

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Career Services Update 4. Eliminate distractions, particularly social media distractions.

Your smartphone is extremely useful, but it’s also addictive and among the biggest time wasters of your day.

It may take a true exercise in will power, but occasionally turn off your phone to maximize your time. Instead of being “always-on,” plan certain times of the day to catch up on email, call people back and respond to texts that are not urgent.

5. Take care of yourself.

Rest when you can. Sometimes Netflix should take second place to sleep no matter how good the series is!

Time marches on...

Keith Soriano, PGA, ARWC PGA of America Career Consultant Serving the Colorado, Utah, and Nebraska PGA Sections ksoriano@pgahq.com 720.841.1006

October 2020

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Colorado PGA News

Fall Membership Meeting Review New Officers at the Helm at Colorado PGA

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s with so many events in 2020, the Colorado PGA held its Fall Membership Meeting on a virtual platform. It was during this Monday, October 19, meeting that the new slate of officers took their oath of office and will begin their two-year terms.

Incoming President Jim Hajek, PGA, Head Professional at Fossil Trace Golf Club, shared his appreciation for all that the Membership accomplished this year. From sold-out teesheets and increased memberships to ensuring our facilities were the much needed and cherished normal atmospheres our members and guests so needed. It was difficult but it also sets up an opportunity for great things in 2021 and beyond. As we Chart Our Way Forward, Hajek challenged the Membership to continue to seize the opportunities so that our game, as well as our professionals and communities, continue to thrive.

“The Colorado PGA has a tremendous reputation for being the leaders of golf in Colorado and growing the game,” shares Hajek.

“It is an honor to serve alongside so many great men and women who are passionate about this extraordinary game. We look forward to offering improved educational opportunities to our membership and to expound upon programs that benefit golf all across the Colorado Section.”

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Also serving as Colorado Section officers in 2021 and 2022 are Vice President Cathy Matthews-Kane, PGA, General Manager at the Country Club of Colorado, and Secretary Michael O’Donnell, PGA Master Professional, Director of Family & Morale, Welfare & Recreation at the United States Army Garrison at Fort Carson.

“I am honored and privileged to represent the 862 men and women of the Colorado Section,” says Matthews-Kane. “I am excited to serve our membership alongside such tremendous professionals as Jim and Mike. Golf has afforded me the opportunity to travel and network in ways that I never imagined. This is one way that I can give back to the game I love.”

“It is an honor to serve as an officer of the Colorado Section,” expresses O’Donnell. “As an officer, it is a tremendous responsibility to help guide our Section into the future and always ensure that the best interests of our Membership remains the top priority.”

The Colorado PGA Board of Directors were also sworn in. Joe Carlton, PGA, Head Professional at Legacy Ridge Golf Course, was elected onto the Board during the Spring Business Meeting and will now begin serving his first term on the Board.

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Colorado PGA News In his message as outgoing President, Ben Welsh, PGA, Head Professional at Frost Creek Golf Club, thanked everyone for the opportunity to serve in this role for the last two years. He shared, as his dad would say, who would have ever imagined that a punk kid from the City Park Nine Golf Course in Fort Collins would have had the opportunity to serve in this capacity.

the leadership of your Colorado PGA Section, the best of the 41! I am extremely proud of all that we have accomplished during my time on the Board, including the creation of the Golf in Schools Programs, Colorado PGA LEAD, the Colorado PGA Women’s Championship, the Junior Golf Alliance of Colorado and the creation of our PGA REACH Trustees. We have achieved so much.”

Welsh expressed his appreciation, “It has been the honor of my career to be entrusted with

Colorado PGA Special Award Winners Recognized Click the graphic below to watch the video.

October 2020

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Colorado PGANews

Leadership Checklist Checklist COVID-19 Leadership Mitigating Team Stress SHARE INFORMATION Sharing information establishes communication and trust with your team.  Stay up-to-date on the latest developments  Share what you know with the team  Let them know when you don’t know the answer Self Check: Have you updated your team recently?

CONNECT Connecting with others can help prevent people from feeling isolated and alone.  Run regular meetings to provide structure and stability  Strengthen your team’s sense of community and shared purpose  Set up a group text to check in regularly with all team members including those without government iPhones Self Check: Are you connecting with your own leaders and teammates?

RECOGNIZE LIMITS Stress can diminish people’s ability to process complex information.  Remember to repeat whatever is important and over-communicate  Be patient if someone makes a mistake or isn’t tracking  Build in redundant checks for critical pathways to reduce errors Self Check: Are you making simple mistakes? Do you need to take a minute to recharge?

MAINTAIN PHYSICAL RESILIENCE When people take care of themselves physically, they can handle stress better.  Prioritize sleep  Encourage good nutrition  Get regular exercise Self Check: Are you remembering to take care of your physical health?

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Colorado PGA News MAINTAIN PSYCHOLOGICAL RESILIENCE Using mental resilience skills can help people manage stress and stay strong.    

Encourage a balanced diet of news to avoid feeling overwhelmed Keep a detailed to-do list to keep things manageable Use positive self-talk or buddy talk to get through stressful moments Use “Grounding” (name 3 things you can see, hear, and physically feel) to reduce anxiety spikes and orient yourself to the moment

Self Check: What mental resilience skills are you practicing?

NORMALIZE STRESS It is important to acknowledge the impact of stress, letting unit members feel more connected and less emotionally isolated.    

Recognize your team’s stress (“This is unchartered territory”) Remember there are individual differences in how people cope with stress Give permission to talk about stress to the team Recognize that high-achievers are likely to feel even more stress during crises

Self Check: Have you acknowledged your own stress level to someone?

SEIZE THE MOMENT Leaders can reframe this moment as a critical opportunity for the entire team to contribute to the shared mission of finding solutions to the crisis.  Remind your team of the important mission at hand  Everyone has an essential role to play, no matter their rank or occupation Self Check: How can this challenge provide you a leadership opportunity?

CONTROL THE CONTROLLABLES Reduce stress and save energy by focusing efforts on what can be controlled and accepting what can’t be controlled.  Encourage your team members to identify what they can control  Have team members practice deep breathing and mindfulness when things start to feel like they are out of control Self Check: What is within your control? What do you have to accept?

TAKE THE LONG VIEW RESEARCH TRANSITION OFFICE This isn’t a one-time process.

CENTER FOR ENABLING CAPABILITIES 2 Pace yourself and your team for a marathon.

23 MAR 20 v. 1 Remember to be kind to yourself and your team.

October 2020

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Headed To The Hall Instructor Extroardinaire, past Colorado PGA President, Ed Oldham, voted into Colorado Golf Hall of Fame

By Gary Baines

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d Oldham, a highly regarded PGA professional and golf instructor who has worked with a veritable who’s who of Colorado’s top players, has been voted into the Colorado Golf Hall of Fame.

The Westminster resident, who’s worked at The Ranch Country Club for 38 years, including currently as the director of instruction, will be inducted into the Hall on a date to be determined.

Also voted an honor from the Colorado Golf Hall of Fame was Colin Prater of Colorado Springs, who was named Golf Person of the Year. Prater, a former University of Colorado-Colorado Springs golfer, this year swept titles in the CGA’s two “majors” — the Amateur and the Match Play — and also finished low-amateur in the CoBank Colorado Open.

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“For me, it kind of tells me I’ve done a lot of good things in my career. Throughout my career, I’ve taken the approach to be the best professional I can and to continually learn. To this day, I still try to learn and improve every single day. I guess that has paid off. “ Oldham has drawn plenty of attention in recent years for working as an instructor with Colorado native Jennifer Kupcho, who is in her second year on the LPGA Tour after winning the 2018 Women’s NCAA Division I individual title and the inaugural Augusta National Women’s Amateur in 2019. After being the No. 1-ranked women’s amateur in the world, Kupcho has recorded four top-5 finishes on the LPGA Tour, including two runner-up showings.

Kupcho said she’s been working with Oldham for about 10 years now.

Oldham joins more than 140 people who have been voted into the Colorado Golf Hall of Fame. The Hall inducted its first class in 1973, when Babe Zaharias, Dave Hill and Babe Lind were enshrined.

“It’s awesome to hear that he got voted in to the Hall of Fame!” she said via text on Wednesday. “He is such a great coach and is always trying to learn more so that he can help his players more. So it’s very exciting to see that he is getting recognized for it.”

“It’s a tremendous honor and very flattering,” Oldham said on Wednesday. “I was very pleasantly surprised.

It’s a little humbling looking at people on the list (of inductees) who have come before me — kind of a who’s who of Colorado golf.

Oldham has also instructed CGA Players of the Year Steve Ziegler (a one-time U.S. Palmer Cup team member), Zahkai Brown (a Colorado Open champion), Steven Kupcho (Jennifer’s older brother) and AJ Ott — and is currently working with Brown, Kupcho

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Colorado PGANews and Ott. In addition, Oldham has taught Parker Edens, the current Colorado State University assistant coach who advanced to U.S. Open Sectional Qualifying every year from 2014 through ’18, University of Denver golfers Esteban Missura and Jun Ho Won, University of Wyoming player Erin Sargent and many other very accomplished players from Colorado.

Overall, Oldham estimates he’s given 15,000 lessons during his career.

“Ed Oldham cares about each and every student and wants them to be the best golfers and the best people that they can be,” Steven Kupcho wrote in a letter urging that Oldham be inducted into the Hall of Fame.

“Young, old, male, female, rich or poor, Ed Oldham is THE best golf instructor around.”

Oldham worked with Steven Kupcho before Steven’s parents brought Jennifer to him as an eighth-grader.

When Jennifer Kupcho played her college golf at Wake Forest, Oldham and her fell into a fairly regular routine of long-distance instruction work when they couldn’t meet in person. Kupcho would send Oldham video and her Trackman launch monitor numbers “almost every week,” he said.

“When she became a professional, she bought her own Trackman, so she takes that with her on the road.

She will send me video almost every week when she’s on tour. If there are no concerns, she doesn’t send the Trackman numbers. If there are concerns, she sends me the Trackman numbers.”

Kupcho and Oldham will work in person at The Ranch when she’s in town. (In fact, they’re scheduled to meet up next week.) And since she turned pro about 17 months ago, Oldham has gone to LPGA tournament sites on a few occasions to meet with Kupcho, including earlier this much in the Philadelphia area for the KPMG Women’s PGA Championship, where she finished seventh.

One way or another, “We stay in touch almost weekly,” Oldham said.

Whether it’s working with the Kupchos or a 15- or 20-handicapper, why does Oldham love teaching golf so much?

“Back when I was in high school — we were living in North Platte, Neb., at the time and we were members at North Platte Country Club — the head pro there, Rich Skinner, asked me to work for him,” Oldham said.

“He was a good teacher and I liked what he did for a living. Plus, a lot of my early influences were coaches.

My dad was a coach and I had a high school basketball coach that I have a lot of respect for.

October 2020

“So, my reason for getting into the golf business was I wanted to teach and coach people how to play better golf.

And I haven’t lost that desire and passion to this day.”

Oldham lived on the Western Slope as a kid and returned there after spending time in North Platte.

Oldham has worked at the Ranch CC He graduated from in various capacities since 1982.

Rifle High School and said he’s lived in Colorado for all but about a dozen years of his life — and continuously since the late 1970s.

Now 59, Oldham has been a fixture at The Ranch Country Club since 1982. He served as an assistant pro there for more than eight years, as PGA head professional for 27 years, and as PGA director of instruction since the beginning of 2018.

“I’m doing (instruction) full time now, but even as a head professional, I kept a pretty busy teaching schedule,” he said. “My last four or five years of trying to do that and run the business got a little crazy.

The club gave me an opportunity at this and I said, ‘Absolutely.’”

As a highly regarded PGA professional in the state, Oldham has earned a plenty of honors over the years from the Colorado PGA, where he served as Section president from 2000 to ’02. Specifically, he’s a: • • • • •

Two-time Golf Professional of the Year, the Section’s highest honor (2001 and ’02) Two-time Teacher of the Year (’99 and ’13) Winner of the Player Development Award (2020) Two-time Professional Golf Development Award winner (1997 and ’98) Winner of the Merchandiser of the Year in the private course category (2000)

In addition, since 1999 Oldham has been a PGA Master Professional in golf instruction, the highest educational designation given by the PGA of America.

Oldham has been recognized not only locally but on a larger scale on many occasions over the years. He’s been named one of the “Top 50 Kids Coaches of the Year” according to U.S. Kids Golf the past couple of years and has a been longtime fixture as one of Golf Digest’s “Best Teachers in Your State” in Colorado.

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Quarter Century Club

Quarter Century Club Celebrating 25 Years of Service as a PGA Member

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GA Members who have served the PGA of America with honor and pride for 25 years are elected to the Quarter Century Club. Their steadfast promotion of our great sport is recognized with a letter from the PGA President, a special Quarter Century Club certificate and a gold Quarter Century Club lapel pin. This month, the Colorado Section is proud to feature Quarter Century Club Member, Pete Hymes, PGA.

Pete Hymes, PGA

Director of Membership at Omni Interlocken Resort & Golf Where did you grow up?

I grew up in the middle of nowhere in West Virginia from Kindergarten to 11th grade.

What was your first introduction to the game of golf?

No one in my family plays, but my dad bought a set of clubs for me at a yard sale on a whim. I started playing at a 9-hole course. In high school, the basketball coach was also the golf coach. He recruited me and my friend to play golf.

Why did you choose to become a PGA Golf Professional?

My college golf coach was my first mentor. In the summers, I would work for him. He taught me what good customer service looked like and what it wasn’t. I could tell from what my coach showed me that I loved golf. Both he and my dad told me to “do what you love, and the rest will fall into place.”

What makes you most proud about being a PGA Professional?

I love being around the game and being able to share that passion with others. When you walk into my shop, you are important to me. I try to be upbeat, positive and passionate about the game. I like to share the fact that this is the best game in the world.

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

My first full-time Assistant Professional job was at Heritage Club in Pawley’s Island, South Carolina. Then, I was an Assistant Professional at Oyster Bay Golf Links in Sunset Beach, North Carolina. I returned to Heritage as the Head Professional. I spent eight years as the Director of Retail for Legends Golf Group in Myrtle Beach and then a year at Barefoot Resort and Golf Club.

We moved to Colorado in the summer of 2008 and I was a Golf Professional at Dick’s Sporting Goods at Flatirons, for three and a half years. At Omni, I was an Assistant Professional and Outside Supervisor before they created the position of Director of Membership for me in 2014, which I have been since.

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

At Omni, I have doubled the golf membership, which is meaningful because it shows that passion of sharing the game with others. When I started, we were at 182 golf members and now we are at 385.

Before coming to Colorado, I was named the Resort Merchandiser of the Year in the Carolina Section in 2005, which also makes me feel proud to have contributed in a fiscally responsible way with professionalism.

What hobbies do you have outside of golf?

My family and I love movies and love traveling. I love listening to music and am a sports junkie. I love spending time with my son, who is now a freshman at CU Boulder.

This and That?

Short par 5 or short par 3?

Short par 3

Music on or music off on the course?

Music Always On

Favorite fast food chain?

Chick –fil-A & Smashburger

Match Play or Stroke Play?

Stroke Play

Morning or evening person?

Evening

Shorts, pants or skort on the course?

Pants

Pizza or tacos?

Pizza - NY Style

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Chocolate or vanilla?

Vanilla

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October 2020

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Special Awards Feature

Assistant PGA Golf Professional of the Year, Bakken, Genuinely Cares for Others and the Game

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he Colorado PGA Assistant Golf Professional of the Year is awarded to a PGA member or associate for overall performance including leadership, service and promotion of the game of golf. Congratulations to this year’s award recipient, Ryan Bakken, PGA, Assistant Professional at Thorncreek Golf Course!

Bakken grew up in a very small town called Chatfield, Minnesota, and first picked up a golf club at the age of 10 after a friend invited him to play. He became addicted almost instantly. He found immediate success in the game and was even able to play varsity golf as a seventh grader.

Although he started working at golf facilities during his college years, Bakken says he regrets not playing collegiately. “It set me back a few years in terms of playing competitively,” he stated. He graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Lacrosse with a Bachelor’s in Business Management in 2005. After that, he entered the PGM Program and started

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his “professional” career at Eastwood Golf Club, a municipal facility in Rochester, Minnesota, where he stayed for five years.

Bakken continued to build his career at Pheasant Acres Golf Club, a public facility in the northwest suburbs of Minneapolis. In his four seasons there, he honed his professional skills and worked alongside his future wife.

She too is in the PGM program. In the winter of 2014, they moved to Colorado and have now been married for three years.

What does it mean to you to receive the Assistant PGA Golf Professional of the Year Award?

It is very meaningful to receive an award determined by my peers. There are many great professionals in the Colorado Section, and I know many of them are very deserving. Knowing that people understand I am doing quality work means a lot and I take a ton of pride in that.

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Special Awards Feature What are the qualities you possess that you believe supported you in receiving the Assistant PGA Golf Professional of the Year Award?

Integrity in leadership is vital to success in the industry.

My staff trusts me, and I trust them. I always try to make the best decision possible with the information that I have available, while standing by my word and treating people fairly. Another core aspect of leadership is having empathy, which is very important in building relationships. I try to always refrain from judging others because I don’t know what has happened in their life today. Everyone is fighting their own battles, and they come to us for refuge, not criticism. Showing overall concern and kindness toward others goes a long way in fostering positive relationships. Finally, I love the game and it still drives me. At the end of the day, if you don’t love the game, it’s very difficult to be a great golf professional. Your staff and customers can see that.

What are two tools you use in your professional that help you with your success?

Understanding time management is a critical tool for me. Being efficient, learning to delegate and prioritizing have really helped me. I have had to learn to delegate and have grown in that area. Not only does it take things off my “to-do” list, but it allows me to empower others.

because I think they understand how much it means to me. It is especially significant because a month prior I had a real low at the Assistant’s Championship and worked hard on my game to turn it around. Working through the nerves and playing under pressure at the Section Championship was real vindication that the hard work was worth it.

Share something about yourself that others may not know.

I had a scary health crisis in the summer of 2013.

After feeling sick to my stomach for over a week, I went to the hospital where doctors located a tumor in my colon. After emergency surgery to remove the tumor, I was diagnosed with Stage III colon cancer and given a 50/50 chance of surviving past five years.

Once I recovered from surgery, I had to undergo nine rounds of chemotherapy and 28 radiation treatments.

Fortunately, I have been cancer-free now for seven-plus years and had 100% clean follow-ups. This challenge was one of the main reasons we decided to uproot and move to Colorado. We realized that a long life was not a guarantee. This whole journey gave me a better perspective on life. I realized there are certainly much worse things than a bad day at work or a poor round of golf. I try to remember that on a daily basis.

The second tool is communication. Clear communication, whether by email or phone, beforeduring-and-after an event, is the goal. The number one compliment I receive from players is regarding my communication. I strive to be approachable and available. I ensure the staff that I am here to help them, and my goal is to make them look good.

As it relates to golf, what is the best piece of advice that you have received and what advice would you give to others?

A piece of advice I received from my first head professional was to let go of the fear of the word “no.”

I think a lot of young professionals take a “no” answer as a personal indictment. You don’t have to have all the answers; sometimes you just have to fall in line. It doesn’t mean you are bad at your job. It doesn’t mean you asked a dumb question. The sooner you can come to terms with that, the better off you’ll be.

What is your proudest moment as a golf professional?

In September, I qualified for the 2021 PGA Professional Championship, which is without question my proudest personal accomplishment. My family, friends and members at Thorncreek are very excited for the event

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Bakken with his wife, Alicia.

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Special Awards Feature

Following in the Footsteps of His Influencers, Ed Oldham Receives the Player Development Award In high school, between his junior and senior years, Oldham was offered a job by the Head Golf Professional at North Platte Country Club, Rich Skinner, PGA. He worked in the pro shop and took care of the carts and the range. It was that summer Oldham decided he wanted to be in the golf business. Skinner was a good teacher. In fact, he won the Nebraska Section Teacher of the Year Award in 1988 and was inducted in the Nebraska Golf Hall of Fame in 2018. The mentorship of a noted teacher like Skinner certainly made an impression on Oldham, who followed in his footsteps winning Teacher of The Year in Colorado in 1999 and 2013.

Oldham’s first job as an Assistant Professional was at Rifle Creek Golf Club working for Steve LeDonne, PGA. The course closed for the winter and there were two Assistant Professional openings in the Denver area.

Oldham interviewed for both and was hired on at The Ranch Country Club. He thought that he would be there for two or three years, but this October marks 38 years Oldham has been at The Ranch CC. What does it mean to you to receive this award?

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he Player Development Award recognizes a PGA member who has made extraordinary contributions and achievements in conducting and/or supporting Play Golf America initiatives.

Congratulations to PGA Master Professional Ed Oldham, Director of Instruction at The Ranch Country Club, for being the 2020 Player Development Award Winner!

Oldham grew up in North Platte, Nebraska. His dad was the Dean of Students and the golf coach at North Platte Community College. It was his dad who introduced him to the game. Oldham played his first round of golf when he was about nine or 10 years of age with his dad and one of the college players. As a young teenager, he would be dropped off at North Platte Country Club in the morning on his dad’s way to work and he would stay there all day playing and practicing. His dad went on to become a PGA member and was the Head Golf Professional at three courses including Glenwood Golf Club in Glenwood Springs.

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I was very honored to hear that I won the Player Development Award. It’s always nice to be recognized for what I do. All of my early influencers were coaches and they had a huge influence on what I have done in my career. I am proud to be a coach to many wonderful people in this great game of golf.

What are the qualities you possess that you believe supported you receiving the Player Development Award?

I have a passion for teaching and coaching the game of golf, a desire to help every person who I work with and continue to try to improve myself through education.

What are two tools you use in your profession that help you with your success?

From a technology standpoint, I use Trackman and K vest. Trackman measures everything about the ball and club and K vest measures what the body is doing.

Having more information about the student allows me to do a better job coaching them.

From a personal standpoint, having the ability to make a connection with people and showing them how

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Special Awards Feature

much you care about their game is important. If you can’t make a connection with the person in front of you, nothing else matters.

As it relates to golf, what is the best piece of advice that you have received and what advice would you give to others?

When I went through the interview process for PGA Membership back in 1985, Earl Svenningsen, PGA, told me to never stop learning. That was great advice and I would pass that advice along to others. As a coach, there are a lot of resources available to you and you should learn from as many as you can. In the past two years, I believe that I have completed seven different certifications and I am always participating in online learning courses. Go watch good teachers teach. In the past 12 months, I have spent time with “master of the modern short game,” James Sieckmann and

October 2020

one of “GOLF’S Top 100 Teachers in America,” Bill Harmon learning from them. The more you learn, the more “tools” you will have in your toolbox to help your players.

What is your proudest moment as a golf professional?

I have had a lot of moments that would make me proud, but the proudest moment is probably when Jennifer Kupcho won the Augusta National Women’s Amateur in 2019. I have coached Jennifer since she was in 8th grade. She has accomplished a lot in her career so far, but I think the win at Augusta stands out.

Share something about yourself that others may not know.

My wife and I go to the Hot Springs Pool in Glenwood Springs a couple of times each year. It’s a great spot for recharging the batteries. It’s a great spot.

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Special Awards Feature

Crediting the Community, Young Accepts the Youth Player Development Award

Team photo: Montrose High School Boys Golf Team at 2020 CHSAA 4A State Championship, left to right: Noah Richmond, Rocco Manuel, Assistant Coach Tom Young, PGA, Jake Legg, Jordan Jennings (State Champion), Head Coach Steve Skiff and Assistant Coach Cory Jackson

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he Youth Player Development Award recognizes a Colorado PGA member who is a leader in junior golf, reflects the image and qualities that juniors can emulate, and provides opportunities and experiences for juniors to learn and play golf. Congratulations to Tom Young, PGA, Head Professional at Black Canyon Golf Club at Montrose, for being this year’s award recipient!

Young grew up on the golf course in Montrose and graduated from CSU in ’89 with a degree in Construction Management. He helped build golf courses all over the world for 20 years. In 2009, when the economy crashed, the career of building courses also crashed. Young’s hometown course in Montrose needed a Superintendent. With his knowledge of courses, he got the job and excelled, so much so that when need arose for a Head Professional, he was asked to fill that position. It was fun for Young to go from building golf courses to maintaining them, to running them.

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Young enjoys the Montrose community, the partnerships created there and working with juniors.

In 2019, he helped coordinate efforts between three golf courses in town to join forces and create a junior golf program that would benefit the three courses, the community and most importantly, youth golfers.

They created the Montrose Junior Golf Alliance (MJGA) and ran a nine-week summer program held every Thursday.

Assistant Coaching is also a role Young has held at Montrose High School for five years. They have won Regionals five years in a row. Montrose won the team state championship 3 years in a row, with a #1 player winning the individual title. This year, senior Jordan Jennings won the 4A Individual Championship for the first time, and the team took third. Young values being a part of the kids’ lives and seeing them succeed.

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Special Awards Feature What does it mean to you to receive this award?

It’s a real honor to be recognized from fellow PGA members, especially with my background and just becoming a member. To get this recognition has a lot of meaning.

What are the qualities you possess that you believe supported you in receiving the Youth Player Development Award?

I enjoy working with kids. Coaching is a way I can do what I love. I have the ability to connect with the kids and with others in the community. One thing you won’t hear me say is “me.” When I am talking with others and the staff, I use “we” and “us.” It’s a team aspect.

If you were to ask the kids, I believe the kids feel like I am a guy they can go to for anything – golf or personal. Parents trust me with their kids and ask me to help breakthrough to them.

What are two tools you use in your professional that help you with your success?

your integrity to make the best decisions possible and never quit trying.

What is your proudest moment as a golf professional?

My greatest asset is this community because this community backs junior golf. My employer allows junior golfers to play for free until the age of 13 and then we charge them $100 for the season.

Becoming a PGA Professional is one of my proudest moments. It was something I never thought I would achieve in my life and the fact that I achieved it in 24-26 months means a lot to me.

Second, I have a lot of integrity with the kids and a strong work ethic. They know I will always be there for them but will also come down on them if they need it. I have a lot of trust with the kids.

Another proud moment is starting the MJGA and having 100-125 kids show up to play. Instead of fighting other courses over juniors, we were able to work together and become a powerhouse to help the boys and girls of the community.

As it relates to golf, what is the best piece of advice that you have received and what advice would you give to others?

I have been shown by my dad how to have a moral compass. I would advise others to have integrity and a good moral character. Golf embodies integrity. Use

October 2020

Share something about yourself that others may not know.

It might surprise people to know that I am relatively new to the PGA. I also have a landscaping business that employs five to seven people.

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Special Awards Feature

“It’s All About the TEAM,” says Seltz - Colorado PGA Private Merchandiser of the Year

Rolling Hills Staff from left to right: Brian Hodges (Head Golf Professional), Debra Rosenthal (Merchandising Manager), Sean Knights (Assistant Golf Professional), Jeff Seltz (Director of Golf), Matt Lauer (Assistant Golf Professional), Mike Hestera (General Manager), Chris Parisi (Junior Golf Director) and Aaron Fankhauser (Superintendent)

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he Private Merchandiser of the Year Award recognizes a Colorado PGA member who has demonstrated superior skills as a merchandiser in the promotion of golf at a private facility.

Congratulations to this year’s award recipient Jeff Seltz, PGA, Director of Golf at The Club at Rolling Hills!

Seltz started working for PGA Professional Jim Johnson in 1987 as an Assistant Golf Professional until Johnson retired and he then became the Director of Golf – a position he has held since (now 18 years). He is only the fourth Head Golf Professional at Rolling Hills since its inception in 1955.

Born and raised in Littleton, Colorado, Seltz was introduced to golf by his dad at around the age of 8.

His parents played at Meadow Hills Golf Course and then became members at The Pinery. Seltz played a little golf in junior high and played on the high school team for two years but was more interested in baseball at the time.

What does it mean to you to receive this award?

After high school he went to the University of Colorado for two years and then graduated from the University of Denver. After graduation, Seltz worked for Hilton Corporation then Le Peep. The hospitality industry prepared him for the golf industry. He got into the golf business to learn the business. Then he learned the instruction – understanding how to play and teach.

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We look at service to our members as an opportunity not an obligation. They enjoy coming in the shop to shop and visit with us. By winning this award it means we have been successful in our goals as a TEAM and reaching one of our seasonal goals that we establish every season.

What is your merchandising strategy?

We build trust and friendships with our membership.

When people trust and like you, they will buy from you. Our golf shop is very friendly. People want to come in and say “hi” to us. That leads you into “Have you seen this new shirt? Try out this driver. Here’s a

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Special Awards Feature 90,000 a year for the past five seasons.

As it relates to golf, what is the best piece of advice that you have received and what advice would you give to others?

sleeve of balls, tell me what you think.” – promoting the products to our best costumers. The 20/80 rule is true in that 20% buy 80% of the product.

There are a limited number of rounds per year that brings in revenue. To increase revenue, we went out and cultivated a corporate business that lands additional business. We have 100-150 members that own their own business so we go to them and tell them what we can offer.

With COVID, we are still on track to make budget this year because the rounds are at a 20-year-high at over 35,000 rounds of golf. Historically, we have been at 28,000-30,000 rounds.

The best advice I have received and passed on to my assistants is, “Stop looking at a clock, a calendar and your paycheck.” I have preached the importance of having passion for our jobs and the people we work for. This is a hospitality industry and we must continue to be passionate in everything we do: lessons, merchandising and all the little details that make an organization successful.

What is your proudest moment as a golf professional?

My proudest moment as a Golf Professional was when one of my Junior Golfers, who I worked with in high school and college, came back to join as a member and won the Club Championship.

Winning the Junior Golf Leader Award in 2001 was also one of the greatest accomplishments that we as a Club have received and now to have Rachel win our Club Championship has brought it back full circle. Winning the MOY is now a beautiful feather in

What are the qualities you possess that you believe supported you receiving the Private Merchandiser of the Year Award?

As mentioned previously, we are a TEAM, but most importantly we are a FAMILY! We are constantly working together to make every customer feel special and treat every special order as if it were our own. Thirty percent of our business is special orders and club-fitting, so customer service is paramount to our success over the years.

What are two tools you use in your profession that help you with your success?

The tools or philosophies that we work at every day is “Effort not Perfection.” We can control two things every day - Attitude and Effort - and we believe our team thrives on these two goals. We are also constantly reminding each other that “Well done is better than well said.” We cannot allow egos or different personalities to keep us from giving the best customer service to our members and guests daily. We know that people buy from people they like and trust, and we have built the trust of our base customers and continue to give them reason to buy from us consistently. Our corporate business is a testimony to this philosophy due to the repeat business we have created from our members using us for their corporate needs, which represents $75,000-

October 2020

Seltz pictured with member of The Club at Rolling Hills, Rachel Rodriquez, winner of the Ladies Club Championship.

our cap as well!

Share something about yourself that others may not know.

I have a hotel and restaurant degree from the University of Denver. I have also run in four Marathons (Las Vegas, Avenue of the Giants, New York and Marine Corp, Washington D.C.)

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Special Awards Feature

Creating Loyal Customers, Schalk Celebrates as 2020 Public Merchandiser of the Year

What does it mean to you to receive this award?

Receiving this award has been extremely fulfilling.

Working as a PGA Member since 1998 and taking pride in merchandising since day one, has given this award more meaning to me.

What is your merchandising strategy?

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he Public Merchandiser of the Year Award recognizes a Colorado PGA member who has demonstrated superior skills as a merchandiser in the promotion of golf at a public facility.

Congratulations to this year’s award recipient Matt Schalk, PGA, General Manager at Colorado National Golf Club!

A Colorado native, Schalk was raised in Boulder. He was introduced to the game of golf by his father. In addition, the golf professional staff at Boulder Country Club, where Schalk grew up, had a huge role in spiking his interest to get into the golf business.

Baseball was his sport of choice in high school and he picked golf up again in college.

Retail sales, along with merchandising, has become a skilled and difficult market to navigate. Creating displays that maximize gross margin dollars, proper turn ratios, keeping merchandise fresh, changing displays weekly, maintaining unit integrity and pricing accuracy are all important. Digital marketing and purchasing have provided many avenues for customers to shop. To compete, we have relied on the same avenues to connect to our customers and to keep them informed of new products, while at the same time, making sure I am buying wanted product.

Creating user experiences with specific productshowcase days and having online digital shops during COVID times has proven extremely viable for us. Using analytics, including purchase data to monitor our customer tendencies, online and digital data including time spent on pages, and what types of product descriptions are being searched through our marketing avenues has helped us forecast and understand customer habits. Offering options of non-traditional golf-shop purchases including

Schalk passed his PAT at the Air Force Academy and was one of the first graduates of the Golf Professional Training Program (GPTP). His first golf professional job was at Lake Valley Golf Club in Boulder where he started doing outside service and then moved into a golf shop assistant. He worked at Lake Valley for 14 years and was the Head Professional when he moved on to Colorado National Golf Club in 2007.

In his free time, Schalk enjoys coaching youth sports, as well as refereeing youth sports.

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The SUMMIT

Special Awards Feature What are two tools you use in your profession that help you with your success?

Providing exceptional customer service is always number one. Making sure our products and services are hip, current and meeting the immediate habits of our buyers is equally as important.

As it relates to golf, what is the best piece of advice that you have received and what advice would you give to others?

Enjoy each day and appreciate your atmosphere.

Working in the golf business comes with many obstacles but using those obstacles to show growth helps fulfill you both as a person and as a businessman. lululemon, purses, lotions, make-up and daily health products that carry a larger margin and turn ratio, have made the customer a loyal buyer.

From the hard-good side, we have begun collaborating with manufacturers to become hubs.

This allows us to not only sell the most advanced and newest equipment professionally fit, but also to highlight apparel alongside those brands and create a relationship with our client. With the partnership, we collect rent from the manufacturer for use of our practice-facility space and collaborate through social-media channels with them on our products and services. This has increased our reach and customer base, which allows for more cross-selling of our merchandise.

What is your proudest moment as a golf professional?

For me, it is growing the game. I have invested thousands of hours into junior golf and more specifically girl’s junior golf. Being able to grow that demographic in golf has by far been my greatest accomplishment.

Share something about yourself that others may not know.

I enjoy baking. Making desserts from scratch like cinnamon rolls, cream pies, cakes and pastries is what I spend much of my free time doing.

Many staples to customer service are still in place here at Colorado National. Developing loyalty through knowledge and pricing has allowed us to grow our brands and our overall profit margins.

What are the qualities you possess that you believe supported you receiving the Public Merchandiser of the Year Award?

Education and always keeping my pulse on the new products and trends has been very instrumental. Looking and thinking outside the box in merchandising has been huge. Trying to fill my shops with products that my customers use, and not just golf related products, has proven to be significant in our profitability and our ability to grow revenues. Implementing online golf shops and the ability to purchase digitally has been very successful in our turns, as well, and helps us reach customers in different states.

Schalk is pictured with wife of 14 years, Leslie; daughter, Hailey (18); son, Blake (16); and son, Jaze (7)

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Colorado PGA REACH News

Southwest Greens Teams Up With Tito’s to Support Colorado PGA REACH

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t was a pleasant surprise for Colorado PGA REACH the day a $5,000 check from Love, Tito’s was delivered, on behalf of Southwest Greens.

During the pandemic, Southwest Greens collaborated with the Tito’s Colorado sales representative, Samantha VanKammen, in a fundraising effort. For every Tito’s Handmade Vodka cocktail purchased at any of Southwest Greens’ four clubs, – The Golf Club at Bear Dance, Colorado National Golf Club, Plum Creek Golf Club and Riverdale Golf Course – Love, Tito’s would make a $1 donation to the Colorado PGA REACH Foundation.

“When Samantha approached us about this promotion, it just made sense to join forces,” shares Southwest Greens co-owner Stuart Bruening. “Making the decision to support Colorado PGA REACH was also an easy choice. REACH shares many of the same values that we do at Southwest Greens and has been a great partner with the Mile High Golf Trail over the years. It is exciting for us to introduce a global brand like Tito’s to a cause that is so close to home.”

The mantra of “Love, Tito’s” started out as the signature line for the Tito’s Team when corresponding with charitable causes they supported. This salutation turned into a philanthropic movement that gives back and lends a hand to causes, efforts and nonprofit organizations across the country. The goal of Love, Tito’s is simple: to turn spirits into love and goodness. So far in 2020, Love, Tito’s has donated over $2 million to local nonprofits in communities across the United States.

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Tournament News

Lanting Wins West Chapter Championship

President of the Colorado PGA, Ben Welsh, presents the trophy to Lanting, who also claimed a $1,300 check for the win.

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en Lanting, PGA, Assistant Professional at Bear Creek Golf Club, won the West Chapter Championship held at Aspen Glen Club on October 5-6. Lanting, who was elected to membership in June this year, competed against nine-time winner of the event, Doug Rohrbaugh, PGA, Teaching Professional at The Snowmass Club.

This annual Championship is the premier event of the West Chapter and the Section alike. Held at the picturesque Aspen Glen Club, it attracts some of the best Professionals in the state. This year was no different as the first round had several players in contention.

When asked about the event, Lanting replied, “This event is one of my favorites. Aspen Glen is one of the most beautiful courses I have ever played, and the conditions of the course were absolutely perfect.

I was excited to come up and play, partly because my fiancé Aimee was coming with me to caddie!

As far as golf goes, we had a lot of fun and I was fortunate enough to hit solid shots and roll in some putts.”

Lanting was in the lead after the first round, with

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a 3-under-par 69. Several players were right behind him, including 2020 Section Championship Winner, Geoff Keffer, PGA, Assistant Professional at Lakewood Country Club, and 2020 Assistant Champion, Caine Fitzgerald, PGA, Assistant Professional at Meadow Hills Golf Course. Keffer and Fitzgerald were tied for second at 2-under-par 70.

Rohrbaugh was at even par with a 72.

In the final round, Lanting increased his lead, making four birdies in the first six holes. He carded a 4-under-par round to maintain first place, with an overall score of 7-under-par. Rohrbaugh finished three strokes behind Lanting, second overall, with a 4-under-par, which earned him first in the Senior Division.

Commenting on the final round, Lanting recalls, “It’s always fun, and obviously the goal, to be leading going into the last round. Seeing a bunch of Players of the Year right behind me, I knew I had to play well again on Tuesday. We stuck to the game plan (which was to rely on my caddie) and fired another solid round. The nerves were definitely there, but it was exciting to be able to channel them into focus.

The weather and course conditions were perfect once again, and I’m always so grateful to be playing

The SUMMIT

Tournament News the game I love. Always an honor to win in these talented fields.”

Rohrbaugh’s key to success at the West Chapter Championship was his putting. He states, “Day one, I hit it very average, but my putting kept me in it.

Day two, I got off to a hot start, and was five under through seven holes. When I made bogey on #9, it took the wind out of my sails. On the back, I made nine straight pars. However, I am very happy with the finish, considering how far behind I was after round one. Congratulations to Ben! He played very solid and consistent. Thanks also to Aspen Glen and their staff; the golf course was in absolutely amazing condition.”

Lanting also expresses his gratitude. “I’m very grateful for my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, Aimee and the rest of my family, Bear Creek Golf Club, the Colorado PGA Staff and the staff at Aspen Glen for their support and a memorable week. It was well worth the 80% winnings fee that my caddie charged.”

West Chapter President, Jeff Boyer, PGA, General Manager at Eagle Ranch Golf Club commented, “It was a great success. I think we had about 75 players, which is the largest turnout I can remember in my 25 years here. The weather and course conditions were phenomenal as was the performance of our champion, Ben Lanting. I would like to thank the Aspen Glen Club and host PGA Professional Dave Thompson for graciously hosting this event for the last several years. We are so lucky to be able to

Lanting with caddie and fiancé, Aimee

hold our championship at such an amazing facility.

I would also like to thank Tom Bauerle of Colorado Golf & Turf and David Walker of True Temper Shafts for their sponsorship.”

To see the full results of the West Chapter Championship, click here.

YOUR MOUNTAIN SPIRIT BOURBON

PORT CASK FINISH

PX SHERRY CASK FINISH

PX SHERRY CASK FINISH

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October 2020

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Tournament News

Morris Captures Second Colorado PGA Women’s Championship Morris comments, “Day one of the tournament I didn’t hit it as well as I would have liked. I only hit seven greens in regulation, but I was able to hit some great chips and save quite a few pars to shoot 73. I’m right at the midway point through my first pregnancy and my sequence feels a little off as my body is changing. I’m also hitting it about a club short of my normal distances. On day one I think I tried to press myself too hard to hit it as far as I normally do.”

In the final round, Morris came out strong, making four birdies on the first six holes. She carded an incredible round of 5-under-par 67, which was the lowest round of the championship, to move her into first place, with an overall score of 4-under-par.

Though Braga had three birdies in her round, she ended up finishing second. Cunningham shared third-place with Kelli McKandless, LPGA Professional at Blackstone Country Club.

CEO and Ececutive Director of the Colorado PGA, Eddie Ainsworth, presents Morris with the trophy and a check for $1,000.

T

ara Morris, PGA, Assistant Professional at The Country Club at Castle Pines, claimed her second Colorado PGA Women’s Championship held at the Pinery Country Club on October 12-13.

“I didn’t give myself many expectations for our Women’s Section Championship,” shared Morris.

“I’m sure like many in our industry, this may be the year that we as professionals have played the least amount of golf. Golf seems to be growing everywhere, which is fantastic, but it certainly adds things to our plate on a daily basis. It is amazing our tee sheet is still at 98% capacity this late in the year.”

After round 1 of the 36-hole stroke play championship, the competition was close. Alexandra Braga, PGA, Director of Instruction at Denver Country Club, two-time winner of the Championship (2016 & 2017), was in the lead with an even par score of 72. Tied for second, at one-over-par, were Morris and Jackie Cunningham, Assistant Professional at Valley Country Club.

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Commenting on day two, Morris states, “I decided I would come back with a focus of tempo for the day. I knew if tempo was my only thought, I would be able to club up and hit some solid golf shots. I hit 13 greens in the regulation on day 2 and my misses were much easier up-and-downs from around the green. Even when I started off strong on the day with a few birdies, I was able to stay patient and keep tempo in the front of my mind throughout the whole round.”

Morris continues, “I would like to thank Justin, Eddie and our Colorado PGA Section staff for putting together this event and allowing us to compete.

Also, I’d like to thank The Pinery Country Club for fitting us in and hosting us in a such a busy year.

The course was in fantastic shape. The greens were rolling great and definitely gave us a challenge.

Thanks to all the LPGA and PGA professionals who came out to compete. We saw some new faces this year and it was great to meet a few other ladies in our industry. Hopefully, next year we will be able to continue to grow this unique event for our female professionals.”

To see the full results of the Colorado PGA Women’s Championship, click here.

The SUMMIT

Tournament News

Headed To Southern Hills Micah Rudosky places 11th in his first national Senior PGA Professional Championship and earns berth in 2021 Senior PGA Championship

By Gary Baines

M

icah Rudosky just turned 50 on Sept. 1, thus becoming eligible for big-time senior golf championships. And the PGA head professional at Conquistador Golf Course in Cortez certainly got plenty out of his first trip to the national Senior PGA Professional Championship.

With round scores of 71-70-72-70, Rudosky ended up 14 strokes behind champion Omar Uresti of Austin, Texas, who has played in 375 PGA Tour events in his life. Uresti won by six on Sunday.

Here are the scores for all the Colorado-based PGA professionals who competed this week at the national Senior PGA Professional Championship:

Rudosky shot four consecutive rounds of par or better in Port St. Lucie, Fla., tying for 11th-place finish out of a starting field of 264 players. And with a top-35 showing comes a spot in the 2021 KitchenAid Senior PGA Championship, which will be played May 27-30 at Southern Hills in Tulsa. The Senior PGA Championship is one of the majors on PGA Tour Champions.

11. Micah Rudosky, Conquistador GC 71-70-7270—283

Rudosky’s finish at the national Senior PGA Professional Championship was the best by a Coloradan since Mike Northern of Colorado Springs tied for fourth in 2016.

105. Bill Hancock, Littleton GC 69-78–147

A month after finishing third in the Colorado PGA Professional Championship, Rudosky posted a 4-under-par 283 total at PGA Golf Club. He shot a 2-under-par 70 in Sunday’s final round, when he carded three birdies and one bogey.

Missed 54-Hole Cut 77. Mike Zaremba, Desert Hawk at Pueblo West 71-73-77–221 Missed 36-Hole Cut

120. Dale Smigelsky, Fort Collins 74-74–148 159. Barry Milstead, Valley CC 79-71–150 169. John Ogden, Cherry Hills CC 76-75–151 169. Jeff Hanson, Red Sky GC 77-74–151 202. Doug Rohrbaugh, Snowmass Club 74-80–154 For all the scores from Port St. Lucie, CLICK HERE.

October 2020

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Tournament News

Dow Finsterwald Colorado PGA OMEGA Player of the Year Place and Player Facility POY Points 1 | Geoff Keffer Lakewood Country Club 8,422 2 | Caine Fitzgerald Meadow Hills Golf Course 5,916 3 | Ben Lanting Bear Creek Golf Club 5,595 4 | Grant Jackson Saddle Rock Golf Course 4,369.9 5 | Doug Rohrbaugh The Snowmass Club 4,232.5 6 | Jason Witczak The Club at Pradera 3,801.7 7 | Tyler Parsloe Jake’s Academy 3,479 8 | Chris Johnson The Country Club at Woodmoor 3,475.41 9 | Mike Weingartner Walnut Creek Golf Preserve 3,079.75 10 | Ron Vlosich Life Member 2,894 11 | Dale Smigelsky Life Member 2,740 12 | Jeff Carter Murphy Creek Golf Course 2,615 13 | Micah Rudosky Conquistador Golf Course 2,575 14 | Bill Hancock Littleton Golf & Tennis Club 2,394.5 15 | Peter Norwood MetaGolf Learning Center 2,391.83 16 | Kirk Trowbridge MetaGolf Learning Center 2,357.9 17 | Barry Milstead Valley Country Club 2,333.5 The top 17 Players will earn an exemption into the CoBank Colorado Open in 2021.

Colorado PGA Women’s Player of the Year

Place and Player Facility POY Points 1 | Sherry Andonian Valley Country Club 2,096.5 2 | Alexandra Braga Denver Country Club 900 3 | Tara Morris Country Club at Castle Pines 600 4 | Kristyn Crippen Cherry Hills Country Club 525 5 | Jackie Cunningham Valley Country Club 250 6 | Amy Stubblefield Old Baldy Course 200 7 | Sam Crawford Coloado PGA 160

Senior Colorado PGA OMEGA Player of the Year

Place and Player Facility POY Points 1 | Doug Rohrbaugh The Snowmass Club 8,626.17 2 | Chris Johnson The Country Club at Woodmoor 5,367.41 3 | Ron Vlosich Life Member 5,004 4 | Dale Smigelsky Life Member 4,909.5 5 | Barry Milstead Valley Country Club 4,197.5 6 | Mike Northern Life Member 3,462 7 | Jeff Hanson Red Sky Golf Club 2,965 8 | Sherry Andonian Valley Country Club 2,940.5 9 | Bill Hancock Littleton Golf & Tennis Club 2,780.5 10 | Micah Rudosky Conquistador Golf Course 2,650

Colorado PGA Associate Player of the Year

Place and Player Facility POY Points 1 | Seth Zacks The Club at Ravenna 2,068.25 2 | Dan Augustine The Club at Ravenna 1,875 3 | Mark Franz Saddle Rock Golf Course 1,570.36 4 | Ben Lanting Bear Creek Golf Club 890.5 5 | Brandon Wood Saddle Rock Golf Course 821.33 6 | Robert Cooley Aurora Hills Golf Course 644.67 7 | Zach Dobrota Copper Creek Golf Club 616 8 | Jack Cavanagh Walnut Creek Golf Preserve 560 9 | Jordan Shephard The Pinery Country Club 525 10 | Austin Umland Collindale Golf Course 515.5

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The SUMMIT

Tournament News

True Temper Project X Series Leaderboard Place | Name | Facility | Points | Payout

(Point Values Include the Section Championship)

2020 Season Final Results 1 | Geoff Keffer | Lakewood Country Club | 5,690.5 | $2,000 2 | Doug Rohrbaugh | The Snowmass Club | 4,880.50 | $1,500 3 | Ben Lanting | Bear Creek Golf Club | 4,681 4 | Dale Smigelsky | Life Member | 3,580 | $1,000 5 | Grant Jackson | Saddle Rock Golf Course | 3,176.9 | $500 6 | Tyler Parsloe | Jake's Academy | 3,042 7 | Caine Fitzgerald | Meadow Hills Golf Course | 3,040.5 8 | Ron Vlosich | Life Member | 2,897 9 | Micah Rudosky | Conquistador Golf Course | 2,680 10 | Chris Johnson | The Country Club at Woodmoor | 2,380.75 In conjunction with True Temper, the Colorado PGA again conducted a “Points Race” for those Colorado PGA Members playing True Temper Shafts during seven (7) events this year. Members were required to be playing a minimum of eight (8) True Temper shafts at the final event - the West Chapter Championship - to be eligible for the payout in this series.

Members played for a $5,000 purse! $2,000 for 1st Place / $1,500 for 2nd / $1,000 for 3rd / $500 for 4th

October 2020

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The SUMMIT

Junior Golf News

100 Hole Hike Raises Over $23,000 for Youth on Course T

his fall, golfers across the country and right here locally participated in a Hundred Hole Hike Challenge to raise money and awareness for Youth on Course, which provides youth with access to life-changing opportunities through golf. Youth on Course gives members access to golf for $5 or less at more than 1,400 participating courses around the country. Beyond affordable golf, it provides opportunities for young people to get the support they need to succeed through career prep, leadership and scholarship programs.

Originally scheduled for the day after Labor Day, the Colorado event was “snowed-out” due to an unexpected winter storm. The delayed event took place on September 28, 2020, at CommonGround Golf Course and had eight participants, who raised a total of $23,753. All participants are somehow connected to the Junior Golf Alliance of Colorado and worked collectively, with a spirit of fun competition, to promote the event. Representing the Colorado PGA Staff, Scott Minta, Junior Golf Director, and Samantha Crawford, Junior Golf Coordinator, raised nearly one-third of the funds. The other participants included, Gary Albrecht, Colorado Golf Association Vice President; Ashley Barnhart, CGA’s Managing Director of Golf Operations; Emily Olson, the CGA’s manager of caddie development; Shane Houska and Brandon Kuhl, the fathers of two JGAC members; and Mackenzie Cohen, a former 5A girls state high school individual champion who now serves as the events coordinator of Youth on Course.

Paired together through all 100 holes, participants were sometimes joined by caddies and family to support them, however, the participants walked the entire time. The day started off early, with the players teeing off at 6:32am, layered up for the chilly fall weather and ready to walk over 20 miles.

As the day moved on, all players were experiencing pains, limps, blisters, and even a bee-sting, but they managed to finish ahead of schedule with smiles on their faces, around 10 hours later.

A highlight for Crawford was making eagle on her 45th hole with a fairway hole-out from 100 yards. Minta eagled his 50th hole with a 50-foot putt.

The JGAC was established in 2016 by the Colorado Section of the PGA and the Colorado Golf Association. The JGAC serves as a vehicle for collaboration in the arena of junior golf in the state of Colorado for parents, kids, coaches and PGA Professionals. In 2020, the JGAC grew in membership by 344 from 2019. There were 72 events offered to juniors in 2020, 44 of which were sold out.

Youth on Course membership also grew at the same rate. Numbers reflect a 342-member increase from 2019.

With the increase of membership, rounds increased from 1,722 rounds in 2019 to 2,806 in 2020. The raising of the funds through the 100 Hole Hike certainly helps as the Youth on Course program is expanding.

“Hikers,” left to right: Shane Houska, Brandon Kuhl, Ashley Barnhart, Scott Minta, Mackenzie Cohen, Emily Olson, Samantha Crawford and Gary Albrecht.

October 2020

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Colorado PGA Jr. League

Colorado PGA Jr. League Fall Season Winding Down Reflecting on the 2020 Season

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e hope things are going well with you, your families and your golf courses as the end of the golf season approaches.

The 2020 golf season will be one that we always remember, but hopefully, we will be able look back and recognize all the great things golf was able to accomplish during a challenging year. The relationships you were able to create this year will pay dividends for years to come as you continue helping your golfers navigate the complicated game of golf. As you think about closing out 2020 and begin planning for the 2021 season, remember to think about this new wave of golfers that have taken up or returned to the sport we all love. What can we do to make sure people choose golf over the many other possible demands on their time as the world begins to get busy again?

FALL LEAGUES RESULT IN HUGE TURNOUT FOR COLORADO PROGRAMS 2020 was the second year we were able to accommodate official Fall Rec Leagues. Despite a below-average summer for PGA Jr. League participation nationwide, PGA Jr. League programs were in high demand for the fall. Colorado saw nearly 300 kids participating in fall leagues at 10 facilities across the section. Thank you to Mark McCarthy at University of Denver Golf Club, Don Graham at Raccoon Creek, Brain Sevier at Family Sports, Matt Magley at City Park Nine, Earl Gerlach and Sehan Filmalter at Collindale Golf Club, John Trujillo at Eisenhower Golf Club, Paul Surniak at Cheyenne Shadows, Jason Witczak at The Club at Pradera, Kyle Voska at The Links Golf Course and Craig Salib at Fort Collins Country Club for offering fall leagues this year. I am sure most of them would agree that if we had more time and more daylight, they could have found even more interested participants as well. The participating families were more than happy to enroll their kids to participate in quality programming to keep them active. These fall programs had an average program fee of $342, which was up $48 from Colorado’s summer average.

With beautiful fall weather at the Pinery Country Club, the “Rockies” take on the “Rapids” in the first game of the season.

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We would also like to give a huge shout out to Craig Salib and the coaches at Fort Collins Country Club for being one of the largest PGA Jr. League programs in the country. Highlighted by 51 players in their fall league, Fort Collins Country Club had 98 PGA Jr. League participants in 2020. Currently, they sit in the top 25 list for participation nationwide.

The SUMMIT

Colorado PGA Jr. League PLANNING FOR 2021 Rest assured, we have taken note of the many variations and modifications that programs nationwide were forced to make in order to participate in PGA Jr. League this year. We are currently reviewing what was successful in order to help us make the program better as we reset for 2021. Our goal will be to make PGA Jr. League more flexible and as valuable as possible to consumers, facilities, and most importantly, to PGA and LPGA Professionals in the future. Please stay tuned for updates on how you can start preparing your future programs.

As always, we are here to assist.

Anthony Vitale, PGA PGA Jr. League Regional Manager (720) 884-6130 avitale@pgahq.com Samantha Crawford Junior Golf Manager (720) 884-6130 scrawford@pgahq.com Sporting their fall jerseys, the “Sweet Spots” take on the “Sultans of Swing” during a game at Fort Collins CC

104th PGA ANNUAL MEETING October 29, 2020 Beginning at 2:00 p.m. ET Hosted on PGA.org

October 2020

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Junior Golf News

Chalk Up Another One “Team Europe” extends its win streak as JGAC Junior Ryder Cup is shortened by windstorm

By Gary Baines

T

raditionally, the winning team in the Junior Golf Alliance of Colorado’s Junior Ryder Cup gathers for a formal photo and to jointly celebrate its victory.

On Sunday, Mother Nature had other ideas.

With the wind howling in the afternoon at CommonGround Golf Course in Aurora, where the singles portion of the matches were under way, a proper ending to the competition for 13-and-under competitors was simply not in the cards.

Instead, the scheduled 18-hole singles session was scrapped due to the aforementioned wind, and the final results were based solely on Saturday’s nine-hole four-ball and nine-hole foursomes matches.

With that, the squad dubbed “Team Europe” defeated Team USA 11.5-4.5, having won the four-ball 6-2 and the foursomes 5.5-2.5.

For what it’s worth, Team Europe is now 5-0 in the Junior Ryder Cup in the five years since the JGAC has been in existence.

Here are the players that won both of their matches on Saturday, all of whom competed for Team Europe: Ashleigh Wilson, Addison Hines, Maddie Makino and Lenna Persson.

Here are the scoreboards for Saturday’s four-ball and foursomes sessions:

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The SUMMIT

Junior Golf News

Abbreviated Major Victories Erling, Bryant claim titles as high winds cancel final round of JGAC Tour Championship

15-year-old Wes Erling won the JGAC Tour Championship five days after finishing fourth in the 5A state high school meet.

By Gary Baines

W

es Erling of Colorado Springs and Emma Bryant of Aurora became Junior Golf Alliance of Colorado Tour Championship winners on Sunday without even needing to tee it up for the final round.

They were blown away by the news as sustained high winds at the Air Force Academy led to the cancellation of the final round of the 36-hole event at Eisenhower Golf Club’s Silver Course.

Erling and Bryant, both members of the CGA’s Hale Irwin Player Program at CommonGround Golf Course, earned the titles as they led after Saturday’s opening round.

Erling, a 15-year-old who placed fourth in the 5A boys state high school tournament on Tuesday, prevailed by a stroke among the boys after firing a 4-under-par 68 on Saturday.

Bryant likewise won by one, in her case after a 2-over-par 74.

October 2020

But whether the win came after 18 holes or 36, the champions will take it and be proud of the accomplishment.

“To me, a win is a win even if it’s not exactly the way I wish I won,” said Erling, a sophomore at Pine Creek High School.

“I’m very happy. I played very solid yesterday. Even though it was only an 18-hole tournament, I couldn’t have asked for more.

“It’s definitely the top (thing he’s accomplished so far in golf). I haven’t done much besides state (high school) so winning this is just huge. It just makes me feel so much better about the end of this year.”

For Bryant, it’s her second JGAC major victory, but her first since the 2017 Colorado Junior Match Play. She also won the 5A girls state high school individual title in 2018.

“It truly means a lot to come out on top,” said the 17-yearold senior at Eaglecrest High School, who has committed to play her college golf at the University of Denver. “Though it is a one-day tournament, I still was at the top of the

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Junior Golf News In the girls tournament, Bryant played her final 10 holes in even par on Saturday, sinking birdie putts of 30 feet on No. 9 and of 8 feet on No. 15.

“I’m happy I could pull through yesterday even though I didn’t know what would come of it,” she said. “It worked out for me.”

Bryant finished one ahead of CGA Women’s Stroke Play champion Aubri Braecklein of Northglenn and 2019 Colorado Junior Amateur winner Kaylee Chen of Parker.

Braecklein rebounded from a front-nine 41 with a 2-under 34 on the back. Chen was 1 under on the front and 4 over on the back.

Thirteen-year-old Hadley Ashton of Erie place fourth at 77.

Bryant adds this week’s victory to two previous wins this year. She prevailed in the women’s division of the CGA Western Chapter Championship and at a JGAC Tour event early in the season. Coincidentally, that JGAC tournament was also shortened by weather issues.

Emmma Bryant won her second JGAC major, but first in more than three years.

leaderboard, so that’s really great for me. It’s a good thing to head into next season with that confidence.”

In the boys tournament, players from Colorado Springs — specifically, two playing out of The Club at Flying Horse — finished 1-2 as Erling was followed by Kaden Ford, who fired a 69 despite a double bogey on No. 13 on Saturday.

Matthew Wilkinson of Centennial and TJ Hicks of Greenwood Village shared third place at 70. Wilkinson finished his round in interesting fashion, going birdie, birdie, triple bogey, birdie.

But it was Erling’s day as he made six birdies and two bogeys, with a birdie at 18 accounting for the winning margin.

“I was really able to keep my head the entire round,” he said. “And putting was so much better than at state (at The Club at Rolling Hills in Golden). I didn’t miss a putt inside of 10 feet. That’s what I was most proud of.”

“It feels great,” she said. “I’m really proud of myself. I think this summer was one of the best summers I’ve had. … I think I really proved to myself I could hang in with all those other girls.

And even though I didn’t know what today would bring, this tournament kind of proves that every shot counts. Even though you may not know it at the time, it truly does matter.

“It feels really good to finish off the season strong and end it with a win.”

With this being the final points event of the JGAC season, the players that finished atop the year-long Tour points lists were Hunter Swanson of Denver (boys), another Hale Irwin Player Program member, and Braecklein (girls).

Braecklein won two JGAC tournaments in 2020 and finished second in three JGAC majors, including the Tour Championship on Sunday. Swanson also chalked up two JGAC victories in 2020. He placed fifth in the Tour Championship.

For all the scores from Eisenhower, click on the followings: BOYS, GIRLS.

Erling said all six of his birdies came from inside of 10 feet.

“My irons were very solid, just like at state,” he said. “Being able to win this one, it puts into perspective what I’m capable of.”

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The SUMMIT

Junior Golf News

Boys State High School Golf

By Gary Baines

T

he Colorado Boys State High School Golf Championships were held on Monday and Tuesday, October 5-6, 2020. Here’s a rundown from each of the state tournaments: 5A at The Club at Rolling Hills in Golden: While Valor Christian senior Lucas Schulte hadn’t won a high school individual title before in 2020, he certainly came through on Tuesday. Despite playing his first five holes of the final round in 3 over par, he went 2 under the rest of the way, making three birdies in addition to an 18th-hole eagle. His 1-overpar 72 gave him a winning total of 4-over-par 146.

The only two players who shot sub-par rounds in the two days at Rolling Hills tied for second place, one stroke back of Schulte. Trey Kirschner of Ralston Valley fired a 2-under 69 on Tuesday and Ryan Occhionero of Regis Jesuit a 70. Both players birdied the 18th hole.

The first-round co-leaders, Graham Dzengelewski of Arapahoe and Wes Erling of Pine Creek, tied for fourth place at 148 with Jeff Nelson of Prairie View.

Dzengelewski led for almost the entire tournament, but a bogey on 16 and a double bogey on 17 before making birdie on 18 proved costly as he posted a 4-over 39 on the back nine Tuesday.

4A at Country Club of Colorado in Colorado Springs: Playing in its hometown, Cheyenne Mountain overtook first-round leader Mullen to capture the team championship. CM’s second-day total of 11-over-par 224 at the Country Club of Colorado was Tuesday’s best by nine strokes.

Mullen finished second, five strokes back of Cheyenne Mountain, while Montrose was third, 13 out of the top spot.

Cheyenne Mountain’s championship team was comprised of Carter Surofchek (152 total), Connor Moberly (154), Thomas Herholtz (156) and Campbell Grage (158).

In the individual competition, Montrose senior Jordan Jennings trailed Mullen’s Mario Dino by two going into the final round, but he caught Dino after making three consecutive birdies on holes 2 through 4. However, the tournament was decided on the final eight holes as Jennings went 2 under, while Dino went 3 over.

Jennings’ 3-under 68 left him with a 2-over-par 144 total. Dino placed second at 148 and Mullen

October 2020

Valor Christian recorded its sixth state team championship in boys golf, including its first in Class 5A.

teammate Rhett Johnson was third at 150. Jack Mitchell of Evergreen and Jake Chesler of Frederick tied for fourth at 151.

3A at Dos Rios Golf Club in Gunnison: Aspen junior Nic Pevny started round 2 with two straight birdies and added two more on Tuesday to go with four bogeys. His even-par 71 put him at 2-under-par 140 overall, making him the only player in any of the three state tournaments to finish 36 holes under par.

Montezuma-Cortez sophomore Thayer Plewe finished runner-up at 143 after a 73 on Tuesday.

He birdied the first and third holes in round 2, but wouldn’t make another, and he played his final 13 holes in 4 over par.

Connor Downey of Vail Christian took third place at 147 after a second-round 75. Tayleb Schaefer of Sterling (74 Tuesday) and Luke Calvin of St. Mary’s (72) shared fourth place at 148.

In scoring its first boys golf state team title, Colorado Academy featured a lineup of J.T. Timmers (149 total), Bo Turnage (153), Jack Pashel (154) and TJ Giordano (175).

CA finished with a 456 team total. St. Mary posted the best second-day tally (228) to move into second place at 461. Kent Denver (462) rounded out the top three.

Also, at the 3A tournament, Jack McLucas from Jefferson Academy scored a hole-in-one, acing the 177-yard 12th hole on Tuesday en route to a secondround 86.

For all the scores from each state tournament, CLICK HERE.

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Membership News

Membership News

An update on our Colorado PGA Members By the Numbers Members - 755 | Associates - 107 | Total - 862 Male Members - 814 | Female Members - 48

126 – Management positions (MP, A-4, A-9, A-11, A-13) 298 – Club Professionals (A-1, A-2, A-7, A-8) 117 – Instructors (A-6, A-10, A-12, A-14) 25 – Expanded Career Paths (A-15 thru A-24) 140 – Life Members (LM, LMM, LMA, LMC) 49 – Other Categories (A-3, A-5, F, RM, RSV)

New Members and Associates

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!

Members

William J. Margetich, PGA | A-6 | GOLFTEC - Chapel Hills

Bryan R. Marshall, PGA | A-1 | Ironbridge Golf Club

Associates

Joshua B. Dunahoe | B-8 | Steamboat Golf Club

Brian D. Larson | B-8 | Cherry Creek Country Club

Seth R. Watkins | B-8 | Broadmoor Golf Club

Classification or Location Changes in Colorado

Colorado PGA Members are always on the move. The following members have changed classification or location within the Colorado PGA. We wish them the best of luck.

Mark A. Avery, PGA | A-4 | The Ranch Country Club | previously an A-1 at The Pinery Country Club

Justin D. Hensley, PGA | A-8 | Gardens of the Gods Club & Resort | previously an A-8 at Castle Pines Golf Club

Bob Lewis, PGA | LM | previously at The Meadows Golf Course

Matthew D. Lodwick, PGA | A-8 | The Meadows Golf Course | previously an A-8 at Inverness Golf Club

Matthew H. Metzger, PGA | A-8 | Fossil Trace Golf Club | previously an A-8 at Promontory Club - Painted Valley

Robert A. Oxley, PGA | RSV | previously at GOLFTEC - Ellicott City

Mike G. Swan, PGA | A-4 | previously an A-1 at The Club at Crested Butte

Drew J. Zins, PGA | A-8 | Colorado National Golf Club | previously an A-8 at The Ranch Country Club

Welcome Wagon

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

Leo P. Calabro, PGA | A-1 | Mariana Butte Golf Course | previously in the Southwest Section

Sam Mirreghabi, PGA | A-8 | Kennedy Golf Course | previously in the Southern California Section

On the Move

The following members have relocated outside of the Colorado PGA.

Jesse D. Campbell, PGA | A-9 | previously at Vail Golf Club | currently in the Southern Texas Section

Paul O. Dalpes, PGA | RM | currently in the Southern California Section

Cassius L. Dinkel, PGA | A-8 | previously at Cherry Creek Country Club | currently in the Nebraska Section

David E. Kurtz, PGA | A-8 | previously at The Golf Club at Devils Tower | currently in the Utah Section

Paul Nolen, PGA | A-4 | previously at The Club at ArrowCreek | currently in the Northern California Section

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The SUMMIT

Membership News

Happy Birthday!

October 1 Bryce Bervig, PGA Jacob G. O’Dell, PGA October 3 David A. Brown, PGA Grant D. Jackson, PGA Jordan S. Londer, PGA October 4 William J. Bernhardt, PGA Kayla M. O’Keefe October 5 Jonathan Arnold, PGA Peter D. Hymes, PGA Scott R. Ough, PGA Derek J. Rush, PGA October 6 Brad A. Thorberg, PGA October 7 Sam G. Broome, PGA October 8 Nathan P. Gruda

October 20 Nick B. Welch, PGA October 22 Daniel J. Lee, PGA October 23 Stephen J. Arendt, PGA Jacqueline M. Cunningham J R Hamblet, PGA Matthew S. Weiss, PGA October 24 James R. Owens, PGA October 25 Steven Bruening, PGA Gregory Bryan, PGA Gregg C. Jones, PGA Todd W. McKittrick, PGA Tara G. Morris, PGA October 26 Jay A. Ewing, PGA Eugene Miranda, PGA Dominic D. Principato, PGA

October 9 Phil Gerster, PGA David W. Heinly, PGA

October 27 Bryan R. Marshall Craig S. Vollmar, PGA Grant Wittenwyler, PGA

October 12 Jaime M. MacDonald, PGA

October 28 Donald A. Fox, PGA

October 13 Zachary L. Lambeck, PGA Rynk M. Strothers, PGA

October 29 Benjamin D. Pilon, PGA Stan Sayers, PGA Patrick M. Tait, PGA

October 14 Caine L. Fitzgerald, PGA Jeff C. Hanson, PGA Stewart G. Koch, PGA Ethan R. Neumann, PGA October 15 Sherry Andonian, PGA Michael E. Northern, PGA October 16 Chad J. Miller, PGA October 17 Mitch L. Rambin, PGA Geoffrey J. Strasser, PGA Narudol P. Yoadjarust, PGA October 18 Matthew B. Kloppenburg, PGA

October 30 Judy Begin-Sloan, PGA Ross W. McLean, PGA Kevin C. Montano, PGA Gary R. Washington, PGA October 31 Jeremy Beck, PGA Frank J. Jacobson, PGA Kala A. Rusk, PGA November 1 Orrin M. Googins, PGA Bryson W. Hotchkiss, PGA Guy E. Patterson, PGA Michael J. Scully, PGA November 2 Kenneth A. Sanchez, PGA Ron Vlosich, PGA

October 2020

November 3 Gabriel B. Dirksen Joe Glasser, PGA Meghan P. Hunter, PGA Timothy R. Radomicki Steve Schoch, PGA Treyton H. Thornock Josh W. Troyer, PGA November 4 Michael A. Fletcher Bruce A. Johnston, PGA Sam Mirreghabi, PGA Stephen M. VanDyke, PGA November 5 Jordan M. LeBlanc November 6 Joseph P. Carlton, PGA PJ Irwin, PGA James W. MacDougall II, PGA Robbins H. Manley, PGA Alice M. Plain, PGA Thomas E. Young, PGA November 7 John T. Hamer, PGA Ed J. Kujalowicz, PGA November 9 David R. Duval, PGA William C. Hancock, PGA Trent J. Wearner, PGA Ryan C. Williams, PGA November 10 Kimberly N. Bean, PGA November 11 Anthony J. Principato, PGA Austin D. Umland November 12 Winston A. Howe III, PGA Todd B. Laxson, PGA Joseph Limes, PGA Luke O. Skattum, PGA November 14 Tommy S. Wiles November 15 Kevin E. Cohrs, PGA David Dame, PGA Kirsten S. Eckley, PGA Brett Winder, PGA

November 16 Daniel J. Costenbader, PGA Robert S. Duncan, PGA Lew Lepore, PGA November 18 Chris G. Bowry, PGA Sawyer W. Lynn, PGA Michael D. Mendelson, PGA November 19 Samuel H. Chapman, PGA Nathan H. Mead, PGA Charles J. Perry, PGA November 20 David R. DiMartino, PGA Christopher J. Wilson November 21 Kenneth M. Kettler, PGA November 22 Gregory D. Gortsema, PGA Paul D. Ransom, PGA November 23 Randal L. Bregar, PGA November 24 John P. Hanrahan, PGA Douglas W. Poland, PGA November 25 Thomas R. Gibbs, PGA Ryan D. Husted November 26 Tyler A. Finn, PGA Mike G. Swan, PGA November 27 Dakota L. Andre Mark N. Bacheldor, PGA Kevin S. Bolles, PGA Dustin A. Lecy Austin T. Logan, PGA Robert L. Quaratino Jr., PGA Rudolph T. Zupetz, PGA November 29 Mark C. Miller, PGA November 30 Brandon J. Bucci

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Sponsors

Presidents Club | $20,000 and above

Colorado Golf and Turf Tom Bauerle

National Car Rental

PGA Tour

Platinum | $10,000

Omega

Colorado AvidGolfer Allen Walters

Gold | $5,000

Breckenridge Distillery Mike Horan

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Masek Golf Cars Jason Masek

True Temper David Walker

The SUMMIT

Sponsors

Silver | $2,500

Bronze | $1,000

October 2020

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Award Winning. Again.

Fina nci ng Ava i l a b l e

50 www.cologolfandturf.net

The SUMMIT • 11757 S. Wadsworth Blvd. • Littleton, CO 80125