The SUMMIT - Colorado PGA Magazine - October 2021

The

SUMMIT The SUMMIT is the official digital magazine of the Colorado PGA October 2021

SERVE THE MEMBER GROW THE GAME

Go For Launch MEET THE TEAM WE'VE ASSEMBLED FOR LAUNCH JANUARY 2022

The Official Magazine of the Colorado PGA The SUMMIT is produced by the Colorado PGA Colorado PGA Staff CEO/Executive Director Eddie Ainsworth, PGA eainsworth@pgahq.com P (303) 996-1593 C (719) 761-6125 Education Director Holly Champion, PGA hchampion@pgahq.com P (303) 996-1591 C (217) 232-1790 Junior Golf Manager Samantha Crawford scrawford@pgahq.com P (303) 966-1597 C (720) 884-6130 Operations Manager Justin Limon, PGA jlimon@pgahq.com P (303) 996-1588 C (720) 390-1160 Business Development & Marketing Director Erinn Lopez elopez@pgahq.com P (303) 996-1594 C (719) 393-2644 Tournament Director Scott Minta sminta@pgahq.com P (303) 996-1590 C (630) 532-3230 Finance Specialist Annie O’Donnell adonnell@pgahq.com P (303) 996-1595 Marketing/Comms. Manager Cathy Thompson cthompson@pgahq.com P (303) 996-1589 C (303) 918-0396 Colorado PGA WORKS Fellow Elizabeth Whan ewhan@pgahq.com C (626) 993-8747

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

West Chapter Officers Luke Brosterhous, PGA President | 2022-2023 Catamount Ranch and Club

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

Steve VanDyke, PGA Vice-President | 2022-2023 River Valley Ranch GC

Mike O’Donnell, PGA Secretary | 2021-2022 Fort Carson

Jeff Boyer, PGA Honorary President | 2022-2023 Eagle Ranch Golf Course

Ben Welsh, PGA Honorary President | 2021-2022 Frost Creek

West Chapter Board of Directors Tom Apple, PGA | 2019-2021 PGA Member

Tom Gunnerson VP Investments, Wells Fargo Dominic Karaba President - Specialty Lending and Business Banking - UMB

Mark Matz, PGA | 2021-2022 Beaver Creek GC

Bill Keller Lieutenant Colonel USAF, Retired

Andy Benson, PGA | 2022-2024 University of Denver Golf Club

Alice Plain, PGA | 2018 - 2023 Vail Golf Club

Eric Kenealy Chairman - Mackinaw Holding Corp.

Luke Brosterhous, PGA | 2022-2023 Catamount Ranch & Club

James Pratt, PGA | 2021-2023 Aspen Golf Club

Sandy King Entrepreneur/Songwriter

Joe Carlton, PGA | 2021-2023 Legacy Ridge Golf Course

Kenny Thayer, PGA | 2019-2021 Vail Country Club

Bob Lally Navy Captain, Retired

Graham Cliff, PGA | 2022-2024 Colorado Golf Club

Max Twarjan, PGA | 2020-2022 Maroon Creek Club

George Lee VP - Ameriprise Financial Services

Bob Doyle, PGA Past District 9 Director Life Member

Colorado PGA REACH Trustees Spencer Zinn, Chairman CCO, West Edge

Adam McDiarmid Regional Manager - UMB

Kyle Heyen, PGA Past District 9 Director Hiwan Golf Club

John Andrew Brigadier General USAF - Retired

Scott McGraw VP of Employee Benefits Cherry Creek Insurance Group

Tom Bauerle Owner - Colorado Golf and Turf

Honorable Sue Payton President - SCI Aerospace Inc.

Dan Bennett Investor/Partner, Southwest Greens Management

LTG Ed Soriano, US Army (Ret) Director, Bus. Dev. Global Land Forces Northrop Grumman Corporation

Anne Broholm CEO - AHEAD

Mike Talaga Credit Analyst - Janus Hendeson

Board of Directors Mark Bacheldor, PGA | 2020-2022 UCCS PGA Golf Management Program

Charles ‘Vic’ Kline, PGA Past District 9 Director Life Member Jim Miller, PGA | 2018-2023 Sonnenalp Golf Club Barry Milstead, PGA | 2022-2024 Valley Country Club CJ Perry, PGA | 2020-2022 West Woods Golf Course

Field Staff Career Consultant Keith Soriano, PGA ksoriano@pgahq.com C (720) 841-1006

Leighton Smith, PGA | 2022-2024 Leighton Smith Golf

Coach Services Lead Anthony Vitale, PGA avitale@pgahq.com C (561) 267-1208

Independent Directors Theo Gregory Spencer Zinn

Keith Stilwell, PGA | 2020-2022 Perry Park Country Club

Maj. Gen. Barbara Faulkenberry, USAF, Retired - Corporate Director: Callon Petroleum; USA Truck Walter Glover EVP/COO - U.S. Olympic Endowment Theo Gregory Colorado Springs Sports Corp.

Assistant to the CEO

Dr. Phil Brown Bill Vogeney President/Founder, Six Points Consulting Chief Revenue Officer Ent Credit Union Dr. Stephen Davis Cheyenne Mountain Dental Group Brad Dombaugh CEO - PSA Worldwide Corp.

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.

What's Inside 6. President’s Report Get Ready to Launch!

8. Executive Director's Report Seasons Are Changing 10. District Director Report/PGA of America News Representing Colorado 12. Career Services News What Does the Labor Shortage Say About Our Workplaces?

15. West Chapter News West Chapter Transitions 17. Colorado PGA News Fall Meeting Recap Go For Launch!

20. Special Awards Feature Assistant Professional of the Year Player Development Award Youth Player Development Award Resort Merchandiser of the Year Award Private Merchandiser of the Year Award Public Merchandiser of the Year Award 33. Membership News Quarter Century Club Inductee: Kauffman Membership Update 36. Tournament News 2021 Colorado PGA West Chapter Champion: Doug Rohrbaugh, PGA ROLEX Players of the Year + True Temper Points Race 43. Junior Golf News 2021 Colorado PGA Jr. League Season Comes to a Record-Breaking Close 100 Hole Hike Recap

4 OCTOBER 2021

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President's Message

Get Ready To Launch!

It's The Right Thing To Do

“We choose to go to the Moon in this decade and do the other things, not because they are easy, but because they are hard, because that goal will serve to organize and measure the best of our energies and skills, because that challenge is one that we are willing to accept, one we are unwilling to postpone, and one which we intend to win, and the others, too.” John F. Kennedy We certainly would not believe for one moment that the Colorado PGA’s next steps with our App would light a candle to President Kennedy’s goal. However, we too have embarked on a journey for which, in this case, very few if any have traveled. Unlike Kennedy and NASA, we did not choose to do so but similar in nature – it is a challenge we are willing to accept because simply put – it is the right thing to do. It is right for all of golf, for player development, for juniors, for sustainability of the golf business and it is right for our Colorado PGA Members.

As we move to launch the Colorado PGA App (official name to come), it will take a great deal of effort, energy, perhaps blood (hopefully not), sweat and tears to make it happen. We will be relying on the talents of our leadership, amazing staff, Board of Directors, Marketing and Business Development Committee, as well as our technology and marketing partners, to achieve this goal. But make no mistake - it is unattainable without the support of our own PGA Golf Professionals. It has been and will continue to be you that makes golf magic happen at your facilities and in the Colorado Section. I know it. You know it. Colorado knows it. With your support and involvement, this venture will be wildly successful and the eyes of the nation (40 other Sections and the PGA of America) are watching as we are not alone in our desire to do what is best for golf.

“Like Columbus in the olden days, we must gather all our courage. Sail our ships out on the open sea.” Seals and Crofts We are ready to embark in January 2022. We ask that you take the journey with us as it will be nothing short of amazing, rewarding and worthwhile. The countdown has begun.

Be safe, be well, be kind - in the spirit of the game,

Jim Hajek, PGA President Colorado PGA Head Professional Fossil Trace Golf Club jhajek@cityofgolden.net P (303) 277-8752 C (303) 746-7416

6 OCTOBER 2021

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Executive Director's Message

Seasons Are Changing Take Time To Recharge

In speaking with many of you this fall, the conversations were consistent. Record Rounds. Record Revenue. Not enough staff. Please pray for snow.

Who would have thought that Golf would see such tremendous growth during a pandemic?! The big question for all of us now is, how long will it last and what can we do to retain the gain? For those of us that have played the game for quite some time now, we understand that there is just something special about the game of Golf.

Golf has something special for everyone, but that something can be different for each one of us. Whether that’s hitting the driving range, hanging out with friends at Topgolf, or setting up a round at your local golf course, golf is a game for all.

More and more people are showing interest in taking up golf. It’s up to us to make certain that whatever facility we represent, we make golf as welcoming as possible and allow people to make golf their thing. #makegolfyourthing.

Golf brings us all together regardless of age or culture. Let’s celebrate the connection that golf forms between people and communities.

In addition to ensuring that we retain the gain, we need to ensure that we are taking care of ourselves, our families, and our staffs. I hope that as November and our winter months approach, you can take the time to recharge your batteries, spend some quality time with the people you love, and invest in taking care of yourself. All too often we get so busy doing our jobs and taking care of others, that we forget to take care of ourselves. When you invest in self-care, you are giving those around you the best of you, instead of what’s left of you.

As our Board of Directors, Committees, and our Staff begin to focus strategically on the future of our Section and developing our 2022 Business Plan, we will always focus on serving you, our Colorado PGA Members. Our Section has been able to accomplish some remarkable things over the years, and I’m confident that under the leadership of our Board of Directors with input from our Committees, we will continue to lead the way.

“Fortune Favors The Brave” Very Respectfully,

Eddie Ainsworth, PGA CEO/Executive Director Colorado PGA eainsworth@pgahq.com C (719) 761-6125

8 OCTOBER 2021

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PGA of America News

Representing Colorado Ryder Cup Highlights From the District 9 Director

It was great to be with all of you in person at the Colorado PGA Section Fall meeting last Monday. I enjoyed seeing old friends and meeting new ones. The Colorado Section is certainly entering into an interesting time in their history. I’m excited to see where this chapter leads to as I know that the Colorado Section is a leader among the 41 sections.

One of the privileges of serving as the District 9 Director is being able to go to and participate in a small way at the Ryder Cup. I had a tremendous experience last month at Whistling Straits representing District 9. Some of the highlights of the week were the board matches on Wednesday and being able to work as a forward observer for two of the matches.

On Wednesday, the PGA of America Board took on the Ryder Cup Europe board in Ryder Cup style matches at Ozaukee Country Club in Milwaukee. I was fortunate to be partnered with Past President Paul Levy and we had a great match that ended in a 2-2 tie. While it appeared for a while that we were going to win the matches for the first time ever, the Europeans won the last two matches and we fell to them 21-19. It was a great day of golf and camaraderie among the 2 boards.

On Saturday, I was given the assignment of forward observer for the first match of the day which was Brooks Koepka and Daniel Berger vs Jon Rahm and Sergio Garcia. It was great to be able to witness such great golf and the highlight of the round was the Brooks Koepka ruling in the bush on #15. While he wasn’t happy with the ruling, he ended up hitting his shot on the green and eventually won the hole. While it was a close match all morning, the Europeans won 3 and 1 to get their only point of the session.

My Sunday assignment was the singles match with Justin Thomas and Tyrell Hatton. In that match Justin Thomas won the first two holes and was never really threatened. He went on to a 4 and 3 victory. For those of you who haven’t ever attended a Ryder Cup, I would encourage you to do so. The atmosphere is unlike any other golf event, and I promise you will leave there as a proud PGA of America Member. Kerry Haigh and his team in the championships department are the best in the business.

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105th PGA Annual Meeting is set to be held in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, on November 2-5, 2021

10 OCTOBER 2021

The annual meeting is coming up and will be held November 2-5th in Milwaukee. At the meeting the New England Section has proposed a resolution that would add a third delegate to each section for voting purposes. Currently, each section has two (2) votes, and this resolution would increase that to three (3) if it is passed. It will be interesting to see how it plays out. I would love to hear opinions from anyone on this resolution if you have them, please contact me.

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PGA of America News

Frisco continues to move forward with an anticipated opening date of the Education Center and HQ building early next year. As I reported in the Fall meeting, after the building opens the education will continue virtual for level 1 going forward and then move to in-person for levels 2 and 3. We are excited to see the building and the golf courses completed and to have Frisco become the new home of the PGA of America.

As I stated in the Fall meeting, my responsibility as a board member is to serve District 9 and help our sections in any way I can. Please know you can reach out to me any time.

Jared Barnes, PGA District 9 Director PGA of America Head Professional Cedar Ridge Golf Course jbarnes@pga.com

11 OCTOBER 2021

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Career Services News

What Does the Labor Shortage Say About our Workplaces?

A quick Google search for “labor shortage” offered more than 81,600,000 results. To say that finding employees to fill roles in our traditional business models is top of mind for many would be a massive understatement. For those of us in the golf industry, the startling lack of staff and the exponential growth in club activity and interest in the game of golf is the perfect storm for staffing hardships.

While there was some hope that the end of extended unemployment benefits would drive people back to the workplace, if recent data is to be believed, the impact isn’t nearly what employers had anticipated. Those states that ended benefits early have seen little benefit. Both Britain and continental Europe are seeing similar labor shortages despite only modest expansions to unemployment benefits associated with the pandemic.

So, what’s the answer? Where have all the people gone? Why does a recent JPMorgan study show that half of all the people who lost jobs during the pandemic aren’t looking for a new one? The answer may be more complicated than simple dollars and cents; many of the people we are looking for now have a different perspective on the valuation of their time thanks to the pandemic. Individuals now seek opportunities that connect with their values and lives and are less willing to sacrifice other parts of their lives to appease their wallets. Americans are less eager to engage in low-paid service and hospitality work and have decided that more time spent on family, education, and leisure provides a higher standard of living, even if it means less to the bottom line.

Our industry has long relied on cheap labor, particularly in the front line service and entry-level roles, and assumed it would always be abundant. To be fair, we’re not the only industry that has operated under this premise. It seems clear that the era of bottom-line friendly labor is quickly coming to a close. If you combine a shift in values with an aging population, lower birth rates, and the rapid expansion of gig economy opportunities that provide flexibility and lifestyle choices that people seek, the labor pool isn’t just shallow; it’s draining. And don’t forget, it’s not just unskilled labor that takes advantage of the gig economy through Uber or DoorDash; it’s highly skilled professional labor and craftsmen who can leverage their considerable skills to provide consulting services, freelance, and contract work.

So, where does this leave us as an industry? Well, we’re certainly not giving up. The PGA of America’s Career Services Department recently hired four additional staff members to augment the 22 consultants already in the field whose primary role will be to provide outreach, awareness, and onboarding to attract individuals to our industry and get them connected. It’s a start, but as an industry, we will need to continue to address compensation, work/life integration, and advancement opportunities across the board.

It falls to all of us to be proactive in multiple ways to face this new era;

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Career Services News Retain | Take good care of the staff you have right now. Pay them well, treat them well, develop them and mentor them. The replacement costs will far outweigh the additional financial burdens involved in retention.

Recruit | Stay aggressive in your approach to adding talent to your team. Use your network, manage your brand, and approach recruiting like a marketing activity, not a human resource activity.

Reinvest | Your current employees are your best recruiters. Make sure you invest the time and money to develop them, engage them, train, and challenge them. There is no quicker way to turn a labor shortage into a labor crisis than earning a reputation as a toxic or dead-end workplace.

Reinvent | Wendy’s is opening 700 new locations that are drive-thru only. A Special Purpose Acquisition Company (SPAC) recently invested $100M in ghost kitchens for delivery only and locations with no dining rooms for BurgerFi. It’s time to reimagine how you can operate your business with less human capital. New technologies, efficiencies, and, most importantly, managing consumer expectations will be essential. Facilities will have to decide what is critical and what is simply nice to have and adjust accordingly.

The end of this labor shortage isn’t in sight yet, but with savvy business acumen, genuine care for your people, and a specific plan to engage them, we’ll see the other side of it together.

Keith Soriano, PGA, ARWC

PGA of America Career Consultant Serving the Colorado and Utah Sections of the PGA ksoriano@pgahq.com (720) 841-1006

105 PGA ANNUAL MEETING TH

Tuesday, November 2 - Friday, November 5, 2021 Milwaukee, Wisconsin

13 OCTOBER 2021

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Career Services News

Vitale is Heading to Frisco!

I am excited to share that I have accepted a new opportunity within the PGA of America as the Coach Services Lead. In this role, I will continue to work hard to ensure that every PGA Coach across the country has access to industry-leading training for The American Development Model and the tools necessary to bring high-quality coaching and programming to life at every facility. This transition means that my time as a proud member of the Colorado Section will come to an end as my family and I will be relocating to the new PGA Headquarters in Frisco, Texas.

I would like to express my gratitude to the entire Colorado PGA Section; my time in Colorado has been nothing short of amazing. I met my wife, who worked for the LPGA and ran the Solheim Cup at Colorado Golf Club. Keith Soriano, PGA, then provided me invaluable advice about a new position with the PGA of America, and I became a Regional League Manager. During this time, I met some great PGA Professionals that are truly invested in growing the game of golf and grew my own family with our daughter, Palmer, and son, Brooks. I have also had the pleasure of working with an incredible Section staff; who constantly look to make Colorado a leader in the junior golf space. The Colorado Section staff have given so much support to PGA Jr. League, and together we have created some incredible opportunities for PGA Professionals and new young golfers.

I would enjoy staying in touch with all of you, and hopefully, many of you will come out to visit Frisco. Thanks again for making my time in Colorado so enjoyable!

14 OCTOBER 2021

Anthony Vitale, PGA Coach Services Lead avitale@pgahq.com (561) 267-1208

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West Chapter News

West Chapter Transitions Awards Nomination Process is Open!

Serving the West Chapter of the Colorado PGA has been a great experience over the last several years. The best part is that it allowed me a better opportunity to get to know more of you. Golf in the Colorado Rockies is special and not just because of the scenery and outstanding golf courses. Our PGA Golf Professionals truly elevate the golf experience beyond people’s expectations. Your level of professionalism and enthusiasm continue to raise the bar year after year.

Our PGA Professionals played the top Amateurs in the West Chapter Cup Matches this past weekend at The Bridges Golf & Country Club in Montrose. The Ryder Cup-style matches are a great culmination to the golf season and help to raise funds for the Western Colorado Golf Foundation Scholarship program. Unfortunately, the Amateurs were too much for us this year and won the annual match. I would like to thank our following West Chapter PGA Professionals for representing us and taking the time out of their busy schedule: Tanner Crisofulli, Nathan Mead, Michael Bandoni, Max Twarjan, Brian Franco, Doug Rohrbaugh, Russell Aragon and Jim Miller. I would also like to thank Brian Franco, PGA Head Golf Professional, and Eric Feely, PGA General Manager, at The Bridges for hosting the matches. And finally, thank you to Frank Wilkinson and Mike and Terri Knode from the Western Colorado Golf Foundation for organizing the event.

It is time to nominate your fellow West Chapter PGA Professionals for our 2021 Awards. Please take some time to nominate those professionals who you feel deserve special recognition. I know it is always difficult to think of someone to nominate for each award, since we don’t get that much of a chance to see what we each do at our individual facilities. Do your best to think of someone you know who excels in a certain area and nominate them for the appropriate award. While you are at it, there is no shame in nominating yourself for an award that you feel you deserve! Click here to fill out the nomination form.

As the outgoing President of the West Chapter, I want to take this opportunity to encourage you to serve on the board, if you haven’t before. Like I mentioned, it is a good way to get to know your peers in the golf business. It also really is a good way to help shape the future of our sport and industry, even at this level. We need strong leadership more than ever. The last couple of years have had such an effect on our facilities, our jobs and our families. This is truly an exciting time and I hope that we can continue this great surge in interest in golf and capitalize on it for the betterment of the game, our industry and ourselves.

Thank you again for allowing me this rewarding experience.

Jeff Boyer PGA

Honorary President Colorado West Chapter PGA General Manager Eagle Ranch Golf Club jboyer@eagleranchgolf.com

15 OCTOBER 2021

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Colorado PGA News

Serve the Member, Grow the Game - Fall Meeting Review

The Colorado PGA held its annual Fall Membership meeting on October 11, 2021, at Heritage Eagle Bend Golf Club. The traditional fall meeting resumed in-person after going virtual during the COVID-19 Pandemic. However, the meeting was also live-streamed and is still available for PGA Professionals to access through the membership portal on the Colorado PGA website.

During the meeting, President of the Colorado PGA Jim Hajek, PGA Head Professional at Fossil Trace Golf Club and CEO/Executive Director of the Colorado PGA Eddie Ainsworth, PGA, presented Team Members Apparation LLC, Handicomp Inc., Long Drive Agency, and Real FiG Advertising + Marketing, to launch the Section's very own Golf App in 2022. This app will include a certified Colorado PGA Handicap. Representatives from each company attended the fall meeting and were available before, during, and after to answer questions submitted live and virtually by those in attendance.

The meeting included reports from Secretary Mike O"Donnell, PGA Master Professional, Director of Family & Morale, Welfare & Recreation at the United States Army Garrison at Fort Carson, Vice-President Cathy MatthewsKane, PGA General Manager at the Country Club of Colorado, Career Consultant Keith Soriano, PGA, as well as District 9 Director Jared Barnes, PGA Head Professional at Cedar Ridge Golf Course.

The Colorado PGA Board of Directors were also sworn in before the meeting came to a close. Graham Cliff, PGA Director of Golf at Colorado Golf Club; Barry Milstead, PGA Director of Golf at Valley Country Club; and Leighton Smith, PGA Director of Instruction and owner of Leighton Smith Golf now begin their three-year term as Directors.

The Education portion that followed the meeting included a fire-side chat, "How to Build a Hall of Fame Career," with PGA of America Hall of Fame Inductee Kyle Heyen, PGA Head Professional at Hiwan Golf Club, and recent Colorado Golf Hall of Fame Inductee Ed Oldham, PGA Instructor at The Ranch Country Club, moderated by Soriano.

The afternoon consisted of 53 teams participating in Doubles Golf. PGA Assistant Professionals Grant Jackson and Mark Franz at Saddle Rock Golf Course finished first, carding an 11-under-par 61.

17 OCTOBER 2021

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Colorado PGA News

Go For Launch!

Meet Our Affiliate Team Members Taking Us Into 2022 Mike Dickoff Apparation LLC CEO Apparation LLC is a G3 company: obsessed with helping to Grow the Game of Golf. Mike and his team design and build easy-to-use software that connects golfers with opportunities to play. They partner with industry innovators to provide great membership experiences for golfers that make the game more fun, more convenient and more affordable. Dickoff and his team develop and provide analytical tools that help golf course operators and golf industry consultants gain new insights that help them to be more successful. As a company, Apparation's goal is to understand that win-win is the only way to do business.

Stu Healey Handicomp President Designed and built in 1968 by Stu's father, Jim Healey, the original Handicomp computer was created. In 1981, Jim foresaw industry changes and decided to expand the Handicomp offerings to include golf shop and club management software, including membership tracking, inventory control, point-of-sale, accounting, and specialty programs such as tournament management software. Handicomp’s Golf Community Network is a comprehensive suite of integrated and affordable Cloud Applications built to serve social and competitive golf within golf communities of all shapes and sizes. Handicomp’s Handicap Formula is completely independent from the USGA’s GHIN System.

Blake Davis Long Drive Agency CEO Long Drive Agency is the leader for country club and golf course marketing, committed to growing properties digital presence and membership leads. Blake and his team are a full-service digital marketing agency, built for country clubs and golf courses. Helping properties grow their digital presence and increase membership leads by implementing custom, personalized digital solutions. LDA creates custom Lead Generation Programs through targeted ad campaigns, fully-produced club and membership videos, and develop custom smart dashboards to help your golf course grow. Blake and his team will help redesign and maintain the Colorado PGA's website.

18 OCTOBER 2021

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Colorado PGA News Zachary Rischtelli (Top) Real FiG Advertising + Marketing Founder + Managing Director Dan Price (Bottom) Real FiG Advertising + Marketing Brand Marketing Director Since 2009, Real FiG Advertising + Marketing has been providing a full range of marketing and communications services to companies in the Denver area and around the country. Real FiG will assist the Section in researching our target audience in order to market efficiently and effectively. As experts in brand development and messaging, Zach and Dan will find what resonates best with our target audience to insure what we are offering is what the consumer is looking for.

19 OCTOBER 2021

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Special Awards Feature

Ethan fly fishing

Assistant Professional of the Year Ethan Malzahn, PGA

The Colorado PGA Assistant Golf Professional of the Year is awarded annually to a Colorado PGA member or associate for overall performance including leadership, service and promotion of the game of golf.

Through his love and dedication to the game of golf, congratulations to the 2021 Colorado PGA Assistant Golf Professional of the Year: Ethan Malzahn, PGA, Senior Assistant Professional at Denver Country Club! Ethan started with the Club in 2017 and was tasked with growing the junior program: managing four PGA Jr. League Teams, seeing an increase in participation from

18 to over 60 juniors this past year, an Operation36 program, and is responsible for an overall junior participation increase by over 125 children - total program consists of over 275 children. With his help, the DCC’s PGA Jr. League is one of the fastest-growing junior programs at the Club! With a dedicated, passionate, and positive energy, Ethan manages his time effectively operating a first-class junior golf program, club fittings, tournament operations, retail management, membership relations, and teaching about 400 lessons a year. Ethan is an ambassador for and committed to the Colorado PGA Section.

Ethan was raised in small-town Sidney, Nebraska, where his love of golf started around age 10. He worked his first golf job was at his local home course when he was 14!

Picking the range, working in the Golf Shop, and helping the grounds crew inspired him to pursue a career in golf.

He learned about the PGM programs while on his high school golf team. Ethan then pursued PGA Golf Management and Business Administration degrees at the University of Nebraska - Lincoln. After graduation, Ethan accepted an Assistant Golf Professional position at Vail Golf Club, where he had also completed two internships during college. Following his three years at Vail GC, he moved on to Lakewood Country Club and then to his current position at Denver Country Club.

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Special Awards Feature What does this award mean to you?

Winning this award means a lot, I’m humbled and honored to receive it. It’s nice to be recognized for hard work but more importantly, shows I’ve made an impact.

Looking at the previous award winners I’d say I’m in good company.

What are the qualities that you possess that you believe supported you in winning this award?

Passion, commitment and serving others are all qualities that have helped me to receive this award. I enjoy what I do and I think that shows in my work and the enthusiasm I bring each day. I’m committed to being a well-rounded Golf Professional. I’m always looking to learn and grow.

Lastly, my attitude towards serving others. I try to have a servant attitude in work and life. Whether with membership, co-workers or friends, I try to offer up any help I can. In this business, we’re all about helping others, and the more we can do that the better we can be as Golf Professionals.

What are the tools that you use in your professional career that have helped you with your success?

Mentorship: Over the years I’ve surrounded myself with great mentors that have helped me along the way. I’ve been lucky to work under some really strong Golf Professionals who have shown me what it looks like to be successful in this career. Including Alice Plain, PGA, Golf Professional of the Year! Her passion, leadership, and commitment to golf taught me a lot and inspired me to reach that level someday.

Leadership: I try to lead by example for the staff and my co-workers. I’m always willing to do any job or task that needs to get done. I’ll come in early or stay late, whatever it takes. Integrity and empathy are important to me as a leader. Doing what you say you’re going to do and having compassion for those around you are critical to me.

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

Follow up and follow through. Such a simple concept yet one that gets often overlooked. We might not think it’s a big deal to make that phone call or send that email but to the other person, it can make or break interactions. Do what you say you are going to do. Also, I’d say serve others. We often hear we are in the “people business”. To be in that business means you have to be willing to serve other people and put their needs first.

21 OCTOBER 2021

Ethan and his wife, Lauren

What’s your proudest moment of being a golf professional?

Getting the job at Denver Country Club in 2017! Steve David approached me with the opportunity and it didn’t take long for me to decide that this would be a great next step in my career. I’m grateful for the opportunity and proud to be a part of a wonderful club.

Share something about yourself others may not know: I wouldn’t call it a hobby but I’ve now officiated four weddings. Starting with my sister’s about a year ago and also including Jeff Corona, PGA, Head Golf Professional at Lakewood CC, this summer.

My wife, Lauren, and I enjoy all the things living in Colorado has to offer, including fly fishing together!

Also, I got my second hole-in-one this summer here at DCC. Hole #12 from 190 yards. My first was at Vail Golf Club back in 2012 when I was working there.

This summer, Ethan celebrating his second hole-in-one

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Special Awards Feature

Stefanie Ferguson Accepts the Player Development Award targeting juniors looking to play at the collegiate level, Colorado Golf Association Outreach programs, Big Brothers Big Sisters programs, helping Special Olympics and Girl Scouts, and others! She was named to Golf Digest’s Best Young Teachers 2021-2022 list, and won the 2021 Colorado Avid Golfer CAGGY Award for Best Instructor for Women - Staff Pick.

What does winning this award mean to you?

It's a great honor, I see it as an award for our whole team, (ExperienceGolf) - our whole team works really hard, and this award just shows that we're moving forward in the right direction. I was the first one to hop on with Elena King, LPGA, when she founded ExperienceGolf, and to be see that we've been able to get people to actually play golf, and not just hit balls on the range is such a great feeling.

The Player Development Award recognizes a PGA member who has made extraordinary contributions and achievements in the area of player development.

Congratulations to PGA Professional, Stefanie Ferguson, Lead Instructor at ExperienceGolf for being the 2021 Player Development Award winner!

As a Colorado Native, Ferguson started playing golf in high school which led to her playing collegiately for Colorado State University. Following graduation, Stefanie wanted to take a stab at playing professionally. While working on her LPGA teaching card, she discovered her passion for teaching, so she joined the PGA in order to continue on the coaching path. "Growing up, I played everything but golf and wasn't really even interested in it.

It turns out I really learned to love it."

Ferguson had 1,018 students last year through lessons, camps, Junior programs, adult programs, season-long programs, and others; totaling roughly 5,000 individual visits. ExperienceGolf and Ferguson have programming for every type of golfer and time availability. She is committed to growing the game of golf through the Committed Player Program, Welcome2Golf, Adult and Youth Operation36, the Hale Irwin Junior Program

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What are the qualities that you possess that you believe supported you in winning this award?

I think having the ability to listen to people, and figure out what their goals are is so important. What are they really looking to get out of their instruction - listening and asking more questions. To make it about the student, and not about what we’re trying to do, personally. I think more people are trying to have more fun with the game, so being able to not make things so technical, so there's a lot of ways we can do that!

Stefanie with her family: Dan, Lindsay and Bev

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Special Awards Feature We try to find other ways for people to get out on the course and enjoying the game instead of stressing over the small things in their swing. We utilize the Vision54 method a lot in what we do; how to stay present regardless of their skill level, finding your ideal state, regardless of what your swing is doing. It's something you can sense or feel, vs your technique. The more we can be in the right mindset over the ball, the better. It’s a different approach, and I believe that’s the reasoning behind our success. A lot of our clients have used this “being present” mindset is also something they can take out with them in the rest of their lives, not just their golf game.

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

Listen; it's so easy to get distracted, so being present to who is in front of you, is so so important. It's easy to get caught up on the range, so I try and find ways for more people to get out on the course. You can learn so much more about people on the course, so I know it’s going to make a huge difference. I would also say that doing things with a purpose is also incredibly important. To actually learn from the practice swing, not just doing things to say you did it.

Stefanie spent a whole month in Southeast Asia! Here she is in Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam

What’s something that others might not know about you?

I love to travel -I spent a month in Southeast Asia, the food was so so good. I’ve also seen most of Europe! Over COVID, Maggie Hartman, PGA and I were doing trick shots, and we got posted to ESPN! We didn’t know our friend was sending these videos to ESPN’s Instagram; so they posted it to their app and Website. It was pretty wild to see that notification come through on my phone.

Stefanie in Yosemite National Park

What’s your proudest moment of being a golf professional? The amount of “personal best” stories we’ve received over the years has been incredibly rewarding, it’s why I do what I do. We’ve impacted something that they love to do, so to be apart of that is huge.

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Special Awards Feature

Youth Player Development Award Recipient: Jason Witczak, PGA

The 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 Jason Witczak, PGA, Director of Instruction at The Club at Pradera and The Pinery Country Club for being this year's award recipient!

Growing up in North Fond du Lac, Wisconsin, Witczak was an athlete from the second he could walk. Having played and lettering 4 sports in high school (cross country, basketball, football and golf) excelled primarily in football and golf, as he played both at Marshall University. Immediately following graduation, Witczak got the call of a lifetime - it was the Tennessee Titans recruiting him to kick in the NFL. After a 12 year stint ranging from the NFL to the European League, to Arena Football, Witczak hung up his cleats for the last time in 2011. Two-weeks later he qualified for the National Club Professional Championship. It was clear that the pivot to golf was going to be the move. "Baby number two was born 8 months later, and I was still playing in a few tournaments, but after a missed cut, I knew I wanted to create something for my kids. My intention

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started with creating good instruction for my boys. It started as a small group of my kids and their friends, and then it grew into after school programs, which led into summer camps. The family moved to Colorado in 2015 from Arizona and the rest was history. "I had the opportunity to run the Academy at Green Valley Ranch, and my family was looking for a little bit of a lifestyle change, so we took the leap to Colorado." Following his time at Green Valley Ranch, Witczak landed himself with Arcis Golf, which allows him to instruct at both The Club at Pradera as well as The Pinery Country Club. "That's the beauty of Arcis - I can be in Colorado in the Summers, and Arizona in the Winters." Witczak bounces in between Colorado and Arrowhead Country Club between the months of September and June. "Last year was the first year I was able to create a PGA Jr. League at Arrowhead CC, so now my vision is to one day have both my Colorado and Arizona teams go head to head in the PGA. Jr. League National Championship!"

Witczak's PGA Jr. League team.

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Special Awards Feature What does it mean to you to receive the Youth Player Development Award?

I do not teach to win awards, I teach to make anyone I work with be better at golf. So to be recognized is validation - it makes me even more motivated to continue down this path. I’ll never forget the day Jim Hajek called me to tell me I had won. I was teaching a junior summer camp the time - so I got to share the news with my kiddos, I couldn’t even find the words; I'm not a super emotional person, but the kiddos saw my emotions and tears that day. To see their excitement to share it with them was great. It meant what I decided to do when I pivoted from football to golf, was validation; that I made the right decision to get back golf and end my football career.

Jason with his wife and kids, Colton, Chase and Carter

What are the qualities you possess that you believe supported you in receiving this award?

I am able to motivate them to be a better student, child, golfer. I give these kids the motivation that they can achieve goals they didn’t think they could achieve; they begin to believe in themselves, and it’s about understanding that life is like golf - with the motivation, this isn’t a one hit wonder, this a mastery that is instilled daily. I’m teaching them the importance of routines and rituals in order to obtain their mastery. They take these skills into their everyday lives - waking up at the same time every, etc. There is this importance of having routine and ritual, which comes from motivation. I take a lot of what I learned in football and put it into golf - our football practices were relatively the same day after day, so the repetition was there. With repetition comes the response to pressure. Pressure is only something that you feel when you don’t know what you're doing, so I get them to understand that they do know what they're doing. I’ve instilled that motivation and confidence in them.

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

I listen to the kids, I get on their level, so I gain their trust, the trust of their parents, and once they trust you, the success is unlimited. Being a parent myself allows me to really understand the importance of listening and level up with these kids. I also think the relevancy I have - I know what’s going on with their lives, I am more than just a coach; it’s not just about golf when they’re here we create a fun environment, they want to be there, they want to have fun!

What is your proudest moment as a golf professional?

My 17U PGA Jr. League (CO Team) won the Regional Championship last year. And to see the kiddos put together all the hard work for the last 5 years - to see what it meant to the kids and their families. They stuck with the process, and trusted the process. These kids believed in me and themselves to stick through COVID pains. We were tied with Iowa with 4 holes left, and all 3 of my teams birdied the 5th hole which gave us a 5 shot lead, it was huge. It was such a special moment to watch.

Share something about yourself that others may not know: I competed professionally at the World Long Drive Rankings - I was top 20 in the world for about 5 yearsand I retired after I won a tour event in Dallas, which was the pinnacle of my long drive career. So I retired to focus on my kids, but I have a vision and a goal to come out of retirement and compete again in the Senior Division!

Following graduation from Marshall, Jason spent 12 years playing football

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Special Awards Feature

Miller and Sonnenalp: Resort Merchandiser of the Year The Resort Merchandiser of the Year Award recognizes a Colorado PGA Professional who has demonstrated superior skills as a merchandiser in the promotion of golf at a resort facility. Congratulations to this year’s award recipient, Jim Miller, PGA General Manager at Sonnenalp Golf Club!

Based on demonstrated superior skills in merchandising, including aspects of credit rating, community involvement, staffing, inventory, displays and other techniques, Jim Miller, PGA, is awarded this honor on behalf of Sonnenalp Golf Club. Jim also received the Private Merchandiser of the Year award in 2007.

summer after that, transitioning to different restaurant server positions, locker room attendant; you name it. Jim thought he might continue to pursue a career in the restaurant business, but when he met his wife, Jim commented, “I needed to find another career path.

Working at the same Club as Jay Davis, Andy Benson and Billy Loeffler and seeing their day-to-day, I thought ‘those guys are awesome, maybe I could be a Golf Professional’.

I spoke with Keith Schneider about it and in one sentence, he set me on my current path. He looked at me and said, ‘I think you’d make a great Golf Professional’ and I said, ‘Awesome, how do I get started?’ and he said, ‘you start scrubbing clubs’ and that was it! All in all, Jim spent 13 seasons at Castle Pines, working his way through the ranks.

What does it mean to you to receive the Resort Merchandiser of the Year Award?

It means a lot. I joined in 2016, and we’ve worked really hard to change the culture of our shop and merchandising - shifting from a reactionary shop to a proactive shop. We want to go find what people like, or what they don’t even know they like. We wanted to change the customer experience of the shop; we want to be the hospitality linebackers. We've put in the hard work each spring, and we’ve set a great foundation and we’re moving in the right direction, which is great. This is a team effort.

Jim is born and raised in Madison, Wisconsin, A selfdeclared huge Badger, Packers and Bucks fan. He was introduced to golf by his older brother but didn’t start playing seriously until college as he played soccer, basketball and baseball in high school. Jim was recruited to play soccer (goalkeeper) at Judson University and also walked onto the baseball team. Ultimately, he left Judson after his Junior year, took a year off and graduated from Oklahoma State.

Jim was introduced to the golf industry by spending his summers in Colorado and working at Castle Pines Golf Club. He started as a busboy and came back every

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Special Awards Feature

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

We utilize the space the best we can. We replaced the trophy cases in the hallway to display our merchandise and shop gear. Even at the hotel, we have a window space that displays in the Vail Village. We’re on Instagram and Facebook pretty often, so I think getting on the wave of social media has been important, as well as our newsletter. We utilize a members-only logo, which started small, grew to hats, it become super popular, and now it’s on shirts.

What are the qualities you possess that you believe supported you in receiving this award?

Our team is always thinking about members and guests.

We’re constantly trying to improve our customer experience: let’s get 1% every day and keep moving forward each day. A lot of members and guests can golf anywhere, but they’ve chosen us - and we want to honor that and respect their time (to golf and shop with us), so they know we’re taking care of them. We also listen to what our members and guests are interested in. We’re willing to take risks so we’ll always be a fun shop.

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

Paul Lemcke, Director of golf at the Vintage Club, Indian Wells, CA , once told me, “Customer service is key”. Paul knew everything about everyone. These people can belong anywhere, they can ski anywhere, they can swim anywhere. Why have they chosen here? They’ve found a bond. They’ve found a place here, where they feel welcome. Someone knows them, and that’s what brings them comfort. And if you can provide that, where someone knows your name, and they have an immediate family and connection, then you’re providing a great product. And it can be used anywhere - golf, fitness, F&B operations. If everything is that tribal bond, that intimate relationship with all of your members, you’re creating a space where they feel welcome, they feel a part of something, and they feel a part of the tribe. Also, treat others the way you wish to be treated. Whether it's staff, members, or neighbors. If you come in with a servant's heart and you treat everyone like they’re going to be your boss someday, they remember your positive interaction.

Sonnenalp Golf Club

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Special Awards Feature

Fay and Fort Collins Country Club Accept Private Merchandiser of the Year Award

Staff at Ft. Collins CC (left to right) Darren Edwards, Craig Salib, PGA, Tristen Fay, PGA, Meghan Hunter, PGA, Marcus Gillmor, PGA, and Nick Huggins

The Private Merchandiser of the Year Award recognizes a Colorado PGA Professional who has demonstrated superior skills as a merchandiser in the promotion of golf at a private facility. Congratulations to this year’s award recipient, Tristen Fay, PGA Head Golf Professional at Fort Collins Country Club.

Born and raised in Denver, Colorado, Fay began his golf career at Denver Country Club as a caddie and bag room attendant. The Club introduced him to the PGA Golf Management Program which he participated in at the University of Colorado Colorado Springs (UCCS).

During the program, he completed internships at Southern Hills Country Club and The Broadmoor Golf Club. After graduation, Fay returned to Denver CC as an assistant golf professional until 2015. During that time, he also worked at The Masters Tournament in the retail operation from 2013-2015.

In his spare time, Fay and his wife, Leslie, enjoy taking their white shepherd, Tallie, to the local breweries in Fort Collins and exploring the beautiful outdoors.

What does it mean to you to receive this Award?

As we bring this award back to Northern Colorado for the first time in a long time, the team and I are honored to be listed alongside so many other great

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clubs in our Section. Since I joined FCCC in 2016, we’ve worked tirelessly to strengthen our merchandising operation. This award symbolizes the culmination of our hard work and we’re proud to celebrate this milestone.

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

We’ve got a little something special going up here in Fort Collins. We’ve created a culture centered around service, approachability, transparency, and of course, fun! And I’d be nowhere without my team, especially my retail coordinator Meg Hunter. The team is out there every day bringing our vision to life and executing best-in-class service and I’m grateful to work alongside them.

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

Each day, my team and I get to share our passion for golf with our members. We truly epitomize “practice what you preach.” By sharing our love of the game and creating a connection with our members, they can be confident we’re providing them an experience that comes from a place of trust. Our success is nothing without the support of our members and we’re so

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Special Awards Feature grateful for their support. At each stage of our merchandising operation, we keep member preferences and service top of mind.

I constantly tap into my network of fellow PGA Professionals to share ideas, ask for advice, and learn from other clubs. We all share similar challenges, especially after this past year or so, and being able to talk it through with others going through the same has been a critical piece of our success. It can be easy to only look inward at your own club, so I also try to take advantage of all the member services that the Colorado PGA provides, including events and educational resources.

What is your merchandising strategy?

The merchandise operation at a private facility is an amenity that is often overlooked as a critical piece of the member experience. My philosophy for merchandising is based on four principles: member service, product selection, visual displays, and sound fiscal management.

Member service is the cornerstone for any successful merchandising operation. This high level of service is achieved by having a well-trained staff that can tell a product story including technical details, benefits, fit and care suggestions.

The products we select for our golf shop are first driven on selection of vendors who will be long-term partners for the club. We are looking for vendors that have smaller distribution channels that are not always found in big box stores or through online outlets. When we place the club logo on these products, it gives our members a sense of pride and exclusivity.

Visual displays are critical to the success of the merchandising operation. The keys to our displays are they must be visually appealing while easy to shop and merchandised with complementary products. We want our members and guests to pick up the merchandise and make tangible connections with our products with the potential to make multiple sales.

Sound fiscal management is the one measurable metric of my merchandising philosophy. This metric incorporates the revenue generation without sacrificing profit margin, cost of goods management, and proper inventory levels that reflect the seasonality of our business.

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Since Fay joined Fort Collins CC in August 2016, the shop revenue has increased by 60%.

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

A mentor once told me “Always know your wake.” That is to say, everything you do - and don’t do - has an impact on those around you. As a leader at my club, I ask myself “what am I leaving behind with my actions and conversations?” Each day, I strive to create a positive wake to instill trust, empower my team and build a successful operation. I also encourage my team to consider their wake as they interact with members and other team members.

What is your proudest moment as a golf professional?

My proudest moment as a golf professional came when I was selected as the Assistant Golf Professional of the Year for the Colorado Section in 2015 which propelled me to become the Head Golf Professional at Fort Collins Country Club.

Share something about yourself that others may not know: I grew up in a decommissioned firehouse in the Congress Park neighborhood of Denver. My parents remodeled the firehouse into a single-family home, complete with two fire poles and an antique Ford Fire Truck. What more could a kid ask for?

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Special Awards Feature

Public Merchandiser of the Year Goes to Hasten at Haymaker

Staff at Haymaker (left to right) Adam Whit, Tim Dever, Hayley Powell, Cody Hasten, PGA. and Andrew Donner

The Public Merchandiser of the Year Award recognizes a Colorado PGA Professional who has demonstrated superior skills as a merchandiser in the promotion of golf at a public facility. Congratulations to this year’s award recipient, Cody Hasten, PGA Head Golf Professional at Haymaker Golf Course!

Our entire team works so hard throughout the year in all aspects with retail being a small piece of a big pie. I have tremendous respect and have drawn from many other PGA Professionals in this Section and to be recognized by those same professionals really means a lot to me and my team.

Hasten started playing golf near his home in Littleton when he was eight years old. His love of golf is a life-long obsession that followed him to college at the University of Nebraska, Lincoln, where he earned a degree in professional golf management.

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

I have always been able to build trust with our customers through product knowledge and an understanding of what our golfers are looking for.

After graduation, he worked as an assistant professional at The Golf Club at Bear Dance for nearly six years and helped build development programs for juniors and adults. In 2015, Hasten moved to Columbine Country Club where he worked three years as an assistant until accepting the head professional position at Haymaker Golf Course in Steamboat Springs.

What does it mean to you to receive this award?

I see retail sales as an indicator of how our team is doing in all facets of the operation. When you can build a report and trust with your customers, I think retail sales come naturally. The fact that our golf shop is doing well tells me we are doing a great job in building these positive relationships.

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

Our staff is the most important tool that I have. Investing in staff and promoting retention between seasons is the only way we can build that positive rapport with customers that we rely on in all areas of the business.

Having a staff I can rely on allows me the time to stay in touch with customers and understand their needs.

We also use end of the year surveys to keep tabs on how we are doing in all areas including in the golf shop.

Specific to retail, we have questions regarding overall satisfaction with the golf shop offerings, as well as specific questions on preferred brands and sizing.

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Special Awards Feature What is your merchandising strategy?

We understand that as a tourist destination, in our market there are two different customer groups: out of town vacationers and local golfers. The key that has allowed our merchandise sales to grow so quickly is identifying these two distinctly different groups and what their needs are.

We cater to our vacationing guests by purchasing items specific to Colorado, the mountains, and to Steamboat Springs. We use heavy logoing on all our golf specific items and incorporate both the Haymaker logo (or some variation of our logo) along with the Colorado flag or “Steamboat Springs” on every hat we design.

By utilizing our new member registration forms, we can collect data from our local golfers on brand preferences, sizing, color, etc. to make more informed buying decisions in the offseason. We are also able to use this information to foster better, more trusting relationships with our locals by making unsolicited suggestions to them while shopping.

By regularly engaging staff in educational opportunities and fostering trusting relationships between our staff members and guests, we have seen a huge increase in hard good sales as well. We actively promote and sell equipment on a daily basis by having knowledgeable staff members who continue to develop relationships with our local golfers.

Whether they are local or visiting from out of town, we remain committed to providing a personalized service to all our guests. I believe that by doing this we not only spur merchandise sales, but also create returning guests who will golf and shop with us for years to come.

Hasten with his wife, Annie, and daughter, Avery

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

As much behind the scenes work that we do as professionals be it tournaments, staffing, retail, course management, etc., the golf industry always comes down to personal relationships. It is important to always remember that and make a point to connect with the people we rely on for our success. To build positive relationships with both customers and staff is what it means to be a good leader and a good golf professional.

What is your proudest moment as a golf professional?

My proudest moment in golf is being able to take over this role here at Haymaker. As a relatively young professional it is great to have the support from staff and the City of Steamboat Springs in some of the things we have done over the past four years. We have gained the trust and appreciation of the community which makes me extremely proud.

Share something about yourself that others may not know: I love to cook. In one of my first golf jobs at Bear Dance I was a regular in the kitchen extracting all kinds of tips from chef Daly. BBQ is my new passion and in an alternate universe I would be living in Texas smoking brisket at 3am for my own BBQ joint.

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THANK YOU!

ON BEHALF OF THE COLORADO PGA REACH FOUNDATION, WE WOULD LIKE TO EXTEND OUR SINCERE GRATITUDE TO TITO'S HANDMADE VODKA!

THANKS TO THEIR GENEROUS CONTRIBUTION OF $25,000, THE COLORADO PGA REACH FOUNDATION WAS ABLE TO SET AN ALL TIME RECORD AND RAISE OVER $90,000 AT OUR ANNUAL REACH INVITATIONAL GOLF TOURNAMENT!

Quarter Century Club

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

PGA 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 lapel pin. This month, the Colorado Section is proud to feature Quarter Century Club Member Lee Kauffman, PGA.

Lee Kauffman, PGA

Head Golf Professional, Lake Arbor Golf Club Where did you grow up?

I grew up in Arvada, Colorado.

What was your first introduction to the game of golf?

My cousins introduced me to the game when I was 12 years old.

Why did you choose to become a PGA Golf Professional?

I have loved the game of golf since I was 12. I played golf in high school and college and I wanted a career in golf.

What makes you most proud about being a PGA Professional?

It makes me proud to teach the game of golf to people who are just learning.

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

The facilities I have been employed at include the following: Lake Arbor Golf Course as an Assistant Golf Professional from 1993 to 1996 Tiara Rado Golf Club in Grand Junction, CO, as Head Golf Professional from 1996 to 1997 Lake Arbor as Head Golf Professional 1998 to Present.

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

My most meaningful contribution to golf has been helping young men and women to become golf professionals.

What hobbies do you have outside of golf?

The hobbies I have outside of golf are hiking, cycling , photography and yoga.

If you could have a dream foursome, who would it be?

My dream foursome would be Jack Nicklaus, Arnold Palmer, Ben Hogan and Bobby Jones. I would love to be able to play with the greats of the game and talk with them.

THIS OR THAT?

Match Play or Stroke Play Short Par 5 or Short Par 3 Morning or Evening Person

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Attire on the course: Shorts or Pants

Music On or Music Off on the Course

Pizza or Tacos Vanilla or Chocolate

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Membership News

Membership News An update on our Colorado PGA Members

By The Numbers Members - 731 | Associates - 98 | Total - 829 Male Members - 779 | Female Members - 50 123 – Management positions (MP, A-4, A-9, A-11, A-13) 265 – Club Professionals (A-1, A-2, A-7, A-8) 125 – Instructors (A-6, A-10, A-12, A-14) 23 – Expanded Career Paths (A-15 thru A-24) 145 – Life Members (LM, LMM, LMA, LMC) 50 – Other Categories (A-3, A-5, F, RM, RSV)

New Members and Associates

The Colorado PGA welcomes and congratulates new members and associates to the Section and to the PGA of America!

For some, this is the first time they have joined our Section, while others might be returning.

Associates Lucas Cimino | B-8 | Cheyenne Shadows GC, Ft Carson Mark Faulkner | B-6 | GOLFTEC Fort Collins South Sean Knights | B-8 | The Club at Rolling Hills Connor Lund | B-8 | CC of the Rockies Nicholas Patterson | B-1 | Country Club at Woodmoor

Welcome Wagon

Welcome to the following members and associates who have recently moved into the Section.

Sean Fleming, PGA | A-6 | GOLFTEC Chapel Hills | previously in the Northern Texas Section

On the Move

The following members have relocated outside of the Colorado PGA. Dane Allen, PGA | A-8 | The Estancia Club | previously at Castle Pines Golf Club Patrick Cusack | B-8 | Quixote Club | previously at Catamount Ranch & Club William Howenstine, PGA | A-8 | Paradise Valley Country Club | previously at Country Club of the Rockies Matthew Kloppenburg, PGA | A-1 | Terravita Golf & Country Club | previously at Columbine Country Club Richard Leslie, PGA | A-4 | Wisconsin Section | previously at The Golf Club At Redlands Mesa Michael McCutchen, PGA | LMA | previously at Family Sports Center GC John Murray, PGA | LM Nicholas Nuzzo, PGA | A-8 | TPC Sawgrass | previously at CC of the Rockies Kolby Oliphant, PGA | A-8 | Paradise Valley Country Club | previously at CC of the Rockies Kory Thurman, PGA | A-8 | Southwest Section | previously at Denver Country Club David Troyer, PGA | A-4 | Bentwater Country Club | previously at CommonGround Golf Course Clint Walkup, PGA | A-8 | Brook Hollow Golf Club | previously at Cherry Hills Country Club

Classification or Location Changes in Colorado

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

Caine Fitzgerald, PGA | A-1 | Meadow Hills Golf Course | previously an A-8 at Meadow Hills GC Mitchell Gore, PGA | A-8 | Columbine Country Club | previously an A-8 at Red Sky Golf Club William Hancock, PGA | A-8 | Meadow Hills Golf Course | previously an A-6 at Foothills Golf Course Sonny Reid, PGA | A-15 | Columbine Country Club | previously an A-8 at Country Club at Castle Pines Alec Simmons, PGA | A-8 | Roaring Fork Club | previously an A-8 at Hole in the Wall Golf Club Troy Youngren, PGA | A-1| Littleton Golf and Tennis Club| previously an A-6 at GOLFTEC-Golden

Obituaries

Our deepest sympathies to the family who experienced a loss recently.

Robert Skvorecz, PGA | August 10, 2021, at age 26

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Membership News

Happy Birthday!

October 1 Bryce Bervig, PGA Jacob O'Dell, PGA October 3 David Brown, PGA Hank Franks, PGA Grant Jackson, PGA

October 16 Chad Miller, PGA October 17 Mitchell Rambin, PGA Geoffrey Strasser, PGA Narudol Yoadjarust, PGA

October 18 October 4 Matthew Kloppenburg, PGA William Bernhardt, PGA Kayla O'Keefe October 20 Nick Welch, PGA October 5 Jonathan Arnold, PGA October 23 Peter Hymes, PGA Stephen Arendt, PGA Scott Ough, PGA Jacqueline Cunningham Derek Rush, PGA J R Hamblet, PGA Matthew Weiss, PGA October 6 Brad Thorberg, PGA October 25 Steven Bruening, PGA October 7 Gregory Bryan, PGA Sam Broome, PGA Gregg Jones, PGA Tara Morris, PGA October 8 Nathan Gruda October 26 Jay Ewing, PGA October 9 Andrew Howie, PGA Phil Gerster, PGA Eugene Miranda, PGA David Heinly, PGA Dominic Principato, PGA October 10 Bryan Mattingly October 12 Jaime MacDonald, PGA October 13 Ronald DeJacimo, PGA Zachary Lambeck, PGA Rynk Strothers, PGA October 14 Caine Fitzgerald, PGA Stewart Koch October 15 Sherry Andonian, PGA Michael Northern, PGA

October 27 Craig Vollmar, PGA Grant Wittenwyler, PGA October 28 Donald Fox, PGA October 29 Stan Sayers, PGA Patrick Tait, PGA October 30 Judy Begin-Sloan, PGA Jordan Bradford, PGA Ross McLean, PGA Gary Washington, PGA

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October 26 Jay Ewing, PGA Andrew Howie, PGA Eugene Miranda, PGA Dominic Principato, PGA October 27 Craig Vollmar, PGA Grant Wittenwyler, PGA October 28 Donald Fox, PGA October 29 Stan Sayers, PGA Patrick Tait, PGA October 30 Judy Begin-Sloan, PGA Jordan Bradford, PGA Ross McLean, PGA Gary Washington, PGA October 31 Jeremy Beck, PGA Frank Jacobson, PGA Kala Rusk, PGA November 1 Orrin Googins, PGA Bryson Hotchkiss, PGA Guy Patterson, PGA November 2 Kenneth Sanchez, PGA Ron Vlosich, PGA November 3 Meghan Hunter, PGA Timothy Radomicki Steve Schoch, PGA Treyton Thornock Josh Troyer, PGA November 4 Michael Fletcher Bruce Johnston, PGA Sam Mirreghabi, PGA Stephen VanDyke, PGA

November 5 Kevin Borgmann Jordan LeBlanc November 6 Joseph Carlton, PGA James MacDougall II, PGA Robbins Manley, PGA Alice Plain, PGA Thomas Young, PGA

November 19 Samuel Chapman, PGA Nathan Mead, PGA Charles Perry, PGA November 20 David DiMartino, PGA November 21 Kenneth Kettler, PGA

November 7 John Hamer, PGA Ed Kujalowicz, PGA

November 22 Gregory Gortsema, PGA Paul Ransom, PGA

November 9 William Hancock, PGA Trent Wearner, PGA Ryan Williams, PGA

November 23 Randal Bregar, PGA November 24 John Hanrahan, PGA

November 10 Anthony Principato, PGA November 25 Austin Umland Thomas Gibbs, PGA November 12 Winston Howe III, PGA Todd Laxson, PGA Joseph Limes, PGA Luke Skattum, PGA November 14 Tommy Wiles November 15 Kevin Cohrs, PGA David Dame, PGA Kirsten Eckley, PGA Brett Winder, PGA

November 26 Mike Swan, PGA November 27 Mark Bacheldor, PGA Kevin Bolles, PGA Dustin Lecy Austin Logan, PGA Robert Quaratino Jr., PGA Rudolph Zupetz, PGA

November 16 Robert Duncan, PGA Lew Lepore, PGA November 18 Chris Bowry, PGA Sawyer Lynn, PGA Michael Mendelson, PGA

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Tournament News

2021 Colorado PGA West Chapter Champion: Doug Rohrbaugh, PGA

Rohrbaugh Comes From Behind to Capture Tenth West Chapter Championship Title

Edwards, Colo. – Party cloudy skies and 70 degree temperatures greeted the players when they arrived at the Sonnenalp Club for Monday’s first round of the 2021 Colorado PGA West Chapter Championship. The golf course played tough on day one with challenging greens and gusty winds leading to no scores under par and only 10 players at 3-over-par or better on the par 71 track. Alexandra Braga, PGA Director of Instruction at Denver Country Club, and PGA Associate Camille Enright of The Club at Ravenna, led after the opening 18, both firing rounds of 1-over-par 72. Grant Jackson, PGA Assistant Professional at Saddle Rock Golf Course, Mark Matz, PGA Director of Golf at Beaver Creek Golf Club, and Nathan Mead, PGA Head Professional at Vail Golf Club, all sat one shot back with five others two shots off the overnight lead, including Doug Rohrbaugh, PGA Instructor at The Snowmass Club.

Tuesday’s final round was hotly contested with several players vying to be crowned the 2021 Champion. Ben Lanting, PGA Assistant Professional Bear Creek Golf Club, began the final round four shots off the lead but a front nine of 2-under-par 34 put him right in the mix with nine holes to play. Lanting made a nice sand save on 11 and caught a good break on 12, after fanning his tee shot, he had a perfect window to punch a shot on to the green and keep his momentum going. He couldn’t get any birdies to drop on the final six holes, ultimately carding six straight pars for a 2-under-par 69 and a 3-over-par total. Lanting commented, “My game felt steady today. I hit a lot of greens and made some solid putts for par. It would have been nice to make more birdies but I can never complain about being bogey-free.”

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Tournament News Robert Grall, PGA Assistant Professional at Colorado National Golf Club, continued his fine form of late, beginning his final round just three back of the lead. Two bogies and one birdie on the front nine put him a few off the lead heading to the back nine. Grall got some momentum when he had 65 yards to the flag, for his second shot, on the 15th hole and one hopped his wedge into the hole for an eagle. Grall said, “[that shot] gave me added momentum to try and finish strong.” He would play the final three holes in 1-over-par leading to a final round 72 and ultimately a tie for third. Grall’s group had just finished the 18th hole, when weather blew in and prompted a suspension of play with two groups left on the golf course.

Camille Enright, PGA Associate at The Club at Ravenna

Matz and Enright were in those final two groups and had to deal with cool damp conditions when play resumed an hour later. Matz posted a second consecutive round of 73 consisting of four birdies, four bogies and one double bogey. Matz said, “Being patient and not hitting driver off the tee led to my success in being able to place my ball on the green where I could access the hole.” Enright fired an opening nine 37 to hold onto her lead with nine to play. Playing the first seven holes of the back nine in 2-over-par, she was on the 17th tee when the weather hit, making her ponder the 142-yard tee shot to a back left flag. When play resumed, the tee shot proved to be no issue, as she stuck her 7-iron to a foot and tapped in the birdie.

Enright pared the 18th giving her a tied for third finish. In speaking about her first tournament as a professional, Enright said, “I really just played smart and to my game all tournament.” Enright has played golf for 17 years as an amateur and hadn’t been able to play or practice much since joining the professional golf staff at The Club at Ravenna, but she said, “I knew my extensive experience would help lead me through my first pro tournament.”

Rohrbaugh began the final round three strokes off the lead and started with five consecutive pars, before a birdie on the par 5 6th, which he followed with six more pars before he came to the 341-yard, par 4, 13th. With the hole cut just over a ridge in the back part of the putting surface, Rohrbaugh’s wedge shot came up a hair short, spinning off the ridge and settling some 80 feet from the hole. Rohrbaugh drained the putt for birdie putting him at 2-under-par for the round with five holes to play. Pars on 14 and 15 but a bogey on 16 meant he had to par the final two holes to claim victory by 1 over Lanting. Rohrbaugh’s tee shot on the 199-yard, par 3, 17th found the green side bunker leading to a challenging bunker shot. Rohrbaugh splashed the ball out to 10 inches and tapped in for his par. On the 18th, Rohrbaugh had 98 yards left for his third shot when the horn blew, leaving him an hour to ponder how to play the wedge shot knowing he had to make par to secure the title. After play resumed, he calmly wedged his ball on to the green and two-putted for a final round 70 and a tenth West Chapter Championship trophy and first since 2017. Rohrbaugh said, “Other than the 80-foot putt, I hit a lot of approach shots below the hole today, that was key since the greens were so fast and pins difficult.”

A big thank you is necessary for, one of our biggest and longest Section sponsors, Colorado Golf & Turf. Tom Bauerle and Drew Hunter have been sponsors of the section for over 35 years and we are very grateful for their support. Another big thank you is necessary for Jim Miller, PGA General Manager, Pete Roach, PGA Head Professional and Golf Course Superintendent Neil Tretter at the Sonnenalp Club and the rest of their staff for hosting and making this Championship successful!

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Tournament News

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Tournament News

Colorado PGA Dow Finsterwald ROLEX Player of the Year Player

Facility

Lakewood Country Club 1 Geoff Keffer Bear Creek Golf Club 2 Ben Lanting The Snowmass Club 3 Doug Rohrbaugh 4 Meadow Hills Golf Course Caine Fitzgerald Saddle Rock Golf Course 5 Grant Jackson 6 Walnut Creek Golf Preserve Mike Weingartner The Club at Pradera 7 Jason Witczak The Links Golf Course 8 Kyle Voska Country Club at Woodmoor 9 Chris Johnson 10 Mark Matz Beaver Creek Golf Club Jake's Academy 11 Tyler Parsloe Conquistador Golf Course 12 Micah Rudosky Colorado National Golf Club 13 Robert Grall Meadow Hills Golf Course 14 Jeff Carter 15 Kirk Trowbridge MetaGolf Learning Center Springhill Golf Course 16 Dan O'Shaughnessy 17 Peter Norwood MetaGolf Learning Center The top 17 Players will earn an exemption into the CoBank Colorado Open in 2022.

Colorado PGA Women's Player of the Year 1 2 3 4 5 6 7

Player

Sherry Andonian Alexandra Braga Jackie Cunningham Stefanie Ferguson Katie Milstead Camille Enright Tara Morris

Facility

Valley Country Club Denver Country Club Valley Country Club ExperienceGolf Valley Country Club The Club at Ravenna Country Club at Castle Pines

POY Points 7,863.67 7,394.13 7,141,00 5,461.03 5,363,33 4,426.80 4,196.07 4,123.57 3,490.03 3,427.33 3,396.90 3,258.50 3,244.70 3,224.03 3,166.67 3,123.83 2,976.30

POY Points 3,372.00 1,689.00 1,381.83 1,200.00 656.33 610.00 450.00

Colorado PGA ROLEX Senior Player of the Year 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

Player

Doug Rohrbaugh Micah Rudosky Ron Volsich Sherry Andonian Chris Johnson Brian Gott Rick Cole Barry Milstead Bill Hancock Dan O'Shaughnessy

Facility

The Snowmass Club Conquistador Golf Course Life Member Valley Country Club Country Club at Woodmoor Gott Golf Life Member Valley Country Club Meadow Hills Golf Course Springhill Golf Course

Colorado PGA Associate Player of the Year 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

Player

Andrew Connell Behrod Keshtavar Dan Augustine Devon Pilkington Brandon Wood Austin Umland Jackie Cunningham Josh Dunahoe Jack Cavanagh Jeremy Minnick

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Facility

The Ridge at Castle Pines North Todd Creek Golf Club The Club at Ravenna Todd Creek Golf Club Saddle Rock Golf Course Collindale Golf Course Valley Country Club Steamboat Golf Club Walnut Creek Golf Preserve Lakewood Country Club

POY Points 7,962.00 4,559.40 4,559.40 3,694.00 3,692.03 3,539.70 3,514.80 3,340.37 3,318.80 3,221.83

POY Points 2,133.50 2,108.00 1,891.00 1,387.76 1,263.40 1,112.50 1,013.83 837.50 815.00 767.90

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project x series point race In conjunction with True Temper, the Colorado PGA is excited to announce the return of the True TemperProject X Series Points Race! The following six (6) Pro-Only Events will be used to determine the Points Race Champion for 2021:

Stroke Play #1: Columbine Country Club - April 5th Stroke Play #2: Boulder Country Club - April 12th Stroke Play #4: The Club at Rolling Hills - June 1st Stoke Play #5: King's Deer Golf Club - June 16th Section Championship: Eisenhower Golf Club - September 13th - 15th West Chapter Championship: Sonnenalp Club - September 27th - 28th *Stroke Play #3 was cancelled*

**Members do not have to be using True temper shafts at the beginning of this "points race" - but must be playing at least eight (8) true temper iron shafts at the west chapter championship to be eligible for the purse in this series**

Final leaderboard through west chapter CHAMPIONSHIP place | player | Club affiliation | Points 1. Ben Lanting | Bear Creek Golf Club | 4,612.00 2. doug rohrbaugh | the snowmass club | 4,248.50 3. Geoff Keffer | Lakewood Country Club | 3,302.50 4. kyle voska | the links golf course | 2,983.40 5. grant jackson | saddle rock golf course | 2,928.50 6. mark matz | beaver creek golf club | 2,822.50 7. micah rudosky | conquistador golf course | 2,800.00 8. robert grall | colorado national Golf Club | 2,438.50 9. Caine fitzgerald | meadow hills golf club | 2,366.90 10. peter norwood | metagolf learning center | 2,129.50

PAYOUT (PURSE: $5,000) 1ST PLACE: $2,000 2ND PLACE: $1,500 3RD PLACE: $1,000 4TH PLACE: $500

Tournament News

Masek Match Play Finals Recap Fitzgerald Takes Home the Title at The Club at Flying Horse Colorado Springs, Colo. – A beautiful day at The Club at Flying Horse’s newest North Course set the stage for the Masek Match Play Finals. Joe Carton, PGA Head Professional at Legacy Ridge Golf Course, faced off against Peter Mogg, PGA Assistant Professional at the Roaring Fork Club, in our first semi-final of the day and Caine Fitzgerald, PGA Head Professional at Meadow Hills Golf Course matched up against Geoff Keffer, PGA Assistant Professional at Lakewood Country Club.

Carlton and Mogg got off to similar starts halving the first two holes before trading victories on holes three, five, and seven, which took Mogg to one-up heading to eight. That was a lead that Mogg never relinquished, victories at eight and nine 9 took him to three-up. Carlton won the 10th but Mogg captured to 11th to restore his three-up lead.

Carlton took the 14th and they halved holes 15 and 16 before Mogg stuck his approach on 17 to three feet and was conceded his birdie, which won him the match three and one.

Caine Fitzgerald, PGA Head Professional at Meadow Hills Golf Course takes home the title at The Club at Flying Horse

Fitzgerald and Keffer had a pretty one-sided match from the second hole on. Fitzgerald birdied the par-four second and never relinquished his lead. Birdies on three and four gave him a three-up lead through the first four holes and that lead continued to grow. Fitzgerald birdied 10, 12 and 13 to take his lead to five-up with five to play and all but secure the match. Keffer said hole on a second, as he rolled in a 15 footer to win the 14th, a par won him the 15th and birdies on 16 and 17 meant he went to the 18th only once down. Both players hit the fairway with their tee shots and the greens with their second shots. Keffer narrowly missed his birdie putt to send the match to extra holes and Fitzgerald secured the match, and a place in the final, with a four-foot par putt.

The final between Mogg and Fitzgerald was hotly contested from the beginning with both players trading winning holes on three and four to remain all square. Fitzgerald rolled in a 20-foot birdie on the par-three sixth to take a one-up lead, but Mogg’s birdie on the par-five eight took the match back to even. Fitzgerald hit the best shot of the match to a foot on the ninth and also won the 10th and 11th holes taking him to three-up. Mogg won the 12th with the players halving the 13th before Fitzgerald won 14 and 15 to close out the match and secure his four and three 3 victory and the Masek Match Play Championship Title. Fitzgerald had been struggling with his putting most of the season and pointed to a change in his grip that lead to putts beginning to fall, stating, “I changed to the claw crip on the fifth green during the second round of the Section Championship and that seemed to give me an ounce of belief I could make putts and had a trickle-down effect to the rest of the clubs in my bag when I began not to fear short putts.”

Final Masek Match Play Championship Bracket

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Junior Golf News

2021 Colorado PGA Jr. League Season Comes to a RecordBreaking Close We hope things are going well with you, your families, and your golf courses as we approach the end of the golf season. The 2021 PGA Jr League season has been one for the record books. We had tremendous growth in overall player participation and at our PGA Jr League Section Championship. What can we do to continue to meet the growing demands of not only golf but PGA Jr League?

2021 FALL LEAGUES SET RECORD This year in the Colorado Section, PGA Jr. League fall season set multiple records. We had 15 different leagues participating and 372 unique players playing. This boost in late-season participation also helped push the section to an impressive 2,785 PGA Jr. League golfers for the year. This sets a new annual participation record for local leagues in the section. These 2,785 kids participating in a team golf setting are beginning their lifelong journey with the game of golf. While some competitive golfers participated in the Championship season this year, 81% of the local league golfers identified as beginners and recreational players. This is incredibly healthy for the future of the game.

2021 NATIONAL CHAMPION CROWNED Congratulations to our neighbors to the west from Team Utah, who won this year's National Car Rental PGA Jr. League Championship. Not only was it the Utah Section's first trip to the National Championship, but it was the first time that a state other than California or Georgia won the championship. Congratulations to PGA Professional Tele Wightman and the 8 All-Stars from Thanksgiving Point Golf Club on their victory. In addition to being the top team in the country, Tele also coached 72 players across two local leagues in 2021.

2022 SEASON PREVIEW The 2022 PGA Jr. League season will be one to remember. First and foremost, a long-awaited new website will be launching soon. Over the last 24 months, we have been preparing and building a brand new website to manage PGA Jr. League and PGA Family Cup. No longer will we be forced to use the standard features of SportsEngine, and part of the PGA of America's efforts to bring more value to PGA Coaches through coach tools on my.pga.com will now make it far easier to manage PGA Jr. League. There is an entire part of the website dedicated to giving PGA Coaches the exact tools necessary to make the biggest impact to their community through PGA Jr. League that they can. Keep an eye out for more info in the coming weeks. These new website features will help us revamp the program to help you create more value for yourself, your golf facilities, and your consumers.

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Junior Golf News

2021 National Car Rental PGA Jr. League Champions, Team Utah

PREPARING FOR NEXT YEAR Regional League Manager, Anthony Vitale, has accepted a new position with the PGA of America. He will begin focusing on more resources for PGA Coaches as he takes on a role as the Coach Services Lead. In his new role, he will focus on PGA.coach and the training available for PGA Coaches on The American Development Model.

Shortly, we will be posting a position for a new full-time Regional League Manager, but if you have any questions in the meantime about PGA Jr. League, you can reach out to Colorado PGA Junior Golf Manager, Samantha Crawford, or National League Manager, Chuck Higgins, PGA.

Anthony Vitale, PGA

Samantha Crawford

Coach Services Lead avitale@pgahq.com (561) 267-1208

Junior Golf Manager scrawford@pgahq.com (720) 884-6130

Chuck Higgins, PGA

PGA Jr. League National League Manager chiggins@pgahq.com (214) 518-5581

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Junior Golf News

100 Hole Hike

Colorado PGA Junior Golf Manager, Samantha Crawford Raised $3,789 for Youth on Course

JGAC's team: Brandon Kuhl, Ashley Harrell, Brent, Matthew Walker, Sam Crawford, Ryan Smith

The 100 Hole Hike, to raise funds for Youth on Course, took place on Monday, September 27, 2021. The Junior Golf Alliance of Colorado team raised collectively over $14,000! For the second year in a row, Colorado PGA's Junior Golf Manager, Samantha Crawford, participated in the hike. Teeing off at 7 AM and almost 11 hours later, Crawford finished 100 holes of golf at CommonGround Golf Course! Over the day, Crawford walked 27.5 miles and 62,768 steps to make 14 birdies and play 100 holes.

Youth on Course provides youth with access to life-changing opportunities through golf by giving 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.

Thank you to all those who donated!

Click Here To Learn More.

Crawford with two of her JGAC supporters

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Junior Golf News

Drive, Chip & Putt Regional Finals Big Day for Local Colorado Jr. Golfers

By Gary Baines With eight players — the winners of each of the various age/gender divisions — advancing to the DCP National Finals set for April 3, a record four of those spots went to Coloradans.

To put that into perspective, prior to this weekend, never had more than three Coloradans in a single year earned National Finals berths. And, in all the previous DCP National Finals (which debuted in 2014), a grand total of six players from the Centennial State have competed in the event finale that takes place the Sunday before Masters week.

But making the grade on Sunday — thus combining to become 5 percent of next spring’s 80-person National Finals field — were Matai Naqica accepting his medal Matai Naqica of Centennial (boys 14-15), Sophia Capua of Aurora (girls 14-15), Anthony Chen of Aurora (boys 12-13) and Judd Nikkel of Fort Collins (boys 10-11).

“It’s the greatest feeling I’ve probably ever felt,” said Naqica, a sophomore at Columbine High School. “The feeling of going to Augusta is really extraordinary. I can’t wait to go there.”

Click Here For Full Article.

JGAC Junior Ryder Cup

By Gary Baines

“Team Europe” continues its domination of the Junior Golf Alliance of Colorado’s Junior Ryder Cup. In the six years in which the JGAC has been in existence, the so-called European squad has never lost, going 6-0 against “Team USA.” This weekend, October 9-10, 2021, marked the latest victory for the “European” squad as it prevailed 20.5-11.5 in the Ryder Cup-like competition for top juniors — 13 and under — conducted at CommonGround Golf Course in Aurora.

Europe prevailed 11-5 in Sunday’s 18-hole singles matches after tying the nine-hole four-ball session 4-4 and prevailing in the nine-hole foursomes 5.5-2.5 on Saturday.

In all, eight players won all three of their matches — Europe’s Ben Sander, Jeffrey Chen, Gregory White, Collen Todd and Max Music, and Team USA’s Clara Jeon, Brynn Balliet and Sophia Lee. Click Here For Full Article.

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Junior Golf News

JGAC Tour Championship

By Gary Baines

The Junior Golf Alliance of Colorado major championship season ended on Sunday, October 10, and notable storylines weren’t lacking for either the boys and girls winners at Denver Country Club.

On the boys side, Matthew Wilkinson of Centennial rallied to claim the title in the JGAC Tour Championship, giving him two victories in the two JGAC majors he entered in 2021, and three wins in the last six boys majors overall.

“It’s a great way to end the season,” said Wilkinson, whose Arapahoe team won the 5A state high school team title on Tuesday. “It was a really fun week.”

And the girls JGAC Tour Championship produced its youngest girls winner ever, though the event dates back only to 2016, as Hadley Ashton of Erie, who just turned 14 last month, came out on top by five strokes.

Matthew Wilkinson wins his second JGAC major of 2021, while Hadley Ashton prevails by 5 in girls Tour Championship

“I knew I had a chance, but I don’t try to think about the age difference and stuff (like that) because I feel like I have enough talent to win,” Ashton said.

Click Here For Full Article.

CHSAA Senior Day

By Gary Baines

Colorado’s boys state high school golf tournaments produce champions that range from pre-event favorites to the completely unpredictable. It’s part of the beauty of the tournaments, and the tournaments the week of October 5th were no exception.

At the 5A tournament at Colorado Springs Country Club, one of the expected contenders prevailed as Arapahoe senior Will Kates claimed the individual title for the second time. He became the first two-time individual state champ since Montrose’s Micah Stangebye won No. 2 in 2019.

Meanwhile, in the 4A state meet at City Park Golf Course in Denver, Windsor senior Brentyn Paiz made the state title his first individual victory of the season.

State Champions: Arapahoe (5A team), Windsor’s Brentyn Paiz (4A individual), Riverdale Ridge (4A team), Vail Christian’s Connor Downey (3A individual), Aspen (3A team) Click Here For Full Article.

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Thank You to Our Sponsors!

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Colorado Golf Expo Lynn Cramer

The SUMMIT

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