Colorado PGA
What's Inside?
2023 Section Award Winners CC of Rockies Donates Home to Hero PGA REACH Scholarship Recipients 2023 Professional Players of the Year
Fall 2023
Pictured: Micah Rudosky, PGA of Conquistador Golf Club Secures Three-Peat of the Colorado PGA Professional Championship
Colorado PGA Staff
Justin Limon, PGA
Steven Bartkowski CEO/Executive Director 303-996-1593
Scott Minta
Tournament Director 303-996-1590
Holly Champion, PGA Education & Membership Director 303-996-1591
Annie O'Donnell Erinn Lopez
Business Development & Special Events Director 303-996-1594
Cameron Jones PGA WORKS Fellow
Finance Manager 303-996-1595
Samantha Crawford
Davyon Collins
Junior Golf Manager Developmental Series 303-996-1592
Senior Operations & Membership Director 303-996-1588
Peter Weisel, PGA
Junior Golf Manager Cup Series 303-996-1597
Zach Kinmartin
Administrative Assistant 303-681-0742
Player Engagement Director 303-996-9429
Junior Golf Manager Player Series 303-996-9423
Sara Brown
What's Inside? Welcome 3 5 7 8
Section President’s Message CEO/Executive Director's Message PGA Regional Director's Message Message from our West Chapter President
Junior Golf/Player Engagement Updates Golf In Schools Impact Report 9 10 Castle Pines GC Shines for DCP Regionals 12 Junior League Summer Season Closes 13 COPGA Junior Major Championships 15 Financial Aid Available for Junior Golfers
The SUMMIT is the Official Magazine of the Colorado PGA - produced by the Colorado PGA
Colorado PGA 6630 Bear Dance Drive Larkspur, CO 80118 P | (303) 681-0742 www.coloradopga.com www.reach.coloradopga.com
PGA Member Spotlight 18 33 35 36 37
2023 Section Award Winners Hughes & CCR Donate a Home to a Hero New PGA Brand Campaign 35 Local Pros Raise Money for Children’s Quarter & Half Century Members
Tournament Highlights
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Triple Crown for Micah Rudosky Team COPGA Retains Taylor Cup Rohrbaugh Continues Dominance in WC Schalk Defends Senior Title Keffer Continues Assistant Champ Success Tait Goes Wire-To-Wire Final True Temper Player of the Year Points 2023 Professional Players of the Year
Foundation News
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Foundation Update from Board Chairman New Trustees Join Mission Inaugural PGA HOPE Cup a Success Scholarship Recipients
Partner Highlights
53 Corona Premier Hole of the Week 55 Section Partners 57 Foundation Partners
The SUMMIT is distributed free to members and affiliates of the Colorado PGA four 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 the written permission of the Colorado PGA is prohibited.
President's Message
Winding Down on 2023 - Time for Refueling and Reflecting Dear Fellow Colorado PGA Members, I hope that everyone is beginning to see some light at the end of a long and prosperous summer of golf. I remember fondly when myself and my colleagues would anxiously await the turn of the calendar to “Septober” which signaled a chance to exhale and enjoy beautiful Colorado in the Fall. Your section team and officers are already planning our visit to our new Home of the PGA in Frisco, TX for the Annual Meeting in November. Wow time flies… Congratulations to all of the 2023 Section Award Winners profiled in this edition. We would love to have any of our members attend the awards banquet at Cherry Hills on October 27th. Reach out to the Section Office for additional details. A special congratulations to Bob Doyle as this is his third time winning Golf Professional of the Year. His time spent as our interim Executive Director was invaluable to the Board and our Section staff. He deserves the highest commendation for his service to our section over the years. The Fall Section Business Meeting is coming up on October 23rd at Heritage Eagle Bend. The day will begin with education from Doctor Norris on leadership and teamwork and then lead into our business meeting and golf. We will be officially welcoming Andrew Shuck and Ben Pennymon as new Board of Directors and thanking Andy Benson and Luke Brosterhous for their Board service. We are seeing great growth in our associate program both locally and nationally. We are seeing the highest Associate enrollment numbers in over 10 years. In the Colorado Section, our Associate numbers increased 26% YOY. Finally, we need your help! Please ensure you take a few moments to complete the Member Survey as we look to shape the short-term and long-term of the Section at our Board Planning Session in December. Feedback from the members is critical to this process. No Summit would be complete without thanking our AMAZING staff and all of our volunteer Board members for their work on your behalf in 2023. I look forward to seeing everyone in October. Please reach out any time if there is anything I can do to enhance your PGA Membership. Best,
Cathy Matthews-Kane, PGA Colorado PGA Section President Incoming PGA of America District IX Director
3 Fall 2023
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A L O H A
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CEO Message
A Time to Celebrate Colorado PGA of America Golf Professionals Colorado PGA Members, Associates, and Friends, This past year the team and I have had a front-row seat watching our Colorado PGA Members and Associates exceed on and off the course. Whether it was Head PGA Professional at Conquistador Golf Course Micah Rudosky winning his third Section Championship in a row, 34 PGA of America Golf Professionals raising over $126,000 for charity in the Play Yellow Birdie Bash, Steve Wallace, PGA and Andrew Shuck, PGA conducting successful USGA Championships at their respective facilities, or Colorado PGA Life Member Bob Doyle being named Golf Professional of the Year for the third time in his career, it truly has been fun to be on the sidelines. And now, it’s time to recognize these accomplishments and celebrate together as a Section! In the next few weeks, the Section will conduct both the Fall Membership Meeting and Awards Gala at Heritage Eagle Bend Golf Course and Cherry Hills Country Club, respectively. The theme of both of these events will be to celebrate YOU the Colorado PGA of America Golf Professional. At the Fall Membership Meeting, we will be joined by a top-class leadership expert, Dr. Norris for education. We will then give you an update on the happenings across the Section and Foundation in 2023 and we will CELEBRATE our newly elected Class A Members, Major Championship Host PGA Professionals, and our new Superintendent and Sales Representative Award Recipients. We will also welcome two new Board of Directors. A few days later we will be in awe watching the unbelievably talented 2023 Section Award Winners and Players of the Year at the Section Awards Gala. This will once again be emceed by the talented Joe Cole of Fox21 News Colorado and will be in a slightly different more engaging format. We hope to see many of our PGA of America Golf Professionals in attendance at both events. Thank you to all our Members, Partners, Donors, Trustees, and Friends of the Colorado PGA Section for helping to make 2023 such a successful year that saw growth across the board in tournament purses, West Chapter support, foundation fundraisers, junior programming, and PGA HOPE. As Henry Ford stated, “If everyone is moving forward together, then success takes care of itself.” Let’s continue to move forward together for the betterment of the game and the lives of all Colorado PGA of America Golf Professionals.
Steven Bartkowski CEO/Executive Director Colorado PGA sbartkowski@pgahq.com P (303) 996-1593
5 Fall 2023
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Regional Director's Message
Join Us for the Mountain & Midwest Regional Educational Series We are thrilled to announce an exciting opportunity for professional development this upcoming October. Your Mountain & Midwest Regional Team is joining forces with your Section team to present an engaging off-season educational series featuring industry experts from across the Colorado, Iowa, Minnesota, Nebraska, Rocky Mountain, and Utah Sections. Our virtual seminars will cover a wide range of timely topics, whether you're gearing up for the off-season or looking to expand your knowledge base, this series promises valuable insights. Here are some key details about the series: Duration: Monthly from October to April Credits: Class A PGA Members who attend will earn 1 Professional Development Requirement (PDR) credit. If you can't make it to a live session, don't worry—you can access the recordings later and still earn a PDR credit by completing a brief quiz. Date & Time: The first or second Wednesday of each month at 11:00 AM Central, 10:00 AM Mountain. Educational Series Schedule: 1. October 11, 2023: Performance Reviews & Negotiation 2. November 15, 2023: Social Media & Branding for Clubs & Individuals 3. December 6, 2023: The Business Value of Teaching 4. January 10, 2024: HP 101 - Everything I Wish I Knew 5. February 14, 2024: Recruiting & Retaining Talent 6. March 13, 2024: GM 101 - Everything I Wish I Knew 7. April 3, 2024: Business Finance for Golf Professionals Registration is now open, and you can find comprehensive descriptions of each topic on our registration page HERE. Feel free to register for one session or sign up for the entire series. We encourage you to bring your entire team along for this enriching experience. We eagerly anticipate your participation in the M&M Regional Educational Series this fall and winter. Should you have any questions or require further information, please do not hesitate to reach out to us.
7 Fall 2023
Keith Soriano, PGA ksoriano@pgahq.com 720.841.1006 Denver, CO Regional Director | Member & Section Operations Career Consultant serving the Colorado Section
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West Chapter President's Message
A Message from the Mountains
First and foremost, a well-deserved congratulations to West Chapter PGA Member Micah Rudoski, Head Professional at Conquistador Golf Course in Cortez, CO, on his impressive win at the Section Championship at River Valley Ranch! A big thank you to all the PGA Professionals and their facilities that stepped up and supported West Chapter Events this year: Bookcliff CC-Bryan Marshall, PGA Eagle Ranch Golf Club- Jeff Boyer, PGA Cordillera Summit, Darren Szot, PGA Breckenridge Golf Club, Patrick Clary, PGA Aspen Glen, Dave Thompson, PGA River Valley Ranch, Steve Van Dyke, PGA It’s been a great season of West Chapter Events, and the Section has stepped up immensely to support this great event that benefits West Chapter Collegiate-bound golfers. The Western Colorado Golf Foundation is a non-profit that has given out over $200K in financial assistance to West Chapter Jr. Golfers attending College since 1999. The Western Colorado Cup Matches benefit this fund and provide a great partnership opportunity between Professionals and amateurs in the region. The Colorado Section has generously granted the West Chapter an additional $3K through the PGA Reach Pillar Grant Program to put toward this event. These funds will offset some of the out-of-pocket hotel expenses historically taken on by West Chapter PGA Professionals to play in the event, as well as allow for additional remaining funds to be added to the Western Colorado Golf Foundation donation on behalf of the West Chapter. Additionally, the Section secured a clothing/uniform sponsorship for this event through its partner, Radmor. A huge thank you to Section Executive Director Steven Bartkowski and his team for supporting the Cup Matches with their efforts. At the Spring Meeting, the West Chapter Board passed a motion that was mutually agreed upon with the WCGF, as to the make-up of the Teams, increasing the number of players from 8 to 10, and adding 2 ‘ladies' spots to the event: Team Makeup: 10 players, 5 open, 3 seniors (50&up), 2 ladies. Team Spots are to be allocated as follows: WC (facility based) first-WC Points list first 30 Men, on points list have priority, and first 5 ladies, then selection would widen to entire Section facility based WC Members. Upon immediate completion of the West Chapter Championship, we will begin reaching out to qualified players to ascertain their availability. If you are qualified, we hope that you can represent the Chapter at this great event! On behalf of the West Chapter Board, we look forward to seeing you in Aspen Glen!
8 Spring 2023
Luke Brosterhous, PGA West Chapter President Director of Instruction M3 Golf Performance Labs lukeb@pga.com
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Golf In Schools
Golf in Schools is Growing
In 2023, the Colorado PGA partnered with the El Pomar Foundation, Colorado Open Golf Foundation, Birdie Ball, US Kids, and the Colorado Golf Association to expand the Golf in Schools program. To expand the reach of the Golf in Schools program, schools that receive a grant are given golf equipment for their school, provided training from the Colorado PGA Staff and PGA of America Golf Professionals, and have a field trip to a golf course paid for by PGA REACH Colorado. This model will allow Golf in Schools programs to be run all over the Colorado PGA Section and reach thousands of more children every year. It also will allow for a more sustainable long-term growth model now that each school will have its own equipment for the first time ever. From 2022 to 2023, the Golf in Schools program has seen a 42% increase in children impacted in schools and a 93% increase in children attending field trips. Thank you to all the Colorado PGA Professionals who continue to lead the charge on this program. This year has been a transition year for the program and teachers have been thrilled with the updates to the program! It provides them with the necessary training, additional scheduling flexibility, and the funding they desperately need to expand programming options at their schools. 2023 Spring Original Program Model Impact: 14 schools participated 11 PGA Professional Instructors 13 facilities hosting program field trips 3,441 kids reported participation from K-12 902 kids reported attending a field trip 2023 Spring New Program Model Impact: 2 Schools participated 2 PGA Professional Instructors 1 facility hosted a field trip 407 kids reported participating from K-8 71 kids reported attending a field trip
Projected 2023 Original Program Model Impact: 6 schools participating 6 PGA Professional instructors 5 facilities hosting field trips Projected 2023 Fall New Program Impact 11 Schools participating 7 PGA Professionals 7 facilities hosting field trips
Spring Demographics: 49% - Male; 51% - Female 30% participate in free and reduced lunch 32% From Diverse Background African Americans – 4.3% Asian Americans - 3.1% Caucasian - 68.2% Hispanic – 23.3% Multi-racial - 1.1%
9 Fall 2023
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DCP Regionals
Castle Pines Golf Club Hosts Drive, Chip & Putt Regional Championship
Castle Pines Golf Club rolled out the red carpet for our Drive Chip & Putt Regional Qualifier hosted in the Colorado PGA Section. All 96 participants and their families got to experience a BBQ Family Night in addition to the competition held on the afternoon of Sunday, September 24th. George Solich, Drew Parr, PGA and the Castle Pines staff gave everyone in attendance a weekend to remember. In 2023, as a Section we conducted nine Local Qualifiers, two Sub-Regionals, and one Regional Qualifier, connecting over 900 kids to the game of golf. You will see eight of those kids from the Regional Qualifier on April 7th at Augusta National Golf Club competing in the Drive Chip & Putt National Finals. Good luck to the following participants who have roots in the Colorado Section!
Simon White (Boys 14-15)
10 Fall 2023
Landry Frost (Girls 14-15)
Sydney Liddell (Girls 7-9)
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PGA Junior League
PGA Junior League Championships 2023 saw lots of excitement for the PGA Jr League season in the Colorado PGA Section! 76 PGA of America Golf Professionals and Associates coached 2,981 junior golfers across the Section. After an exciting regular season, teams from all over the Colorado PGA Section competed for a chance to compete for a national championship in the 13u and 17u divisions. Qualifiers for the Section 13u Championship were held at The Pinery CC and Collindale GC, with teams coached by Andrew Drea, PGA, Caine Fitzgerald, PGA, Craig Salib, PGA, and Kyle Voska, PGA advancing to the Section Championship. The Pinery CC was gracious enough to also host the 13u Section Championship, with the Fort Collins CC team coached by Craig Salib, PGA earning its way to compete at the Region 10 Championship in Garland, TX. The following day, Meadow Hills GC hosted the 17u Section Championship where one team would earn it’s way to the Region 10 Championship. After a tough day of competition, the Meadow Hills GC team coached by Caine Fitzgerald, PGA came out on top and earned their invitation to the Region 10 Championship in Garland, TX.
Ft Collins CC 13U Champions
Meadow Hills CC 17U Champions
The PGA Jr. League Region 10 Championship took place in September and Colorado was well represented with 4 teams competing (two 13u Teams and two 17u teams). They qualified through our Section Championships and Play Days. The atmosphere was on fire, figuratively and literally as the temperature reached 107 degrees. That didn’t stop Aurora's Meadow Hills 17u team from moving on to the Semifinal Match, which led to a scorecard playoff and eventual loss. We want to give a big shout-out to the teams that competed in Texas: Aurora Meadow Hills 17u, KMG18 Elite Gold 17u, Ft Collins Death Stars 13u & EJGA 13U Bombs.
11 Fall 2023
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Junior Golf
CHAMPIONS CROWNED AT MIZUNO COLORADO PGA JUNIOR MAJORS What a 2023 Junior Season it has been! The 2023 season brought incredible tournament opportunities for our junior golfers. We have incredible talent this season at all our Junior Major Championships. The Mizuno Aurora Junior Championship hosted at Murphy Creek Golf Course kicked off our Junior Major tournament schedule. This event brought some interesting weather. We saw 82 juniors tee it up for the first and second day. Making the cut to the final day was 31 boys and 10 girls. Unfortunately, those storms brought a substantial amount of rain to the Aurora area overnight, and the tournament’s final day had to be cut down to an 8-hole event for our players. Our 36-hole leaders, Sophia Lee and Sawyer Klein, held on to claim the 2023 Mizuno Aurora Championship Titles. This was thirteen-year-old Sophia Lee’s first Major Championship victory. Lee captured the title with a 15-over-par (76-7838). Along with this victory, Lee has claimed two other Junior Cup Series wins and seven top-ten finishes. Eighteen-year-old Sawyer Klein successfully defended his Aurora Junior Championship title. Klein claimed the title with a three-shot lead, finishing the tournament at 2-under par (70-72-33). Along with this title, Klein finished his Junior Golf Career with five other top-ten finishes. Our second Junior Major was the Mizuno Colorado Junior PGA Championship hosted at Walnut Creek Golf Preserve. Some of Colorado’s most elite boys and girls competed for three days, battling it out for honors and the chance to qualify for the National Junior PGA Championships. 87 junior golfers teed it up on Monday, July 10th. After the cut, 32 boys and 14 girls competed in the final round. After a hardfought battle, Ashleigh Wilson and Miles Kuhl came out victorious.
Sixteen-year-old Ashleigh Wilson captured the Junior PGA Championship title with scores of 73-69-79, equaling a three-day total of 221, 8-over par. “You work so hard, and it finally pays off. It’s important not to question yourself.” Fifteen-year-old Miles Kuhl rallied on the final day to claim the Boy’s Junior PGA Championship with scores of 67-76-71, equaling a three-day total of 214, 1-over par. “ The most consistent part of my game was my putting. Being successful on the green and winning this major was a big boost of confidence. I got it done.”
13 Fall 2023
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Junior Golf
CHAMPIONS CROWNED AT MIZUNO COLORADO PGA JUNIOR MAJORS
The third major of the summer was the Mizuno Colorado PGA Junior Match Play Championship hosted at Lake Valley Golf Club. 32 of the Colorado Section’s top boys and 30 of its top girls arrived Tuesday, July 25th, to battle head-to-head, hoping to be the last player standing atop our match play bracket. The Boys and Girls Championship Matches provided quite a spectacle. At the request of both matches, both were played simultaneously within the same group. This offered a unique opportunity to showcase the depth of competition within our fields and the camaraderie of the juniors playing on the COPGA Junior Tour.
Ashleigh Wilson won her final match 2&1 over Macy Kleve to claim the Girls Championship. With this victory, Wilson has now won three Colorado PGA Junior Major Championship titles, her first coming at the end of last season as she claimed the 2022 Colorado PGA Junior Invitational. Wilson has not only claimed two back-to back Major Championship titles in 2023 but also four Junior Cup Series wins this season. Taking extra holes to determine the Boys Championship, Miles Kuhl ultimately came out on top in his final match over Caleb Michaels on the 20th hole. Kuhl has now won two consecutive Junior Major Championships along with one Junior Cup Series win and four top-ten finishes. Our final major of the 2023 season was the Mizuno Colorado PGA Junior Invitational hosted at Denver Country Club. 59 of the top Junior Golfers in the Colorado PGA Section teed it up, hoping to claim the final Major Championship title. For most players, this was their first time playing Denver Country Club; however, that didn’t stop our juniors from making this championship an exciting end to our season. As play was underway during the final round, the Denver CC started to fill with supportive spectators and members to cheer on our junior golfers. As many kept watching the leaderboard for our boys and girls championship, they would see lots of movement, leaving anyone in the running. Sixteen-year-old Brenna Higgins claimed her first Colorado PGA Junior Major win with scores of 78-76, totaling a 154 for the two days. “I was in the second group of leaders, and since my first round wasn’t great, I thought I was out of it,” Higgins stated. After a tight race, the Boys Championship needed extra holes to determine the Mizuno Colorado PGA Junior Invitational Champion between Sam Walker and Tyler Long. After one playoff hole, we were able to crown Sam Walker with his first Junior Major Championship victory. “I typically go into my rounds thinking they made birdie on this hole, so I need to birdie the next hole. So I went into today focusing on my game and not worrying about my competitors,” said Walker. Along with this Major win, Walker has four other top-then finishes in the Junior Cup Series. The Colorado PGA Junior Staff would like to send a big thank you to our Junior Major Title Partner, Mizuno Golf, and supporting partners, UCCS Golf Management, BioSteel, and Junior Golf Hub, for helping make our Major Championships special for our junior golfers.
14 Fall 2023
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NEW Junior Golf Financial Aid
PGA REACH COLORADO TEAMS WITH THE CGA, GAME FOR LIFE EVENT AT HIWAN GC, AND WILSON GOLF TO MAKE JUNIOR GOLF ACCESSIBLE TO ALL
Financial Aid Available for Golf Equipment and Junior Tournament Entry Fees Larkspur, Colo. - PGA REACH Colorado (the charitable arm of the Colorado PGA Section) is proud to release a new collaboration that will hopefully provide access to the game of golf for kids who can’t otherwise afford it. With the help of the Colorado Golf Association (CGA), Game For Life, and Wilson Golf, kids within the geographical boundaries of the Colorado PGA (COPGA) will now be able to apply for financial aid to play in tournaments on the COPGA Junior Tour and apply for a new set of clubs from Wilson Golf. The COPGA Junior Tour is a part of the newly released junior golf pathway created by the 850 PGA Professionals who call the COPGA Section home. The concept was created with the American Development Model (ADM) in mind and utilized by the US Olympic Committee. This model focuses on getting kids involved in the game at the right level and at the right age to prevent burnout. The junior tour, which houses over 1,000 junior golfers and growing, has three different levels of competition for kids ages 6-18. Starting with the Developmental Series, to the Player Series, and up to the top level of competition at the Cup Series, the tour is open to kids of any skill level and now any financial level.
15 Fall 2023
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NEW Junior Golf Financial Aid
Financial Aid for Juniors Article Continued PGA REACH Colorado was created by PGA Members in 1996 with the goal of positively impacting lives through the game of golf. The 501c3 tries to ensure that no matter your financial situation, you should not be deterred from being involved in a game that teaches so many life lessons. With the creation of this Financial Aid program, alongside our other free programs such as Golf in Schools and Drive, Chip & Putt, the Foundation is heading in the right direction, despite many other challenges ahead. “Thank you to our partners on this initiative. Without them, it would not be possible to afford all kids the opportunity to play in our amazing junior programs. This is a huge step forward in our foundation's priorities. I would encourage all Colorado PGA Professionals and Allied Associations to identify families within their network who may benefit from this program.” said Mike O’Donnell, PGA, Vice President and Board Chairman of PGA REACH Colorado. To learn more about PGA REACH Colorado, the COPGA Player Pathway, or the 850 PGA Professionals who teach the game of golf, please Click Here. For more information on the PGA REACH Colorado Junior Programs or the Financial Aid Initiative, please contact Peter Weisel, PGA Player Engagement Director.
Support PGA REACH Colorado
16 Fall 2023
Support the Colorado Golf Association
Support the Game for Life Foundation
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2023 Section Award Winners
Kelly Jo Wykes Sales Representative Travis Mathew Longstanding Colorado Sales Representative Receives Recognition from Her Customers If you are in the golf industry in Colorado, you have probably had the pleasure of meeting Kelly Jo. She has been a sales representative for over 35 years serving Colorado, Wyoming and Utah. She currently sells Travis Mathew apparel and accessories but has been a part of companies such as Callaway, Ashworth, Greg Norman and Black Clover. Kelly learned much of her skills and attitude from her father who also shared a passion for the golf business. She recounts how he would make every person feel like the most important person with his gifts of relationship building. To this day, she tries to emulate that same connection with people that she learned under her father’s guidance. Growing up around his facility and sometimes sitting in on his appointments with sales reps gave Wykes the idea that she wanted to make a career in sales.
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As one of the first people to represent Travis Mathew as a new brand, Kelly saw the challenges of being a break-out brand. She credits many of the PGA of America Golf Professionals in the Colorado Section for its success as a now industry leader. When the brand was new, her clients rallied around it and helped it grow to what it is today. “Its hard to not feel like this is what every sales rep strives for, to be recognized by their customers.”
“I love what I do so it‘s incredible to have the support that I have from customers that I really love.“
18 Fall 2023
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2023 Section Award Winners
Pamela Smith Director of Agronomy City of Denver Golf Smith Uses a Continual Improvement Mindset to Constantly Drive Her Team to be Their Best How do you lead Agronomy operations and teams at seven facilities at once? You lead and innovate like Pamela Smith. Through a continual improvement mindset, Pamela and her team are constantly driving to be better versions of themselves which is reflected in their ability to improve playing conditions at Denver Golf facilities. They are proud to deliver a quality golfing experience that is still affordable and accessible.
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Working with the Golf Shop staff is essential for providing excellent guest services. Two fundamentally different groups can work together to be successful in serving mutual interests which leads to synergy and excellence. Smith explains that while PGA of America Golf Professionals and shop staff are on the front lines of receiving customer feedback, they support the work the grounds crew does to maintain the property. In return, maintenance teams will work difficult hours to support the inside staff for events and daily play. This mutually respectful relationship is what breeds success and provides the best possible experience for golfers at all seven facilities.
“I believe that we are infinite in our capacity to develop and grow Another way Pamela and her teams set themselves apart is through personally and innovation. Denver golf is very proactive on environmental initiatives such as professionally. I approach converting some areas from formal landscape to food gardens with the each day applying this produce being donated to a charitable kitchen. Denver facilities are also working toward using more biological and organic means of tending turf and philosophy as a leader and surrounding areas instead of traditional chemicals. coach for the Denver “As the Director of Agronomy for Denver Golf, I have been privileged to lead Golf maintenance team, a team of some of the best golf course superintendents and work with the best golf professionals.” An outstanding leader in Colorado Golf, Smith’s colleagues, and emerging team provided excellent course conditions for over 425,000 rounds of golf in 2022 alone. Pamela also credits her success to the exceptionally talented leaders.“ people and the teamwork they share.
19 Fall 2023
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2023 Section Award Winners
Greg Bryan, PGA Head Golf Professional Roaring Fork Club Bryan Emphasizes Relationships to Ensure Member Buying Experience is Top-Class In very few other businesses, and hardly any in retail, do you have the leverage that you have at a private club to find products that are perfect for a specific individual that is a customer of yours. After establishing a track record of having the best interests and the trust of your members at heart, selling becomes essentially...helping. That is the philosophy that the 14-year Head PGA of America Golf Professional at Roaring Fork Club uses to ensure the buying experience is top-class.
“It is really important to establish relationships with your members.“
His team works hard every day to continue to cultivate relationships with the Roaring Fork membership by being personally engaged with each person who walks into the ProShop. These interactions in the shop are then shared with the staff in meetings to ensure that they are truly meeting each member’s individual buying preference. Greg and his team take great pride in knowing their customers, their names, birthdays, anniversaries, pets’ names, hobbies, likes, dislikes, brands, favorite cuts, colors, and styles. And through those relationships, Bryan is able to provide the merchandising experience that his members deserve. While Bryan has many hats to wear as the Head Professional of the Roaring Fork Club, he still ensures that he spends considerable time personally engaged in the merchandising at the club. Greg also takes trips to merchandise shows, and such, to ensure he and his team stay relevant and engaged with new products and ideas coming to the industry.
20 Fall 2023
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2023 Section Award Winners
Tom Connell, PGA
An Inspiring Career of Playing, Governance, Operations, and Engagement PGA of America Golf Professional Tom Connell had an impressive 42-year career as a professional, teacher, administrator, player, and promoter of junior golf. As a competitor, he led local qualifiers and played in two U.S. Opens, 1975 at Medinah and 1980 at Baltusrol, was runner-up in the 1976 Colorado PGA Championship, and played in five PGA National Club Professional Championships. Throughout those early years, Connell found himself serving the memberships of Valley Hi GC, CC of Colorado, and Cherry Hills CC until he landed the Head PGA Professional position at Denver County Club. For the next 27 years, Tom impressively led the operations of Denver Country Club until his retirement in 2009. For many, that would be enough on their plate, but not for Mr. Connell. In addition to Tom’s playing accomplishments and duties serving the members of Denver Country Club, he helped shape the direction of the Section in his governance roles. Tom served on the Colorado Section Board for 10 years including as President in 1985. This isn’t Tom’s first award he has been the recipient of over his storied career. Connell was named 1986 Teacher of the Year, 1988 Professional of the Year, and the 2008 Bill Strausbaugh Recipient.
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PGA of America Golf Professional Ralph “Rip” Arnold was a very active leader when the Colorado Section was chartered by the PGA of America. In the early days the Section President served as the volunteer Director of the Section and Ralph “Rip” Arnold was the first President to serve a two-year term (1959&1960) in that capacity while also the Head Professional at Cherry Hills CC. During Arnold’s years at Cherry Hills, the 1941 PGA Championship and 1960 U.S. Open were held at the club. President Dwight D. Eisenhower considered Rip his personal friend and teaching pro. He rarely played at Cherry Hills when Rip was not in his foursome; in fact, he insisted on it. One of Arnold’s significant 13 contributions to Cherry Hills was a prolific junior golf program. It was this program and the many contributions he made to Cherry Hills that led the board of directors at CHCC to build the par-3 nine-hole course on the northeast corner of the property. Today, the Colorado PGA Section Championship Trophy is named after Rip.
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Former Cherry Hills CC Head Pro was a Major Factor in the Success of the COPGA Today
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Ralph “RIP” Arnold, PGA
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2023 Section Award Winners
Tyler Lowry, PGA General Manager Cheyenne Shadows Golf Club Focusing on Culture Leads to First Merchandiser of the Year Award for GM at Cheyenne Shadows Tyler Lowry, PGA General Manager at Cheyenne Shadows Golf Club, has a philosophy on merchandising that is not just one viewpoint, but a culmination of several different mentors in his PGA career. Tyler’s perspective on ordering and selling merchandise has been shaped by two PGA Master Professionals and a previous Merchandiser of the Year Award winner. Everything sold in the pro shop is not just a sleeve of golf balls or a logoed shirt, but a relationship built and the story told to every customer. When ordering merchandise for the pro shop Tyler utilizes his diverse team for input and knowledge to cover a wide variety of customers. Cheyenne Shadows is host to a men’s league and ladies league that consists of over one hundred and fifty regular golfers and seventy-five outside tournaments who are constantly looking to improve their game or promote their events through the expertly trained pro shop staff. Multivendor demo days also play a large role in the success of golf equipment sales. Each demo day helps contribute over $30,000 in sales from several different golf vendors at once. However, demo days are not the only way to order golf clubs, Cheyenne Shadows uses contracted PGA of America Golf Professionals to conduct one-on-one fittings with customers in the Learning Facility and Fitting Center. Over the years Cheyenne Shadows has had a history of successful merchandisers, but Tyler has been able to surpass previous benchmarks and just this year projected to grow gross sales by 10% or over $52,000. Lowry is consistent that the most important philosophies instilled at Cheyenne Shadows is building relationships with consumers and turning customers into loyal business partners who can trust him to give them the best advice and tools for them to succeed in the game we all love.
“I don‘t see it as an individual award, I see it as a team award.“
22 Fall 2023
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2023 Section Award Winners
Trent Wearner, PGA Director of Instruction Trent Wearner Golf Academy Dedicated Coach Leads Countless Juniors to Honors in Colorado and Beyond Trent Wearner has been a coach in Colorado since joining the respected McGetrick Golf Academy in 2000. In 2003, Trent created his own academy and, with a staff of one, started on a career dedicated to golfers in Colorado and especially its youth. Now, the Trent Wearner Golf Academy is synonymous with successful junior coaching in the Colorado PGA Section and across the country. In 2006, he wrote and published a popular practice book called Golf Scrimmages which he still sells to this day. After being located at Meridian Golf Club for 22 years, he transitioned to running his programs at several facilities in Colorado with a total of five locations and eight coaches. Trent’s ambition to grow junior golf and to help those who coach juniors is evident with his endless contributions both locally and nationally. He’s presented dozens of times for the Colorado Section, to our future professionals in the University of Colorado Colorado Springs PGM program, well over a decade at the Denver (now Colorado) Golf Expo, for the Colorado Golf Association, Colorado High School Activities Association (CHSAA), the CGA’s Hale Irwin Junior Program and given his time to high school teams and coaches. Nationally, he’s presented to Proponent Group members, the LPGA, the Golf Coaches Association of America, and multiple times for the Women’s Golf Coaches Association.
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“Its so wonderful to get to work with so many juniors and watch them grow and mature and progress. Its just an honor.“
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Trent takes great responsibility in being a mentor to juniors and his dedication to them is unparalleled. The string of text messages he gets on a daily basis from juniors about a recent tournament, needing some swing help, or those seeking an encouraging word before an event speaks to his commitment and pride in his students’ improvement. When you watch him with his junior students and how he instills confidence and inspires them, you know you’re watching a true coach at work. With over two decades of being associated with junior golf in Colorado, dozens of ways he’s given back to the community and being an inspiration to hundreds of PGA Professionals, Trent has done a job worthy of such recognition.
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2023 Section Award Winners
Randy Meyers, PGA Director of Golf Foothills Parks and Rec. Innovative PGA of America Golf Professional Welcomes Everyone with Creative Programming As the current Director of Golf for Foothills Park and Recreation District, and past Head Golf Professional of both the Meadows Golf Club and Foothills Golf course, Randy Meyers has had a significant impact on the golfing community in Colorado. With hundreds of thousands of golfers impacted during his tenure, Randy's leadership contributions are undeniable. Randy's impact is particularly evident in his role in helping to establish and grow the Player Development of Foothills Golf Course. With 36 holes, (an 18 hole golf course, Executive 9 and a Par 3) and a lighted driving range, and consistently maintained courses, Randy has helped to make the Foothills Golf Course a premier destination for golfers in the region. Moreover, the thousands of lessons that were taught during Randy's tenure have helped to develop golfers of all skill levels, further contributing to the growth of the game in Colorado.
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For the last two decades Randy has had more rounds of golf pass through his pro-shop then any other golf course in the metro area. One of the major reasons is his strong commitment to his staff and his strong commitment to the business of golf. Making golfers feel like Foothills is their home is no easy task especially when you are talking 120,000 - 147,000 rounds in a given year. Randy, makes sure that his staff is well diverse and represents the golfers and the community that are playing his golf courses. One of the ways Meyers and his staff create golfers is by walking them to the
“The beauty of it is its first tee after instruction. He found that many people were participating in really validation of the instruction but, for their own reasons, were not making the transition to playing a round. “Everybody remembers their first time hitting a golf ball and staff that we have put hitting the green. Everybody remembers their first round of golf, ever.” While back to this fundamental idea, Randy and his staff have drastically together here... I‘m really getting improved the transition rate from instruction to playing. blessed to have the staff that I have.“
24 Fall 2023
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2023 Section Award Winners
Stewart Bruening, PGA Builder and Operator Southwest Greens LLC Long-time Section Partner Asks, “How Can I Help” When Providing Morgage Free Homes When it comes to building stellar golf properties, Steward Bruening is an expert. Having been in the development business for decades, he has been a part of many golf course projects throughout the country. The Golf Club at Bear Dance in Larkspur is no exception and earns its spot as one of Stewart’s favorites. Beginning in 1999, four golf professionals came together with a vision and got to work. Getting their hands and boots dirty was the beginning of something great. Now, Bruening looks back on all the successful facilities he has been a part of, and the individual staffs of people who make them great, is his crowning achievement. Bruening’s relationship with the PGA REACH Colorado Foundation only grew when the Section moved into the office space at The Golf Club at Bear Dance. Several years ago, the PGA REACH Colorado Foundation gave away it’s first mortgage free home to a combat wounded veteran through generous donations and partnerships. “About five years ago, I said ‘how can I help?’ To be able to say that you’re a part of that and we help give a mortgage free home to a wounded warrior every year - its very special to me and that’s been one of the most rewarding things that I think I have done in my career.”
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Southwest Greens is a family affair. Now, Brock Bruening, Stewart’s son has began taking over parts of the business and continuing the valuable partnership with the Colorado PGA and PGA REACH Colorado Foundation.
“In the golf business, we have many people that are in our industry and to receive any award from the Colorado PGA is great.“
25 Fall 2023
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2023 Section Award Winners
Jeff Ulvedal, PGA Director of Golf Ptarmigan Country Club Humble Leader and Passionate Professional Led 16 Former Employees to Further Their Careers Jeff is a Colorado native whose roots in golf date back to the 1920′s and 1930′s. His grandfather was a PGA of America Golf Professional in Montana whose claim to fame was teaching Chief Two Guns White Calf (the model for the Buffalo Head nickel) how to play golf. Jeff’s career began in the mid 1990′s at Sedona Golf Resort and has worked at some of the finest facilities in Arizona and Colorado. Jeff’s family has a true love and appreciation for the outdoors. When they are not at work, school, or playing sports, they head for the hills! Ptarmigan Country Club seems to have a special formula for developing industry leaders and junior golfers alike. Ulvedal highlights that being at a facility where the ownership and membership like to watch people grow has created a special place for PGA of America Golf Professionals to thrive. Ptarmigan Country Club has also earned a nickname - The Farm - because of the staggering number of junior golfers who started playing there and then have moved on to play college golf and beyond. Junior golf has only grown since the staff has added PGA Jr League to the menu and expects the number of successful junior golfers to increase as time goes on.
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Jeff describes his leadership style as “relational.” He wants to know about the person and cares about them and their success. Since coworkers spend so much time together while carrying out their responsibilities, he wants to make sure they are doing well both personally and professionally. Work-life balance is very important for Ulvedal and he shares that priority with his staff.
“If someone asked me Through his continued leadership and mentoring of others, 16 individuals what my favorite part who have previously worked for Jeff have gone on to positions such as Head Professional, Director of Golf and General Manager. “That’s as good as it gets; about being a PGA its fun to be a part of their lives” he noted when reflecting on those whose Professional is, without a lives he has positively impacted along the way. doubt, it is mentoring and helping people grow.“
26 Fall 2023
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2023 Section Award Winners
Bryan Collins, PGA Director of Teaching Quality GOLFTEC Headquarters Collins Creates and Provides Continuing Education for 1,000+ GOLFTEC Coaches Each year, GOLFTEC hires more than 230 Coaches, 100+ of those being PGA of America Golf Professionals and Associates. Who trains them? PGA of America Certified Golf Professional, Bryan Collins does. His primary role is to oversee and deliver the onboarding program called GOLFTEC University. The curriculum is a 10-week program which includes classroom work, online courses, and webinar training covering topics of golf instruction, club fitting, and business management systems. GOLFTEC University also provides continuing education for the current 1,055 Coaches. 473 of those being PGA Associates, Members, Certified Professionals, and Master Professionals. Bryan plays a major role in creating video and written content for these courses which are distributed internally online. These courses cover a wide range of topics, similar to the onboarding program, but more specific and indepth.
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Collins is also passionate about volunteering and giving back, spending time during the Colorado Golf Expo teaching lessons and presenting on the main stage. As a graduate of the University of Colorado Colorado Springs PGA Golf Management Program, he maintains a network of PGA of America Golf Professionals and Associates and looks forward to contributing to their educational programs. Along with being a proud PGA Golf Management graduate, Bryan promotes the image and maintains the PGA of America Golf Professional’s credibility by serving as a specialized expert for the membership and organization. He has been recognized by Golf Digest as a 'Best Young Teacher in America 20232024, starred in videos for Golf Channel and GOLFTEC’s blog and appeared in GOLFTEC’s ad campaign.
“Winning this award is truly life-changing. It‘s absolutely amazing that my Though its a big job to help coach over a thousand coaches, Bryan still says peers have chosen me to that his greatest accomplishment is becoming a father. He delights in showing his daughter that he does not just clock in and out for work. He be the Ed Kelbel Award goes to work with a smile on his face and returns with an even bigger one when he comes home to family. winner this year.“
27 Fall 2023
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2023 Section Award Winners
Alice Plain, PGA Director of Golf Vail Golf Club Generosity and Community Leadership Lead Plain to Warren Smith Award Is there anything Alice Plain, PGA Director of Golf at Vail Golf Club can’t do? As the Warren Smith Award Winner for 2023, she demonstrates what it means to serve one’s Section and community. When she came to Vail Golf Club, it was her goal to “create a quality junior golf program to help youngsters learn to love the game and have fun.” Now, 15 years later, Alice and her professional staff have served hundreds of juniors through many programs like PGA Jr League, Golf in Schools, Operation 36, and many more. Plain is very involved in her Vail Valley community. Through a local, Small Champions Charity, Plain and her staff introduce the game to, and coach children with mental and physical disabilities. She has also volunteered her time to working with the Rocky Mountain First Tee programs and hosting High School golf tournaments. While supporting local high school programs, she watched as the Vail Mountain High School won its first ever State Golf Championship. This was an incredibly proud moment for her as one of the seniors, Felix Gruner had grown up playing golf at Vail Golf Club. He later committed to attending UNLV’s PGA Golf Management Program. “We are so proud of Felix and excited for his future in the golf industry.”
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Her selfless service does not stop there. As a 25 year member of the Colorado PGA Section, she also takes tremendous pride on leading and mentoring her staff and younger professionals to become their best. Through her tutelage, she has seen former staff members move on to lead their own facilities across the country and serve as board members of the Colorado PGA West Chapter. When asked about how she inspires fellow golf professionals she stated, “I encourage my fellow golf professionals to push themselves and try new programs and systems to be up with the times... I want to continue to inspire and mentor all my fellow golf professionals.”
“Being a successful golf professional comes with The 2023 Colorado PGA Warren Smith Award will be Plain’s third Section award and her ninth total, when including her Colorado PGA West Chapter many responsibilities, as accolades. well as dedication, passion, commitment ,and perseverance.“ 28 Fall 2023
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2023 Section Award Winners
Bill Hughes, PGA COO/General Manager Country Club of the Rockies Dedication to Vets by Hughes Leads to COPGA Patriot Award Bill Hughes, PGA, is the 2023 recipient of the Colorado PGA Section Patriot Award. The Patriot Award is presented to a Colorado PGA of America Golf Professional who personifies patriotism through the game of golf and demonstrates unwavering commitment and dedication to the men and women who have valiantly served and protected the United States of America.
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Hughes has been a member of the PGA of America since 1984 and currently sits in the role of COO/General Manager of The Country Club of the Rockies in Edwards, Colorado. When Bill arrived at CCR in 2019, the Club's involvement in supporting any military initiative was limited to a small oneday event that generated less than $25k annually. In 2020, with a vision to create a fundraising event in the Vail Valley that would significantly make a difference in the lives of those who have given the most in defense of this country, partnering with Ken Eakes, Executive Director, Military Warrior Support Foundation and Cheryl Jensen, President/Founder, Vail Veterans Program, the Club's GM, with the support of the Board of Directors and Membership, created a platform of involvement and support resulting in over $500k raised the past two years. The Club has hosted top military officials, Medal of Honor recipients, state and local officials, and over a dozen wounded warriors each year as a part of a fundraising dinner on September 10th and the golf event on September 11th, each year. Hughes, the two host organizations, and a special CCR Member named Jim Thomason work closely together to foster the development and growth of this special event. It is a community effort supported by CCR Members and residents of the Arrowhead Community.
“The PGA of America has many wonderful awards and I have been the recipient of a few. But I must say, this Patriot Bill will be recognized for his achievements at the Colorado PGA Awards Award hits right here like Gala, presented by Citywide Banks, on Friday, October 27th. Doors are open very few awards because to the public. of what it really stands for.“
29 Fall 2023
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20 23 As sis ta nt Pr of es sio na lo ft he Ye ar
2023 Section Award Winners
Marcus Gillmor, PGA Assistant Professional Fort Collins Country Club Fort Collins Country Club Produces Second Assistant of the Year Award Winner in Two Years There must be something in the water at Fort Collins Country Club. Led by 2015 Assistant of the Year, Tristan Fay, PGA now the Head Professional, the private facility welcomes it’s second Assistant Professional of the Year in just two years. Meghan Hunter, PGA won the award in 2022 and now Marcus Gillmor, PGA brings another award back home. Gillmor is described as being a “First Class” professional with the member experience always at the forefront of his mind. He has a desire to produce events, lessons, club and junior programming to the highest quality for the betterment of the game. Marcus is a cornerstone member of a team of award-winning PGA of America Golf Professionals which is apparent in his willingness to help his fellow teammates.
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Uplifting his staff is just one of the ways he helps propell everyone forward toward their mutual goals. He has used a “question of the day,” to give everyone a break in their responsibilities and have a fun and challenging question they have to answer as a team. This is been a great way to make sure everyone is having a positive day and show the team that he cares how they are doing. As apparent, teamwork is very important to Marcus, and that is part of his leadership strategy. Leading by example and communication while taking responsibility for the tasks that need to be done are what he strives for. One of the ways he has done this at Fort Collins Country Club is creating a staff biography board on their website. This way he can highlight the team for members and guests and create a personable atmosphere for all. This even led to a PGA Golf Management student reaching out about potentially interning for the staff because he was so impressed with being able to get to know everyone. That student was hired as a summer intern.
“All the hard work that I‘ve done, being an Assistant over the last eight years and just for This kind of creative idea is the kind of inspiration Gillmor brings to other everybody to believe in PGA of America Golf Professionals he interacts with. Through innovative, me and to make me the creative ideas, he is always looking for ways to bring a fresh perspective which enhances each individual’s experience. recipient of the award, It just means everything.“ 30 Fall 2023
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2023 Section Award Winners
Ed Oldham, PGA Director of Instruction The Ranch Country Club 40 Year Veteran Instructor and PGA of America Master Professional Secures Third Teacher of the Year Honor, Eighth Overall If there is anyone who emulates what it means to be a great teacher and coach, its PGA of America Master Golf Professional, Ed Oldham. His 40-year history at The Ranch Country Club has been highlighted with many students who have won high school state championships, gone on to earn college scholarships within the NAIA and NCAA, and event play professionally. The collective resume of his students is one to behold and evident of his incredible coaching ability. When asked what makes a great coach, Oldham listed, “people skills, being a good communicator, and someone who really cares about their students.” He also jokingly noted that a great coach is someone who makes golfers better at golf. Well that has certainly been the case for his students.
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Ed prides himself on always learning and adapting his teaching when he learns something valuable. His list of certifications and continuing education events that he has attended could probably fill this publication by themselves. He believes it is vital to instructors to never stop learning and trying to get better. Part of his robust education experience has been sharing what he knows. Ed has served as a mentor and coach for several Section Members and Associates over the years. He has also been a speaker at Colorado Section Teaching Events, membership meetings, West Chapter events and PGM Student education.
“I absolutely love helping 2023 has been a big year for Oldham as he was also named to the Golf people and on a daily basis Digest Top 100 Teachers list. This news came the same week that he learned his Teacher of the Year honor. “It was a big week,” he stated when I get to see those smiles of recounting the compounding great news. on the tee and thats what drives me. To help people get better at golf.“
31 Fall 2023
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2023 Section Award Winners
Bob Doyle, PGA Life Member A Career of Service Warrants Doyle’s Third Golf Professional of the Year Award Bob Doyle, PGA of America Life Member receives his third Golf Professional of the Year award in a couple of weeks (at the time of publication). This award is given to an individual who displays “qualities of leadership, strong moral character, and a substantial record of service” to the PGA and the game of golf. His recognition spans decades of a career serving his fellow PGA of America Golf Professionals in roles at the Section level and National level. If you have ever sat down with Bob, you would know that he bleeds PGA of America colors and rarely says “no” to helping another. Even in retirement, Doyle actively serves on the Colorado PGA Board of Directors and on Section Committees. When asked about what he’s most proud of in his career, he notes that the PGA of America Golf Professionals in the Colorado Section are proficient leaders that can come together in difficult times, make good decisions, and continue to lead the Section into the future. He shared that he is excited to see the Section in such good hands of young leaders among the Colorado PGA Board of Directors and Committees.
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Humble beginnings as a range attendant led to Doyle being the General Manager for Riverdale Golf Courses, where he was an integral part of getting the now Korn Ferry Tour to make a stop in Colorado. During his time as a Player Development Regional Manager for the PGA of America, he was responsible for piloting programs such as Drive, Chip & Putt, and PGA Jr. League which, combined, now service over 100,000 kids each year. When asked, Bob also served as the interim Executive Director for the Colorado PGA through a CEO change.
“I‘m really thankful and, again, the word I keep thinking is I‘m just overwhelmed and really appreciative.“ 32 Fall 2023
Doyle is no stranger to winning Colorado PGA Awards. This will be his sixth award. He won his first Golf Professional of the Year award 26 years ago in 1997. When asked what it meant for him to win it again after a quartercentury he said, “To be able to contribute now at this stage of my career means a lot to me, and to be recognized for that is pretty special.”
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Facility Highlight
Bill Hughes, PGA and Country Club of the Rockies Partner with Military Warriors Support Foundation
Edwards, Colorado — On Monday, September 11, the Military Warriors Support Foundation (MWSF) brought the community of Edwards, Colorado, together at the Country Club of the Rockies for a heartfelt ceremony during the annual Patriot Day Golf Tournament. The occasion marked the presentation of a mortgage-free home and a payment-free vehicle to two combat-wounded veterans, Former U.S. Army Specialist Cody Miller and Former U.S. Army Specialist Aaron Hart. Former U.S. Army Specialist Aaron Hart was presented with the ceremonial keys to his mortgage-free home during the heartwarming ceremony. Hart's military journey began in 2009, and he served his country with honor until he was wounded in action while supporting combat operations in Afghanistan in 2011. For his bravery and dedication, he received the Purple Heart, along with the Combat Action Badge and Afghanistan Campaign Medal with two campaign stars. In 2012, Aaron Hart was honorably discharged from the U.S. Army, and he currently resides in Southpoint, Ohio. Former U.S. Army Specialist Cody Miller, who joined the U.S. Army in 2009, was presented with the ceremonial key to his payment-free vehicle during the ceremony. Miller's military career saw him serve as a combat engineer in Iraq and Afghanistan, where he too was wounded in action. His valor earned him the Purple Heart, a testament to his sacrifice for his nation. After six years of dedicated service, Cody Miller was honorably discharged from the U.S. Army and now calls the Dallas-Fort Worth, Texas area home. Speaking about the life-changing support they received, Miller expressed his gratitude, saying, "This program is beyond helpful to veterans. I hope all veterans can someday get something like this. The vehicle program has been instrumental to my entire family. It has provided us with a level of success that we never would have had, had we never found this program." The ceremony was made even more special by the presence of Medal of Honor recipient Donald "Doc" Ballard, one of only 66 living Medal of Honor recipients. Ballard received this prestigious award in 1968 during the Vietnam War for his selfless act of courage, covering a live grenade with his body to protect the lives of five other Marines. The event was filled with patriotic moments, including the powerful sight of a Black Hawk helicopter flying over the crowd and landing on the golf range for guests to explore. The ceremony opened with mounted Fort Carson cavalry proudly carrying the American and Colorado flags. The event also recognized the Vail Veterans Program and its founder, Cheryl Jensen, which is dedicated to supporting wounded veterans specifically in Eagle County. Several Vail Veterans Program participants attended the key ceremony and golf tournament.
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Facility Highlight
Bill Hughes, PGA and Country Club of the Rockies Partners with Military Warriors Support Foundation, Continued Remarkably, this year, the Military Warriors Support Foundation raised $320, 000 in funds and received approximately $60,000 worth of in-kind gifts, all of which will be used to improve the lives of veterans. None of this would have been possible without the generous support of sponsors and Bill Hughes, PGA General Manager of the Country Club of the Rockies. Country Club of the Rockies also sponsored the home of Retired US Marine Corps Sergeant David Wyble. David was presented the key to his home on stage at the George Strait concert on June 24 in Denver, Colorado. The success of the Patriot Day Golf Tournament was evident, with both the tournament and the accompanying Halibut dinner hosted by Jimmy Thomason selling out more than a month in advance. In addition, the Rainwater Foundation contributed a substantial $50,000 grant to further support MWSF's mission. Military Warriors Support Foundation, in partnership with organizations like the Country Club of the Rockies, continues to provide homes and vehicles to wounded warriors, ensuring that these heroes receive the recognition and support they truly deserve. The program has already changed the lives of over 900 wounded veterans by providing them with stable homes and over 160 automobiles to ease their transition to civilian life. These initiatives underscore the nation's commitment to those who have sacrificed so much for their country. For more information about Military Warriors Support Foundation visit: militarywarriors.org. For more information about Country Club of the Rockies visit: countrycluboftherockies.com
34 Fall 2023
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PGA of America Brand Campaign
PGA of America Rolls Out New “We Love This Game” Campaign
The PGA of America has partnered with Omaha Productions to launch the “We Love this Game” marketing campaign, which debuted September 25 during weeklong coverage of the 2023 Ryder Cup on NBC and Peacock, USA Network, Golf Channel, and across digital and social media. The campaign aims to elevate and reinforce the role of PGA of America Golf Professionals as boldly influencing the present and future of the sport and industry by delivering more enjoyable experiences to golfers everywhere, no matter where they may be on their golf journeys. In conjunction with the marketing campaign, the PGA of America has introduced an updated, modernized logo to help better distinguish the Association’s brand in the vast golf industry. The logo, designed for digital and social media, broadcast and print usage, showcases a more open, simplified look that builds off the Association’s heritage while bringing more attention to the “PGA of America.” The goal is to help differentiate PGA of America Golf Professionals, partners and programs that currently drive demand for the game at more than 10,000 facilities in America and for the nearly 41 million individuals who play this game we all love. “The PGA of America consists of more than 29,000 men and women golf professionals who are motivated by their love for the game of golf, which is the underlying concept behind the ‘We Love this Game’ campaign,” said PGA of America President John Lindert, PGA Director of Golf at The Country Club of Lansing in Lansing, Michigan. “Since 1916, PGA of America Golf Professionals have been the connection point of the everyday golfer’s journey. While we enjoy a compelling heritage in major championships like the Ryder Cup, our real value and mission focuses on our role in influencing the future of our game, ensuring people everywhere can love the game in their own way, for a lifetime. Partnering with Omaha Productions will only amplify what our PGA of America Golf Professionals do for the game on a daily basis.”
35 Fall 2023
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Play Yellow JuniorBirdie Golf Bash
Colorado PGA Professionals Raise $126K Through 2023 Play Yellow Birdie Bash!
Westminster, CO, The Ranch Country Club – The Colorado PGA, through its charitable arm PGA REACH Colorado Foundation, is excited to announce the inaugural Play Yellow Birdie Bash raised over $126,000 in support of Play Yellow, a program benefiting Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals (CMN Hospitals). The funds raised specifically benefit CMN Hospitals in Denver, Colorado Springs, Fort Collins, and the surrounding areas as well as PGA REACH Colorado. “The Play Yellow Birdie Bash is all about community,” noted Colorado PGA CEO/Executive Director Steven Bartkowski “The goal of the Play Yellow Birdie Bash is to support our community through the game of golf. We made huge strides this year by uniting 500 individual donors behind our campaign. All of those people believe in the game and believe in our PGA of America Golf Professionals. Our PGA of America Golf Professionals excelled on the golf course to benefit the community; our three hospitals and our PGA REACH Colorado Foundation.” 35 PGA of America Golf Professionals from Colorado gathered to play at The Ranch Country Club to raise money by making as many birdies as possible throughout 72 holes of golf, playing the Doubles Golf format (two-person scramble). Over the past thirty days, players recruited pledges from donors to contribute money for each birdie their team made in the Play Yellow Birdie Bash. Over 500 donors pledged anywhere from $2 to $50 per birdie in the inaugural event. The Play Yellow Birdie Bash is all about utilizing the game of golf to impact the community. Children’s Hospital Colorado Champion, Porter, kicked off the 2023 event by hitting a ceremonial tee shot to begin play. Porter and his family cheered players on throughout the day while also reading putts on the greens to help teams make birdies and raise more funds. The Colorado PGA would like to thank the following 35 Colorado PGA of America Golf Professionals who donated their time and efforts to help make this inaugural event such a huge success! Jeramy Curry & Ben Tremayne Justin Limon & Peter Weisel Maggie Hartman & Ben Pennymon Cary Callihan & Mike Fengler Sam Crawford & Sirene Blair Andy Connell & Blake Kuzava Jim Miller & Killian Simpson Brian Gott & Sean Knights Chris Hyten & Drew Parr Mark Avery & Jason Witczak Visanu Tongwarin & Rob Grall Ryan Bakken & Chris Bowry Will Veith & Keith Stilwell Joe Carlton & Brian Carlson Zach Peck & Adam Johnson Ben Honaman & Geoff Keffer Thank you to Mark Avery and The Ranch Country Club for hosting this event!
36 Fall 2023
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Membership Matters
July - October Quarter Century Members Half-Century Members
James Arendt, PGA Life Member: Retired Bill Poirot, PGA Life Member: Retired
Quarter-Century Members
Edward Anderson, PGA General Manager, Rio Grande Club Lisa Wright, PGA Retired Member Robert Nelson, PGA Head Professional, Kennedy Golf Course David Good, PGA Instructor at GOLFTEC - Chapel Hills George Hart, PGA Assistant Professional, Vail Golf Club Thomas Wight, PGA Assistant Professional, Pinehurst Country Club Terra Shehee, PGA Head Professional, Boulder Country Club Jeffrey Perkins, PGA Director of Instruction, Four Mile Ranch Golf Club
George Hart, PGA
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Terra Shehee, PGA
Jeffrey Perkins, PGA
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Deferred Compensation
Deferred Compensation Overview WHAT IS DEFERRED COMPENSATION? For many years the PGA of America has searched for a way to develop some kind of retirement plan for members. As we all know, there are tax rules that prevent the Association from directly giving money to members. But the basic principle is that we can reasonably compensate a member for performing services that advance our exempt purpose; specifically for growing the game of golf. Therefore we created a plan whereby members that participate in programs that meet specified performance objectives can earn a contribution towards a deferred compensation fund.
WHY DID WE DO THIS? The aim is that over the years these investments will grow and provide a supplemental income for the member upon reaching the age of 65. Because of the power of compounding over time, clearly younger members will benefit most from the program, but everyone can par ticipate. In addition to all our programs and other benefits this is now a very real and accessible vehicle to accumulate wealth towards a more comfortable retirement. We further hope that this can serve as a truly significant lure and recruiting tool to attract new talent to our great and growing industry.
WHO IS ELIGIBLE? All PGA Members in good standing that are working in the United States. Class F Members will not be eligible to earn points while in Class F status.
HOW MUCH MONEY CAN AN ELIGIBLE PGA MEMBER RECEIVE? The maximum amount an eligible member may receive in a program year is up to $1500. The actual amount received will depend on the number of points earned, total participation and overall contribution by the PGA that year as set at the beginning of each program year.
WHAT IS THE CURRENT TIMELINE? NOVEMBER 2022 - Updates provided to Delegates at Annual Meeting. JANUARY 2023 - The goal is to start registration at the PGA Show. Registration will occur digitally with a link connected from PGA.org. APRIL 2023 - The goal is that one will start to be able to earn points starting April 1, 2023 with the annual calendar going April 1 to March 31 every year consistent with the PGA’s fiscal year. JULY 2024 - We are continuing to work on this schedule, but we expect that eligible members will receive contributions to their respective accounts around 90 days following the conclusion of that program year (e.g., in the first year participants would receive contributions in July 2024). This time-frame will allow for any needed auditing and applicable reconciliations and processing.
WHAT ACTIVITIES EARN POINTS? A list of eligible activities can be found later in this document. The initial development of the points system was worked on internally with outside counsel and reviewed by the Officers and the Board at the time. It was then submitted to the IRS for review. Based on review there were a number of changes that were required. The revised points document was shared with a working group that included a cross-section of PGA Members including those who worked in coaching, operations and executive management, as well as representation by Section Executive Directors. This working group provided further feedback which we reviewed with outside counsel and made adjustments to the extent allowable by the IRS.
DOES THIS MEAN GOLF RETIREMENT PLUS IS GOING AWAY? No, Golf Retirement Plus will continue as is. Deferred Compensation is a separate and new program PGA Members may also participate in. DISCLAIMER Please note that the PGA of America’s Member Deferred Compensation Program (the “Program”) will be governed by plan documents that are still under development. This communication provides general information about the Program. Further details and clarifications will be provided when the applicable plan documents are shared in early 2023.
Questions on Deferred Compensation can be submitted HERE
Section Championship Junior Golf Highlight
TRIPLE CROWN
Micah Rudosky wins Section Championship for the third Year in a Row Carbondale, Colo., September 18-20 - Mother nature saved its best for the last day, with abundant sunshine filling the Roaring Fork Valley throughout the day. It was a three-horse race as the final round began on Wednesday with Micah Rudosky, PGA Head Professional at Conquistador Golf Course at -8, Matt Schalk, PGA General Manager at Colorado National Golf Club at -6, and Ben Lanting, PGA Assistant Professional at Bear Creek Golf Club at -5. “I knew I had to play a good round of golf today. With those two chasing me, they weren’t going anywhere,” Rudosky stated.
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“
To be there with those three guys (Rohrbaugh, Krieger and Vlosich) that have done it, great players, great people, that’s what I like.
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Section Championship Junior Golf Highlight Rudosky only managed one birdie and one bogey on his front nine, where he found himself one shot back of Schalk after his front nine of 3-under-par 33. Lanting was right on their heels after posting a 2-under-par front nine to find himself two off of Schalk’s lead. After pars on ten from Rudosky and Schalk, they birdied the par-five 11th to stay one shot apart. Schalk hit his drive on 12 into the native area, where he made a bogey, and after Rudosky’s par, he found himself back in the lead, dead even with Schalk with six to play. After both players made pars on 13 and 14, the most challenging hole on the golf course came calling, the 475yard par 4, 15th. Rudosky laid back off the tee, having 211 yards in for his second shot. A 6-iron safely to the middle of the green and two putts later, Rudosky had his par and retook the solo lead after Schalk made a bogey.
the only players to win this championship three years in a row, Rudosky stated, “To be there with those three guys that have done it, great players, great people, that’s what I like.” Rudosky was one of nine players (pictured below) who qualified for the 2024 PGA Professional Championship, to be played April 28 through May 1, 2024, at Fields Ranch at PGA Frisco in Frisco, Texas. The other eight who will join Rudosky in Texas are Ben Lanting, PGA (-9), Matt Schalk, PGA (-7), Geoff Keffer, PGA Assistant Professional at Lakewood Country Club (E), Tyler Parsloe, PGA Instructor at Jake’s Academy (+1), Bill Hancock, PGA Assistant Professional at Meadow Hills Golf Course (+2), Joe Carlton, PGA Head Professional at Legacy Ridge Golf Course (+2), Dan Sniffin, PGA Instructor at Omni Interlocken Golf Club (+3), and Caine Fitzgerald, PGA Head Professional at Meadow Hills Golf Course (+3).
There was no break after the most challenging hole, as the 231-yard par 3, 16th was next. Rudosky stepped up and striped a 4-iron, “my best shot of the week,” Rudosky stated. Hitting the 4-iron to 15 feet and putting the pressure back on Schalk to have to answer. Schalk hit his tee shot to 25 feet and two-putted for a par. Rudoksy stepped up and rolled his birdie in to give him a two-shot lead with two holes to play. On the 610-yard par 5, 17th, “I just wanted to put something in play,” Rudosky said. “It is a three-shot hole for me, and I hit an okay drive, good layup, and had 118 yards for my third.” Rudosky calmly finessed his wedge to 10 feet, where he holed the birdie putt to take a 3-shot lead into the 18th. The Colorado Section of the PGA would like to thank the national presenting partners Club Car/Colorado Golf & Turf, The par 4, 18th at River Valley Ranch is no cakewalk. Water Corebridge Financial, and Rolex. We would also like to thank left and out of bounds right makes the tee shot imperative, our supporting partners Titleist/FootJoy, Callaway, Nike Golf, and finding the fairway very important. Rudosky pulled 3wood and calmly striped it down the middle, leaving him 189 TaylorMade, Golf Channel, the PGA Tour, True Temper, Strackaline, Sterling Cut Glass, 1st and 10th Tee Bars, and yards into the green. His 8-iron found the putting surface, BioSteel for their support of this event. and he could finally relax and realize he was about to win his 4th Colorado PGA Professional Championship and 3rd in a River Valley Ranch's golf course was in phenomenal shape row. Two putts later and a par on the last, it was official: for all three days and received rave reviews from Colorado Rudosky was the 2023 Colorado PGA Professional PGA Professionals. Head Golf Course Superintendent Chad Weber and his team did a fantastic job, and we could not be Champion. more appreciative of their efforts. Thank you to the Director of Golf, Steve VanDyke, PGA, and Head Golf Professional When asked what it means to join the likes of Doug Rohrbaugh, PGA, Ken Krieger, PGA, and Ron Vlosich, PGA, as Remington Post, PGA, and their extraordinary professional team for their hard work and dedication to our championship.
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Tournament Junior Golf News
COLORADO PGA GOES HEAD TO HEAD AGAINST SUN COUNTRY PGA
Colorado Springs, Colo. - Sunny blue skies greeted the 12 Colorado PGA and 12 Sun Country PGA Professionals as they arrived at The Country Club of Colorado for the beginning of the 2023 Taylor Cup Matches. The Taylor Cup is a biannual, Ryder Cup-style, event that pits Colorado PGA Professionals against Sun Country PGA Professionals. Teams were made up of eight regular division players and four senior division players. Four-ball matches were played in the morning on Wednesday, followed by Foursome (Alternate Shot) matches in the afternoon. The matches wrapped up on Thursday morning with 12 singles matches. Wednesday morning saw the Colorado PGA Team get off to a flying start, claiming four of the possible six points to take a 4-2 advantage into the foursomes. The Sun Country PGA Professionals came storming back during the alternate shot portion that afternoon claiming five of a possible six points to jump out to a 7-5 advantage heading into the final day singles. Team Colorado PGA needed to get off to a good start on Thursday to have a chance at mounting a comeback and boy did they ever. An hour into the matches being on the golf course there were plenty of leads for the Colorado PGA and they did not look back. Eight of the 12 singles matches were captured by the Colorado PGA which led to them retaining the Taylor Cup, from the last time the event was played in 2016 at The Club at Flying Horse. The Colorado Section of the PGA would like to thank presenting partner, Masek Rocky Mountain Golf Cars, Jason Masek, and his entire team for their fantastic support of the Taylor Cup and the Colorado Section. We would also like to thank our other presenting partners, Holderness & Bourne for donating fantastic team uniforms for the Colorado and Sun Country PGA Sections. Last but not least, thank you to Maui Jim for their support of this event. The Country Club of Colorado was in phenomenal shape for both days, and all players echoed rave reviews. Thanks to Golf Course Superintendent Glenn Samuelson and his team for all their efforts. Thank you to General Manager Cathy Matthews-Kane, PGA, and Head Golf Professional Todd Laxson, PGA, and their professional team for their hard work and dedication to help make this tournament a huge success.
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West Chapter Junior Championship Golf Highlight
ROHRBAUGH CAPTURES 3RD STRAIGHT WC CHAMPIONSHIP, 12TH ALL-TIME Carbondale, Colo., October 2-3 - A snow-capped Mount Sopris greeted players as they arrived at the Aspen Glen Club on Tuesday for the final round of the Colorado Golf & Turf West Chapter Championship. Dry conditions and partly sunny skies set the scene for what turned out to be a barn burner of a final round. Eleven-time champion Doug Rorhbaugh, PGA of America Instruction at River Valley Ranch Golf Course, began the day six shots back of day one leader Grant Jackson, PGA of America Head Professional at Murphy Creek Golf Course. Jackson held the lead after firing a 2-under-par round on day one. Rohrbaugh carded eight birdies and only two bogies en route to a final round of 6-under-par 66. “I hit it excellent today,” Rohrbaugh stated, hitting 14 of 18 greens and only needing 70+ feet of putts to score his 66. Rohrbaugh claimed a one-shot victory over Ben Lanting, PGA of America Assistant Professional at Bear Creek Golf Club. Lanting began the day one shot off of Jackson’s lead and five ahead of Rohrbaugh. Lanting was 2-under-par in the 18th fairway and needed a birdie to take the title. Lanting, rolled his birdie toward the hole, hit the lip, and ran out to four feet. Lanting stepped up, rolled the par putt toward the hole, and it burned the edge for a bogey six, meaning Rohrbaugh had claimed his third West Chapter Championship in a row and his 12th all-time.
In the senior division, Matt Schalk, PGA of America General Manager at Colorado National Golf Club, fired rounds of 71 and 66 for a two-day total of 137 and 7-under-par. Schalk needed a solid finish to secure his spot as the Colorado PGA Rolex Senior Player of the Year, his first time taking home this title. The Colorado Section of the PGA would like to thank title partner Colorado Golf & Turf, Tom Bauerle, Drew Hunter, and Reed Tomlinson for their support of this event and amazing support of the Colorado PGA. We would also like to thank our presenting partners, Corona Premier®, Radmor, True Temper, Creative Travel Brands, and Wilson Sporting Goods, for their support of this event. The Aspen Glen Club was in phenomenal shape for both days of the championship and received rave reviews from Colorado PGA of America Golf Professionals. Head Golf Course Superintendent Jake Falke and his team did a fantastic job, and we could not be more appreciative of their efforts. Thank you to the Head Golf Professional, David Thompson, PGA, and their extraordinary professional team for their hard work and dedication to our championship schedule.
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Senior SectionJunior Championship Golf Highlight
SCHALK SUCCESSFULLY DEFENDS SENIOR SECTION TITLE AT FORT COLLINS CC Joining Schalk at the PGA Golf Club in October are Micah Rudosky, PGA Head Professional at Conquistador Golf Course, Chris Johnson, PGA General Manager at The Country Club at Woodmoor, Doug Rohrbaugh, PGA Instructor at River Valley Ranch, Bill Hancock, PGA Assistant Professional at Meadow Hills Golf Course, David Lopez, PGA Head Professional at Meridian Golf Club, Michael Zaremba, PGA Head Professional at Desert Hawk at Pueblo West, Perry Holmes, PGA Instructor at Colorado National Golf Club, and first-time senior Caine Fitzgerald, PGA Head Professional at Meadow Hills Golf Course. The Colorado Section of the PGA would like to thank the national presenting partner Cadillac, local presenting partner Colorado Golf & Turf, Tom Bauerle, Drew Hunter, and their entire team for their fantastic support of the Section. We would also like to thank our supporting partners Sterling Cut Glass, 1st and 10th Tee Bars, and BioSteel, for their support of this event.
Fort Collins, Colo., August 1st, 2023 - Sunny skies and hot, humid temperatures greeted players as they arrived at Fort Collins Country Club for the final round of the Colorado Senior PGA Professional Championship. Players were fighting for eight qualifying spots and five alternate positions when the day began, Fort Collins Country Club was in phenomenal shape for and the leaderboard was bunched with many players vying for both days, even after receiving 1.8 inches of rain the chance to head to the Senior PGA Professional overnight on Monday. Golf Course Superintendent Championship. Chris Davis and his team did a fantastic job all week, and we could not be more appreciative of their efforts. With a front nine of 3-over-par 38, Matt Schalk, PGA General A big thank you to Head Golf Professional Tristen Fay, Manager at Colorado National Golf Club, sat one shot off the PGA, and his phenomenal professional team for all of lead. “I was upset. The golf course was perfect, the greens were their hard work and dedication in helping make this perfect, and I was just not scoring well,” Schalk stated. He woke tournament a huge success. up on the first six holes of the back nine, birding five of those six to take a three-shot lead with three holes to play. Schalk finished with three closing pars and a back nine 31 to finish at 69 for the day and a 5-under-par total of 137, leading to a 3-shot victory. When asked about what defending this title meant to him, he stated, “I still think the Colorado Section is one of the strongest playing sections in the country. I want to make myself as known in Colorado golf as possible. To win this tournament twice confirms I am a great player and puts me in the same category as some of the greats to play in this section.”
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Assistant Championship Junior Golf Highlight
KEFFER DEFENDS ASSISTANT SECTION TITLE, HIS SIXTH TOTAL Morrison, Colo. - Sunny skies and warm temperatures greeted the players as they arrived at Red Rocks Country Club for the final round of the Colorado Assistant PGA Professional Championship. A bunched leaderboard heading into day two led to an exciting finish down the stretch. Geoff Keffer, PGA Assistant Professional at Lakewood Country Club, started the day in a tie for the lead with Zach Peck, PGA Assistant Professional at TPC Colorado. Keffer and Peck played the front nine in 1-under-par to stay tied heading into the final nine holes. Bogies on 11 and 12 dropped Peck out of the lead, and Keffer held a one-shot advantage heading to the 14th tee. Three birdies in his last five holes led to Keffer posting a final round of 3under-par 68 and a three-shot victory. When asked what the key to his round was, Keffer stated, “Stay patient, see what happens, and not force anything.” Keffer stayed in the moment and focused on hitting fairways and greens and avoiding making mistakes. Making only one bogey and four birdies during the final round meant he stayed in the moment and executed his game plan perfectly.
The Colorado Section of the PGA would like to thank the national title partner National Car Rental, local Keffer’s victory marks his sixth Assistants Section Championship presenting partner Colorado Golf & Turf, Tom and eighth overall Colorado PGA Major Championship. When Bauerle, Drew Hunter, and their entire team for their asked about what this victory and defending his title meant, fantastic support of the Section. We would also like to Keffer said, “This one was great, this was for my mom, and we are thank our supporting partners Sterling Cut Glass, 1st going to give it to her.” and 10th Tee Bars, BioSteel, Srixon, Cleveland Golf and XXIO for their support of this event. Finishing runner-up was Zach Peck, PGA Assistant Professional at TPC Colorado. Peck finished the two days at 1-under-par and is Red Rocks Country Club was in phenomenal shape one of three Colorado PGA Assistants who will represent the for both rounds, and all players echoed rave reviews. Section at PGA Golf Club in November. Many thanks to Head Golf Course Superintendent Aaron Smith and his team for all their efforts. Thank Also joining Peck and Keffer in Port St. Lucie is Tristin Goodwin, you to Director of Golf Ron DeJacimo, PGA, and Head PGA Assistant Professional at Cherry Hills Country Club. Golf Professional Bryan Mattingly, PGA, and their Goodwin’s two-day total of 1-over-par was good enough to claim phenomenal professional team for their hard work him the third and final qualifying spot. and dedication to help make this tournament a huge success.
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Women’s Championship Junior Golf Highlight
TAIT GOES WIRE-TO-WIRE IN COLORADO PGA WOMEN’S CHAMPIONSHIP VICTORY The Colorado Section of the PGA would like to thank presenting partner Colorado Golf & Turf, Tom Bauerle, Drew Hunter, and their entire team for their fantastic support of the Women’s Championship and the Colorado Section. We would also like to thank our supporting partners AndersonOrd, Sterling Cut Glass, 1st and 10th Tee Bars, and BioSteel, for their support of this event.
Vail, Colo. - Bright sunshine and blue skies greeted the players as they arrived at Vail Golf Club for the final round of the Colorado PGA Women’s Championship. It was a bunched leaderboard heading into the final round with Ashley Tait, LPGA Instructor at Trent Wearner Golf Academy, holding a one-stroke lead over Sam Crawford, PGA Associate at the Colorado PGA, and a 5-shot lead over 2019 champion Sherry Andonian, PGA Instructor at Valley Country Club.
Vail Golf Club was in phenomenal shape for both rounds, and all players echoed rave reviews. Thanks to Golf Course Superintendent Jacob Tilman and his team for all their efforts. Thank you to Director of Golf Alice Plain, PGA, and Head Golf Professional Trey Johnson, PGA, and their professional team for their hard work and dedication to help make this tournament a huge success.
Tait finished her front nine with a 3-over-par 39 to take a 5-shot lead over Crawford and Andonian with nine holes to play. Andonian gained a stroke on Tait through 14 holes, but that was the closest she would come as Tait secured a 4-shot victory with a back nine of even par 36 consisting of two bogies and two birdies. “I felt really good about my swing down the stretch and played my own game,” Tait said. Tait had a 4-shot lead after the opening hole of the final round and never looked back. When asked how she dealt with having the lead heading into the final round, Tait stated, “I played more conservatively today and tried to leave myself below the hole on my approach shots.” Her conservative game plan worked perfectly as Tait claimed the $1,125 winners check and her first Colorado PGA Section victory. “I play so sporadically, so It felt good to go out and put up some good numbers for two days,” Tait said.
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project x series point race FINAL RESULTS place | player | Club affiliation | Points | PURSE 1. matt schalk |colorado national golf club | 5,668.75 pts | $2,000 2. Ben lanting | bear creek golf club | 5,506.00 pts | $1,500 3. Doug Rohrbaugh | River valley ranch gc | 4,166.50 PTS | $1,000 4. GEOFF KEFFER | LAKEWOOD COUNTRY CLUB | 3,775.00 PTS | $500 5. DON HURTER | DENVER COUNTRY CLUB | 2,824.00 PTS 6. MICAH RUDOSKY|CoNQUISTADOR GOLF COURSE | 2,800.00 pts 7. DAN SNIFFIN| OMNI INTERLOCKEN GOLF CLUB | 2,519.50 pts 8. BILL HANCOCK| Meadow Hills Golf Course| 2,437.00 pts 9. GRANT JACKSON| MURPHY CREEK GOLF COURSE| 2,258.50 pts 10. BLAKE KUZAVA |BEAR CREEK GOLF CLUB| 1,568.50 pts
the Colorado PGA WOULD LIKE TO THANK TRUE TEMPER FOR THEIR SUPPORT OF THIS POINTS RACE AND CONTINUED SUPPORT OF THE COLORADO SECTION OF THE PGA.
Player of the Year Point Lists Colorado PGA Dow Finsterwald Rolex Player of the Year Player
Facility
1 Lakewood Country Club Geoff Keffer 2 Bear Creek Golf Club Ben Lanting 3 Bear Creek Golf Club Blake Kuzava 4 Colorado National Golf Club Robert Grall 5 Elite Golf Schools Tyler Parsloe 6 Conquistador Golf Course Micah Rudosky 7 Omni Interlocken Golf Club Dan Sniffin 8 Meadow Hills Golf Course Caine Fitzgerald 9 The Club at Pradera Jason Witczak 10 Chris Sholts PGA Member 11 Grant Jackson Murphy Creek Golf Course 12 Jeff Carter Murphy Creek Golf Course 13 Matt Schalk Colorado National Golf Club 14 Visanu Tongwarin Legacy Ridge Golf Course 15 Tristin Goodwin Cherry Hills Country Club 16 Doug Rohrbaugh River Valley Ranch Golf Course 17 Jeramy Curry Pinehurst Country Club The top 17 Players will earn an exemption into the Inspirato Colorado Open in 2023.
Colorado PGA Women's Player of the Year 1 2 3 4 5 6 7
Player
Sherry Andonian Jackie Cunningham Kelli McKandless Katie Milstead Stefanie Ferguson Tara Morris Terra Shehee
Facility
Valley Country Club Lakewood Country Club Murphy Creek Golf Course PEAK Golf Academy Experience Golf Country Club at Castle Pines Boulder Country Club
Colorado PGA Rolex Senior Player of the Year 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
Player
Matt Schalk Doug Rohrbaugh Bill Hancock Chris Johnson Ron Vlosich Dan O’Shaughnessy Grant Jackson Mark Avery Micah Rudosky Barry Milstead
Facility
Colorado National Golf Course River Valley Ranch Golf Course Meadow Hills Golf Course Country Club at Woodmoor Life Member Springhill Golf Course Murphy Creek Golf Course The Ranch Country Club Conquistador Golf Course Valley Country Club
Colorado PGA Associate Player of the Year 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
Player
Andrew Connell Behrod Keshtavar Brandon Wood Austin Lienemann Chuck Stary Justin Carlock Jackson Wetherbee Kirby Kielman Jax Jones Grady Meyer
Facility
The Ridge at Castle Pines North The Ranch Country Club Saddle Rock Golf Course The Club at Pradera Gott Golf Pelican Lakes Golf & CC GOLFTEC - Headquarters Valley Country Club The Olde Course at Loveland Colorado Golf Club
POY Points 9,135.75 7,644.50 4,893.25 4,627.18 4,547.83 4,150.00 4,103.34 4,079.75 3,360.50 3,200.26 3,183.93 3,113.60 3,000.00 2,891.34 2,712.25 2,641.00 2,636.66
POY Points 2,981.00 2,182.50 1,913.00 1,449.50 850.00 663.00 353.00
POY Points 9,225.67 8,166.75 5,905.67 4,396.63 4,063.59 3,668.66 3,331.10 3,327.97 3,234.00 3,221.10
POY Points 5,223.20 2,171.33 1,833.84 1,747.35 1,636.50 1,601.60 1,388.50 1,330.60 1,329.10 1,209.50
PGA REACH Colorado Board Chairman’s Message
2023 PGA REACH Colorado Accomplishments
As fall fast approaches and golf season slows down for many of us, it provides a great opportunity for us to reflect on some of the remarkable accomplishments achieved this year across our PGA REACH Colorado Foundation!
Our new Player Pathway proves to be a resounding success! Providing over 90 tournaments to more than 1,100 junior golfers this season almost doubled the growth in both tournaments and junior golf members compared to 2022. This establishes a great foundation as we continue to prioritize the growth opportunities in our junior golf space. Our Colorado PGA REACH pillars go from strength to strength: PGA H.O.P.E, PGA Junior League, and Golf in Schools all continue to experience tremendous growth this year. Our Pillar Grants and Financial Aid Grants afforded our PGA Professionals numerous ways to positively impact our local communities and provided affordable, easy access to anyone interested.
Foundation. A special thank you to Spencer Zinn, our PGA Colorado REACH Trustee Chairman, to all our Trustees, and those PGA Professionals, Associates, and Students who have invested time and energy leading and delivering our PGA REACH Colorado programs in 2023! Steven and I will be heading out to a workshop at our new Home, PGA Frisco, this offseason in support of our Association’s national effort of continuous improvement in how we advocate and deliver best practices within our Section REACH Foundations. Lastly as always, to our PGA Members, Associates, Students, Trustees, and Partners - thank you for everything you do on a daily basis in support of your fellow PGA.
Congratulations once again to the outstanding recipients of our 2023 Colorado PGA Special Awards, who help drive our REACH Programs. These PGA Professionals and industry leaders, nominated by their peers for exemplifying the very best in their The success of our REACH Foundation continues to inspire further respective categories, have clearly demonstrated what right support. Please join me in welcoming our new Trustees - Tai looks like and will be celebrated for their accomplishments at Palacio, Mike Connelly, Carl Lansing, Peter Maiurro, and Mike the beautiful and newly renovated Cherry Hills clubhouse on Wamsganz. Their willingness to become Trustees in support of our Friday, October 27th. REACH pillars will certainly add to the influence and impact we so greatly appreciate from this incredible group of dedicated Professionals and our golfing communities! Your hard work and volunteers. dedication continue to drive awareness and We continue to receive incredible support from all our Sponsors and Partnerships and are very excited to have welcomed several new ones in 2023 including Corona Premier, Red Rooster Gloves, Mizuno, and Jr. Golf Hub. We raised a record-setting $116,000 for REACH Programming at our REACH Invitational this year and were able to donate our tenth set of keys to a mortgage-free home to Retired U.S. Air Force Staff Sergeant Zachary Ruttman. Thank you to all who participated and helped make this year such a tremendous success, especially our PGA Professionals who stepped up and offered auction items. Our Colorado PGA REACH Foundation continues to be a driving force behind promoting the great work our PGA Professionals are doing to grow the game and positively impact the lives of our local communities – thank you all for investing time and prioritizing the importance of our
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advocacy for our industry as we, “Serve the Member and Grow the Game!” Very Respectfully,
Michael J O'Donnell, PGA PGA REACH Colorado Board Chairman Cheyenne Shadows Golf Club at Fort Carson
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New REACH Trustees
Two New Trustees Join Foundation PGA REACH Colorado (the charitable arm of The Colorado PGA Section) welcomes on two new our newest Trustees, Tai Palacio and Michael Wamsganz. Tai is a Senior Associate at Hogan Lovells US LLP where she practices commercial real estate law, with an emphasis on lending and private equity real estatefocused deals. Her background, with law degrees from both America and Ireland, brings a unique perspective to her real estate practice by helping her understand the influence of geography on the real estate and legal landscape.
Business at the University of Washington. That midwestern background created a foundation of strong work ethic, and the desire to continue learning and sharing these learnings via collaboration with teams to create a positive culture. His banking journey spans 33 years with an extensive background in the Commercial, Small Business, Consumer, Credit, and Risk Management banking segments. Michael has held various leadership positions previously at Huntington National Bank, Bank of the West, U.S. Bank, and Citibank. In March of 2021, Michael was approved by the Board of Directors and became the President and CEO at Citywide Banks, a Division of HTLF. His learnings over the years are blended with empathy for both his colleagues and customers and that is core to the Board nomination and selection of his President and CEO role at Citywide Banks. Michael is highly involved in the community, as he serves on the Board of Colorado Chamber of Commerce, Colorado Banker Association, Downtown Denver Partnership, and University of Colorado Customer Experience Advisory Board.
Tai began playing golf in May 2020 after a couple of months of working from home during the start of the pandemic, looking out longingly at the golfers on the fairway behind her house. She immediately took lessons and has been hooked to the game since; she averages 3 rounds a week and her clubs are included in all travel plans. Her husband is very happy with her newfound love of the game. Tai is honored to join the Board of Trustees for PGA Reach of Colorado and is thrilled to combine her passion for golf with the opportunity to make a positive impact on the lives of individuals and communities throughout Colorado. She is excited to contribute to the organization’s mission and help drive positive change through the sport she loves. Michael earned his B.S. in Business Management and Marketing from Southeast Missouri State University and was eventually selected to the prestigious Pacific Coast Banking School, in partnership with the Foster School of
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In this new role as a Trustee, the opportunity to support the PGA Reach mission, “Positively Impact Lives Through the Game of Golf” makes his heart happy and puts a smile on his face. As Michael states, “The opportunity to help individuals within the three founding pillars is an honor and supports my desire to help make our communities stronger one person at a time and to do this via the game of golf is a dream opportunity!”
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PGA HOPE Cup
Inaugural UMB Bank PGA HOPE Colorado Cup A Major Success
Colorado Springs, CO (September 25th, 2023) – The first-ever UMB Bank PGA HOPE Colorado Cup was a major success at the beautiful Broadmoor Golf Club in Colorado Springs. The team of five from Commerce City, led by PGA Professional Jordan Leblanc, took first place with a score of -13. They will have the opportunity now to represent Colorado and the PGA HOPE Colorado program at the PGA HOPE Secretary’s Cup. The Broadmoor, which will host the 2025 US Senior Open Championship, hosted 17 teams composed of PGA HOPE graduates and their instructors. They played on the West Golf Course at The Broadmoor and played a 5-person scramble format. A tournament-high 13 birdies paved the way for Leblanc and Commerce City to win. Click here to view the full results. Click here to view photos from the event. The Colorado PGA extends its gratitude to The Broadmoor Golf Club, PGA Director of Golf Russ Miller, and its staff for playing host to this beautiful event. We also thank Wilson for providing custom PGA HOPE Colorado golf balls, Branded Bills for providing hats for all those who participated in the event, and UMB Bank for being a great sponsor for the inaugural edition of the Colorado PGA HOPE Cup. An upcoming opportunity to support PGA HOPE will begin on Tuesday, October 11th as the National Day of HOPE campaign opens. This fundraiser will be open through November 11th and all funds will go directly towards efforts to ensure the program remains entirely free for current and future Veterans. For more information on PGA HOPE Colorado: Click Here Colorado PGA HOPE Lead: Justin Limon, PGA, (720)-390-1160
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PGA HOPE Campaign
PGA REACH Colorado Kicks Off PGA National Day of HOPE Campaign in Support of Veterans and Active Duty Personnel
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Corona Premier Hole of the Week
Corona Premier Hole of the Week Final Leaderboard This season, the Corona Premier partnered with the Colorado PGA to create a season long contest! Players who entered into the competition posted their scores to the 15 participating holes, only counting their best 9 holes, to determine a Corona Premier Hole of the Week Champion!
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- - E - - E +1 +1 e - E +2 +5 E +1 +1 +2 +1 - - +2 - E E -1 1 - E - +1 E E - E E +1 +1 E - +1 -
-1 1 -
-1 -1 -1 E -1 E E E -1 E E
+1 E +2 -1 E E +2 -1
- - - E E - E -1 - - +2 - E - - - - -1 - E - - E - E E - - +1 - - - E E - E - E +1 - +1 -
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Grants, Scholarships Junior Golf and Financial Aid
2023 PGA REACH Colorado Scholarship Winners The Colorado Section PGA Scholarship Program was established to provide college scholarships for children and grandchildren of PGA of America Golf Professionals in the Colorado Section. It is an merit-based scholarship program that takes into account both academic performance and participation in extracurricular activities. In 2023, there are 15 deserving students who meet the academic requirements and who will receive $1,000 towards their secondary schooling from PGA REACH Colorado.
Not Pictured
Jonathan Boyer Jeff Boyer, PGA
Emma Bryant Matt Bryant, PGA
Jennifer Gillotti Jeffrey Gillotti, PGA
Kailyn Kinkennon Taylor Linnemeyer William Martin, PGA Joe Linnemeyer, PGA
Noah Montgomery Kellen O’Donnell Douglas Montgomery, PGA Mike O’Donnell, PGA
Audrey Poirot Chad Poirot, PGA
Jackson Puelo Devon Puleo, PGA
Lexi Putman Don Randall, PGA
Courtney Thompson Ty Thompson, PGA
Lily Wallace Glenn Wallace, PGA
Not Pictured
Callie Rafferty Timbre Shehee Jennifer Stewart Jeff Rafferty, PGA Trey & Terra Shehee, PGA Scott Stewart, PGA
54 Fall 2023
The SUMMIT
Thank you to our Section Partners
Premier
Title a division of HTLF Bank
Presenting
55 Fall 2023
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Thank you to our Section Partners
Supporting
56 Fall 2023
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Thank you to our Foundation Partners
PGA REACH Colorado Partners
a division of HTLF Bank
57 Fall 2023
The SUMMIT
40 YEAR ANNIVERSARY! 2023 marks 40 years that Colorado Golf & Turf has been in the golf car & turf equipment industry! Thank you to our customers, partners, and team members for making this happen. We look forward to many more years of serving families, golf courses and business in Colorado, Wyoming, Nebraska, and more!
