The SUMMIT - Colorado PGA Magazine - September 2021

The

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

Micah Rudosky, PGA 2021 Colorado PGA Professional Championship Champion

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

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

West Chapter Officers Jeff Boyer, PGA President | 2019-2021 Eagle Ranch Golf Course

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

Luke Brosterhous, PGA Vice-President | 2019-2021 Catamount Ranch and Club

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

Steve VanDyke, PGA Secretary | 2021 River Valley Ranch GC

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

Ed Marzec, PGA Honorary President | 2019-2021 Red Sky Golf Club

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

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

Andy Benson, PGA | 2021 University of Denver Golf Club Jeff Boyer, PGA | 2019-2021 Eagle Ranch Golf Course Joe Carlton, PGA | 2021-2023 Legacy Ridge Golf Course Bob Doyle, PGA Past District 9 Director Life Member Kyle Heyen, PGA Past District 9 Director Hiwan Golf Club Charles ‘Vic’ Kline, PGA Past District 9 Director Life Member Ed Marzec, PGA | 2019-2021 Red Sky Golf Club Jim Miller, PGA | 2018-2023 Sonnenalp Golf Club

Mark Matz, PGA | 2021-2022 Beaver Creek GC Alice Plain, PGA | 2018 - 2023 Vail Golf Club James Pratt, PGA | 2021-2023 Aspen Golf Club Kenny Thayer, PGA | 2019-2021 PGA Member Max Twarjan, PGA | 2020-2022 Maroon Creek Club Colorado PGA REACH Trustees Spencer Zinn, Chairman CCO, West Edge John Andrew Brigadier General USAF - Retired Tom Bauerle Owner - Colorado Golf and Turf

Josh Miller, PGA | 2019-2021 GOLFTEC

Dan Bennett Investor/Partner, Southwest Greens Management

CJ Perry, PGA | 2020-2022 West Woods Golf Course

Anne Broholm CEO | AHEAD

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

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

Dr. Phil Brown President/Founder, Six Points Consulting

Dave Troyer, PGA | 2019-2021 PGA Member

Dr. Stephen Davis Cheyenne Mountain Dental Group

PGA Jr. League Regional Manager Anthony Vitale, PGA avitale@pgahq.com C (561) 267-1208

Independent Directors Theo Gregory Spencer Zinn

Brad Dombaugh CEO - PSA Worldwide Corp.

Colorado PGA WORKS Fellow Elizabeth Whan ewhan@pgahq.com C (626) 993-8747

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

Assistant to the CEO Tom Gunnerson VP Investments, Wells Fargo Dominic Karaba President - Specialty Lending and Business Banking - UMB Bill Keller Lieutenant Colonel USAF, Retired Eric Kenealy Chairman - Mackinaw Holding Corp.

Sandy King Entrepreneur/Songwriter Bob Lally Navy Captain, Retired George Lee VP - Ameriprise Financial Services Adam McDiarmid Regional Manager - UMB Scott McGraw VP of Employee Benefits Cherry Creek Insurance Group Honorable Sue Payton President - SCI Aerospace Inc. LTG Ed Soriano, US Army (Ret) Director, Bus. Dev. Global Land Forces Northrop Grumman Corporation Mike Talaga Credit Analyst - Janus Hendeson Bill Vogeney Chief Revenue Officer Ent Credit Union

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

The SUMMIT is distributed free to members and affiliates of the Colorado PGA eight times per year.

The articles and other information contained within this publication are informational and do not necessarily represent the view or opinions of the Colorado PGA. The Colorado PGA assumes no responsibility or liability for claims made for or by any product in this publication whether reported or advertised. Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission of the Colorado PGA is prohibited.

What's Inside 5

President’s Report Turn! Turn! Turn!

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Executive Director’s Report United We Stand

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District Director Report/PGA of America News Committee Comments

Career Services News 10 Change, Comfort and Conflict West Chapter News 12 West Chapter Fall Meeting and Championship Colorado PGA News 14 Heyen to be Inducted Into PGA of America Hall of Fame Special Awards Feature "The Tribe is a Game Changer" Leighton Smith named Teacher of the Year Jeremy Beck Accepts the Bill Strausbaugh Award Professional Development Award Recipient: Brad Skupaka, PGA An Award to Cherish - Cole Accepts the Warren Smith Award Paul Surniak, PGA, Honored to Receive Inaugural Patriot Award

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Coloradp PGA REACH NEWS 27 Schomp BMW Cup Raises Over $35,000 to Support Colorado PGA REACH Programs Membership News Quarter Century Club Inductees: Ainsworth, Clinton and Carson Membership Update

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Tournament News 2021 Colorado PGA Professional Champion: Micah Rudosky, PGA Lanting Wins the 2021 National Car Rental CO Assistant PGA Professional Championship Braga Claims 2021 Colorado PGA Women's Championship Title ROLEX Players of the Year & True Temper Points Race

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Junior Golf News 2021 Colorado PGA Jr. League Official Postseason Returns in 2021 100 Hole Hike

4 SEPTEMBER 2021

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President's Message

Turn! Turn! Turn!

The Byrds 1965

To PGA Professionals, the word “turn” means a great deal of things. If asking Leighton Smith, PGA, Colorado PGA Teacher of the Year, you will certainly get one response. Inquire with Warren Smith Award winner Rick Cole, PGA, from a golf course operations point of view and you receive several others.

In the 1965 classic song you hear that “there is a season … to gather” and this October, we can once again do just that as we come together for the CPGA Fall Meeting on October 11 at Heritage Eagle Bend. This will be the first time we, as the Colorado PGA Membership, have been able to gather together for such an occasion since October of 2019 – yes, that was two interminably long years ago.

Not only has the world dramatically changed but so too has the golf world including our own Colorado PGA Section.

Since our last in-person fall meeting: Patrick Salva has become the Executive Director in Southern Ohio A good portion of our amazing section staff have changed positions yet continue doing exemplary work Private clubs once again have waiting lists Public courses once again have sold out tee sheets There is more demand for instruction and club fitting than there is time, space, or professionals to conduct them What once was 5-7 business days turn around for custom clubs is all too often 10 weeks or more Orders for any or all product may, or may not arrive Our 50-year partnership with the Colorado Golf Association has come to an end If someone were to have shared this information two years ago, predicted what is now the present, we would have considered them crazy at best and slowly backed away from them. Yet here we are and through the amazing effort of our PGA Professionals, Members, Associates and Staff – we have come through with flying colors. What you and our fellow professionals have done is nothing short of extraordinary and worth celebrating! That is exactly what we will do in October at HEB – once again, together.

As the summer season turns to fall with winter fast on its heels, I look forward to seeing you, hearing your unprecedented stories and celebrating your experiences these last two years. “There is a season, and a time to every purpose…” What we have learned the last two years should serve us well into the future – I look forward to the journey.

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

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

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Executive Director's Message

United We Stand My Fellow PGA Professionals, These words, “United We Stand,” were the cry of our Nation twenty years ago right after the attacks on 9/11.

"United we stand, divided we fall" is a phrase that can be traced back some 2,600 years to 6th Century B.C. The first attributed use in modern times is by one of our nation's Founding Fathers, John Dickinson, in a song he wrote, "The Liberty Song."

This past week was a very special week for many as we returned to Eisenhower Golf Club located on the United States Air Force Academy. Not just for our Section Championship, which was held at Eisenhower twenty years ago on 9/11, but for many who participated in our Pro-1 Am Military Appreciation Day serving also as a practice round for the Section Championship. I have heard from many of our PGA Members as well as our Military Veterans how special this day was for them. Special thanks to our PGA General Manager Steve Wallace and his staff for hosting both events, and also to Tony Scites, Golf Course Superintendent, and his team for the most outstanding course conditions we have ever experienced at Eisenhower!

As the season starts winding down and we come together for our Fall Membership Meetings, I’m looking forward to being with each of you as we celebrate the accomplishments of 2021 and look ahead to the future. United We Stand’s core concept lies in the collectivist notion that if individual members of a certain group with binding ideals – such as a union, coalition, confederation, or alliance – work on their own instead of as a team, they are each doomed to fail and will all be defeated. Your Colorado PGA Staff looks forward to collaborating with each of you as we continue to Serve the Member and Grow the Game.

Thanks for allowing me to continue to serve as your Executive Director, and many thanks for all that each of you do, day-in and day-out, to make a positive difference in the lives of others through the game of golf!

Very Respectfully,

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

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Colorado PGA Fall Meeting 2021

Serve the Member,

Grow the Game Monday, October 11 Heritage Eagle Bend Golf Club

Join us in person on Monday, October 11 at Heritage Eagle Bend Golf Club! A livestream of the meeting will be available for those not in attendance. Masks will not be required for those who are vaccinated, and are highly encouraged for those who are not.

Please note: this is subject to change Details regarding the livestream will be sent via email

7:00AM - Registration & Breakfast 8:00AM - Meeting Called to Order 12:00PM - Meeting Adjourned 12:30PM - Shotgun Start: Doubles Golf 5:00PM - Scoring & Dinner Click here to RSVP!

PGA of America News

Committee Comments District 9 Director Updates

Well, we have officially made it to Labor Day and the unofficial end of summer. I know Colorado, like Utah, will still have many beautiful fall days to play golf but hopefully life will slow down a little bit after a busy summer. Golf continues to thrive during the Covid-19 pandemic and as an Association now our focus turns to how to keep our rounds and revenues up as we start to come out of it.

Last month I had the opportunity to spend four days in Frisco, Texas, for committee and board meetings, as I serve on the education and the budget committees. On the education committee we have been thoroughly reviewing each section of the PGA Program to check for relevancy and duplication. We have been discussing what education will look like as we move into our new headquarters and education center next year, including how much of the program will be delivered virtually vs. in-person. We have been tasked with trying to make the education program less expensive and faster to get through while still maintaining the quality of the PGA Program.

It has been a pleasure to serve with Cathy Matthews-Kane, Vice-President of the Colorado Section on this committee. Please feel free to reach out to either of us with any input on the education program.

We will finally have the 2020 Ryder Cup at Whistling Straits! This event has been a long time coming and is sure to be a great week! Last week Captain Stricker filled out the six remaining spots on his team by naming Tony Finau, Jordan Spieth, Scottie Scheffler, Harris English, Xander Schauflee and Daniel Berger to join the six automatic qualifiers. I am looking forward to being at the Cup and the opportunity to serve as a forward observer for the matches. On Wednesday of Ryder Cup week, we will be playing a board match against the European Board at a local country club. I hope to see some members of District 9 in Wisconsin. Remember your PGA membership allows your entry plus one to each day of the matches. Go USA! Lastly, the 105th PGA of America Annual Meeting is scheduled for November 2nd through the 5th in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. We look forward to getting back to meeting inperson and conducting the business of the Association. This meeting will also be livestreamed, and I would encourage all those who are able, to either attend the meetings in Milwaukee or watch the events online.

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

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PGA of America News

Lifelong Learning

Specialized, Certified and Master Professional Programs The purpose of the new PGA Learning Strategy is to provide Lifelong Learning around specific career interests to elevate the perception, value propositions and recruitment of PGA Professionals. Thus, the three career paths offered in the PGA Learning Strategy include: Teaching/Coaching, Golf Operations, and Executive Management.

"As a PGA Member who had recently completed the specialization program, I can proudly say that I am a better golf professional for having done so, and believe it will greatly benefit me as I continue in my career."

- Nick Nuzzo, PGA Assistant Professional at Country Club of the Rockies Click Here To Learn More.

MSR Opportunity

Submit Your Club Champion and Earn 1 MSR

Earn 1 MSR credit by submitting your club champions! We feature the PGA Section and the Member Facility for all competitors that compete at the PGA's National Club Championship in Palm Springs this December as well as showcase how champions take lessons from PGA Professionals.

Click Here To Submit Colorado Club Champions.

9 SEPTEMBER 2021

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Career Services News

Change, Comfort & Conflict "Those who expect moments of change to be comfortable and free of conflict have not learned their history." - Joan Wallach Scott I’ve spent years trying to help the people I serve (and those of you who read this) create meaningful change in their personal and professional lives. However, change inherently requires some degree of discomfort and conflict.

When the change you seek is personal in nature, that conflict is often private or shared with only your closest confidants. While the struggle is real, the change can be accomplished without interpersonal conflict.

On the other hand, change at the organizational level is often messy and full of conflict. Not only do you need to manage the pain points associated with the change, but you also need to manage the personalities of everyone involved with the change. Those personality differences often cause real conflict as opposed to simple pain points.

The season we find ourselves in demands change. Whether it is as obvious as changes in the way in which we provide service to our customers and members as dictated by COVID or as nuanced as reorganization of staffing and duties based on the availability of qualified employees, change and conflict are all around us. Even great leaders will be challenged by the process. When faced with conflict, consider the following when faced with conflict in your organization: 1. In your organization or team, what are the root causes of conflict?

2. Does your organization or team create both good conflict and bad conflict? What are some examples of both?

3. What is the line that separates good conflict from bad?

4. What can you do to create a culture where people aren’t afraid to voice their opinions to create positive change?

5. How does your organization prevent personal conflicts from becoming professional?

6. Conversely, how does your organization prevent professional conflicts from becoming personal?

7. Can it be constructive to set up opportunities for conflict to come to the surface?

Conflict can be the catalyst for significant positive change, though at times, we can be too close to the problem to see the answer. When that time comes, please don’t hesitate to reach out to me if I can be an objective voice in the midst of chaos.

The only constant is change,

Keith Soriano, PGA, ARWC

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

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West Chapter News

West Chapter Fall Meeting and Championship September 27-28 at Sonnenalp It has been two years since our West Chapter Membership has had an in-person meeting. While we have adapted and conducted business differently, I look forward to the opportunity for all of us to meet at the Sonnenalp Club on Monday, September 27th. In conjunction with our Fall Meeting, the West Chapter Championship will also be played at Sonnenalp, with the first round following our meeting and the second round played the following day. Thank you to the Sonnenalp Club, PGA General Manager Jim Miller, and PGA Head Professional, Pete Roach, for hosting our meeting and tournament.

I would like to congratulate our West Chapter Members who recently received Colorado Section Awards. Alice Plain was one of the first golf professionals I met when I moved to Colorado and worked with her at the Vail Golf Club in the mid-90’s. Alice is such an amazing leader and makes everyone around her better! She is truly deserving of the Golf Professional of the Year Award. Congratulations, Alice! I also would like to congratulate Cody Hasten, Head Professional at Haymaker Golf Club, and Jim Miller, General Manager at Sonnenalp, for being awarded Merchandiser of the Year for Public and Resort Facilities.

The West Chapter Cup Matches will be held on Saturday, October 16th, at The Bridges Golf & Country Club in Montrose. The annual event is a Ryder Cup-style match between the top West Chapter Amateurs and PGA Professionals. The day begins with 9-hole Four-ball matches, followed by 9-hole Foursomes, and finishes with 9hole Singles. Funds raised from this event support the Western Colorado Golf Foundation and their scholarship fund. West Chapter PGA Members will be invited to play based on their points standing following the West Chapter Championship. Save the date and be ready to bring your A-game, so we can take back the Cup this year!

Best wishes to all of you and I hope to see you later this month!

Jeff Boyer PGA

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

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Colorado PGA News

Heyen to be Inducted in Class of 2021 PGA of America Hall of Fame The PGA of America Hall of Fame honors and recognizes individuals who through their lives, careers, service, and support have made significant and enduring contributions to the PGA of America in its effort to further its mission and promote the game of golf. The Colorado PGA is proud to announce for the first time in 15 years, one of our own Colorado PGA Professionals, Kyle Heyen, PGA Head Professional at Hiwan Golf Club, will be inducted into the PGA of America Hall of Fame!

Heyen started at Hiwan as an assistant professional back in 1980 and has been the head professional since 1985.

He has served the Colorado Section on the Colorado PGA Board of Directors for 23 years, starting in 1998, and was elected as an officer in 2000. During this time, in addition to chairing Section Committees such as Education, Foundation, Historical, Junior Golf, and Military Affairs, he also created the Colorado Section PGA Golf Academy (1992-1993) and established Colorado PGA annual visits to Denver Veterans Hospitals (2009). In 2011, Heyen was elected into the Colorado Golf Hall of Fame!

Heyen has been awarded numerous Section Awards and several National Awards: Golf Professional of the Year (2005, 2006) Bill Strausbaugh Award (2010) Professional Development Award (1993,1999, 2000, 2001) Player Development Award (2007, 2008) Vic Kline Award (2011) PGA of America President's Plaque (2009) Play Golf America "Top 100 Facility" (2010-2012) Nationally, Heyen served from 2008-2012 as a PGA of America Board of Control Member, which evaluates and issues decisions in the appeal process for 28,000 PGA Members nationwide and awards PGA disaster-relief funds. In this time, he reviewed over 1,000 cases!

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Heyen has served on several National committees as well, including his role as the PGA of America CoChairman of the Governance Committee (2006-2008), Play Golf America Committee (2009), National Awards and Hall of Fame Selection Committee (2009-2010), 2.0 Platinum Committee Member (2011-2012), Player Development Co-Chair (2012-2014), PGA of America Membership Committee (2014-2016), PGA of America Awards Committee (2015-2016 and Committee Chair in 2017). Service for Heyen also includes his term as the District 9 Director from November 2014-2017. In 2017, he got involved with the PGA REACH Running Team and has been either the Chair or Co-Chair since that time raising funds for PGA REACH. When asked about Heyen’s impact on the PGA, Past President of The PGA of America, Susy Whaley, PGA, said, “During my tenure on the PGA National Board of Directors and as an officer of the PGA of America, Kyle

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Colorado PGA News Heyen was one of the strongest advocates and voices for members of the PGA. His dedication to the promotion and advancement of PGA Professionals shined through during his service on the board but also as the Chair of the National Membership Committee and during his tenure on the Board of Control. His service and commitment to the PGA is inspired and deserves the highest level of recognition.”

Another Past President of The PGA of America, Derek Sprague, PGA, shared, “One of Kyle’s most revered qualities as a professional in my opinion is his humbleness … He has worked tirelessly his entire career in spearheading and growing the game of golf in his Section and at his Club. His humbleness, listening skills, and servant’s heart are all qualities of a great leader, and he epitomizes so many characteristics of what being a PGA Member means that his name should be enshrined in the PGA of America’s Hall of Fame forever.”

Colorado PGA CEO and Executive Director, Eddie Ainsworth, PGA, included, “Kyle leads by example. His commitment is never-ending in engaging our PGA Professionals to push themselves to be the best they can be.

Kyle embraces national and local programs and encourages others to do so as well. His out of the box thinking has produced tremendous results for his facility and is a shining example for others to follow.”

The Colorado PGA is honored to have Kyle Heyen in our Section and proud to see him among other Colorado PGA Inductees into the PGA Hall of Fame. Previous Colorado PGA Members include Paul Runyan (1958), Ed Dudley (1964), Charles "Vic" Kline (2005), Warren Smith (2005) and Dow Finsterwald (2006).

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Special Awards Feature

Leighton and a member of his Tribe

"The Tribe is a Game Changer" Leighton Smith named Teacher of the Year The Teacher of the Year Award bestows special recognition on a Colorado PGA Professional for excellence in golf instruction, along with overall performance. Congratulations Leighton Smith, PGA of Leighton Smith Golf, for being this year’s award recipient!

Since turning pro in 2011, Leighton knew he wanted to teach and help golfers reach their full potential. He has worked alongside golf legend Hank Haney teaching some of the best junior golfers in the world, but in 2017, Smith decided it was time to take a leap of faith and start his own business. “I’m truly trying to change what golf instruction looks like, I want to be different. I started The Tribe in 2017 because I saw the need for true coaching, versus just instruction. Being a coach allows me to be a guide in someone’s golf story.” Smith started “The Tribe” with the goal of having an accountability system built into his

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program. Leighton didn’t allow the pandemic to slow him down. Despite COVID19, The Tribe program grew over 200%. He’ll tell you, “The Tribe isn’t golf instruction, it’s a movement, and I’m trying to make it better week after week” and that’s exactly what he’s doing. “I want to be remembered for my impact.”

What does this award mean to you?

It means so much - for a few key reasons. Being self-employed and taking that leap of faith in 2017 when I started my own business, it’s validation, I’ve put my blood sweat and tears into this. Being a part of something awesome, being a part of other people’s stories - their golf games, making friends, being a part of other “speed dial.” Working hard for four years, I didn’t know if I had what it takes, but I’ve been able to build the relationships, and it’s humbling. It means that there’s success, and other people are a part of that. This isn't a solo

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Special Awards Feature thing - it’s all the people who have believed in me and have given me the opportunity to be their coach.

What are the qualities that you possess that you believe supported you in winning this award? I have to practice what I preach, and it’s about the process. For me and my business and my dreams, it’s a long runway, and it’s not about how quickly I can take this flight, it’s about your cornerstones: being accountable, holding others accountable, learning about other people’s “why.” I feel like being able to understand the real “why” as to why they’re calling me, if they’re making the investment, I want to sit down and understand their background. It’s a two-way street though: me as a coach, and them as a student. We have to hold each other accountable. I want this to be the best golf investment you ever make.

What are the tools that you use in your professional career that have helps you with your success? Having a support system, my own personal Tribe. My wife and 2 boys, mentors, other coaches, PGA Professionals,

Leighton and his wife and two sons

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Leighton and his family fishing

entrepreneurs, friends who keep me grounded, and my faith. But staying grounded is also incredibly important, I am thankful for those who surround me and who support me.

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

What are you chasing? What is your pursuit of happiness? Being an entrepreneur, trying to take control of my finances, my family, it’s hard to navigate, so really determining what you’re chasing - finding my own why. Find your dream and work backwards from there, versus just grinding to grind aimlessly, without a purpose.

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

When we find success, when I get the text that someone did what they set out to achieve. It makes me proud of my tribe and the system.

There’s adversity first, so when adversity is matched with success and their efforts pay off, it makes my effort worth it too. It can be a frustrating game, so when people achieve their goals, it makes me proud. This award makes me proud. The collective effort that this is, from my Tribe, my wife and family, it’s something I’ll cherish forever.

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Special Awards Feature

Jeremy Beck Accepts the Bill Strausbaugh Award “I have a passion for improvement whether it's my own golf game, or life in general, it comes into play with everything I do including my work."

A frequent keynote speaker at various PGA events, Beck has also been recognized as the 2001 GOLFTEC Coach of the Year and 2005 GOLFTEC Manager of the Year. This is Jeremy’s first award from the Colorado Section.

What does this award mean to you?

This is an incredibly huge honor. I have the utmost respect for the Colorado Section, and everyone involved, so to be chosen as the recipient is a humbling honor, because I know there are many deserving candidates. Growing up, I was always encouraged to follow and do The Bill Strausbaugh Award is presented to a what I love as a profession. I got into the game Colorado PGA Member who has shown with my mother and grandpa when I was in the outstanding integrity, commitment to mentoring 3rd grade, playing a 9-hole public course in PGA Professionals and has made a significant eastern Iowa. I used to just walk and putt, but impact on the careers of PGA Professionals. This quickly fell in love with the game, and spending year’s recipient of the award has recently time with my family. I started making friends on celebrated twenty years in the industry with the course, and it turned into a social outlet for GOLFTEC. Congratulations to Mr. Jeremy Beck, me to also be competitive, so to be able to turn PGA, GOLFTEC for being the recipient of the 2021 that into a career has been rewarding in itself.

Bill Strausbaugh Award.

As a 20-year PGA Member and having spent his last 22 years with GOLFTEC, Jeremy Beck is all too familiar with what it means to be a mentor, coach, and colleague. Beck has made his way through the industry, specifically around instruction and operations. As he now acts as the Chief Operations Officer for GOLFTEC, Jeremy focuses on mentoring and developing former coaches into executives with skills to be award winning leaders in the industry.

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Jeremy and his wife Kelsey on vacation

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Special Awards Feature What are the qualities that you possess that you believe supported you in winning this award? Authenticity. My work ethic and genuine passion for caring about those that I work with is something that has always been a part of me. Growing up in a small farm town, my parents started a construction business, so between working on the farm or alongside the family business, work ethic was always part of it which continued in life. Joe Assell, PGA, and Mike Clinton, PGA, have been my mentors over the years, and I saw their work ethic, and passion for the work that they do. It culminates together seeing that pay off has been really rewarding.

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

Change is a skill. Whether that’s improving your game, or learning any new skill, there’s a process to go about that, it’s thoughtful, it’s not just luck.

Once you’re good at change, you can apply it to golf, and the rest of your life. Ideas are easy, execution is everything. Practice the art of skill acquisition and your ideas will come to life.

What’s your proudest moment of being a golf professional? In 2016, I spearheaded the creation of GOLFTEC’s company values. When COVID hit, we had to close 180 facilities in the United States for two months, and during that time, it was evident how important our values and culture here at GOLFTEC are. To see our hard work over the years of building our values (team, passion, innovation, integrity, improvement, and fun) really shine and present themselves during these difficult times was very rewarding. The effort to focus on improvement while our centers were closed, but still find the ability to have fun through these tough times; witnessing this come together was just something I was incredibly proud of. We cultivated innovative ways for everyone to work

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Jeremy and his daughter Hensley before a bike ride

from home, witnessing this come together was just something I was incredibly proud of.

We cultivated innovative ways for everyone to work from home, focus on training, engage students remotely and come out of this pandemic stronger than ever.

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

I’m a big bike guy! Mountain biking, road bikes, all of it. I clock about 2,000 miles a year!

My wife and I use it as a way to explore when we’re traveling, and I personally think it’s the best way to see new cities. Whether we’re just in the neighborhood or across the world (Spain) it’s so much fun. You can’t make the quick pitstops in a car like you can on a bike.

We’ve biked around wineries in Napa, on a tandem bike mind you, New York, Vail, San Francisco, all over!

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Special Awards Feature

Professional Development Award Recipient: Brad Skupaka, PGA

The Colorado PGA Professional Development Award is designed to recognize a Colorado PGA Professional for their outstanding and continuing contributions in developing and improving educational opportunities for PGA Professionals.

Through his distinguished contributions to the development and education of fellow PGA Members Brad Skupaka, PGA, is awarded the 2021 Colorado PGA Professional Development Award. Brad is involved in the development and implementation of training the 700+ coaches at GOLFTEC, who leave feeling inspired and excited to return to their own students. He has a positive influence on the careers of many PGA Professionals as they help to grow the game.

Brad also has appeared in over 200 Golf Channel segments presenting content and he raises money for several charitable organizations; over $20,000 since 2019!

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Brad grew up in Pittsburgh, PA, where he took an interest in golf around age 10 or 11. Brad commented that his dad played when he was a child and it became a fun activity for them to enjoy together; playing golf “practically every day after school.” From high school golf to Coastal Carolina’s Golf Management Program, to GOLFTEC, Brad has always been involved in golf.

After graduating college in 2009, he has been with GOLFTEC ever since. He managed a center in Philadelphia, PA, until 2016 when he and his wife took a leap and moved to Colorado to work at GOLFTEC HQ (now the Director of Teaching Quality). That’s 12 years with GOLFTEC! Brad enjoys that his career allows him to always strive to be better; continually pushing GOLFTEC forward, and golf in general.

Brad and his wife and two children

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

It’s an honor to be recognized by peers for my continued contribution to the game of golf. I’ve helped hundreds of coaches each year improve their programs and it’s great to know that people are benefitting from my work.

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

I believe I can present different complex topics in a way that anyone can understand. Explaining concepts to a Professional versus on the lesson tee requires different communication styles. It’s important to tailor the message to the attendee.

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

First and foremost, the network of people I’ve surrounded myself with, between living in Colorado, GOLFTEC, and when I was with the Philadelphia Section, are beneficial to my success.

Also, staying ahead on different and new technologies, whether that’s new clubs, launch monitors, etc., to further golf education. To create new opportunities with GOLFTEC, we produce objective studies with new technology to compare the results against industry standards, such as Trackman.

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

Always try to surround yourself with people you want to be like Have high aspirations for where you want your career and life to go Engage with people who have both different and similar viewpoints to yourself What is your proudest moment as a golf professional?

When I was teaching lessons, I had one particular student who was trying to qualify for World Finals.

In October 2018, he failed to qualify. He started working with me at that point and six months later, he qualified! That was meaningful to me because I helped him achieve his goals through hard work.

Share something about yourself that others may not know: I’ve been involved in golf for what seems my entire life. Every job I’ve ever had has been in golf!

Everything from working on the grounds crew at 15 to waiting tables at the Club. Over the years, I’m thankful for the fun opportunities that golf has presented!

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Special Awards Feature

An Award to Cherish - Cole Accepts the Warren Smith Award The Warren Smith Award is presented to a PGA Professional for special contributions to the game of golf, the Colorado Section, junior golf, and their facility.

The 2021 Warren Smith Award recipient is Life Member, Rick Cole, PGA. Cole was born in Denver, and at age one, his family moved to Nebraska for nine years. When he was 10, they returned to Colorado and lived in Littleton next to a 9-hole par-3 golf course. At age 11, he began working at that very course, Southglenn Country Club. When he was 17, he became the Club’s Superintendent. His mentor, at the time, was Lou Haines, superintendent of Denver Country Club.

Upon receiving a golf scholarship, Cole attended Point Loma Nazarene University in San Diego. He continued to work at Southglenn CC during the summer months and after graduation (1976), he married and accepted an assistant professional position at Balboa Park Golf Course in San Diego.

Two Christmases later, Cole and his wife, Jan, traveled to Colorado to visit family and decided to look for jobs, to relocate to Cole’s home state. Jan found work immediately and after Rick found a position at Columbine Country Club, they moved and have been in Colorado ever since. In between his jobs, until he began with Eaton Country Club (1985), Cole went to seven Qualifying schools. Realizing he didn’t have the ability to play with the best in the world, but having a love of the game, he decided to become a PGA Professional.

At Eaton CC, Cole was known as a “Golfing Machine” instructor, giving over 9,000 lessons! A great number of his students have gone on to become outstanding instructors in the PGA, some attaining “Top 50” status.

He also established a tradition of taking organized golf trips with members and other golfers in the community.

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Rick Cole, PGA, and his wife, Jan, married in 1976.

Through the years, he traveled with over 1,000 golfers and believes this added to the camaraderie and closeness of the community.

Cole recently retired in November of 2020 after 35 years at Eaton CC. He is currently enjoying retirement with his wife of 45 years and is still giving lessons part-time.

What does it mean to you to receive the Warren Smith Award?

It is very, very honoring - one that I will always cherish, for sure!

I was very fortunate to know Mr. Smith. In the late 70’s and early 80’s, I worked at Columbine Country Club as an assistant golf professional for my mentor and employer, Tony Novitsky, PGA.

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Special Awards Feature Surrounding myself with successful people, successful friends, and quality individuals was part of the equation for me.

Cole playing in the 2017 Senior PGA Professional Championship in Scottsdale, AZ.

Tony and Mr. Smith [PGA Head Professional at Cherry Hills Country Club] were the best of friends. Many times, they would get together and play each other’s golf courses and the assistants were invited to play. Knowing Mr. Smith personally, means even more. It is very seldom you are able to win an award that is named after someone you knew personally. He left such a legacy for all of us. Receiving the award confirms that all the sacrifice, long hours and continuing education has paid off in making an impact on those around me.

What are the qualities you possess that you believe supported you receiving the Warren Smith Award?

One quality, I think, is caring for people. Compassion and a desire to get to know all my acquaintances, particularly the people I spend time with on the job, getting to know and caring about them is very important to me. Another quality is the commitment and loyalty that I have to friends and to the PGA of America.

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

1. The ability to listen is something that I have learned and am still learning. It’s a process. Most men aren’t good at listening, let’s face it. It’s an important tool, particularly now that I am teaching more and spending more time with family.

2. The ability to hire quality individuals that helped formulate success in the golf club environment. .

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

One of the best pieces of advice I received in the early ‘90s from a board member at Eaton CC was the fact that golf is a recreation. People come out to the golf course to enjoy their experience. There can be a tendency of anyone who oversees a golf course to take things a little bit too seriously. If you realize that people are out there to have a good time, it is a lot easier to lead those people to enjoy the experience. Whether it’s a family, an individual, or a junior golf program, they are all out there to have a good time.

The piece of advice I would give to someone else is that it’s always easy to give an answer and anyone can give an answer, but it’s sometimes more difficult to give the right answer. If you don’t know, research it and be conscientious to follow up.

What is your proudest moment as a golf professional?

I have been fortunate to experience a lot of successful situations, but I think that this award is at the top of the list! I have been the Colorado PGA Senior Player of the Year (2017), played in the U.S. Senior Open (2006), received the Bill Strausbaugh Award (2019), and been inducted into the hall of fame at my university, but this one tops them all!

Share something about yourself that others may not know: I gave my wife’s engagement ring to her on the 18th green at Torrey Pines Golf Course in San Diego. It was her birthday, and I hadn’t shown up for our dinner date.

She learned that I was complaining of chest problems earlier in the day. It was late at night and my roommate brought her out to the course where I routinely practice.

I was laying on the 18th green, playing the part. After they “revived me”, she went to stick the flagstick in the hole and I said, “wait a minute, I think there are some golf balls in there.” She reached down and discovered the ring box.

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Special Awards Feature

Paul Surniak, PGA Honored to Receive Inaugural Patriot Award The Patriot Award is presented to a Colorado PGA 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.

Paul and a student

Paul Surniak, PGA Director of Instruction at Cheyenne Shadows Golf Club at Fort Carson, with 12 years of service at the Club, is the recipient of the inaugural 2021 Patriot Award for his support to the United States Armed Forces and its Active Duty personnel and Veterans to learn and play golf. The PGA HOPE, the Salute Military Golf Association, where he is the chapter head, and the Wounded Warrior Project promotions are created and/or coordinated by Surniak, including social media, digital media, and radio spots. Along with his large Junior program on base for military families, Surniak coordinates individualized classes for active-duty soldiers from the hospital’s pain clinic, which has become a popular rehabilitation program at Fort Carson. His PGA HOPE programs have waiting lists every season. Surniak is passionate about the morale and welfare of wounded warriors, disabled Veterans, and their families and has worked with national Veteran charities. Surniak is a previous winner of the Colorado PGA REACH Pillar Award for Supporting Our Military.

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What does it mean to you to receive the Patriot Award?

I’m very honored because it’s been an extreme pleasure to work with the military and their families on Fort Carson, especially the wounded soldiers who’ve given so much. It’s an extreme honor and I’m grateful for it.

Everyone at Fort Carson has been enthusiastic about participating in programs like PGA HOPE. So, when [the program] was first discussed, I went to Eddie [Ainsworth, PGA] and said ‘I want in on this thing, it’s perfect for what we do at Fort Carson.’ Eddie looked at me and said, ‘Paul, I’ve got some bad news for you because I’ve already volunteered you.’ So that’s how we got started and it’s been a great pleasure and privilege to work with these guys.

What sparked your passion to want to work with the military?

It was sort of a fluke accident. I was getting ready to go on the Senior Tour and my sponsor backed out due to the 2008 market crash. I wasn’t doing anything else at the time so I started practicing at Fort Carson, and Frank, the Head Pro and GM at the time, found out who I was and asked if I could start an instructional program to which I said I’d love to because my other passion has always been teaching. When I found out about the HOPE programs, Wounded Warriors, SMGA (Salute Military Golf Association), etc., some of them came to me and asked me to start programs. It’s always been a challenge to teach someone who has limitations or restrictions. It became a real challenge for me because it’s a different type of instruction, so I just really grew to love that type of instruction. It just sort of happened by mistake believe it or not, but it’s worked out well for me!

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

I’m big on technology. I’ve used everything from Trackman to highspeed cameras to pressure plates. If it’s out there, I’ve tried it if I think it’s going to help my student get a feel for what I’m trying to teach. I keep my mind open trying to figure out: ‘Ok what’s the next thing out there that can help someone swing a golf club.’

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

If I was going to teach another instructor how to teach someone with limitations: first of all is patience. You try to convey what you’re teaching in a very understandable way. For example, those military persons with traumatic brain injuries struggle to grasp concepts, and when you’re working with someone who’s missing limbs, a good understanding of how the body works is important.

Be patient. Have an open mind. Don’t think there’s just one way to play golf. There are dozens of ways to hit a golf ball. Keep learning.

Share something about yourself that others may not know: I tell my students a lot of stories about talking with Tour players or playing around the world in Asia, South America, and Europe. All my students say I should write a book! I’ve taught everyone from Tour players to people who’ve never picked up a club to celebrities. The whole experience has been a great journey and I’ve enjoyed it.

My brother, who may be more financially successful than me, has said that he made all the money but I had all the fun. When I’m not golfing, I’m fishing. Everything from fly fishing in the rocky mountains to deep-sea fishing in Florida. I like to travel too; I just came back from Thailand. I also spent seven years on the Long Drive circuit, as a six-time Colorado Long Drive Champion.

Paul and student, Brandon

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

People say I communicate well. I’m a fundamentals instructor which means I teach good, sound fundamentals. I explain my lessons on a simple basis, nothing really technical so that anyone I’m teaching can understand. Also, the military hospital pain clinic brings me patients to work with, and with that, I’ve had to learn how the body reacts and moves. It’s a challenge to figure out how I can help this person play golf. I’ve always been eager to learn and my students have probably taught me more than I taught them. I love teaching someone who has trouble swinging and teaching them how to put the club on the back of the ball. I’m constantly learning so I can help as many people as I can.

What is your proudest moment as a golf professional?

It’s been a pleasure to work with the people at Fort Carson, especially the ones that have come back later and told me how much it meant to them. In 2015, I was featured on a CBS special. One of my students (Brandon Adam) featured is a dual amputee and was near suicide.

It makes you feel good knowing you’ve affected someone in a positive way like that.

Click here to watch the CBS special.

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Colorado PGA REACH News

Schomp BMW Cup Raises Over $35,000 to Support Colorado PGA REACH Programs The Schomp BMW Cup, presented by Avid Golfer, was held the 16th and 17th of August at The Country Club at Castle Pines. The benefitting charity, Colorado PGA REACH Foundation, was honored to have been supported by the event where over $35,000 was raised to further its goals of impacting the lives of others through the game of golf.

The Colorado PGA REACH Foundation thanks all those participants and sponsors of the annual event - from the businesses that offered prizes and facilities that donated rounds of golf to be auctioned to those who opened wide their hearts and wallets in support of the programs of the Foundation.

"Thank you to everyone involved for giving us the opportunity to share with you the goals and accomplishments of Colorado PGA REACH," shares Eddie Ainsworth, PGA, CEO and Executive Director of the Colorado PGA."

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Quarter Century Club

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

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

Eddie Ainsworth, PGA

CEO and Executive Director of the Colorado PGA Where did you grow up?

I was the son of a 30-year Air Force Veteran, so I lived in multiple states and Europe.

What was your first introduction to the game of golf?

My first introduction to golf was playing and caddying with my father.

Why did you choose to become a PGA Golf Professional?

I love the game and wanted a career in golf.

What makes you most proud about being a PGA Professional?

All the things PGA Professionals do make me proud, “One Badge, Many Roles.” We get to the best part of people’s day!

What golf facilities have you been employed at and in what capacity? · Whispering Winds Golf Course at Cannon AFB, New Mexico – Head Professional /G.C. Superintendent · Palm Meadows Golf Course at Norton AFB, California – Director of Golf · Manatee Cove Golf Course at Patrick AFB, Florida – Director of Golf · Eisenhower Golf Club at USAFA, Colorado – Head Professional/General Manager What do you feel is the most meaningful contribution to the game of golf you have made?

Hopefully, I have brightened someone’s day or helped parents to build on their relationships with their kids. To me, it’s all about relationships.

What hobbies do you have outside of golf?

I enjoy spending time with my family and fly fishing.

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

It would be a five-some: my father and three brothers. Nothing is more important than family.

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Quarter Century Club

THIS OR THAT

SHORT PAR 5 OR SHORT PAR 3 MATCH PLAY OR STROKE PLAY pizza or tacos music on the course: off or on attire on the course: shorts or pants chocolate or vanilla favorite fastfood chain: in & OUt

Kendall Carson, PGA Pins & Fins, LLC

Where did you grow up?

I grew up in Fort Collins, CO. What was your first introduction to the game of golf?

My father introduced me to golf at about age six.

Why did you choose to become a PGA Golf Professional?

Bill Metier, Collindale GC What makes you most proud about being a PGA Professional?

I am proud of the fact that I have been able to figure out how to stay active and give back to a game that has given me so much.

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

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

Remaining relevant and starting involved in the growth of the game If you could have a dream foursome, who would it be and why?

Babe, 'Ol Tom, and Payne Stewart

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Quarter Century Club

THIS OR THAT

SHORT PAR 5 OR SHORT PAR 3 stroke play or match play music on the course: off or on attire on the course: shorts or pants chocolate or vanilla morning person or evening person Carson teeing off in Colorado

Mike Clinton, PGA

GOLFTEC MN Franchise Owner - A9 Where did you grow up?

I grew up in Mt Horeb WI, which is a small town outside of Madison.

What was your first introduction to the game of golf?

I was lucky that my dad was an avid golfer, and he took me to the golf course with him when I was a little kid. We grew up playing golf in local tournaments, and generally just enjoying the game. My hometown had a 9-hole course called Norsk Golf Bowl – it had 9 holes, 8 lanes of bowling, and a bar. Pretty much your typical Wisconsin small town.

(Note: As you might guess, you will not find Norsk Golf Bowl on any Top 100 lists) Why did you choose to become a PGA Golf Professional?

I got introduced to the PGA PGM program at Mississippi State, and that was a perfect path for me as I enjoyed both business and golf. The PGA PGM program was a perfect blend of the two for me and it led me to some great places and many great people.

What makes you most proud about being a PGA Professional?

It is easy to be proud of the PGA mission and the many great things our organization does for the game of golf.

From helping juniors with PGA Jr. League, to the PGA REACH programs that support our military, there are so many great things in the community. That in addition to the day-in and day-out work that is done by all PGA Members to just generally be ambassadors and leaders in this great game.

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

I moved to Colorado to take an internship working for Clayton Cole at Cherry Hills CC. From there, I co-founded GOLFTEC with Clayton and Joe Assell some 25+ years ago.

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

The creation of GOLFTEC from a startup idea to where the company is today, with hundreds of domestic locations as well as international locations. GOLFTEC has taught millions of lessons and helped so many students improve their games. To me, coaching and helping clients improve is really what our profession is all about. There are a lot of great ways to be involved in the golf industry, but helping people play better golf is at the center of everything.

What hobbies do you have outside of golf?

Generally anything my kids are into – a lot of sports – golf, basketball, softball, and just generally being outside and active.

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

Seriously, how do you narrow this down? I would have to say my grandfather, dad, and son, Nicholas. My golf dream foursome is Jack, Tiger, and Ben Hogan. My all-time golf partners are Brian Haroldson, Todd Townsend, and Derek Stendahl. Really there are too many great foursomes to consider.

THIS OR THAT

SHORT PAR 5 OR SHORT PAR 3 stroke play or match play music on the course: off or on attire on the course: shorts or pants chocolate or vanilla morning person or evening person

Mike Clinton (Left) and Joe Assell (Right) pose next to the map pinpointing all the U.S. GOLFTEC locations

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Membership News

ROXANNE

Membership News

An update on our Colorado PGA Members

By The Numbers Members - 756 | Associates - 110 Total – 866 Male Members - 812 | Female Members – 52

125 – Management positions (MP, A-4, A-9, A-11, A-13) 279 – Club Professionals (A-1, A-2, A-7, A-8) 127 – Instructors (A-6, A-10, A-12, A-14) 24 – Expanded Career Paths (A-15 thru A-24) 151 – Life Members (LM, LMM, LMA, LMC) 54 – Other Categories (A-3, A-5, F, RM, RSV)

New Members and Associates The Colorado PGA welcomes and congratulates new members and associates to the Section and to the PGA of America! For some, this is the first time they have joined our Section, while others might be returning.

Members Associates Devon J. Pilkington, PGA | A-8 | Todd Creek Golf Club Hannah S. Berman | B-8 | CC of the Rockies Camille Enright | B-8 | The Club at Ravenna Kelly B. Horen | B-8 | Kennedy Golf Course Blake E. Kuzava | B-8 | Bear Creek Golf Club Brandon R. Martinez | B-6 | Optimum Golf Noel P. Ronan | B-8 | Heather Gardens Golf Course Dylan G. Starrs | B-8 | Golf At River Valley Ranch Zachary T. Wilson | B-8 | Bookcliff Country Club

Welcome Wagon

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

Mark Hartig, PGA | LM | previously in the Northern Texas Section Charles W. Packard, PGA | A-13 | Arrowhead Golf Club | previously in the Southwest Section

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

Tucker R.B. Campbell, PGA | A-1 | Columbine Country Club | previously an A-8 at Columbine Country Club Justin A. Cirbo, PGA | A-20 | Wilson Sporting Goods Co. | previously an A-1 at Littleton Golf and Tennis Club John Ty Hamer, PGA | LMA | previously an A-9 at City of Fort Morgan Bryan Heim, PGA | A-4 | Columbine Country Club | previously an A-1 at Columbine Country Club Luke P. Lemon | B-8 | Omni Interlocken Resort | previously a B-8 at Walnut Creek Golf Preserve Adam N. Perko, PGA | A-1 | Rio Grande Club | previously an A-8 at Columbine Country Club Kelly E. Sardella | B-15 | Cherry Creek Country Club | previously a B-8 at Cherry Creek Country Club

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Membership News

Happy Birthday!

September 1 Jonathan Atencio Micah Rudosky, PGA Tray Shehee, PGA September 2 Al Pryor, PGA September 3 Tristen Fay, PGA John Lynch, PGA September 4 Robert Haldeen, PGA Andrew Hilts, PGA September 5 Graham Cliff, PGA Erin Diegel, PGA Micah Partridge, PGA Ty Thompson, PGA

September 12 James Davidson, PGA Steven Grove, PGA Daniel Harvanek, PGA Alec Simmons, PGA September 14 Richard Hartman, PGA September 15 Samantha Crawford September 17 James Edfors, PGA Kent Heusinkveld, PGA Behrod Keshtavar September 18 Jerred McKinney, PGA

September 25 Leo Calabro, PGA Toby Isaacs, PGA Blake Kuzava John Rogala, PGA Brett Walton, PGA Seth Watkins September 26 Tyler Lowry, PGA September 27 Robert Nelson, PGA September 28 Luke Lemon September 29 Vincent Downie, PGA Joshua Miller, PGA Nicholas Nuzzo, PGA Austin Vannice

September 19 Randy Burross, PGA September 6 Leslie Core-Drevecky, PGA Dow Finsterwald Sr., PGA Matthew Magley, PGA October 1 Tyler Peterson, PGA Bryce Bervig, PGA September 7 Lonnie Reed, PGA Jacob O'Dell, PGA Cory Boillot, PGA Rich Zulkoski, PGA September 20 October 3 Alicia Bakken David Brown, PGA September 8 Isaac Calden, PGA Hank Franks, PGA Jeffrey Trace Kea, PGA Grant Jackson, PGA Bob Lewis, PGA September 21 Craig Parzybok, PGA Remington Post, PGA October 4 Kurt Zolbe, PGA William Bernhardt, PGA September 22 Kayla O'Keefe September 9 Eric Goettsch, PGA Robert Cherry, PGA Peter Mogg Jr., PGA October 5 Nathan Corsbie, PGA Tim Stevens, PGA Jonathan Arnold, PGA Zachary Dobrota Peter Hymes, PGA Benjamin Spiers, PGA September 23 Scott Ough, PGA Michael Stubblefield, PGA Andrew Donner Derek Rush, PGA Geoffrey Hiland, PGA September 10 Randy Kahn, PGA October 6 Cade Benson, PGA Brad Thorberg, PGA September 24 September 11 Stan Fenn, PGA October 7 Yukon Helene, PGA Austin Thomas, PGA Sam Broome, PGA Jason Young, PGA October 8 Nathan Gruda

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October 9 Phil Gerster, PGA David Heinly, PGA October 10 Bryan Mattingly October 12 Jaime MacDonald, PGA October 13 Ronald DeJacimo, PGA Zachary Lambeck, PGA Rynk Strothers, PGA October 14 Caine Fitzgerald, PGA Stewart Koch October 15 Sherry Andonian, PGA Michael Northern, PGA October 16 Chad Miller, PGA October 17 Mitchell Rambin, PGA Geoffrey Strasser, PGA Narudol Yoadjarust, PGA

October 26 Jay Ewing, PGA Andrew Howie, PGA Eugene Miranda, PGA Dominic Principato, PGA October 27 Craig Vollmar, PGA Grant Wittenwyler, PGA October 28 Donald Fox, PGA October 29 Stan Sayers, PGA Patrick Tait, PGA October 30 Judy Begin-Sloan, PGA Jordan Bradford, PGA Ross McLean, PGA Gary Washington, PGA October 31 Jeremy Beck, PGA Frank Jacobson, PGA Kala Rusk, PGA

October 18 Matthew Kloppenburg, PGA October 20 Nick Welch, PGA October 23 Stephen Arendt, PGA Jacqueline Cunningham J R Hamblet, PGA Matthew Weiss, PGA October 25 Steven Bruening, PGA Gregory Bryan, PGA Gregg Jones, PGA Tara Morris, PGA

The SUMMIT

Tournament News

2021 Colorado PGA Professional Champion: Micah Rudosky, PGA

Rudosky wins two Championships in one season; first time in Colorado since 2013 The Colorado PGA Professional Championship, hosted at the Air Force Academy’s Eisenhower Golf Club - Blue Course, September 13-15, 2021, provided an excellent opportunity for our Colorado Members to showcase their skills. With wind gusts on day one, rain delays on day two, fast greens and an overall challenging course, claiming the title of Colorado PGA Professional Champion was no easy feat! Congratulations are in order to Micah Rudosky, PGA Head Professional of Conquistador Golf Course!

The first of three rounds teed off Monday morning, September 13th. Starting off strong, firing three birdies in a row on holes three, four, and five, led David Arbuckle, PGA Life Member, to a three-under-par on the front nine.

Adding two birdies on the back nine, secured Arbuckle the lead, carding a two-under-par 70 for the day. By the end of day one, there were five members tied for second at one-under-par for the day: Dan Sniffin, PGA Omni Interlocken, Kyle Voska, PGA The Links Golf Course, Robert Grall, PGA Colorado National Golf Club, Michael Zaremba, PGA Desert Hawk, and Matt Schalk, PGA Colorado National Golf Club. Last year’s champion, Geoff Keffer, PGA Lakewood Country Club, sat for 17th following a round of 74.

Rain or shine, Colorado PGA Professionals showed up and pushed through the second round of the Colorado PGA Professional Championship that eventually was suspended due to darkness. After two rain delays, players resumed play with approximately two hours until sunset, which left seven groups to finish their rounds Wednesday morning before the final round was set to start.

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Tournament News A few other notable rounds came from the 2021 Colorado Senior PGA Professional Champion, Micah Rudosky, PGA Conquistador Golf Course, and 2021 Colorado Assistant PGA Professional Champion, Ben Lanting, PGA Bear Creek Golf Club. Rudosky went out in 37 and closed with four birdies, one bogey, and an eagle on the back nine; posted a three-under-par 69 and sat in second place. Lanting came out of the gates hot firing a six-under front nine consisting of an eagle, birdie, birdie, birdie, birdie stretch on holes five through nine. Lanting stumbled down the stretch with five bogies on the back nine en route to a 41 and a second-round score of one-under-par 71.

Following Tuesday afternoon’s rain delays, blue skies at the Air Force Academy Eisenhower Golf Club - Blue Course Wednesday morning set the tone for a fantastic final round of the Colorado PGA Professional Championship. Wednesday morning, the second round concluded, the cut was made and then the final round commenced!

When asked how the day was playing at the turn, Barry Milstead, PGA Valley Country Club, replied, “they’re playing well”, referring to the other members in his threesome. One of whom was Ben Lanting. Two bogies, a birdie, and two eagles led him a three-under-par 33 on the front nine, which positioned himself from tied for 12th to third place at one-over-par through the front nine. Both posting two-under front nines, Mike Northern, PGA Life Member, and Christopher Hyten, PGA Castle Pines Golf Club, were tied with Ben going into the final nine holes. As a strong contender all week, Rudosky, remained consistent with an even-par front nine. Tuesday’s leader, Kyle Voska, shot a fiveover-par 41 to sit four shots behind Rudosky.

After 54 holes, Rudosky claimed victory! Posting a three-under-par total of 209 (75-69-69). Lanting congratulated Rudosky saying, “I’m pleased with the day. Micah went out and earned it.” With only one bogey and four birdies for the day, Rudosky commented, “I felt good about the round, and I’m excited to be heading to Austin, Texas.”

Rudosky admitted that he had not played this course in ten years, with the last time being back in 2011 when the Section Championship was last held at Eisenhower. “I knew coming in how difficult this course could play,” he commented, but “I made the putts I needed to.”

In a similar fashion to his front nine, Lanting carded one bogey and three birdies on the final nine. He ended with an impressive five-under-par 67 for the round and one-under after 54 holes; finished second behind Rudosky.

After not his best round on Monday, Lanting knew he needed his mental game to be strong. “Just keep playing”, he commented, “Every shot is a new shot, each day is a new day. In final rounds, you know what you have to do.

[Regardless of outcome] I’m blessed to play a game I love.” Lanting kept a great attitude, but his score could be due to the history behind his choice of outfit. He wore the same outfit at the Colorado Open and shot a 67 and also when he won the 2021 Colorado Assistant PGA Professional Championship, with a 64. His mentor and friend, Kirk Rider, PGA Bear Creek Golf Course, also wore the same shirt at the Colorado Senior PGA Championship, shot 67, and qualified for the Senior PGA Professional Championship!

Tied for third belongs to Caine Fitzgerald, PGA Meadow Hills Golf Course, and Christopher Hyten, PGA Castle Pines Golf Club, with rounds of 77-74-67--218 and 74-73-71--218, respectively.

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Tournament News Finishing solo fifth, but not eligible to advance to the National PGA Professional Championship, because of his PGA Life Member status, was 2006 Colorado PGA Professional Champion Mike Northern, PGA. Northern fired rounds of 76, 71, 72 leading him to a three-day total of 219, three-over-par.

This win marked the second time anyone had won two of the three Colorado Championships in a season. The last was Doug Rohrbaugh, PGA The Snowmass Club, in 2013 when he won the Colorado Senior PGA Professional Championship and the Colorado PGA Professional Championship. Rohrbaugh, reflecting on those Championships, commented it was a “crazy year”, also winning the Colorado Senior Open.

Thank you to our sponsors, Cadillac, Club Car and Rolex, and to the Air Force Academy, Eisenhower Golf Club and the staff for their help in hosting and making this Championship successful.

The top nine finishers qualify for the 55th PGA Professional Championship, scheduled for April 17-20, 2022, at the OMNI Barton Creek Resort & Spa in Austin, Texas.

To see the full results of the 2021 Colorado PGA Professional Championship, click here.

PGA Professional Championship Qualifiers April 17-20, 2022 at the Omni Barton Creek Resort & Spa in Austin, Texas

1. Micah Rudosky, PGA | Conquistador Golf Course | 75-69-69--213 2. Ben Lanting, PGA | Bear Creek Golf Club | 77-71-67--215 T3. Caine Fitzgerald, PGA |Meadow Hills Golf Course | 77-74-67--218 T3. Christopher Hyten, PGA | Castle Pines Golf Club | 74-73-71--218 5. Geoff Keffer, PGA | Lakewood Country Club | 74-77-69--220 T6. Sherry Andonian, PGA | Valley Country Club | 75-73-73--221 T6. Matt Schalk, PGA | Colorado National Golf Club | 71-77-73--221 T6. Tyler Parsloe, PGA | Jake's Academy | 75-72-74--221 T6. Kyle Voska, PGA | The Links Golf Course | 71-72-78--221 Alternates, in order: T10. Doug Rohrbaugh, PGA | The Snowmass Club | 79-69-74--222 T10. Robert Grall, PGA | Colorado National Golf Club | 71-76-75--222 T10. Michael Zaremba, PGA | Desert Hawk at Pueblo West | 71-76-75--222 T13. Doug Montgomery, PGA | Gott Golf | 73-74-76--223 T13. Peter Norwood, PGA | MetaGolf Learning Center | 72-75-76--223

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Tournament News

Qualifiers for the 2022 PGA Professional Championship

Omni Barton Creek Resort & Spa of Austin, Texas | April 17-20, 2022

Micah Rudosky, PGA Conquistador Golf Course

Ben Lanting, PGA Bear Creek Golf Club

Caine Fitzgerald, PGA Meadow Hills Golf Course

Christopher Hyten, PGA Castle Pines Golf Club

Geoff Keffer, PGA Lakewood Country Club

Sherry Andonian, PGA Valley Country Club

Matt Schalk, PGA Colorado National Golf Club

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Tyler Parsloe, PGA Jake's Academy

Kyle Voska, PGA The Links Golf Course

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Tournament News

Lanting Wins the 2021 National Car Rental Colorado Assistant PGA Professional Champion

Lanting claimed his third title in four years

The National Car Rental Colorado Assistant PGA Professional Championship concluded with an exciting final round at Highland Meadows Golf Course. Ben Lanting, PGA Assistant Golf Professional at Bear Creek Golf Club, claimed his third Colorado Assistant PGA Professional Championship title! Lanting started the final round trailing leader Andrew Connell, PGA Assistant Golf Professional at The Ridge at Castle Pines North, by four strokes and two behind Mike Weingartner, PGA Assistant Golf Professional at Walnut Creek Golf Preserve, which led to a strong battle to claim victory.

Knowing he had to play well with strokes to gain, Lanting was able to keep a level head and a “keep doing what I’ve been doing” attitude. He shared, “I’m playing well enough to shoot a low number today. The putts weren’t going in yesterday so I needed to stay patient and read the greens well and in-depth.” Lanting played a “zoned in, freeflowing” final round en route to hoisting his third trophy. Despite the overall performance, Lanting carded a bogey on hole one. “I chunked the second shot into the water and had to make a 15 footer for bogey which felt like a birdie.” Ironically, when Lanting won his second Championship at Walnut Creek Golf Preserve in 2019, he doublebogeyed the first hole, stating, “It refocuses me.” This setback lit a fire in him for the final 17 holes; he bounced right back with a birdie on hole two and didn’t drop a shot the rest of the round. Birdies on 5, 7, and 9 closed out his front nine in style, turning at 6-under-par for the tournament. Four more birdies followed on the back nine leading to a 10-under-par total of 132.

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Tournament News Now three-time Champion, Lanting credits his caddie, Kirk Rider, PGA Head Professional at Bear Creek Golf Club, for helping him keep perspective on his game: “We have a special dynamic. He’s my mentor and one of my best friends.” Lanting caddied for Rider a few weeks ago in the Colorado Senior PGA Professional Championship, helping him qualify for the Senior PGA Professional Championship in Florida, commenting “I got you, now you gotta get me.” Lanting and Rider both expressed how excited they are to caddie for each other again in Florida!

Along with Rider, Lanting thanked his new wife, Aimee, for her endless support. Lanting also shared, “Faith plays a really big role… God, family, friends put me into a mindset to play at my best.”

Day 1 Leader, Connell, never could get on a run throughout Day 2. One bogey and one birdie on the front nine lead to an even-par 36. He continued his up and down round on his final nine holes posting three birdies and two bogies for a 36hole total of 8-under-par 134.

Weingartner had a great run on Day 2, ultimately falling just short, finishing in a tie for second with Connell. Weingartner had the lead after a front nine 33 put him at 8-under for the championship, leading Lanting by 2. Weingartner birdied 11 and 12 to get to 10-under and keep his two-shot lead, but bogies on 13, 14 and 4 straight pars to finish landed him at 8under-par for the 36-hole tournament.

The Colorado Section and the 40 participants of the Colorado Assistant PGA Professional Championship would like to thank Mr. Chad Poirot, PGA Facilities Manager, and Mr. Griff Rainford, Golf Course Superintendent, at Highland Meadows Golf Course and their staff for providing excellent course conditions and welcoming us this week! The Section would also like to thank the presenting sponsor, National Car Rental, for their help in making this event successful.

To see the full results of the 2021 Colorado Assistant PGA Professional Championship, click here.

National Car Rental Assistant PGA Professional Championship Qualifiers November 11-14, 2021 at PGA Golf Club in Port St. Lucie, Florida 1. Ben Lanting, PGA | Bear Creek Golf Club | 68-64--132 T2. Andrew Connell | Ridge at Castle Pines North | 64-70--134 T2. Mike Weingartner, PGA | Walnut Creek Golf Preserve | 66-68--134 4. Ryan Wroblewski, PGA | Colorado Golf Club | 68-68--136 Alternates, in order: 5. Brian Belz | Maroon Creek Club | 69-68--137 6. Geoff Keffer, PGA | Lakewood Country Club | 68-70--138 7. Jack Allen, PGA | Cherry Hills Country Club | 71-68--139

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Tournament News

Qualifiers for the 45th National Car Rental Assistant PGA Professional Championship PGA Golf Club in Port St. Lucie, Florida | November 11-14, 2021

Ben Lanting, PGA Bear Creek Golf Club

Andrew Connell Ridge at Castle Pines North

Mike Weingartner, PGA Walnut Creek Golf Preserve

Ryan Wroblewski, PGA Colorado Golf Club

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Tournament News

Braga Claims 2021 Colorado PGA Women’s Championship Title Two-Time Champion Wins at Thorncreek Golf Course

The final round of the Colorado PGA Women’s Championship was nothing short of a nail-biter. Heading into the final 9-holes, it was a tight race between the two-time champion, Alexandra Braga, PGA Instructor at Denver Country Club (2016 & 2017), and past Champion, Tara Morris, PGA Assistant Professional at Country Club at Castle Pines (2018 & 2020) and the 2019 Champion, Sherry Andonian, PGA Instructor at Valley Country Club. Braga had a two-shot lead heading to her tenth hole after carding one-under at the turn, but ultimately was able to cruise home after 3 birdies in a row on 11 through 13. Firing a final round 69 led to Braga’s third Championship win in the last 6 years!

“Sherry came in on that back nine and was definitely putting pressure on me. Tara too – she came in hot on the back as well, which made things fun,” Braga stated when asked how the round wrapped up. While she’ll tell you that day one's round was certainly easier for her than day 2, she was able to learn from her mistakes. “I took a bogey on 11 on Monday, but today I was able to come back and make a birdie.” And that’s where the momentum started for Braga. Birdies followed her on 12 and 13. Braga is eager to take this win home to her twoyear-old daughter, Charlie. “She’s starting to putt, she’s starting to understand what I do, and it makes things like today mean more to me.” Being a new mom has definitely made a difference in her game, as she finds herself more eager to get home to baby Charlie, opposed to hitting golf balls after her last lesson these days. But after posting red numbers both days, you would never know she’s spending less time on the course. “We’re in a different place in our lives now, so it feels good to come out and play good golf,” Braga mentioned as she wrapped up her day.

Reigning Champion, Tara Morris, PGA, kept up with Braga and Andonian, posting her own 69 for the day, and also being a new mother herself commented, “Today was hard. It was my son’s first day of daycare today, and I was sad to miss that. Thankfully, I was able to play with two other great women. My goal today was to just make some good swings.” She too admits that she doesn’t find herself having time to practice as much with her now 5-month-old son waiting for her back at home, but “being able to go and compete and see some birdies – that’s great for us new moms,” Morris commented.

Finishing third, Sherry Andonian, PGA, admits that she played “too aggressive. I knew I was within 2 at the turn, and I just started hitting not great shots.” Andonian posted rounds of 69-71 for the 36-hole stroke play championship.

We’d like to thank PGA Head Professional Ryan Bakken and course Superintendent, Doug Fisher at Thorncreek Golf Course, and their staff for hosting, as well as a big thank you to all the LPGA and PGA Professionals and Associates who came out to play this year!

To see the full results from the 2021 Colorado PGA Women’s Championship, click here.

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Tournament News

Qualifiers for the 33rd Senior PGA Professional Championship PGA Golf Club in Port St. Lucie, Florida | October 21-24, 2021

Micah Rudosky, PGA Conquistador Golf Course

Barry Milstead, PGA Valley Country Club

Patrick Reidy, PGA The Club at Inverness

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Ron Vlosich, PGA Life Member

Kirk Rider, PGA Bear Creek Golf Club

Doug Rohrbaugh, PGA The Snowmass Club

Chris Johnson, PGA Country Club at Woodmoor

Peter Mogg, PGA Roaring Fork Club

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Tournament News

Dow Finsterwald Colorado PGA Rolex Player of the Year Player

Facility

Lakewood Country Club 1 Geoff Keffer 2 Saddle Rock Golf Course Grant Jackson 3 The Snowmass Club Doug Rohrbaugh 4 The Club at Pradera Jason Witczak 5 Bear Creek Golf Club Ben Lanting 6 Walnut Creek Golf Preserve Mike Weingartner The Links Golf Course 7 Kyle Voska Meadow Hills Golf Course 8 Caine Fitzgerald Country Club at Woodmoor 9 Chris Johnson 10 Kirk Trowbridge MetaGolf Learning Center 11 Mark Avery The Ranch Country Club 12 Brian Gott Gott Golf 13 Tyler Parsloe Jake's Academy 14 Jeramy Curry The Links Golf Course 15 Jeff Carter Meadow Hills Golf Course 16 Mark Matz Beaver Creek Golf Club 17 Visanu Tongwarin Legacy Ridge Golf Course The top 17 Players will earn an exemption into the CoBank Colorado Open in 2022.

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

Player

Sherry Andonian Jackie Cunningham Stefanie Ferguson Tara Morris Alexandra Braga Katie Milstead Chelsea Soda

Facility

Valley Country Club Valley Country Club Experience Golf Country Club at Castle Pines Denver Country Club Valley Country Club Trent Wearner Golf Academy

POY Points 5,088.17 3,625.33 3,421.00 3,251.57 3,046.33 2,422.50 2,280.57 1,972.03 1,939.03 1,822.00 1,773.16 1,689.70 1,663.20 1,552.83 1,535,03 1,444.83 1,433.13

POY Points 1,464.50 1,331.83 1,200.00 450.00 448.00 394.33 155.00

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

Player

Doug Rohrbaugh Ron Vlosich Chris Johnson Rick Cole Micah Rudosky Brian Gott Mark Avery Barry Milstead Bill Hancock Sherry Andonian

Facility

The Snowmass Club Life Member Country Club at Woodmoor Eaton Country Club Conquistador Golf Course Gott Golf The Ranch Country Club Valley Country Club Foothills Golf Course Valley Country Club

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

Player

Devon Pilkington Dan Augustine Behrod Keshtavar Brandon Wood Andrew Connell Jackie Cunningham Jonathan Atencio Austin Umland Alex Kline Jeremy Minnick

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Facility

Todd Creek Golf Club The Club at Ravenna Todd Creek Golf Club Saddle Rock Golf Course The Ridge at Castle Pines North Valley Country Club Cattails Golf Club Collindale Golf Course GOLFTEC - Lakewood Lakewood Country Club

POY Points 4,558.00 3,007.40 2,468.03 2,415.00 2,259.00 2,061.70 1,962.16 1,866.37 1,829.60 1,714.50

POY Points 1,387.76 1,048.00 997.00 948.20 689.00 591.83 557.67 514.50 435.50 395.90

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

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

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

current leaderboard through SECTION CHAMPIONSHIP place | player | Club affiliation | Points 1. Ben Lanting | Bear Creek Golf Club | 2,812 2. Micah Rudosky | Conquistador Golf Course | 2,800 3. Geoff Keffer | Lakewood Country Club | 2,702.50 4. Caine Fitzgerald | Meadow Hills Golf Course | 2,366.90 5. Kyle Voska | The Links Golf Course | 2,173.40 6. Grant Jackson | Saddle Rock Golf Course | 2,118.50 7. Christopher Hyten | Castle Pines Golf Club | 1,906.00 8. Doug Rohrbaugh | The Snowmass Club | 1,848.50 9. Tyler Parsloe | Jake's Academy | 1,847.50 10. Mark Matz | Beaver Creek Golf Club | 1,602.50

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

Tournament News

Masek Match Play Championship Finals Scheduled for September 23 at The Club at Flying Horse North When the Masek Match Play Championship began in early May, 64 players were vying to be crowned the 2021 Champion. That number has now been dwindled down to four. The 2021 semifinalists are Joe Carlton, PGA Head Professional at Legacy Ridge Golf Course; Peter Mogg, PGA Assistant Professional at Roaring Fork Club; Geoff Keffer, PGA Assistant Professional at Lakewood Country Club; and Caine Fitzgerald, PGA Assistant Professional at Meadow Hills Golf Course.

The 2021 Masek Match Play Finals will take place on Thursday, September 23, at The Club at Flying Horse North.

Semi-Final matches will tee off at 8:30 and 8:40am with the Third-Place and Championship Matches taking place at 1:00 and 1:10pm respectively. We again want to thank Masek Rocky Mountain Golf Cars for their title sponsorship of this event and continued support of the Colorado PGA! Click Here For Current Bracket.

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ROXANNE

Colorado PGA Jr. League News

2021 Colorado PGA Jr. League Official Postseason Returns in 2021 We were excited to have the National Car Rental PGA Jr. League Championship Season back in full swing this year. 2021 was a year to remember. We saw tremendous growth from 2019, which was our last year with an official postseason, and we also added a 17U Section Championship!

2021 PGA JR. LEAGUE SECTION CHAMPIONSHIP On August 21-22, 2021, we hosted the 2021 Colorado PGA Jr. League Section Championship at the Pinery Country Club. An incredible 317 PGA Jr. League players competed that weekend. We had a total of 34 13U teams and 8 17U teams. 13U teams competed in a 9-hole scramble stroke play with the best three out of four scores counting towards the team total. Half of the 13U teams competed on Saturday, and the remaining teams competed on Sunday. The team with the lowest score between the two days advanced to the National Car Rental PGA Jr. League Regional Championship.

Our 13U team that advanced to the Regional Championship were the All-Stars representing the Mount Oxford League, coached by PGA Associate Tim Radomicki. The Mount Oxford league consists of teams from Boulder Country Club, Ptarmigan Country Club, Omni Interlocken, and The Ranch Country Club. The kids shot an incredible nine-under-par (-9) in the strong, windy conditions that added to the challenge that the Pinery CC had to offer on Saturday.

17U All-Stars competed on Sunday afternoon. 17U teams competed in a 9-hole scramble stroke play with the best two out of three scores counting towards the team total. The 17U Elevation JGA All-Stars, coached by PGA Professional Jason Witczak, finished victorious with a twelve-under-par (-12). Finishing as the Runners-up and also advancing to Regionals were 17U Pioneers All-Stars, led by PGA Professional Brian Sevier and PGA Professional Philip Linares.

A huge thank you to Head Golf Professional Mike Fengler, PGA, and his staff at the Pinery Country Club for hosting us!

2021 PGA JR. LEAGUE REGIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP Following the Section Championship was the PGA Jr. League Regional Championship at The Ridge Golf Club in Sioux Center, Iowa. This year’s regional was a two-day competition with qualifying rounds and head to head match play competition.

Representing the Colorado Section were: The Mount Oxford 13U All-Stars The Elevation 17U All-stars The Pioneer 17U All-Stars

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Colorado PGA Jr. League News

13 U Mount Oxford All-Stars - 3rd Place

17U Pioneers All-Stars - 3rd Place

In the 13U Division, the Mount Oxford All-Stars, led by PGA Associate Tim Radomicki finished in 3rd place. And in the 17U division’s inaugural regional competition, PGA Professional Jason Witczak was able to lead the team to victory! Congratulations to all those players, parents, relatives, captains, and coaches who made the trip to Iowa for the event.

17U Elevation All-Stars 1st Place

2021 PGA Jr. League Fall Season If you are interested in participating in the fall season, please contact Sam or Anthony as soon as possible. The fall season is designed to be flexible and create ongoing opportunities for kids to stay engaged in a team golf atmosphere.

Anthony Vitale, PGA

PGA Jr. League Regional Manager avitale@pgahq.com (561) 267-1208

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

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Junior Golf News

100 Hole Hike

Support Colorado PGA Junior Golf Manager, Samantha Crawford

The 100 Hole Hike, to raise funds for Youth on Course, will be Monday, September 27, 2021. Youth on Course provides youth with access to life-changing opportunities through golf by giving members access to golf for $5 or less at more than 1,400 participating courses around the country. Beyond affordable golf, it provides opportunities for young people to get the support they need to succeed through career prep, leadership and scholarship programs.

Golfers across the country participate in this annual fundraiser. Colorado PGA's Junior Golf Manager, Samantha Crawford, will be raising funds for the second year in a row. Please consider supporting her in her efforts.

Click Here To Learn More And Make A Donation.

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Junior Golf News

On To CGC

Sub-Regional Updates from Murphy Creek and Thorncreek

By Gary Baines Click Here For Full Article.

Sixteen junior golfers, including 15 from Colorado, are one step away from earning trips to the Drive, Chip & Putt National Finals on April 3 at Augusta National Golf Club, the weekend before the Masters.

The 16 landed berths into the DCP Regionals, set for Sept. 19 at Colorado Golf Club in Parker. It’s just the second time a Colorado site has hosted a DCP Regional.

In the first of two Sub-Regional qualifying events scheduled for Colorado, two players in each of eight gender/age divisions advanced from Saturday’s competition at Murphy Creek Golf Course in Aurora [August 14]. The other Colorado-based Sub-Regional is set for Aug. 28 at Thorncreek Golf Course in Thornton.

The top point scorer out of any gender/age division on Saturday was Brayden Destefano of Peyton, who racked up 164 points in boys 12-13.

One Step Closer

By Gary Baines

Click Here For Full Article.

Fourteen more Coloradans — and 16 junior golfers overall — kept their hopes alive for advancing to the Drive, Chip & Putt National Finals by finishing in the top two in their age/gender divisions at a Saturday SubRegional qualifying tournament at Thorncreek Golf Course in Thornton [August 28].

They will advance to a Regional qualifying event that’s scheduled for Sept. 19 at Colorado Golf Club in Parker.

It’s just the second time a Colorado site has hosted a DCP Regional. Two weeks ago, 15 other Coloradans earned berths into Regionals through a Sub-Regional qualifier at Murphy Creek Golf Course in Aurora.

Among those who advanced on Saturday was Crew Ortiz of Colorado Springs, brother of 2019 DCP National Finals qualifier Grady Ortiz. Crew Ortiz won the boys 7-9 competition at Thorncreek.

The top point scorer out of any gender/age division on Saturday was Addison Hines of Arvada, who chalked up 147 points in winning the girls 12-13 competition.

This season’s National Finals — the next step after the Regionals — are set for April 3 at Augusta National Golf Club, the weekend before the Masters.

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Thank You to Our Sponsors!

President's Club | $20,000 and above

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PGA Tour

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Diamond | $10,000

Masek Golf Cars Jason Masek

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Jani-King Colorado AvidGolfer

Gil Sanchez

Allen Walters

The Consummate Pro Tom Cotter

True Temper David Walker

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Colorado Golf Expo Lynn Cramer

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Thank You to Our Sponsors!

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Bronze | $1,000

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