A Paul is Cast

“Say it isn’t so!” Colorado Springs-based PGA Professional Ann Finke said upon hearing that fellow Colorado Golf Hall of Famer Paul Ransom had died April 5 at age 88. “He was the best! He always cared for others so much more than himself.”

Ransom, who caddied at The Broadmoor during the 1940s, went on to win the 1951 State High School Golf Championship and then was MVP of the North Texas State College golf team. From 1963 to 2000, he served as the head PGA Professional at two Colorado Springs municipal courses: Valley Hi (1963-1981) and Patty Jewett (1977-2000). In 1989, he became the first recipient of both the Colorado PGA Section’s Golf Professional of the Year and Junior Golf Leader awards in the same year.

Ransom’s avuncular nature and passion for mentoring endeared him to all. “I worked for Paul as an assistant when I first got out of college in 1971,” remembers former Denver Country Club PGA Professional Tom Connell, a Colorado Springs product who, like Ransom, won the State High School Golf Championship and eventually followed him into the Colorado Golf Hall of Fame.

“He was the hardest working— and playing—man I ever worked for. He influenced so many young assistants and bag boys to begin their careers in a positive way.”

True to his selfless nature, Ransom donated his body to the Institute of Anatomical Research in Colorado Springs.

The Evening at a Glance

You’ll be valeted to the Vehicle Vault, one of the most distinctive event venues in Colorado, where guests will explore and enjoy a highly curated private collection of vintage and exotic automobiles valued over $20 million, mix and mingle amongst exquisitely decorated lounges from Howard Lorton Furniture and Design, Colorado Style Home Furnishings and more, be entertained by a professional aerialist, food stations with live chefs from INTUEAT, enjoy open bars throughout and an unplugged, intimate performance by Sean Kelly of The Samples, artist presentations with Colorado Artist – James Holmes, state-of-the-art golf simulator from Optimum Golf and today’s hottest luxury cars and more!

Toast the Night

Guests will enjoy amazing cocktails and the mouth-watering tastes and sophisticated flavor of decadence at seven culinary action stations! From sushi to tomahawk steaks and fresh Colorado produce sizzling away on Mountain High Appliance’s luxury grill to the creative recipes of Pint’s Peak Ice Cream and The Donut, while the Personal Chefs from INTUEAT will deliver a Culinary Experience worth remembering! Fresh-shucked oysters from Blue Island Oyster Bar and Seafood, Charcuterie with Ornery Olive, and the infamous Colorado Mountain Crust of Beau Jo’s Pizza round out an evening of food and fun that won’t soon be forgotten!

An Evening to Help

For more than 19 years, Bags of Fun has brought joy, laughter and relief to children fighting a life-threatening disease or condition. The organization creates “Bags of Fun” that are carefully crafted for each child taking into consideration the best means to reduce their tension, anxiety and fatigue during their treatments. We believe in the rehabilitative power of play for all children fighting for their health and happiness.

You don’t want to miss this unforgettable evening benefiting local children’s charity Bags of Fun. Wheels of Dreams is a charity fundraiser that raises awareness and financial support to help provide Bags of Fun to kids fighting long-term and life-threatening illnesses. For information and tickets,

Please contact Bags of Fun at 720.476.3022 with any inquiries.

By Andy Bigford