Colorado AvidGolfer April 2025

BIGGEST BATTLE

The longtime broadcaster and Denver native is using his cancer diagnosis to spread the word about prostate health.

FEATURES

2025 gear guide// 18

Manufacturers are bringing high-tech into golf equipment at a rate like never before. By Jim Bebbington

troons growth // 34

The largest golf management company has added Colorado courses to its portfolio. By Jon Rizzi

2025 private club guide// 51

Your personal guide to the best private country clubs in Colorado. By Jim Bebbington

BLINDSHOT

former af captain soars // 72

Kyle Westmoreland, a U.S. Air Force Academy graduate, revels in his first Korn Ferry win. By Jim Bebbington

FAREWAYS

Black Cat Farmstead near Longmont and Boulder changes ‘farm-to-table’ dining to ‘farm-to-farm’. By John Lehndorff

DEPARTMENTS

8// FORETHOUGHTS

Sometimes the subject of an interview just takes charge; that’s a good thing. By Jim Bebbington

12// THE CGA

People of the CGA – Kent Moore, quintessential amateur champion. By Kayla Kerns

14// THE GALLERY

A PGA photographer living in Parker has photos of golf’s golden age. By Jay McKinney

40// course book: tributary

Tributary is ready to distract you at almost every shot with the Tetons rising in the distance. By David Young

PHOTO CREDIT: CHRISTIAN MARCY-VEGA

PHOTO CREDIT: JEFF GOLDBERG PHOTOGRAPHY

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Don’t miss your chance to attend Denver’s most unique golf classic and support Morgridge Academy at National Jewish Health.

This unforgettable golf experience includes:

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ALLEN J. WALTERS CONTENT DIRECTOR JIM BEBBINGTON

SALES, MARKETING & ADVERTISING

PERRY director of golf operations MICHAEL T. COLANDER advertising account manager MINDA CARMANN

O’KEEFFE

ART & EDITORIAL

creative director CHRIS DECONNA art director , avidlifestyle MICHELLE M. GUTIERREZ

editor -at- large TOM FERRELL automotive editor ISAAC BOUCHARD

PARTNER CHRIS PHILLIPS

contributors

coloradoavidgolfer.com Colorado AvidGolfer (ISSN 1548-4335) is published eight times a

ANDY BIGFORD, TONY DEAR, CHRIS DUTHIE, SCOTT GARDNER, KAYLEE HARTER, NICK MCQUEENEY, TED JOHNSON, JOHN LEHNDORFF, CHRISTIAN MARCYVEGA, KIM MCHUGH, JAY MCKINNEY, JON RIZZI, JAMIE SIEBRASE, CHRIS WHEELER, DAVID YOUNG

John Pavlakovich

NMLSR ID: 801982

Executive Mortgage Consultant

Cell: 720-308-2507

John.Pavlakovich@phmloans.com

JohnPavlakovich.phmloans.com 215 Saint Paul St, Denver, CO 80206

FORETHOUGHTS

A NEW BATTLE

It was a beautiful Fools Spring afternoon when Vic Lombardi and I sat on the patio of his home course, The Club at Rolling Hills, and talked about his career in media, his family, and golf.

My interview and research was drifting me toward writing a story about how he is a survivor; during his time working in sports media the model for what success looks like in that field has completely changed, and Lombardi has changed along with it.

That’s not a bad story. Then he leaned forward.

“You know, if you’re looking for another angle, here’s one I’d like to push.” Lombardi is a career story-teller. He has interviewed thousands of people. He knew as well as I did that I needed an angle for my story - something to put at the core that makes a story worth reading by busy people. Then he calmly said that his prostate cancer is back, and he is going to be talking about it a lot in the upcoming months.

And that is when a smart writer just let’s an interview subject take the wheel and drive. Lombardi is not looking for sympathy or drama when he discusses how his prostate cancer has returned. He mentions that it’s stage 3, not the dreaded stage 4. (Stage 3 cancers may have grown but are still localized only where they started; stage 4 cancers have spread to other parts of the body.)

He talks about how he had been told by his doctor that this day was not a matter of if, but when. When he was first diagnosed at the age of 49, he opted for surgery. That surgery was successful, but they could not remove everything that was in there, he said. He was told the cancer would

likely grow back. And now it has. Our story on Vic and his efforts to help other men learn as much as possible about the disease begins in this issue on page 42. I hope it plays a small part in helping spread knowledge about one of the most common cancers in men.

Another strong piece of this issue is our annual private club guide.

Colorado is sprinkled with interesting courses and private clubs. It boasts Ballyneal, routinely listed as one of the great courses in the country. Some of the clubs on the front range like Cherry Hills Country Club, Denver Country Club and Lakewood Country Club have pedigrees that go back 50 years and more.

The guide is one of our most well-read articles we do – second only to our annual CAGGY awards stories. Many readers are googling ‘How much does it cost to join X Club’ and our article gets readership year-round. It’s one of the fun things about golf; we can all dream, can’t we? I appreciate the time of all the club managers, pros and membership directors who help us put it together.

Another gem in this issue that came from me listening is our Fareways column. John Lehndorff has been writing about Colorado restaurants for decades. So when he emailed and said he wanted to write about Longmont’s Black Cat Farmstead, and said ‘It was, honestly, one of the best dining experiences I’ve enjoyed in years’ I wisely listened. His article, which begins on page 28, is mouth-watering.

Jim Bebbington// jim@coloradoavidgolfer.com

Where Legends Compete, and Champions Rise

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OPEN TO ALL AVID GOLFERS 21+

THE CGA

PEOPLE OF THE CGA : KENT MOORE

MEET THE FORMER CGA MATCH PLAY CHAMPION

ByKaylaKerns

Kent Moore is the quintessential amateur golfer - excelling at high levels of competition while balancing family, business, and civic leadership. Moore grew up in Littleton and honed his game at Pinehurst Country Club before joining Lakewood Country Club out of college. He and his wife, Janet - an accomplished golfer in her own right – met when she was taking lessons from pro Earl Svenningsen, a friend of Moore’s.

They have two children, Sarah and Steven, both of whom enjoy the game, and six grandchildren. Kent and Steven have won the CGA Parent-Child Championship twice (2009, 2022), while he and Janet dominated the CGA Mixed Championship for years. Moore won the 1973 CGA Junior Match Play Championship while at Arapahoe High School. After playing as Purdue University’s top golfer and team captain, he returned to Colorado and joined Cherry Hills Country Club in 1983. He quickly cemented his legacy with victories in the 1986 CGA Stroke Play and 1989 CGA Match Play Championships, joining an elite group — including Hale Irwin and Brandt Jobe — who have won Colorado’s junior, match play, and stroke play titles.

Moore’s excellent play spans six decades, with CGA championship wins in the 1970s, ‘80s, ‘90s (1995 Mid-Amateur), 2000s (2006 Senior Match Play), 2010s (2014 Senior Amateur, 2016 Super-Senior Amateur, 2017 Super-Senior Match Play), and 2020s (2020, 2021, and 2022 Super-Senior Match Play). On the national stage, Moore has qualified for 11 USGA championships, most recently the 2019 U.S. Mid-Amateur at Colorado Golf Club and CommonGround Golf Course, where he was the oldest competitor at 63. His ac-

colades include CGA/PGA Co-Junior Player of the Year, CGA Open-Age Co-Player of the Year (1989), two Senior Player of the Year honors (2006, 2014), and Super-Senior Player of the Year (2017). Moore has served as Chair of the Colorado Open Foundation Board and coached the Wheaton College men’s golf team from 2011 to 2015. He loves to garden, is a licensed pilot, and holds his faith as a cornerstone of his life.

KK: Who introduced you to the game?

KM: My dad introduced me to the game when I was probably 6-years-old. We originally lived in Oklahoma City, and he would take me to the golf course with him. When we moved to Colorado and joined Pinehurst Country Club, I started playing more seriously. Pinehurst has 27 holes, including a very junior-friendly nine-hole course, and they hosted junior club championships. I played that nine-hole course all the time and really started playing competitively around age eight. My mom was very supportive but didn’t play, but my dad loved it!

KK: What do you do for work now?

KM: I am retired. I spent most of my life in some form of the oil and gas business and then I spent a few years working for two mutual fund companies for a dear friend I met playing golf as a junior.

KK: Who introduced you to the CGA Board?

KM: I played in CGA tournaments growing up, and I vividly remember showing up for junior tournaments where a man named Wilford Woody was always there. I’ve since met his grandson, who now plays in tournaments as well. Mr. Woody was a principal at one of the Denver Public Schools — he had very thick glasses and was very scholarly. He would show up with a box filled with pencils and scorecards, hand us our cards, and tell us to have a great time.

KK: Over the past 20 years, what did you do for the CGA Board?

KM: I’ve served as Vice President and President of the CGA, and I was fortunate to be part of the original committee that developed CommonGround Golf Course from Mira Vista. One of the biggest challenges — and biggest accomplishments — during my time on the board was the CGA/PGA split. It was a difficult process, but I believe it ultimately left both organizations much healthier. Thankfully, any tensions that existed back then have since been resolved, and there’s no animos -

ity anymore, which is a great outcome. I was also involved when the CGA and the CWGA merged, which was another significant milestone.

KK: What is your greatest golf accomplishment?

KM: I think my greatest accomplishment in golf was winning the 1986 Stroke Play Championship. At that time, I was eight years out of college, and all the top players in the state were there — Bill Loeffler, Tom Lee, Paul Lobato, and Larry Eaton. The final group was Larry, Bill, and me. Larry was a lot older than us but could really play, so I knew it was going to be a tough challenge to beat those guys. But I managed to pull it off, and my dad was caddying for me, which made it even more special. Jim Topliff, the rules official, was the first to shake my hand after the win. He and I were friends, so that moment meant a lot. Beating Bill Loeffler and Larry Eaton – two of the best amateurs the state has ever seen, was a huge accomplishment.

KK: If you could give your younger self or younger generations one piece of advice, what would it be?

KM: When it comes to golf, my best piece of advice is to pay attention to your self-talk on the course. Janet is much better at this than me and has taught me a lot. It’s easy to diminish yourself, but you can’t do that. You need to remind yourself, ‘I’m okay at this,’ and avoid beating yourself up. The earlier you can learn this, the better. I’ve seen players in tough situations who could win but didn’t because their self-talk was negative. I’ve also seen players have less successful careers because they were too hard on themselves.

What always amazes me is how much I’ve gotten out of my game. I don’t have a great swing, and I don’t hit it a long way, but I have persistence, and that comes from being more comfortable on the course than others at times. Many great players don’t achieve as much because they’re too hard on themselves.

PHOTO COURTESY OF KENT MOORE/ THE COLORADO GOLF ASSOCIATION

PHOTO COURTESY OF KENT MOORE/ THE COLORADO GOLF ASSOCIATION

The Silent Storyteller

Minus the click of the shutter, photographers are silent documentarians of history. In nearly every aspect of life, they use their cameras to freeze moments that often say more than any number of words could.

When it comes to the history of golf, there are numerous photographs that have solidified the legends of the game and fans will remember forever. From Tiger fist pumps to Arnold Palmer’s farewell wave on the Swilcan bridge at St. Andrews, retired professional golf photographer Marc Feldman was behind the lens for many of them.

Feldman lives in Parker and works in real estate photography now. He got his start as a commercial photographer in Los Angeles. After selling his studio to actor Mickey Rourke, he started to work for Golf Illustrated in Scottsdale in the mid-90s. He then started to work for Golfweek magazine and eventually Getty Images, travelling the world to shoot photos on the PGA, LPGA and European Tours.

Feldman also secured a dream gig through Buick when he was hired on to be a photographer for the motor company and its partnership with Tiger Woods that lasted for years. Feldman grew

up playing golf and still plays to this day. He says getting a career working as a professional golf photographer was surreal and he was how lucky to be able to document the sport during a golden age from 1996-2016.

“There weren’t a lot of us at the time,” Feldman says. “There might’ve been 30 guys that were traveling the Tour on a regular basis, and the rest of the guys were there at local events or would come in for the majors. But it was a combination of a fraternity and a circus.”

Feldman was a central figure of the fraternity circus, and it allowed him to capture some iconic moments in professional golf. While he was in the moment, he often didn’t realize the magnitude of the photographs he was capturing. Looking back on his career now, it’s obvious that some moments carry more weight than others.

“Payne Stewart winning The Open, Tiger sinking the putt on the 17th, Tiger winning The Open at Royal Liverpool, just a couple of months or so after his father had passed away. Those are kind of the images that stick with you,” Feldman says.

“I’m sure there’s maybe a dozen more, but those are the images that stand out to me. Everybody

PHOTO COURTESY OF MARC FELDMAN PHOTOGRAPHY

HOW MARC FELDMAN CAPTURED THE SOUL OF PROFESSIONAL GOLF | BY JAY MCKINNEY

PHOTO COURTESY OF MARC FELDMAN PHOTOGRAPHY

JUSTIN LEONARD SECURES THE 1999 RYDER CUP FOR THE U.S.S TEAM

ARNOLD PALMER BIDDING FAREWELL TO THE OPEN IN 1995

knew, you show them that picture, they go, ‘oh yeah, I remember watching that.’” When it comes to Feldman’s favorite courses that he’s taken photos at, Augusta National is surprisingly his least favorite. He said The Masters was the only tournament where photographers were not allowed inside the ropes and the limited access made his job more difficult. Instead, Feldman says St. Andrews and Pebble Beach are among his favorite courses to photograph and both consistently give him the chills when walking up the 18th fairway. As for tournaments, The Open is his personal favorite.

“I think the Open Championship is No. 1 because it’s played on a different course every year, it’s more pure. It’s pure golf,” Feldman says. “The gallery is knowledgeable, they’re respectful of what the game is. It’s just got a different feel than American golf, I suppose.”

The Feldman File

Feldman attended the University of Southern California Film School and Art Center College of Design. In addition to his work on the PGA Tour, he owned his own advertising and commercial production companies in Los Angeles and worked as Senior Staff Photographer for Golf Illustrated and Golfweek Magazines. You can view his entire portfolio at marcfeldmanphotography.com

THE GALLERY

PHOTO COURTESY OF MARC FELDMAN PHOTOGRAPHY

PAYNE STEWART WINS THE 1999 U.S. OPEN

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By Ted Johnson

This year’s club-tech season is upon us and manufacturers are making more models of clubs that meet the playing needs of a full range of golfers.

There are “families” of drivers and iron heads whose compact size do not twist on off-center hits for straight shots.

Putters now come in a wide range of heads and materials to meet any number of combinations of type of stroke, playing surface or just simple looks.

The advance of 3D-printed clubs is also making inroads. Before the 2024 U.S. Open, Brandon DeChambeau arrived at Pinehurst with prototype irons whose clubheads were created by a 3D printer.

Gear heads questioned whether they were just another one-off experiment that only the world’s elite golfers could afford. After all, 3-D

printing is not new in club design. Cobra Puma golf has been using 3D printers to make some putters. For 2025, however, Cobra has gone the extra step with the new 3D Tour iron. Each head is created on a 3D printer, and after a few swings you’ll understand why they are so remarkable.

These iron heads have a “lattice-like” backing of the face as well as two large tungsten weights in the heel and toe. The result is a club with remarkable forgiveness of a larger iron head but with the look and feel of a traditional “player’s” club. Hits off the toe or heel flew straight and far and gave that buttery off-the-sweet spot feel.

Cobra lists the 3D Tour at just over $400 each, about twice as high as most irons. It takes a full day to print one iron head.

All the subtleties can be confusing, even mesmerizing, but in the end the game becomes more enjoyable.

01.

PING G440 LST

Why You’ll Love It: Faster swings will love lower spin and high stability

Why You Should Buy It: High-speed swings will not result in “ballooning” - too high flight

Insider’s Insight: Ping’s models look similar but the interior tech changes yearly

Price: $650

02.

TITLEIST GT1

Why You’ll Love It: Pros and higher handicappers love the stability and launch

Why You Should Buy It: Back weight port allows for higher launch for slower swing speeds

Insider’s Insight: Unique in that interior weighting means pros avid golfers can use & enjoy

Price: $650

03.

COBRA ADAPT LS

Why You’ll Love It: Smaller head with unique shape for better aerodynamics

Why You Should Buy It: Better players will love front weighting for faster energy transfer

Insider’s Insight: 33 adjustable sole weights allow super fine-tuning = proper trajectory

Price: $550

04.

SRIXON ZXI

Why You’ll Love It: Variable face technology allows for larger sweetspot

Why You Should Buy It: Fits a large range of golfers for higher ball flight with little spin

Insider’s Insight: New titanium alloy in face; super-thin ti crown for fast exit speed

Price: $550

05.

PXG 0311 GEN6

Why You’ll Love It: Teardrop shape belies speed and stabiity at impact

Why You Should Buy It: Delivers mid-spin, midlaunch numbers; suits high and low handicaps

Insider’s Insight: Lots of ajustability for your game to produce maximum distance

Price: $300

06.

XXIO PRIME ROYAL EDITION

Why You’ll Love It: Elegant materials in super-lightweight club for higher launch

Why You Should Buy It: Designed for slower swing speeds & bisect face induces big energy

Insider’s Insight: Japanese Co. innovated the now common multiple-part forged heads

Price: $1200

01. CALLAWAY ELYTE

Why You’ll Love It: Sole shape delivers better turf interaction for consistent results

Why You Should Buy It: Tungsten Speed Wave is 35g weight for fast ball speeds

Insider’s Insight: AIdesigned face has more “control points” for exceptional pop

Price: $350

02. TAYLORMADE Qi35

Why You’ll Love It: 7-wood is the hottest club on PGA TOUR; this one might be the best Why You Should Buy It: 4 degrees of loft adjustment to dial in perfect launch and distance

Insider’s Insight: Chromium carbon, steel and aluminum constitute solid pro-style look

Price: $350

03.

PING G440 LST

Why You’ll Love It: New titanium face, tungsten sole plate, Carbonfly crown

Why You Should Buy It: 3- and 5-wood can be adjusted 1.5 degrees up or down to fit your bag

Insider’s Insight: Players with faster swing speeds will swoon over trajectory and distance

Price: $549

04. TITLEIST GT2

Why You’ll Love It: More forgiving and easy to hit, even off very tight lies

Why You Should Buy It: The secret: advanced face & crown construction for impressive power

Insider’s Insight: Don’t be intimidated by classic Tour look; forgiving, stable, consistent Price: $400

05.

COBRA ADAPT LS

Why You’ll Love It: Titanium face for extra zing & 33 settings to adjust to your game

Why You Should Buy It: Adjust head in +/- 2 degrees in any direction, but face remains square Insider’s Insight: Ultra fine-tuning of this club can bring greater distance and shot shaping

Price: $429

06.

XXIO PRIME ROYAL EDITION

Why You’ll Love It: Same elegant materials as driver; best for slower swing speeds

Why You Should Buy It: Face design gives extra flex for more speed at launch

Insider’s Insight: XXIO calls it an “exalted look.” But it’s definitely eye-catching and classy

Price: $800

01.

SRIXON ZXi7

Why You’ll Love It: Unique bisected sole reduces digging for fast impact

Why You Should Buy It: Best looking hightech forged iron with outstanding feel

Insider’s Insight: Customize your set with ZXi5 long irons or ZXiU utility iron

Price: $185 per club

02.

COBRA 3DP TOUR

Why You’ll Love It: 3D-printed head with lattice behind face & tungsten weights

Why You Should Buy It: Amazing forgiveness and feel in a “tour-sized” head

Insider’s Insight: The future for demanding players; takes a full day to print each head

Price: $408 per club

03.

MIZUNO JPX925 FORGED

Why You’ll Love It: Great Mizuno feel in super techno-iron

Why You Should Buy It: Slots in cavity & thin face for high flex & ball speed

Insider’s Insight: Best combo of distance with legendary Mizuno feel

Price: $200 per club

04. PING BLUEPRINT S

Why You’ll Love It: Forged 8620 carbon steel super soft compared to cast irons

Why You Should Buy It: “Pocket cavity” design induces higher flight in long irons

Insider’s Insight: Ping knows pros love forged heads for feel & shot shaping

Price: $187 per club

05. TAYLORMADE P970

Why You’ll Love It: Center of gravity precisely placed in each head = more distance  Why You Should Buy It: Improved feel of forged but with explosive launch at impact

Insider’s Insight: New: an even lower CG in the long irons enhances launch and playability

Price: $200 per club

06.

PXG WILDCAT

Why You’ll Love It: Wide sole, extreme interior weighting = high, straight shots

Why You Should Buy It: Designed to make it easy for those new to the game

Insider’s Insight: Interesting how “best player” manufacturer is broadening its line

Price: $120 per club

01. PING s159

Why You’ll Love It: Star Blast milling on face increases friction for more spin

Why You Should Buy It: Higher lofts have tightly spaced grooves for more edges

Insider’s Insight: Avid golfers will love the 25 options available for ultra customization Price: $200

02.

CLEVELAND RTZ TOUR RACK

Why You’ll Love It: Personalize every detail: bend, grind, color, engrave, etc

Why You Should Buy It: Unique steel is softer yet won’t rust as much over time

Insider’s Insight: The hosel is lighter (ZipCore tech) and the saved weight moves to toe

Price: $190

03.

TITLEIST VOKEY SM10

Why You’ll Love It: The master turns out another weapon better players trust

Why You Should Buy It: Many grind/bounce options to match your common course conditions

Insider’s Insight: PVD treatment achieves unique rich copper color - easy to see in the bag

Price: $180

04. MIZUNO T3

Why You’ll Love It: Little longer body with cavity back for more forgiveness

Why You Should Buy It: Made of soft 1025 steel with copper underlay for velvety feel

Insider’s Insight: Better players like the smaller-headed, straight sole design of T-1

Price: $180

05.

CALLAWAY OPUS PLATINUM

Why You’ll Love It: More grooves on face for tourquality spin

Why You Should Buy It: Aggressive face blast brings more spin and bite on soft shots

Insider’s Insight: Wanna turn heads? Get it in black shadow finish Price: $170

06.

COBRA KING

Why You’ll Love It: MIM construction means tighter grain structure & softer feel

Why You Should Buy It: Four sole options to match your most common turf conditions

Insider’s Insight: Low CG in lower lofts, higher in higher lofts for penetrating ball flight

Price: $169

01. ODYSSEY AI ONE SILVER MILLED 2

Why You’ll Love It: Consistent ball speeds no matter where you hit it on the face

Why You Should Buy It: Contours on aluminum backer molded to white hot urethane insert

Insider’s Insight: That White Hot feel just got more forgiving, and unique insert stands out $300

PING PRIME TYNE4

Why You’ll Love It: New insert has great feel; with more energy than urethane

Why You Should Buy It: Twin-forks head promotes straight-back, straight-through stroke

Insider’s Insight: Old urethane insert on urethane ball cover can come off as “dead”

Price: $200

BETTINARDI INOVAI 6.0

Why You’ll Love It: Aluminum body backs super milling in face for ultimate feel

Why You Should Buy It: Super-high MOI for no twisting on off-center strikes

Insider’s Insight: A piece of art that brings superb confidence with each strike

Price: $400

04. COBRA SUPERNOVA

Why You’ll Love It:

A 3D-printed cavityback putter bringing remarkable stability

Why You Should Buy It: Single-bend shaft & high MOI is perfect for straight-2-straight stroke

Insider’s Insight: Internal 3D-lattice structure behind face maintains highest MOI

Price: $349

05. CLEVELAND HB SOFT BLACK

Why You’ll Love It: Simple but elegant design will straighten out your stroke

Why You Should Buy It: Popular head shape with three alignment marks Insider’s Insight: Great feel and performance from lower-priced line Price: $200

06.

LAB DIRECTED FORCE 3

Why You’ll Love It: New company based on lie, angle and balance (LAB)

Why You Should Buy It: Each model is designed for very little face rotation, increasing MOI

Insider’s Insight: Off-center hits travel true as putter and shaft find correct path to ball

Price: $449

01.

BRIDGESTONE e12 HIGH LAUNCH

Why You’ll Love It: Air has less friction than grass, longer in the air - more distance

Why You Should Buy It: Soft core stays on clubface longer to give that higher launch Insider’s Insight: Best overall performance for the full spectrum of recreational golfers

Price: $35/dozen

02.

TITLEIST PRO V1X

Why You’ll Love It: Refined core induces higher launch and more spin

Why You Should Buy It: ProV1 model has less spin and lower launch; softer feel on approach shots Insider’s Insight: ProV line accounts for 1 of every 5 sold in the U.S.

Price: $55/dozen

03.

SRIXON Z-STAR DIAMOND

Why You’ll Love It: Great performance with reformulated highvelocity core

Why You Should Buy It: Thinner cover produces more spin on mid-and long irons

Insider’s Insight: Earthfriendly new cover derived from plant-based Biomass

Price: $50/dozen

04. TITLEIST AVX

Why You’ll Love It: Different dimple pattern induces lower flight, less spin

Why You Should Buy It: Doesn’t require a high swing speed to get the most performance Insider’s Insight: Some might find this model a little “squishy” with short irons

Price: $50/dozen

05.

MIZUNO PRO

Why You’ll Love It: Low spin but with very soft feel means ball speed and control

Why You Should Buy It: Thinner cover, thicker mantle work together for increased ball speed Insider’s Insight: Axial Flow Dimple Design creates penetrating ball flight

Price: $48/dozen

06.

TAYLORMADE TOUR RESPONSE

Why You’ll Love It: Wide, easy alignment strip also makes for easy visibility

Why You Should Buy It: Urethane, cover, softer core for slower swing speeds

Insider’s Insight: Tour Flight Dimple Pattern same as TP5 for longer carry

Price: $43/dozen

FAREWAYS

chef on the farm

ERIC SKOKAN’S HOME-SOURCED FEASTS MAY BE COLORADO’S COOLEST EVER FARM-TO-FARM TABLE EXPERIENCE

WORDS BY JOHN LEHNDORFF

PHOTOS BY JEFF GOLDBERG PHOTOGRAPHY

First-time diners at Black Cat Farmstead are allowed to be quizzical. They have to drive curving rural roads to a farm dinner featuring a menu they couldn’t preview.

When guests pull off a dirt road near Table Mountain into the Farmstead, the big mystery starts to make sense and the relaxation takes over. Besides the old wooden farm buildings are a series of glass-walled cabanas set along a hillside covered with berries and flowers.

First, the night’s diners gather in a pergola provided with comfy couches and beverages and check out farm offerings for sale. Racks offer cozy lamb skins, fresh flour (ground using grain grown onsite), and heirloom pork and lamb cuts in a freezer. Summer farm dinners have become increasingly popular in Colorado, but meals at Black Cat Farmstead are a truly singular Colorado experience.

It is also the home of Eric and Jill Skokan and their family. Besides running the 500-acre Black Cat Organic Farm, they operate Boulder’s Bramble & Hare restaurant. Food lovers know Eric Skokan for

Star.

“The pergola and the dining cabanas are in the middle of the garden where we grow flowers, herbs and strawberries to use in the meals. There are also black walnut, apple and pear trees. It’s not unusual to see cooks harvesting during the meals,” Eric Skokan says.

“It really is a farm experience.” The seven private dining spaces seating two to eight guests are set with tables, chairs and even plates and silverware sourced by the Skokans from estate sales and antique stores. Sheepskins cushion the seats.

Each cabana features a small iron stove for chilly evenings fueled by wood harvested near the creek running through the property.

UNWRAPPING BLACK CAT’S MYSTERIOUS MENU

Diners do not know what’s on the menu before they arrive at the farm for a fixed-price spread served family-style. It’s not a dramatic gimmick,

according to Skokan, or really a blind tasting. He simply doesn’t know ahead of time. “I start thinking about the menu on Monday. I look at what we have on hand at the farm and what the week’s harvest is looking like,” he says.

“I don’t finally decide the menu until Wednesday, and then it changes.”

Guests are asked to detail dietary needs beforehand, and wine must be pre-ordered before arriving. Skokan takes an almost symphonic approach to creating a menu juggling ingredients and ideas for 25 lucky diners per evening.

“We start with four courses but always end up offering tables additional tastes from the kitchen,” he says.

One recent night’s Farmstead menu was a leisurely taste trip starting with silky foie gras and red wine gelee, smoked trout with duck prosciutto, and a sliver of ripe French Delice Mon Sire cheese served with long crackers. The main course showcased farm-raised lamb with piperade sauce,

his multiple James Beard Award nominations and Bramble & Hare has earned the coveted Michelin Green

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bright parsley salad and aioli. Sweet finales included brandied farm pears with gingerbread and crème anglaise, accompanied by coffee and house-grown herb tea.

Black Cat Farmstead’s mission is to make everything possible from scratch. “We bake all the breads and crackers. We make our own vinegar, ice cream and pastries. We also make our own butter,” Skokan says. The kitchen is also dedicated to using everything the farm produces. “The peelings from beets are dehydrated and powdered and used to color pasta we served with duck confit,” he says.

LINGERING: THE FARMSTEAD’S SECRET INGREDIENT

Guests arrive at 6 p.m. and few guests are late. That is the last reference to time that diners will get during the meal.

“We have seven tables that seat about 25 guests a night. We don’t turn the tables. Each group has their table for the night and we’re on their pace, not ours,” Skokan says.

“Most people choose to eat at a slower pace. Often, they pause dinner partway through and go take a walk and look at the amazing sunsets. Then, they come back and have another couple of courses.” Some stay until constellations blanket the rural sky, but the chef notes that this is a farm, not a park. There will be dirt and mud as guests navigate the gawk-worthy property before, during and after the meal. Fancy footwear is discouraged.

WHY THEY BOUGHT THE FARM

Black Cat Farmstead exists because Eric Skokan’s gardening hobby got out of hand. He started growing herbs for his restaurant, but had zero experience as a farmer.

“We had the restaurant, we were farming in Niwot and I drove back and forth every day. If we lived on a farm, I’d be able to be a real father for our kids who were young,” he says.

The farm that they found turned out to be one of the oldest in the area.

“One of our buildings we can date to 1883, but the rest predate county records. It was called Blacksmith Ridge Farm and Old Swede Farm at various times,” he says. The old barn 50 yards from the front door of his home has been converted into a full commercial kitchen. The sole copy of that day’s menu – hand-scrawled on a large piece of paper – is taped to a wall.

When he stands at a big wood-fired grill outside the kitchen, Skokan can see the top of Longs Peak poking over the string of foothills nearby.

Most chefs are fully occupied finding labor and dealing with rising food prices. As a farmer, Eric Skokan also has to worry about nearly 500-acres and growing what he wants to be cooking with three to six months ahead.

The organic farm supplies the Farmstead dinners, Bramble & Hare and other local restaurants, as well as Black Cat’s Boulder roadside farm store,

PLAY US! with

Where Summer Meets the Sweet Spot!

Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) produce shares for members, and a stand at the seasonal Boulder Farmers Market.

“We grow around 200 varieties of vegetables, herbs, and flowers and do about 500 sheep and 100 American Mulefoot hogs a year,” Skokan says. His worst crop scenario as a farmer was the 2013 Boulder County floods. “It wiped out all of our winter squash and carrots. The tomatoes swelled up, burst, and turned into tomato soup in the fields. It was ugly,” he says.

HOW TO TURN A FARM INTO A RESTAURANT

Black Cat Farm dinners were born in the pandemic time, in 2020 and early 2021, when Black Cat Farm Table Bistro closed.

When he wanted to make the hugely popular farm meals permanent, Skokan naturally ran into a years’-long bureaucratic buzzsaw. No one had ever attempted a similar project locally, according

to Skokan, who designed the cabanas and served as construction foreman.

“The construction only took around eight months, but the design and permitting was labyrinthine. The process of converting a farm into a place that meets the same level of code as a restaurant was massive,” he says.

It finally launched in fall 2024, word of mouth among fans already means that reservations are only available six or more weeks ahead.

When the Eric and Jill Skokan opened their first restaurant in Downtown Boulder in 2006, they named it Black Cat Farm Table Bistro after its “lucky” location on 13th street.

“Jill and I have been married 22 years, and still going strong. She works in the restaurant and the farm kitchen and also handles all the administrative functions. She is excellent at the things I’m

terrible at,” he says. Cats are part of life at the Farmstead, but it’s no life of feline leisure.

“We don’t have pets. We have working animals that we live with. The cats keep the mice down,” he says.

Both Eric and Jill Skokan smile and shake their heads when asked if they will add more seats or dining days. “This is just the way we like it. It allows us to really take care of everyone and create a special experience,” he says.

Black Cat Farmstead Dinners: 9889 North 51st Street, Longmont; Reservations: blackcatboulder. com.

ABOUT THE WRITER

John Lehndorff is the former Dining Critic of the Rocky Mountain News. He hosts Radio Nibbles on KGNU.

14 and counting

TROON’S COLORADO FOOTPRINT IS GETTING BIGGER ALL THE TIME WORDS BY JON RIZZI

Thirteen years ago, you couldn’t have found a messier situation than the Club at Cordillera.

The owner, David Wilhelm, had shuttered three of the four courses on the 7,000-acre property and filed a $96 million lawsuit against the members. They countersued him for even more and resigned in droves. A bankruptcy and auction followed. Wilhelm was an investor in Wind Rose Holdings, the California group that bought it for $14.2 million.

That purchase took place on December 12, 2012. Almost a dozen years to the day later, on December 10, 2024, The Club at Cordillera sold again, this time to Troon, for an undisclosed amount far greater than $14.2 million. If any buyer knew about Cordillera, it was Troon, the world’s largest golf and golf-related hospitality management

company. The Scottsdale-based company’s private-club operating division, Troon Privé, had managed Cordillera for Wind Rose since January 2013 and played a critical role in the club’s resurgence from a distressed property to a highly desirable one.

“From the day Troon set foot on property, the company has brought stability and a pursuit of excellence to The Club,” said Cordillera general manager Michael Henritze, who has overseen every aspect of the facility’s operation since arriving in 2013 from another Troon-managed Colorado property, The Ridge at Castle Pines.

“Now as sole owners, Troon’s unwavering commitment to quality and passion for service will seamlessly continue.”

PHOTO PROVIDED BY THE CLUB AT CORDILLERA

THE LODGE AT THE CLUB AT CORDILLERA

The Cordillera acquisition represents somewhat of an anomaly for Troon, which now owns only six golf properties but provides management services at more than 900 locations around the world, including the operation of more than 575 golf courses.

“When it comes to acquisitions, we’re opportunistic,” Chief Development Officer Scott Van Newkirk says, noting that many of Troon’s purchases over the past seven years have been from other golf and property management companies (OB Management, Honours Golf, Green Golf Partners, Applied Golf, Indigo, ICON) and other complementary businesses in the areas of food and beverage, tennis, caddie services, sports event management and more.

“Places like Cordillera don’t trade too often,” he says. “We’d managed it for twelve years and the owner was looking to sell. Owning it allows us to plant a flag and grow around it in terms of the management side of the business.”

THE TROONING OF COLORADO

Even before taking title to The Club at Cordillera, Troon’s management presence in Colorado had doubled over the past two years — from five facilities with seven courses to 12 with 14. Three of the recent additions are private (Country Club of Colorado, Lake Valley Golf Club, Valley Country Club) and four are daily-fee or semi-private (Pelican Lakes, Raindance National, Grand Elk and the na -

The TROON TAKEOVER

scent Bella Ridge near Johnstown). Those venues have joined The Ridge at Castle Pines North, Rollingstone Ranch, Heritage Eagle Bend, Bookcliff Country Club and the three-course community at Cordillera.

“For a long time, we fought the perception that calling Troon in meant something was wrong,” the company’s Chief Legal Counsel Jay Grath, says. “After 2008, private clubs were looking for members, and public courses were looking to fill tee sheets. Post-pandemic, the conversation has changed. Daily-fee courses are looking to manage their operations to maximize revenue, and private clubs need to have a capital program that reinvests in amenities such as F&B and racquet sports that are relevant to new members.”

Troon’s wide-ranging resources enable clients to access experts in all areas of club operation — including accounting, agronomy and human resources — as well as save hundreds of thousands of dollars on the procurement of everything from mowers, grass and sand to pool chemicals, pickleball equipment and provisions for Prime Rib Fridays and Fourth of July bashes.

Troon’s success at Cordillera led to its management of Valley, where Bob Goodman, the board president, who was also a Cordillera member, convinced the board to bring in Troon. Troon also fights the perception that it imposes cost-cut-

ting measures and changes in staff and policies. “Stories get changed in the sewing circle,“ Cathy Matthews-Kane, General Manager at The Country Club of Colorado says. “Every course has an agreed-upon objective that Troon is hired to deliver on. My budget actually has increased with Troon as our partner.”

“We don’t mandate things,” Longmont native Brandon Fowler, Troon’s VP of business development, says. “At the end of the day, it’s never about us. We work for the club. We pride ourselves on listening to the goals and objectives of our clients, not forcing things on them.”

It all depends on the owner, explains Matt Molloy, Troon’s Vice President of Operations. “We have consulting deals, like with Pelican Lakes and RainDance, and there are à la carte models, like Grand Elk, which does its own accounting.”

At Bella Ridge, a public course that will open later this year near Johnstown on a former dairy farm owned by members of the Podtburg family, Troon has been a partner since the beginning of construction.

“Outside of designing the course, they have been alongside us every step of the way,” Stephanie Podtburg, the owners’ representative, says. “Troon has given us direction. There are so many details you just don’t think about—things you

THE RIDGE AT CASTLE PINES

PHOTO CREDIT: BRADEN HANSEN, PREMIER AERIALS

would never look for or think to ask. They have resources for everything. The owners are smart. They know their expertise is dairy farming. Business is business, but every industry is different, and I don’t think any of the owners want to be involved in the day-to-day golf operation. So, Troon will oversee that.”

Knowing what they don’t know doesn’t come as easily to some owners. Such is often the case with member-owned private clubs whose members have experience running corporations, but no familiarity of how to manage and operate a club.

“When there are five-hour meetings about the way the chef prepares steaks, we know they need help,” Van Newkirk says without naming the club in question. “Our job is to get them out of day-today oversight and focus on planning and the bigger picture.”

WHAT ABOUT THE GOLFER?

Since its founding in 1990, Troon has always aspired to hospitality-caliber customer service and superior agronomic conditions. “From a consumer standpoint, when you hear the word ‘Troon’ you know what you’re going to get,” Fowler says. “We deliver consistency and brand recognition at all locations.”

On the private side, members at Cordillera and the other four Troon Privé clubs can play as many as six rounds per year at any of the 145 participating clubs at preferred rates. “Our members love it; they can go to our sister properties in Arizona and Hawaii at a discount determined by that club — plus they can bring guests,” Matthews-Kane says. On the public side, Troon built its reputation on euphemizing its public courses as “upscale daily-fee” facilities. Today these layouts — which now number more than 350 and range from munis to PGA Tour stops —all bear the Troon hallmarks of elevated service and course conditions.

How much does access to them cost? Troon dynamically prices tee times using algorithms that factor in predicted demand, weather, tee-time scarcity, area comps and other variables. “We do it the right way,” Fowler explains. “The pricing is not arbitrary, and you can no longer wait until the morning of the day you’re playing to grab a cheap tee time.”

You can, however, still get up to a 50 percent discount within 78 hours of your desired tee time if you sign up for Troon Access. The $249-per-year program also offers 15 percent off standard teetime rates at more than 150 participating Troon courses and numerous other perks with partner

The TROON TAKEOVER

companies like Avis, Ship Sticks and Shot Scope. Another program, Troon Rewards, has no upfront cost. You get a point for every dollar you spend on golf and merchandise. It does not count dollars spent on food, beverage or guest fees. If you spend $2,000, you qualify for silver status and get 10 percent off the cost of a tee time; $4,000 gets you gold status and 15 percent off; $8,000 puts you at platinum and 20 percent.

Both programs intend to foster brand allegiance and awareness among golfers. Troon Access is the newer and, ostensibly, the better value of the two.

And by this time next year, there will likely be even more courses in Colorado to use it.

RAINDANCE NATIONAL GOLF COURSE // PHOTO CREDIT: CHRIS WHEELER

SCOTT VAN NEWKIRK

BRANDON FOWLER

RAINDANCE NATIONAL GOLF COURSE // PHOTO CREDIT: CHRIS WHEELER

Save the Date

Saturday, September 20, 2025

Tributary Review

AN INSIDE LOOK AT TRIBUTARY, DAVID MCLAY-KIDD’S IDAHO DESTINATION

BY DAVID YOUNG

Standing on the patio of Tributary’s impressive clubhouse overlooking the Tributary Golf Course David McLay-Kidd looks like a proud father.

And why not be proud of what he has created in what would otherwise be a relatively flat tract of land in Idaho. The real jaw-dropping scenery on this course is the Grand Tetons to the east.

The rolling greens and fairways are tucked away, hidden in plain sight, at the base of the Grand Teton mountain range. Tributary is an 18-hole championship course.

The par-72 championship golf course plays 7,613 yards from the back tees and fits seamlessly into the Tributary community that surrounds it. There are 50 acres of natural wetlands that abut the course and provide natural habitat and native challenges throughout. At times, the cart path is an elevated wooden wetland boardwalk that floats above a marsh. The Grand Tetons are visible on every hole and the driving range is situated so that

golfers are hitting straight at the natural monolith. The 16th-hole tee box is also positioned so you tee off directly toward the majestic landscape.

McLay-Kidd said that Tributary “could be the best work (he’s) ever done.” He regards it as one of his finest achievements and maybe his best-kept secret in the West. DMK designed the links-style course in 2009 for billionaire Jon Huntsman.

The course, originally called Huntsman Springs, underwent a bunker renovation in 2023, during which McLay-Kidd removed 10 to 15 bunkers that he deemed “eye candy.”

With a slope rating of 150, Tributary is still a challenging course, even without the additional bunkers. The fairways roll for what seems like eternity and the greens are very fast and true. Yet, despite the challenges, the course is enjoyable for golfers of all skill levels. With the various hills, slopes, and bunkers, there’s more than one way to make a par on a McLay-Kidd course. tributaryidaho.com/golf

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the Biggest Battle

Vic Lombardi’s Next Round

LOMBARDI RENEWS PROSTATE CANCER AWARENESS FIGHT

WORDS BY

JIM BEBBINGTON | PHOTOS BY CHRISTIAN MARCY-VEGA

Vic Lombardi, the voice of Denver sports for nearly a generation, is ready to get back into the ring for the fight of his life.

Lombardi is Denver sports talk. For many years he was one of the region’s leading TV sports anchors, anchoring the CBS4 sports coverage and racking up 32 Emmy awards. Then in 2016, he moved to radio and digital, providing pre-game, half-time and post-game coverage of Nuggets broadcasts while also being live on the morning radio from 7 to 10 a.m. on Altitude Sports Radio’s 92.5 morning show.

A native Denver-ite and a member at The Club at Rolling Hills in Golden, he is also a frequent master of ceremonies at golf banquets and charity fundraisers throughout Colorado.

But while much of his sports talk and MC work will continue to be about the games people play, he is planning to resume a private mission to get more people to be aware of how to prevent, detect, and possibly recover from prostate cancer.

That is because he is a prostate cancer survivor himself. He was first diagnosed six years ago at the age of 49 and underwent surgery to reduce the size of his cancer, and after his diagnosis Lombardi added his voice to the public awareness campaign about the disease.

This work has taken on renewed importance, Lombardi said recently while speaking on the deck of The Club at Rolling Hills on a warm winter afternoon. That’s because a recent PSA Test he took found that his cancer has grown back and he is likely facing a renewed round of radiation treatments soon.

“I was young when I was diagnosed - 49,” he said. “I had surgery. It was very public. I made it public purposely because I wanted people to know I’ve since been very involved in prostate cancer awareness. I’m actively involved in the Jack Vickers prostate cancer charity golf tournament at Castle Pines, which has generated millions of dollars with the Solich brothers.”

the Biggest Battle

His first experience speaking publicly about his cancer opened his eyes to how quietly pervasive the disease is.

“You won’t believe how many golfers my age and around my age have called me, have reached out to me, have consulted with me, have advice for me,” he said. “It is the most common cancer of guys our age. A lot of people want to keep it silent. But I found a brotherhood, not just in golf, but in prostate cancer.”

The fact that his cancer has returned is not a shock to him. When he had the surgery, he said he was told that they were unable to remove all of the tumor and that it would likely re-grow. Now that it has, Lombardi said he’s planning to tackle the problem again head-on.

“I like talking about it,” he said. “You wouldn’t believe how if you walked into a golf clubhouse and just looked at everybody in the clubhouse, I guarantee you there are one or two men in there with prostate cancer. Some know about it, some don’t.” On a recent morning in the studio of the morning show at 92.5 Lombardi bounced back and forth between decrying on-air the Nuggets latest loss to the Boston Celtics and describing off-air his most-recent battle with his insurance company that he’s waging in order to get a PET scan approved that will enable his doctor to focus his radiation treatments. With a steady diet of Nuggets, Broncos, Avalanche – and a little golf – Lombardi and his partners Mark Moser and Brett Kane have worked hard to compete for listeners in a sports

crazed town. The January Nielsen ratings found their sports station overall effectively tied for listeners with their cross-town competition, Bonneville International’s KKFN Denver Sports 104.3.

Lombardi said he expects to talk on-air shortly about his diagnosis for listeners. “I like to talk about it; it’s therapeutic,” he said.

Lombardi’s doctor through most of his treatment, Dr. E. David Crawford, was for many years the head of urologic oncology at the University of Colorado Denver School of Medicine. Twenty years ago Crawford co-founded an annual fundraising tournament at Castle Pines Golf Club which has raised more than $5 million for prostate cancer awareness. Crawford brought Lombardi on board

to help lead the auctions and fundraising efforts of the two-day tournament.

Crawford said the progress against the disease in the last 20 years has been tremendous – mainly from better diagnostic tools that can more precisely determine who is at risk of the disease and where it is located in the body. “Jack Vickers got very interested (in the cause) because a number of his members and friends had been diagnosed,” Crawford said.

He said after Vickers died Castle Pines’ new chairman, George Solich, doubled down on the fundraiser. “He said’ Jack was right on and we’re going to keep doing it.’ Everything George does is 150 percent, so they continue to do it. John Elway

took over the tournament and it’s undoubtedly the largest golf fundraiser for prostate awareness in the country.” The disease and the golf community have long and, unfortunately, close connections. Arnold Palmer was diagnosed with it, although he died of other causes. Tiger Woods’ father Earl had it.

Crawford said Lombardi shares a lot of traits with other patients he’s seen successfully deal with prostate cancer, and he is grateful that he has used his platform to give information and hope to other men dealing with the disease.

“(He) has really cruised through it by being in good shape,” Crawford said. “Vic is out to help men know about this. By being the MC, talking about the disease, talking about all the stuff we have done, it’s been phenomenal for awareness and for fundraising.”

(Lombardi is also co-chair of the National Jewish Health Respiratory Hospital Night and Day Golf Tournament, which is in its fifth year raising money for the hospital.) Despite the cancer, Lombardi said he is enjoying his life and latest career turn.

the Biggest Battle

He and his wife Terri have three grown children –one son and two daughters, Dante, Isabella and Alexis. He and his two brothers and a sister were raised in North Denver by their Italian-immigrant parents, and the boys go back to their parents’ home for home-cooked lunch at 1 p.m. every weekday to be with their mom and to check in on their father.

Lombardi even had a golf simulator installed in his parents’ house so he and his brothers can visit longer, playing after the espresso is drunk.

Lombardi is in demand. He played in the pro-am last summer for the BMW Championship. He is a regular at Rolling Hills, dropping in to play with any number of groups and friends. He and his on-air partners Moser and Kane get out when they can. And his son, Dante, picked up the game and they play occasionally, Lombardi said, even though their matches can get ‘hotly competitive.’

“My health isn’t all there, but I feel as youthful as I ever have,” he said. “My mind still thinks like a 20-year-old. My jokes, my humor, I’m sophomoric as always.” Within the medical community they

continue to research how much prostate cancer testing is appropriate. Since the disease can manifest itself in many different ways – it can exist but be essentially benign in some patients while it can spread and be lethal in others – the medical recommendations are full of caveats that men have clear and deep conversations with their medical providers about the disease and make the best choice for themselves.

For Lombardi, he considers his first screening test at age 49 a lifesaver. A friend of his discovered his prostate cancer too late, and he died after the cancer spread to other parts of his body.

“He passed away because when he found out it was already in his bones and at that point, you know you’re just you’re just chasing your tail,” he said. “Mine spread, but it was not to my bones yet. So that’s why I think awareness is key.”

And in the months and years ahead, he intends to keep that awareness as high as possible for his Colorado audience.

PHOTO CREDIT:JIM BEBBINGTON

VIC LOMBARDI AND WYNDHAM CLARK AT THE 2024 BMW CHAMPIONSHIP MEDIA DAY / PHOTO CREDIT:COLORADO AVIDGOLFER

COMMON CAUSE

Prostate cancer is the No. 2 cause of cancer death in U.S. men

LOWER SURVIVAL RATE

The five-year survival rate is 34 percent when prostate cancers have spread to distant parts of the body at the time of diagnosis

3%

SURVIVAL RATE

The five-year survival rate is 99 percent when prostate cancer is found only in the prostate or nearby lymph nodes, tissues or organs at the time of diagnosis

PREVENTION

There are no known guarantees to prevent prostate cancers. Certain lifestyle actions can increase protective factors and reduce risk factors in developing the disease.

RISK FACTORS that increase the chance that a man will develop prostate cancer include:

- Smoking

- Being overweight

- Getting little to no daily exercise

- Being over the age of 50

- Having a father, brother or son who is diagnosed with prostate cancer

- African American men have a higher incidence of prostate cancer than white men

DETECTION

Prostate cancer can be detected early through a blood test for prostate-specific antigens, (PSA Test). Other methods include a digital rectal exam. If results of either test are abnormal, patients can receive a surgical procedure, a prostate biopsy, to further investigate whether a cancer is present. Men should discuss with their physicians whether they are a candidate for testing.

Sources: American Cancer Society; Jack A. Vickers Prostate CancerGolfEventannualreport;NationalInstitutesofHealth

ANNUAL INCREASE

The percent annual increase in prostate cancer since 2014, after 20 years of declining rates

RED SKY GOLF COURSE

ClubbingUp

Colorado Clubs work hard to keep pace

The arms race among Colorado private clubs to offer the nicest clubhouse, grounds and amenities is a battle that will never end.

With the golf boom, some private golf clubs here have enjoyed a surge of interest as they can provide their members something rare and unique: a relatively open tee sheet. The popularity of the game has packed courses across Colorado, and made it very difficult to get tee times at popular times like weekend mornings. Some clubs, according to a new survey by Colorado AvidGolfer, have had to begin a wait list for new members because they cannot allow more in and still provide the golf access their members expect.

Others have raised their ceiling for golf-memberships, but one general manager acknowledged it cannot go up without limit because clubs must keep their current members happy too.

Clubs in Colorado have also had to keep pace with a flurry of new amenities as well as keep their clubhouses and restaurants competitive.

FAMILY FRIENDLY

The largest trend for many Colorado clubs on the front range is the addition of family-friendly amenities to attract the 30 and 40-something parents as members. Day-care, temporary child-care, youth camps, and pool complexes that rival Sea World are all available. Cherry Creek Country Club in Denver promotes their family-centric summer camps and summer programming prominently in

their materials. Valley Country Club in Centennial spent two years upgrading its pool complex to make something good better.

CLUBHOUSE UPDATES

Nowhere do clubs spend more than on clubhouse renovations. Some have undertaken wall-to-wall updates and expansions that cost tens of millions and were done partly to accommodate big-visibility visiting tournaments – clubs like Castle Pines Golf Club and Cherry Hills Country Club. Others, like The Pinery in Parker and Glenmoor Country Club in Greenwood Village, have undertaken a full refurbishment but stopped short of full-blown reconstruction. Glenmoor’s project began last year shortly after it concluded a renovation of the golf course.

Indoor simulator lounges are now very common, and it’s not just some netting or monitor set up in a corner of a basement. Lounge rooms are being developed specifically for the latest state-of-theart indoor simulator systems with all the oak paneling, overstuffed leather chairs and other amenities typical of the poshest of club private rooms.

The next big-thing on the horizon, industry experts say, are simulator rooms with adjustable greens and video displays similar to that seen weekly this winter on the TGL broadcasts on ESPN.

PADEL VS. PICKLE

Two Aspen courses are leading the way on another trend-lette: the addition of padel, or padel tennis.

While some clubs are still working to add or grow their pickleball offerings, Maroon Creek Club and Snowmass Club in Aspen have added padel courts in recent years. Padel was invented in Acapulco in 1969 and has been popular in Latin American countries for decades. It is played on a court, typically as doubles, and is scored like tennis. Courts are enclosed with fencing or walls and balls can be played off the walls. The courts are larger than pickleball courts but smaller than tennis courts.

ENVIRONMENTAL REALITY

And across the state club course superintendents are weighing choices about how to continue to maintain essentially hundreds of acres of parkland in a state where the average rainfall is now around 17 inches a year.

The Inverness Club last year is among those that recently ‘de-grassed’ areas between fairways –allowing less-thirsty native grasses to defend areas well off the fairways, rather than having thirsty green grasses throughout. Castle Pines Golf Club, in preparation for the BMW Championship, took out some of their oldest pine trees in part to reduce the fire risk that densely packed, dry pine forest can pose.

Overall Colorado’s private golf clubs offer an array of services at a wide array of price points. Prospective members have more options than ever before.

PHOTO CREDIT: COLORADO AVIDGOLFER

DISCOVER A PRIVATE CLUB EXPERIENCE UNLIKE ANY OTHER AT COLORADO’S TWO FINEST GOLF + LIFESTYLE CLUBS.

With two world-class golf courses, two exceptional restaurants with breathtaking patio dining, and a host of the finest lifestyle amenities in the area, there is something special for everyone. Immerse yourself in a year-round social calendar of events, including live entertainment, wine and craft beer dinners, pool parties, holiday celebrations, and so much more.

Come see the multi-million dollar transformation at the The Pinery Country Club, where modern meets the timeless charm of craftsman-inspired design.

Community Lives at

Cherry CreekCountry Club

Cherry Creek Country Club is second-to-none at bringing premier events, dining, activities and facilities to discerning Denver families. Discover where Course meets Community – where your family can find beautiful surroundings, challenging golf, and excellent service from first-class staff.

PHOTO CREDIT: BRADEN HANSEN, PREMIER AERIALS

When Course Meets Community

Cherry Creek Country Club is a club with a small town, neighborhood feel that excels on supporting its membership. Owner Karen Hart and her incredible staff work year-round to provide the best experience, the best golf and the best environment for families to relax, recharge and thrive.

Cherry Creek is exactly what you’ve been looking for.

Amenities set Cherry Creek apart, such as the meticulous fairways of the Jack & Jackie Nicklaus Signature Design championship-style golf course. The historic 18th Century English Tudor Manor style clubhouse and its outstanding spa and fitness center has been lauded for its comfort and beauty.

The staff is dedicated to providing the club’s exceptional golf experience, social calendar and athletics program.

Cherry Creek Country Club is quickly becoming the premier events club for young families in Denver. Families join for the club’s flourishing year-round social calendar that includes Father Daughter Dances, Easter and Mother’s Day celebrations. The newly refurbished pool and deck host parties and barbecues while the lush grass of the west lawn caters to Family Fun Nights - Hawaiian Luaus, a Labor Day Fireworks Extravaganza and Carnival, Fall Festivals, Halloween Parties and Haunted Houses. Holiday High Teas, Santa’s Workshop & Toy Store are also eagerly-anticipated winter events.

Cherry Creek Country Club has a large Kids Camp program in the summer months. This 10-week program helps families experience golf and tennis instruction, swimming, crafts and more! This 10-week program help families experience golf and tennis instruction, swimming and crafts.

The golf calendar – overseen by four PGA Golf professionals – is elite. The club hosts competitive Country Club tournaments, with the pinnacle being the The Bagpiper Member-Guest Tournament which brings players from coast to coast to compete.

Cherry Creek’s ownership and its PGA professional golf staff are committed to growing the game and promoting junior golf in the Denver area. The club is a host site for national junior competitions such as the Drive, Chip and Putt.

New to golf? Cherry Creek’s teaching professionals provide personalized instruction, engaging youth clinics, fun play days, and more — equipping young players with the skills and confidence to excel in any setting on and off the golf course.

“The Club is looking to expand its junior golf programs even more in 2025,” said Head Golf Professional Tim Radomicki. “We’re excited to apply the Operation 36 curriculum to the Creeker Academy program in 2025. By achieving the goal of scoring 36 per level, juniors can continue to level up and extend the golf course yardage throughout the summer, making Operation 36 the ideal program for junior golfers to gain confidence in their game.”

Your Home Away from Home

Cherry Creek Country Club is home to you and your family for relaxation, fun and growth: three generations playing a quick nine holes and time with your child on a warm summer evening

Red Sky

OUR EXPERIENCE

Nestled amongst majestic mountain ranges, Red Sky Golf Club’s 24,000-square-foot clubhouse captures the essence of a mountain ranch while offering one of the most refined member experiences in the area. The private facilities feature a perfectly positioned pool deck and restaurant for sunsets, clay tennis courts, and a year-round golf academy. The Club’s summer schedule boasts member-favorite tournaments, adventurous outings, parties, and family-oriented fun. Come winter, they take to the slopes at Vail Mountain and Beaver Creek Resort.

MEMBERSHIP

Entering a new era of offerings, updated membership features new pricing for golf and social membership in addition to an unprecedented promotion with the esteemed Bachelor Gulch Club - extending the elevated lifestyle from course to on-mountain. With non-equity, one-year trials, and Premier Membership – there is an option for anyone looking to embrace mountain time.

THE GOLF

Red Sky’s two outstanding 18-hole courses – one designed by Tom Fazio (voted 2025 “Best Mountain Course” by AvidGolfer readers), and the other by Greg Norman – create a golf experience as

unique as it is breathtaking. The courses bring players across 800 acres of former ranchland, weaving through aspen groves and sage meadows. The Club is private but allows resort play through select local concierge. Each day one course is set aside for members-only play, orchestrating an even more exclusive experience.

DON’T MISS

Sitting just under 8,000 feet in elevation, Red Sky defines true mountain golf. It offers expansive mountain vista views, a glimpse at neighboring wildlife, crisp sunrises, and alpenglow evenings. It’s a sanctuary like no other.

QUESTIONS

Resort Stay & Play Packages: 1.844.296.0311

Membership Inquiries: 970.754.4250

Email: thesignatureclubs@vailresorts.com

COME FOR THE GOLF, STAY FOR THE EXTRAORDINARY

Garden of the Gods

Tucked away in a magnificent landscape, the Kissing Camels Golf Course at Garden of the Gods Resort and Club offers an unparalleled experience for adventurers and golf enthusiasts alike. Recognized as an AvidGolfer Top Pick , this championship 27-hole course invites players to explore its lush greens and challenging fairways. At Kissing Camels Golf Couse, adventure is redefined, leaving the ordinary far behind. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to shave strokes off your game, our PGA professionals are here to elevate your skills.

Resort guests can enjoy exclusive access to this golfing paradise, perfect for refining their swings among breathtaking views. From the practice range to the short game area and world-class golf shop, every detail was carefully designed with the golf lover in mind.

Experiences at Garden of the Gods Resort and Club go beyond the course. Embrace a luxurious lifestyle with exclusive privileges to all the amenities offered as a Club Member. Unlock year-round access to the Strata Fitness Center, all three pools and excellent dining options.

Whether you are here for the game or the connections that come with it, a Club Membership opens

up a variety of benefits, including covered green fees, retail discounts, and a level of service that exceeds expectations.

Come for the golf, stay for the extraordinary. From staycations to Club Membership, every moment at Garden of the Gods Resort and Club promises new adventures and unforgettable memories.

MORE INFORMATION: (866) 335-2792

3320 Mesa Road Colorado Springs CO 80904 GardenOfTheGodsResort.com

About the Course

GET BACK INTO THE SWING OF THINGS

It’s time to get back into the swing of things. Named as a staff pick from Avid Golfer and only one hour south of Denver, our 27-hole golf course offers both serenity and challenge. Start your day with breakfast with a view, and head out to train with a Golf Performance Assessment instructor. Get back in shape with expert tips and guidance, then take what you’ve learned and put it into practice on the golf course. Enjoy a short trip or unlock all aspects of the property as a golf member! An unforgettable golf getaway awaits you. Are you ready?

SCAN THE QR CODE TO VIEW OUR CURRENT OFFERS!

27-hole, award-winning golf with mountain views

Golf Performance assessments

Luxury lodge rooms

Award-winning culinary experiences

Rio Grande

OUR EXPERIENCE

This premier club brings the beauty of the southern Rockies into focus. The region has rivers, meadows, creeks, volcanic formations, wildlife and mountain hikes, and the nearby Wolf Creek Ski Area. The club and resort offer golf memberships that make available the complexes full array of benefits – fly fishing along the club’s private stretch of the Rio Grande River, the fitness Center, swimming and tennis complex, as well as the club’s social activities as well as a private fishing lodge and other benefits. Other membership types are social, young associate, sports and angling.

THE GOLF: The golf course and dining room are open to the public, and the course has been challenging members and visitors since 2002. The front nine hugs the Rio Grande banks, and the back nine features holes cut from the forest and rock formations of the adjoining hills. From the breathtaking elevated tee box on No. 1 to the final putt the courses use native mountain terrain, grasses and waterways to challenge even the best player.

THE DINING: Culinary delights await at the resort’s dining venues. The Timbers Restaurant and Big River Grille offer guests a diverse menu that blends innovative recipes with familiar flavors, all

set against the backdrop of the Rocky Mountains and the 18th hole of the golf course.

DON’T MISS: The view from the first tee. Players start high and immediately descend to the river wetlands for the front nine. Take a moment to breathe in the beauty before your first shot.

QUESTIONS:

Amanda Withers | Membership Director membership@rgcresort.com 719.657.1027

PRIVATE CLUB DIRECTORY 2025

Aspen Glen Club 0545 Bald Eagle Way, Carbondale 970-510-0157; aspen-glen.com

Ballyneal Golf Club 1 Ballyneal Lane, Holyoke 970-854-5900; ballyneal.com

Bear Creek Golf Club

12201 Morrison Rd., Denver 303-667-4626; bearcreekgolfclub.net

Black Bear Golf Club 11300 Canterberry Pkwy., Parker 720-330-7087; invitedclubs.com/clubs/ blackstone-black-bear

Blackstone Country Club

7777 Country Club Dr., Aurora 720-330-7087; invitedclubs.com/clubs/ blackstone-black-bear

Bookcliff Country Club 2730 G Rd., Grand Junction 970-243-3323; bookcliffcc.com

Boulder Country Club 350 Clubhouse Rd., Boulder 303-530-4600; bouldercc.org

Broadmoor Golf Club

Castle Pines Golf Club

The Country Club at Castle Pines

Catamount Ranch & Club

Cherry Creek Country Club

Cherry Hills Country Club

One Lake Circle, Colorado Springs 719-577-5790; broadmoorgolfclub.org

1000 Hummingbird Dr., Castle Rock 303-688-6000; castlepinesgolfclub.club

6400 Country Club Dr., Castle Pines Village 303-688-7400; ccatcastlepines.com

33400 B Catamount Dr., Steamboat Springs 970-871-9300; catamountranchclub.com

2405 South Yosemite St., Denver 303-597-0300; cherrycreekcountryclub.com

4125 S. University Blvd., Cherry Hills Village 303-350-5200; chcc.com

$7,500$12,500 $615/mo. No N/A

$20,000 $870/mo.

$6,000 $570/mo.

$874/mo.

Clubhouse, swimming, tennis, pickleball & fitness at Blackstone CC Jeff Brauer (1996) KELLEY ROWE

Full golf access to Black BearClubhouse, dining, social events, resort pool, fitness, tennis + MORE Jay Morrish (2006) KELLEY ROWE

EDITOR’S

Initiations

clubs make financing available. ** Dues reflect full golf. They do not account for food and beverage minimums, service fees, capital

Jack Nicklaus/ Jack Nicklaus II (1997) JAMES FOLSKE

Arnold Palmer, Ed Seay (1985)

William Flynn (1922) Renaissance Golf (2009)

BRYAN NICHOLSON

PRIVATE CLUB DIRECTORY 2025

CLUB ADDRESS, PHONE, WEB

COLORADO GOLF CLUB 8000 PRESERVATION TRAIL, PARKER 303-840-5400; COLORADOGOLFCLUB.COM N/A

COLORADO SPRINGS COUNTRY CLUB

3333 TEMPLETON GAP RD., COLORADO SPRINGS 719-634-8851; CSCOUNTRYCLUB.COM

$12,500/ $8,750

$705/MO.NO 375

COLUMBINE COUNTRY CLUB 17 FAIRWAY LANE, COLUMBINE VALLEY 303-794-2674; COLUMBINECC.COM $105,000 $1,200/ MO.

THE CLUB AT CORDILLERA 655 CLUBHOUSE DR., EDWARDS 970-926-4687; CORDILLERA-VAIL.COM

CORNERSTONE CLUB

COUNTRY CLUB OF COLORADO

COUNTRY CLUB OF THE ROCKIES

DENVER COUNTRY CLUB

EAGLE SPRINGS GOLF CLUB

1000 CORNERSTONE TRAIL, MONTROSE 970-249-1922; CORNERSTONECLUB.COM

125 E. CLUBHOUSE DR., COLORADO SPRINGS 719-538-4080; CCOFCOLORADO.COM

676 SAWATCH DR., EDWARDS 970-926-3080; COUNTRYCLUBOFTHEROCKIES.COM

1700 E. FIRST AVE., DENVER 303-733-2441; DENVERCC.NET

28521 U.S. HIGHWAY 6 & 24, WOLCOTT 970-926-4400; EAGLESPRINGS.ORG

EATON COUNTRY CLUB 37661 WELD COUNTY RD. 39, EATON 970-454-2106; EATONCC.NET

THE CLUB AT FLYING HORSE

FORT COLLINS COUNTRY CLUB

1880 WEISKOPF POINT, COLORADO SPRINGS 719-487-2660; FLYINGHORSECLUB.COM

1920 COUNTRY CLUB RD., FORT COLLINS 970-482-1336; FORTCOLLINSCC.COM

THE FOX HILL CLUB 1400 STATE HWY 119, LONGMONT 303-651-7600; THEFOXHILLCLUB.COM

FROST CREEK CLUB

1094 FROST CREEK DR., EAGLE 970-455-3072; FROSTCREEK.COM

GARDEN OF THE GODS RESORT AND CLUB

3320 MESA RD., COLORADO SPRINGS 719-520-4980; GARDENOFTHEGODSCLUB.COM

$100,000

$75,000 (WESTERN SLOPE); $150,000 (RESIDENT)

$16,530/ YR. NO 1,085

$15,000/ YEAR (ALL CATEGORIES) NO

$25,000 $665/MO. NO 395

9-HOLE SHORT COURSE, DINING, RESORT-STYLE POOL, FITNESS, TRAILS, ABOUTGOLF SIMULATORS, INDOOR BAYS, TENNIS AND PICKLE BALL

SWIMMING, TENNIS, DINING, FITNESS, PICKLEBALL, KIDS’ PROGRAMMING

UNKNOWN (1954); DICK PHELPS (1987) EMILY BASENBERG

SWIMMING, TENNIS, PAR-3 COURSE, FITNESS, INDOOR SIMULATORS, INDOOR/ OUTDOOR DINING, SPA HENRY HUGHES (1956) LEAH CAILLIER

SWIMMING, TENNIS, NORDIC CENTER, DINING, HIKING, FLY-FISHING, SKIING, TROON PRIVÉ PRIVILEGES

DINING, 50 MILES OF HIKING AND BIKING TRAILS , FLYFISHING, HORSEBACK RIDING, SNOWSHOEING, 4-WHEELING, SHOOTING, TENNIS, PICKLEBALL, ARCHERY

SWIMMING, DINING, TENNIS, FITNESS, SAILING, SPA, BEACH, LAKE, WATERSPORTS, PICKLEBALL

FITNESS, SIMULATORS, FLY-FISHING, TENNIS, PICKLEBALL

$75,000$125,000 $1,293/ MO. INVITATION ONLY

SWIMMING, TENNIS, ICE RINK, FITNESS,

VALLEY: T. FAZIO (1997) MOUNTAIN: H. IRWIN (1994) SUMMIT: J NICKLAUS (2001) ALLYSON

GREG NORMAN (2007) MATT DUSENBERRY (2018) CHAD QUIRK

PETE DYE (1973) CATHY MATTHEWS KANE

JACK NICKLAUS (1984)

JAMES FOULIS (1902) BILL COORE (1985) GIL HANSE (2009)

BILL HUGHES, MPGA

MOLLY WILSON

MORRISH/ TOM WEISKOPF (1995) JAMES OEFELEIN

FRANK BAUMGARDNER (1968)

STEPHANIE SCOTT

$45,00075,000 $770/ $815/MO. NO 450

$15,000 $685/MO. NO

$10,000 $595/MO.NO 450

$150,000

$10,890/ YR (NAT’L); $14,0800/ YR. (LOCAL) NO 425

LODGING, DINING, SWIMMING, TENNIS, PICKLEBALL, FITNESS, SPA, INDOOR GOLF FACILITY

SWIMMING, DINING, FITNESS, INDOOR & OUTDOOR TENNIS, REICPROCAL PROGRAMS

TOM WEISKOPF (2005) FLYING HORSE NORTH: PHIL SMITH (2020)

BRANDEN PHILLIPS/ TAYLOR GOUGH

HENRY HUGHES (1960) PETE DYE (2001) HEIDI ELSER

DINING, SWIMMING, TENNIS, PICKLEBALL, FITNESS FRANK HUMMEL (1972) REBECCA CASH

SWIMMING, TENNIS, FITNESS, FISHING, SPA, PADDLEBOARD, ARCHERY, YURTS, NORDIC SKIING, ICE SKATING, SNOWSHOEING, JEEP ACCESS, HIKING AND BIKING TRAILS

(2007)

(1997)

BEN CRENSHAW/ BILL COORE (2006) BOBBY NORMAN

MASON

TOM WEISKOPF

LYNNE SANDOVAL

ClubbingUp

PRIVATE CLUB DIRECTORY 2025

Glacier CLUB

Glenmoor Country Club

Greeley Country Club

600 Glacier Club Dr., Durango 970-382-7800; theglacierclub.com

$50,000/

110 Glenmoor Dr., Cherry Hills Village 303-781-3000; glenmoorcc.org $95,000 $1,400/ mo.

4500 W. 10th St., Greeley 970-353-0528; greeleycc.org

Harmony Club 4175 Club Dr., Timnath 970-482-4653; harmonyclub.info

Hiwan Golf Club 30671 Clubhouse Ln., Evergreen 303-674-3366; hiwan.com

The Club at Inverness

200 Inverness Dr., Englewood 303-397-7878; theclubatinverness.com

Lake Valley Golf Club 4400 Lake Valley Dr., Niwot 303-444-2114; lakevalley.com

Lakewood Country Club

6800 W. 10th Ave., Lakewood 303-233-4614; lakewoodcountryclub.net

Maroon Creek Club 10 Club Circle Rd., Aspen 970-920-1533; mccaspen.com

Meridian Golf Club

Perry Park Country Club

Pinehurst Country Club

The Pinery Country Club

The Club at Pradera

Ptarmigan Country Club

Pueblo Country Club

Two clubhouses, swimming, tennis & pickleball, fitness, spa, golf simulator, winter activities center

Swimming,

$5,000^ $654/mo.

Arthur Hills (1974) Irwin-Schoeder (2017) JACKSON LACEK

(1985)

Bendelow (1908)/ Donald Ross (1917)Gil Hanse (2018) Carol Kaiser

9742 S. Meridian Blvd., Englewood 303-799-8402; meridiangolfclub.com

7047 Perry Park Blvd., Larkspur 303-681-3305; perryparkcc.com

6255 W. Quincy Ave., Denver 303-996-5499; muchmorethangolf.com

6900 N. Pinery Pkwy., Parker 303-841-5157; thepinerycc.com

5225 Raintree Dr., Parker 303-607-5672; theclubatpradera.com

5416 Vardon Way, Fort Collins 970-226-8555; ptarmigancc.com

3200 8th Ave., Pueblo 719-543-4844; pueblocountryclub.com

EDITOR’S NOTE: This information is accurate to the best of our knowledge. In cases where information is not available (N/A), the club had not yet officially established initiations and dues for the 2025 golf season or Elected not to provide That information. In all cases, contact the clubs directly for the most current information.

* Initiations reflect full golf memberships for individuals. When given, ranges can account for incentives, promotions, refundability or multiple levels (equity/non-equity, associate, junior [usually ages 21-39], family, etc.). Some clubs make financing available.

** Dues reflect full golf. They do not account for food and beverage minimums, service fees, capital assessments or other surcharges. Ranges reflect membership levels. ^2024 data

Bendelow (1932)

Press Maxwell (1960)

Messer

With

Cherry Hills Country Club Grounds

Castle Pines Village

Chery Creek Country Club

ClubbingUp

PRIVATE CLUB DIRECTORY 2025

The Ranch Country Club 11887 Tejon St., Westminster 303-460-9700; theranchcc.com

Ravenna Country Club 11118 Caretaker Rd., Littleton 720-956-1600; ravennagolf.com

Red Rocks Country Club 16235 W. Belleview Ave., Morrison 303-352-2030; redrockscountryclub.org

Red Sky Golf Club 1099 Red Sky Rd., Wolcott 970-754-8400; redskygolfclub.com

Rio Grande 0285 Rio Grande Club Trail, South Fork 719-873-1995; rgcresort.com

Roaring Fork Club 100 Arbaney Ranch Rd., Basalt 970-927-9000; roaringforkclub.com

The Club at Rolling Hills 15707 W. 26th Ave., Golden 303-279-3334; theclubatrollinghills.org

Snowmass Club 0239 Snowmass Club Cir., Snowmass Village 970-923-5600; snowmassclub.com

Sonnenalp Club 1265 Berry Creek Rd., Edwards 970-477-5376; sonnenalpclub.com

TPC Colorado 2375 TPC Parkway, Berthoud 303-522-5711; tpc.com/colorado

Valley Country Club 14601 Country Club Dr., Centennial 720-630-2463; valleycountryclub.org

The Country Club at Woodmoor 18945 Pebble Beach Way, Monument 719-884-7241; ccwoodmoor.com

$15,000$25,000 $665$775/mo. No 425

$75,000 $1,195

Indoor golf facility, indoor/ outdoor tennis, swimming, family pools, fitness, dining, indoor/ outdoor kids play area Dick Phelps (1974) Micah Levenson

Clubhouse, dining, pool, fitness center , TrackMan on range Jay Morrish

$50,000 $560/mo. Yes 430 Dining, swimming, fishing, hiking, golf simulator

$140,000 $12,210/ yr. No 425

$7,000 $465

$75,000$300,000

Alicia

Stanley

Kevin Atkinson (2017) Grant Jensen

Swimming, tennis, 2 clubhouses and restaurants, fitness, yearround golf academy

Fitness center w/ steam & massage rooms, pool & hot tub complex,restaurant, private Gold Medal Waters & fishing lodge Ric Buckton & Jay Benson (2001)

Amanda Withers

$14,500$39,500/ yr. INVITATION ONLY 500 Swimming, tennis, fly-fishing, dining, fitness Jack Nicklaus (1999) Sam Broome

$80,000 $1,288/ mo. Yes 425 Swimming, indoor/outdoor tennis, fitness, HD golf simulator, dining

$195,000 $1,595/ mo. No 375

$45,000 $912/mo. No 350

$60,000 $8,950/Yr. No N/A

$50,000 $995/mo. No 470

$9,500 $494/mo. No 415

Press Maxwell/ Dick Phelps (1967) Marta Kostelny

Spa & Fitness, Swimming, indoor/outdoor tennis, pickleball, cross-country skiing, dining, indoor golf simulator Jim Engh (2003) Joanna Mallory

Swimming, tennis, pickleball, spa, fitness, dining, practice facilities Jay Morrish/ Bob Cupp (1982) Diane Kerchof

3 restaurants, Pool, 600- acre lake, fitness center, waterfowl hunting, access to 30 other TPCs ARTHUR SCHAUPETER (2018) Michael Newberg

Swimming, lighted tennis, fitness, dining, children’s activity center William Bell (1960) Brenton

Swimming, indoor tennis & pickleball, fitness, cross-country skiing, childcare

Press Maxwell (1969)

Stephanie Thien

EDITOR’S NOTE: This information is accurate to the best of our knowledge. In cases where information is not available (N/A), the club had not yet officially established initiations and dues for the 2025 golf season or Elected not to provide That information. In all cases, contact the clubs directly for the most current information.

* Initiations reflect full golf memberships for individuals. When given, ranges can account for incentives, promotions, refundability or multiple levels (equity/non-equity, associate, junior [usually ages 21-39], family, etc.). Some clubs make financing available.

** Dues reflect full golf. They do not account for food and beverage minimums, service fees, capital assessments or other surcharges. Ranges reflect membership levels. CLUB ADDRESS, PHONE, WEB

(2006)

Montoya

Harwood (1976)

Tom Fazio (2002) Greg Norman (2003) Tinsley Cusworth

Rice

FROM THE AIR FORCE ACADEMY TO THE WINNERS CIRCLE

BY JIM BEBBINGTON

Kyle Westmoreland, the former captain in the U.S. Air Force and graduate of the U.S. Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, is hoping that his first victory on the Korn Ferry Tour this winter leads to more success.

Westmoreland, 33, picked up his first win of his Korn Ferry or PGA Tour career on Feb. 9 at the Astara Golf Championship in Bogota, Colombia. He won the $180,000 first-place check with the help of two outstanding Friday/Saturday rounds (scores of 64 and 61) sandwiched by 1-under rounds of 70 on Thursday and Sunday.

He said he swapped to a new putter before play began in Bogota, but otherwise played his usual game and just had more success.

“It was a great checkpoint,” he said in an interview from his home in Charleston, S.C. “It’s not what our final goals are but getting the win is great. I thought I should have gotten it done a few times last year. It’s nice to win early on this tour. A win guarantees a job for minimum a few years.” The PGA Tour is moving to a new

structure next season that will reduce the size of some fields, which has a trickle-down effect on the Korn Ferry. It all boils down to the number of slots open for players in the Tour’s two top leagues are going to be fewer, and wins like this one put Westmoreland in a good position to continue to compete.

“I’m looking forward to continually trying to get better. I have some goals I want to accomplish both on and off the course,” he said. The season is early and there’s plenty of golf still to play but the win rocketed Westmoreland up the Korn Ferry Tour points list – putting him in 3rd place.

Westmoreland has been grinding on professional golf tours since leaving the Air Force in 2019. He is the first U.S. Air Force Academy graduate to earn a PGA Tour card. At the Air Force Academy he played on the golf team and won four tournaments. He served five years in the Air Force’s finance department after graduating in 2014, leaving active service with the rank of captain. He has played primarily on the Korn Ferry Tour but earned one season on the PGA

Tour in 2022/2023. He played in 32 events but made the cut in just ten. His best finish was T-27 in the Cadence Bank Houston Open.

He said his goals run the gamut – from professional and technical goals in golf to simply being a good dad. “Winning helps me kind of have the confidence that that,” he said.

This time of year the Korn Ferry is playing a lot of tournaments in South and Central America. But come spring and summer he hopes he and his wife Erin can pack up their 8-month-old son Wyatt and travel together through the U.S. stops.

He and Erin lived for a few months in Broomfield after Westmoreland left the Air Force and before they moved back to South Carolina, playing Walnut Creek and other local courses. He said he plans to return to Colorado this summer for the Ascendant presented by Blue Korn Ferry tournament at the TPC Colorado course in Berthoud. “It’s one of my favorites of the year,” he said.

KYLE WESTMORELAND FROM 2017

PHOTO PROVIDED BY THE AIR FORCE ACADEMY

KYLE, ERIN AND WYATT WESTMORELAND