2017 July Pro Peaks Magazine by Colorado PGA

PRO PEAKS

The Official Publication of the Colorado PGA July 2017

Pfingston Doing the Bear Dance After Winning National Award

Colorado PGA Pro Peaks Digital Magazine

The Official Magazine of the Colorado PGA Pro Peaks is produced by the Colorado PGA

Colorado PGA Officers

West Chapter Officers

Ben Welsh, PGA Vice-President | 2017-2018 Frost Creek Golf Club

Jeff Boyer, PGA Secretary | 2017-2018 Eagle Ranch Golf Course

Jim Hajek, PGA Secretary | 2017-2018 Fossil Trace Golf Club

Brett Gagnon, PGA | 2017-2018 Red Sky Golf Club

Tom Bauerle Owner Colorado Golf and Turf

Mike Mendelson, PGA Honorary President | 2017-2019 City of Grand Junction

Brad Dombaugh CEO PSA Worldwide Corp., INC.

Board of Directors

Walter Glover Former Chief Financial Officer USOC

Ty Thompson, PGA President | 2017-2018 Colorado Springs Country Club

Leslie Core-Drevecky, PGA Honorary President | 2017-2018 Murphy Creek Golf Course

Board of Directors

Andy Benson, PGA | 2017-2019 Highlands Ranch Golf Club Rick Ellefson, PGA | 2015-2017 PGA Member Scott Erwin, PGA | 2015-2017 Maroon Creek Club Kyle Heyen, PGA | District 9 Dir. Hiwan Golf Club Charles ‘Vic’ Kline, PGA | Past District 9 Director Indian Tree Golf Club Cathy Matthews-Kane, PGA | 2016-2018 Country Club of Colorado Josh Miller, PGA | 2016-2018 GolfTEC Bobby Quaratino, PGA | 2017-2019 West Woods Golf Course Chris Swinhart, PGA | 2017-2019 Thorncreek Golf Course Dave Troyer, PGA | 2016-2018 CommonGround Golf Course

Independent Directors Theo Gregory Spencer Zinn

Ed Marzec, PGA President | 2017-2018 Country Club of the Rockies

Luke Brosterhous | 2017-2019 Catamount Ranch and Club Jacques Deyoe, PGA | 2017-2019 Aspen Glen Club Joe Kamby, PGA | 2016-2018 Country Club of the Rockies CJ Rhyne, PGA | 2016-2018 GJ Golf

Board of Director Elect

Alice Plain, PGA | 2018 - 2020 Vail Golf Club Steve VanDyke, PGA | 2018-2020 Aspen Glen Club

Colorado PGA REACH Trustees Spencer Zinn Chairman

Anne Broholm CEO AHEAD

Theo Gregory Senior Vice President - El Pomar Foundation Bob Lally Chief of Staff YMCA of the Pikes Peak Region George Lee Managing Director – Investments Wells Fargo Scott McGraw Cherry Creek Insurance Group Vice President of Employee Benefits Honarable Sue Payton President SCI Aerospace Inc.

Staff

Executive Director/CEO Eddie Ainsworth, PGA eainsworth@pgahq.com P (303) 996-1593 C (719) 761-6125 Assistant Executive Director Patrick Salva psalva@pgahq.com P (303) 996-1597 C (303) 246-1007 Tournament Director Justin Limon, PGA jlimon@pgahq.com P (303) 996-1588 C (720) 390-1160 Junior Golf Director Holly Champion, PGA hchampion@pgahq.com P (303) 996-1591 C (217) 232-1790 Executive Assistant Annie O’Donnell adonnell@pgahq.com P (303) 996-1595 Marketing and Communications Coordinator July Malone jmalone@pgahq.com Employment Consultant Keith Soriano, PGA ksoriano@pgahq.com C (720) 841-1006

Lisa Potvin Captain United States Navy LTG Ed Soriano, US Army (Ret) Director, Business Development Global Land Forces - Northrop Grumman Corporation Bill Vogeney Executive VP and Chief Lending Officer Ent Credit Union

Colorado PGA 6630 Bear Dance Drive | Larkspur, CO 80118 P | (303) 681-0742 www.coloradopga.com Pro Peaks is distributed free to members and affiliates of the Colorado PGA twelve 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.

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Another National Award Winner, REACH Invitational and more! District Director Report KPMG Partnership, Player’s of the Year and US Senior Open Exec. Director’s Report “Success is Never Final; Failure is Never Fatal. It is Courage that Counts.” Colorado PGA News Sergeant Hardesty Receives Keys to New Home Colorado and Utah Sections Get New Employment Consultant Pfingston Doing the Bear Dance After Winning National Award! Merchandising Matters! Tournament News Smigelsky Has a June to Remember! Pro Am Recaps Section Championship Registration Now Open Education News Teaching and Coaching Workshop Announced Junior Golf News US Junior Amateur Qualifiers

July 2017

What’s Inside President’s Report

Important Dates July 17, 2017 Pro-Lady Indian Peaks Golf Course July 18, 2017 PAT #5 Fitzsimons Golf Course July 20-23, 2017 CoBank Colorado Open July 24, 2017 The Club at Pradera Pro-Am The Club at Pradera

July 31-August 1, 2017 National Car Rental Colorado Assistant Professional Championship Highlands Ranch Golf Club August 8, 2017 Eisenhower Golf Club Pro Am Eisenhower Golf Club August 14-15, 2017 Colorado Senior PGA Professional Championship Valley Country Club

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Another National Award Winner, REACH Invitational and more! By Ty Thompson, PGA

Since it is the middle of July and each of you get about 2-3 minutes of uninterrupted time at a shot, I will keep this brief. At the spring membership meeting I shared how Colorado PGA members and apprentices should be proud of all parts of the section whether you are currently active in that portion of our association. Now is the time to be proud of our foundation and the PGA members that helped run an outstanding REACH Invitational. The section shined in using golf to serve those in need, honoring those who have played significant roles in the foundations development (thank you Keith—well done!), and used the game to make a difference.

July 2017

President’s Message

As you teach lessons, run tournaments, mentor others, and grow the game, remember that the golfing community looks up to you as a leader in the game and the business of golf – that is the power of the badge you wear! You are part of a great PGA family and if and when you need assistance please call on section staff and leadership to assist. I encourage you to read the articles in this edition that highlight the accomplishments of our members as well as opportunities for education and competition. A highlight of this edition is listed below in our newly created “sneak peek” section. Ty Thompson, PGA

My Best,

President Colorado PGA Director of Golf Colorado Springs Country Club ty.thompson@pga.com

Ty Thompson, PGA President - Colorado Section PGA ty.thompson@pga.com | P | (303) 918-9270

July Sneak Peak Yet Another National Award Winner

REACH Invitational

Congratulations to Mark Pfingston, the PGA Head Professional at The Golf Club at Bear Dance for being named the 2017 PGA of America Merchandiser of the Year in the Public Category. Mark continues a long history of national award winners in the Section. He becomes the eighteenth national award winner from the Colorado PGA and is the third section member to win his specific award since 2012.

The Colorado PGA REACH Invitational was once again a tremendous success on Monday, June 26, 2017. The event continues to be a realization of a year’s worth of hard work for our Colorado PGA REACH Trustees and staff. I am beyond thrilled to announce to you that during the event we were able to raise more than $25,000 to support our Colorado PGA REACH programs.

Mark will receive his award at the 2017 PGA of America Annual Meeting. He will join eleven other members in receiving their award on Nov. 1, 2017 in conjunction with the 101st PGA Annual Meeting in Austin, Texas. Look for a more detailed story about Pfingston in this issue of Colorado PGA Pro Peaks magazine.

Look for more information about the event and a recap of the home giveaway in this issue. Smigelsky Has a Summer to Remember Dale Smigelsky has had a summer that dreams are made of. The Collindale Golf Course Head Professional made all of us proud when he finished as the low Col-

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Colorado PGA Pro Peaks Digital Magazine

District 9 Director Report

orado PGA member at the Club Professional Championship in June. He followed that up by competing in his first Senior Major Championship, the US Senior Open at Salem Country Club. Check out more information in this issue of Pro Peaks and be sure to congratulate Dale next time you see him!

Section Championship Registration Playing will always be at the core of our association. Three of our major championships are right around the corner and I can’t encourage you enough to register and get out and compete. Red Sky Golf Club will play host to our most prestigious event of the year, the Colorado PGA Professional Championship set for September 11-13, 2017. The event returns to the West Chapter for the first time since 2013 when Red Sky last hosted the event. One of the true gems in the Vail Valley, Red Sky Golf Club will provide an exceptional test for our Section Championship.

The Club at Ravenna will host the Colorado PGA Women’s Championship set for August 21-22, 2017. This event, open to Colorado PGA Professionals and LPGA Professional who live or work within the Section, hopes to capitalize on last year’s event at Cherry Creek Country Club. The deadline to register for this event is August 16, 2017. Aspen Glen Club in Carbondale will once again play host to the 2017 Colorado PGA West Chapter Championship. The event will be hosted October 3-4, 2017 and will follow the West Chapter Fall Meeting. The deadline to register for this event is set for September 28 2017. Look for more information in this issue of Pro Peaks Magazine about all of these events and be sure to take advantage of these great playing opportunities!!! Education Committee

For those of you fifty and over, Valley Country Club will play host to the 2017 Colorado Senior PGA Professional Championship. The field for this might be the strongest of the three as there will be a number of past champions competing in the event. 2017 Senior PGA Professional Championship to be played September 28 - October 1, 2017, at Desert Mountain, Scottsdale, Arizona.

The Education Committee has been hard at work over the past few months working to deliver more education opportunities to you, our members, as we towards Vision2020. With that said, we are happy to announce the launch of the Fall Teaching and Coaching Workshop, set for September 21, 2017 at The Ranch Country Club. This new event will feature some of the best Colorado PGA Instructors and will be setup in a TedTalks style, much like we did at the Teaching and Coaching Summit at the Broadmoor in 2015.

Highlands Ranch Golf Club will present a great test for our Assistant Professionals and Apprentices during the National Car Rental Assistant Professional Championship, set for July 31-August 1, 2017. We have 54 Assistants and Apprentices registered for the event. Be sure

Look for more information in this issue of the magazine and be sure to register early as this event will surely fill up.

CBS Sports Presents “Turning Passion into Profession” July 16 O

n Sunday, July 16, CBS Sports will present “Turning Passion into Profession”—an hour-long special narrated by PGA Professional Gary McCord, which introduces viewers to PGA Professionals nationwide and highlights the diverse roles they play as experts in the game and business of golf. The program will air on CBS at 2 p.m. ET, prior to final-round coverage of the John Deere Classic. The show is designed to inspire men, women and children of all ages who are enthusiastic about the game to turn their passions into careers in golf. The primary career paths of a PGA Member—Instruction,

to pay attention to social media to follow along during the championship!

Golf Operations and General Management—are showcased, along with other opportunities to enter the industry, such as an entrepreneur, college coach and golf foundation executive. Among the featured PGA Professionals and their highlighted career paths are: Joe Assell, PGA - President/CEO, GOLFTEC Alison Curdt, PGA/LPGA Scott Davenport, PGA – PGA Head Professional, Quail Hollow Club, Charlotte Eric Eshleman, PGA – PGA Director of Golf, The Country Club of Birmingham (Alabama) and many others

District 9 Director Report

By Kyle Heyen, PGA KPMG Partnership

KPMG announced that it will extend its title sponsorship agreement with the PGA of America and the LPGA through 2023 for the KPMG Women’s PGA Championship. The Championship celebrates its third consecutive partnership year between KPMG, the PGA of America and the LPGA at Olympia Fields (Illinois) Country Club. The extension means KPMG and its partners will continue to showcase the advancement and empowerment of women on and off the golf course. Kyle Heyen, PGA District 9 Director PGA of America Head Professional Hiwan Golf Club

Broadcast in partnership with NBC and Golf Channel, the KPMG Women’s PGA Championship connects a major golf championship with a women’s leadership summit (KPMG Women’s Leadership Summit) and an ongoing charitable initiative (KPMG Future Leaders Program) to inspire and develop new generations of women leaders. The Championship, featuring a $3.5 million purse, is operated by the PGA of America in close collaboration with the LPGA. The partnership in 2015 debuted by taking the Championship to the Westchester Country Club in Harrison, New York; in 2016 at Sahalee Country Club in Sammamish, Washington; and this week at Olympia Fields. The purse size will increase to $3.65 million when the Championship heads to Kemper Lakes Golf Club in Kildeer, Illinois in 2018. Hazeltine National Golf Club in Chaska, Minnesota will be the host site in 2019.

“The KPMG Women’s PGA Championship provides a fantastic platform for us to demonstrate our commitment to elevating women in business and the sport of golf through the Championship, KPMG Women’s Leadership Summit, and KPMG Future Leaders Program,” said Lynne Doughtie, KPMG U.S. Chairman and CEO. “Together with the PGA of America and LPGA, we’ll continue to empower more women leaders in the years ahead.”

July 2017

KPMG Partnership, Player’s of the Year and US Senior Open

“Three years ago, a historic partnership for a great championship was realized thanks to KPMG. Today, we begin an exciting new chapter,” said PGA of America Chief Executive Officer Pete Bevacqua. “KPMG’s off-course dedication to excellence, along with premier venues such as Olympia Fields this week – and Kemper Lakes and Hazeltine National in years to come – ensure that this Championship shines on the world golf stage.” “The KPMG Women’s PGA Championship is the result of an incredible partnership that has elevated every aspect of this Championship,” said LPGA Commissioner Mike Whan. “At the LPGA, we are honored to stand side-by-side with the PGA of America and KPMG to not only provide the best female golfers a more meaningful and impressive major stage, but also commit to a similar elevation in leadership opportunities for women in the workplace.” The KPMG Women’s PGA Championship continues the rich tradition of the LPGA Championship, which began in 1955, five years after the birth of the Ladies Professional Golf Association. Past champions include World Golf Hall of Fame members Mickey Wright, Betsy Rawls, Kathy Whitworth, Nancy Lopez, Juli Inkster, Annika Sorenstam, Se Ri Pak and newest LPGA Hall of Famer, Inbee Park. For more about the Championship, visit KPMGWomensPGA. The KPMG Women’s PGA Championship field of 156 features the top eight finishers from the previous year’s LPGA Teaching & Club Professional National Championship, including PGA of America women members if they rank among the eight positions. Additionally, the field includes the current PGA Women’s Stroke Play Champion. KPMG will continue to host the KPMG Women’s Leadership Summit on-site during Championship week, which brings together top leaders in business, politics, sports, and the media to inspire the next generation of women leaders. continued on page 8

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Colorado PGA Pro Peaks Digital Magazine 8

Executive Director’s Message

“Success is Never Final; Failure is Never Fatal. It is Courage that Counts.” By Eddie Ainsworth, PGA

My Fellow Colorado PGA Professionals, I love to tell people that I’m from Colorado. Often when I do, they ask if I am a native and I quickly respond with the words of the bumper sticker, “I’m not a Colorado native, but I got here as fast as I could!” My first time in Colorado was a birthday trip with my dad for the final round of the 1985 PGA Championship at Cherry Hills. I quickly fell in love with the state and worked hard to permanently return as quickly as possible. As my family and I begin our twenEddie Ainsworth, PGA tieth year here, I’m so thankful Executive Director to be part of a place that has Colorado PGA such a passion for golf, a place eainsworth@pgahq.com where we have some of the best P | (303) 996-1593 PGA Professionals and some of C | (719) 761-6125 the greatest golf courses in the world and of an organization that works hard day in and day out to make a positive difference in the lives of its PGA Members and in our local communities. It’s going to be a great night in Austin, Texas, on Nov. 1 when Colorado PGA Professional Mark Pfingston, my friend of 25 years, receives his 2017 National Public Merchandiser of the Year Award. Colorado PGA Professionals continue to lead the way in receiving awards as Mark will be our eighth national award winner in the last nine years. These next several months will be very exciting for Mark and the entire team at Bear Dance as all of their hard work and dedication will shine the spotlight on Colorado. Congratulations to Mark, Stuart and Lisa Bruening and the entire Bear Dance team for this won-

derful accomplishment. Another highlight for Colorado golfers will take place on Sunday afternoon, July 16, when Colorado PGA Professional Joe Assell, president and CEO of GOLFTEC, will be featured on CBS Sports “Turning Passion into Profession” prior to the final round of The John Deere Classic. In 1995, Joe took a leap of faith into golf instruction using technology and computers to help people play better golf. From there, he built GOLFTEC into the world’s largest instructional company and the top employer of PGA Teaching Professionals. Some of Colorado’s top golf courses will also be in the spotlight. Last month, Jim Keegan, managing principal and author with Golf Convergence, hosted five panelists to review some of Colorado’s very best courses. These gentlemen represented Golf Magazine, Los Angeles Country Club, Oakmont Country Club, Greensboro Country Club and Riviera Country Club. Why would Jim do such a thing? Jim is one of the ten best golf consultants in the world and he lives right here in our state. Through his relationships and influence, he wanted his panelists to experience the best that Colorado has to offer so that our golf courses might receive the recognition they deserve! These three gentlemen have accomplished much in their careers and I am very privileged to call each of them “friend.” I believe each of these men will agree that in every well managed operation, every operational decision can be traced back to the tactical plan and up to the strategic vision. Without a clear vision, it will be hard to be successful. Even with the finest tactical plans, without a talented team, you will fail. It takes all three components—strategic vision, tactical planning continued on page 8

and operational execution—to be successful. I believe they would also agree with the words of Winston Churchill when he stated, “Success is never final; failure is never fatal. It is courage that counts.”

The KPMG Future Leaders Program affords top female high school seniors across the country the opportunity to enhance their personal growth through college scholarships, a leadership development retreat at Stanford University, a mentoring relationship with a woman business leader, and an introduction to golf.

It is always our goal to assist you on your journey to become your very best. I encourage you to reach out to any of these three men as I know they would be willing to share their insight on what it takes to not only build upon your success, but to also learn from your failures. Spending a few minutes with successful people is contagious! What you will find is that they are ordinary people like you and me who had the courage to keep pressing forward to become the best they could possibly be.

PGA Players of the Year Defending PGA Professional Champion Rich Berberian Jr. and reigning Senior PGA Professional of the Year Brad Lardon were honored at the PGA Professionals Championship at Sunriver Resort in June, as the 2016 OMEGA PGA Professional and Senior PGA Professional Player of the Year, respectively. Berberian, PGA Director of Instruction at Vesper Country Club in Tyngsborough, Massachusetts, and Lardon, PGA Director of Golf at The Club at Las Campanas in Santa Fe, New Mexico, received their awards during the Players’ Party at the 50th PGA Professional Championship. USGA Senior Open Championship Congratulations to Dale Smigelsky for representing the Colorado Section of the PGA at the recent USGA Senior Open held at Salem Country Club in Salem Massachusetts. I hope you had a great June for golf and your tee sheets are full.

July 2017

The extension also continues a shared commitment to give back through the KPMG Future Leaders Program, an ongoing charitable initiative funded by proceeds from the Championship and Summit.

I’m excited about the future of golf in Colorado because of the great men and women we have working here in the golf business. Here at the Colorado Section, we will continue to collaborate with our allied associations, business professionals, and most importantly, our Colorado PGA Members, to insure that we are making a positive difference in the lives of others. I am so very proud to be your Executive Director and quite simply, COLORADO PROUD!!! Please let us know if we can assist you in any way. All the Best! Very Respectfully,

Please call if you have any questions. Sincerely,

Kyle Heyen, PGA National PGA Director, District 9 Head Professional, Hiwan Golf Club kyle@hiwan.com

Eddie Ainsworth, PGA Executive Director/CEO Colorado PGA 6630 Bear Dance Drive Larkspur, CO 80118 eainsworth@pgahq.com O – 303-996-1593 M – 719-761-6125

Playing Ability Test Age 50+ Yardage Modification

Effective for Playing Ability Test events being conducted July 1, 2017 and after, there will be a modification of the yardage for participants age 50 and over. The new Board approved policy will be as such: In order for the competition to take place, the course must have a minimum USGA course rating 68.0 for both men and women. Men under age 50 will play from a minimum of 6,350 yards to a maximum of 6,700 yards, while Women under age 50 will play from a minimum of 5,400 yards to a maximum of 5,700 yards. Men age 50 and over will play from 94% of the Men’s under age 50 yardage and Women age 50 and over will play from 94% of the Women’s under age 50 yardage, while retaining the Men’s and Women’s age 50 and under target score.

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Sergeant Hardesty Receives Keys to New Home

Colorado PGA REACH Partners to Donate Home to Hero

he opening ceremonies of the 2017 Colorado PGA REACH Invitational held great pomp and circumstance with a backdrop of the majestic Pikes Peak, the presentation of the colors by the Fort Carson Mounted Color Guard, the singing of the national anthem and the awarding of a mortgage-free home to a deserving wounded veteran. Through the support of one of the three pillars of the Colorado PGA REACH Foundation – Supporting Our Military – the foundation partnered with the Military Warriors Support Foundation’s Homes 4 Wounded Heroes Program to change the life of worthy veteran. The goal of the Military Pillar, which seeks to improve the physical, mental and social rehabilitation of military heroes, closely matches that of the Homes 4 Wounded Heroes Program making the single-focused collaboration a win-win for all involved. “This is an incredible opportunity to honor our veterans,” said Eddie Ainsworth, PGA, executive director/CEO of the Colorado PGA. “This is our second year of working with the Homes 4 Wounded Heroes Program and for making one of our heroes feel special.” Former U.S. Army Sergeant Chris Hardesty is a man of few words but expressed his gratitude to the field of tournament golfers by saying, “This is tremendous to me. I’m now a first-time home owner. This is a whole new life for me and my family. I don’t think I could ask for a better gift…it is beyond words.” Hardesty and his family will relocate to Pueblo, Colo., from Hemet, Calif., in the coming weeks. His immediate plans are to complete the remaining 10-months of classes necessary to complete his bachelor’s degree in organizational leadership and then get a position working for the veteran’s association. “I’m really excited about moving to Colorado,” continued Hardesty. “I love to hike and mountain bike. Although I have never hunted or golfed, I hope to take up both of them once we are settled into our new home.”

July 2017

Colorado PGA News

for his country and thought the Army was the best path for him to make a difference. He wanted to do what he could for the effort and chose combat arms as his way to serve. As a Cavalry Scout, Hardesty was deployed to Afghanistan in 2010 where he was injured while on patrol when the M-ATC he was traveling in was attacked by and IED. He has earned the Purple Heart, the Army Commendation Metal and the NATO Medal, to name a few of the awards that have been bestowed upon him. “The mission of the Military Warrior Support Foundation is to assistance combat veterans as they come out of the military and into their new lives,” said Casey Kinser, senior vice president of the MWSF. “Our primary focus is housing and we have provided almost 800 homes in 42 states to combat-wounded veterans. The program also provides three years of family and financial mentoring to make sure they have all of the skills needed to handle this new, incredible asset.” According to Kinser, the golfing community has been incredibly supportive of the Homes 4 Wounded Heroes Program providing monetary contributions, as well as events to honor heroes and to present them with their homes. “The golfing community is a very giving and patriotic community,” concluded Kinser. Donation of the home was made possible by Eric Kenealy, Massage Envy, and Bob and Millie Longmire, as well as all of the member professionals and amateurs who participated in the 2017 Colorado PGA REACH Invitational.

After 9/11, Hardesty knew he wanted to do something

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Employment News

Colorado and Utah Sections Get New Employment Consultant Soriano Assumed Role on June 27, 2017

eith Soriano, PGA, on Tuesday, June 27, began his new role as an Employment Consultant for the PGA of America. In this newly created position, he will serve as an employment resource for PGA Professionals in the Colorado and Utah Sections of the PGA. With the addition of this position, the PGA of America now has 13 employment consultants. “I am humbled to be given the opportunity to serve the PGA members of the Colorado and Utah Sections,” said Soriano. “It has long been a calling of mine to serve others and to be instrumental in achieving change in the lives of those I serve. I feel like this position will provide me this opportunity.” The product of a military family, Soriano started his career in the golf industry in 2000 after graduating from the University of Colorado. He was elected to membership in the PGA of America in 2008 and served as a tournament director, marketing and sales director, assistant professional and PGA head golf professional at multiple clubs in and around the Denver metro area. In 2010, 2011 and 2012 Soriano was awarded his Section’s President’s Plaque for Player Development. In his most recent position, Soriano served as the Assistant Executive Director-Foundation Operations for the Colorado Section of the PGA. Initially hired as the first Player Development Director to serve at the section level in the association, he spearheaded the section’s efforts to support, develop, educate and empower PGA members through innovative programs and oneon-one coaching and mentoring. Under his direction,

the Colorado PGA was the first to offer the Certified Professional Program in a classroom setting, capitalizing on the fraternal nature of the association to help PGA members advance their careers through education and training. Soriano was the lead staff member at the Colorado Section responsible for the execution of the collaboration with the state amateur body in the creation of the Junior Golf Alliance of Colorado. The alliance encompasses all aspects of the junior golf programming, focused on a player pathway that begins with the Colorado PGA’s Golf in Schools program and advances through PGA Junior League, Drive Chip and Putt to developmental, high school, and elite junior golf competitions. “The relationships forged and the work I have done with the Colorado Section of the PGA have helped to prepare me for what lies ahead,” continued Soriano. “I look forward to this new opportunity to serve the PGA members in Colorado and Utah.” Although Soriano’s departure creates a staffing void in the section staff, initiatives and business will continue to move forward. Effective immediately, Patrick Salva assumed the position of Assistant Executive Director of the Colorado PGA. The vacant position will be advertised and filled later this fall.

Malone Joins Colorado PGA Staff Experienced Association Management Professional to Serve Marketing and Communications Role

udy Malone has joined the staff of the Colorado PGA and will serves as the Marketing and Communications Coordinator. In her role, she will assist in providing engaging and interactive messaging to the section membership.

Having spent the last 15 years serving as the information specialist in an association setting, Judy brings written communications, internet-based applications and meeting planning experience with her to the Colo-

rado PGA. Her desire to build relationships and provide exceptional customer service will remain high goals for her in her new role. Judy is a native of Northwest Iowa. She obtained her undergraduate degree at Northwestern College and her masters from the University of Phoenix. Away from the office, she enjoys digging in the dirt…especially the challenge of gardening in Colorado.

Employment News Tournament News

n October 16th, 2012, while walking around the Rocky Mountain Golf Salesman’s Association show at the Crowne Plaza DIA, I called up Eddie Ainsworth to tell him that I would be humbled to accept his offer and join the Colorado Section team as the Player Development Director and Operations Manager. That moment marked the close of my green grass career and the start of a new professional direction that I could have never even imagined possible.

For the last four and a half years I had the opportunity to be part of a team that would serve all of you and participate in a myriad of endeavors intended to increase the value that you received from your PGA Membership. We facilitated education to enhance careers, assist in creating deeper engaged relationships with consumers, and positively impacting communities through the game of golf. We changed the face of Junior Golf through the JGAC, provided peace and rehabilitation for heroes and worked to make the game accessible for everyone. I found tremendous personal and professional satisfaction in every one of those undertakings, and I hope that I was able to help some of you along the way. In my new role as your Employment Consultant, I hope to continue to serve you in a more focused manner. Together, we will work on career planning, job placement, job creation, education, and professional development. I will work not only with our Members, but with our Allied Associations, course owners, recreation districts, parks departments and employers to drive home the importance of the PGA Professional. As PGA Professionals, we possess a unique skill set that drives activity, revenue, engagement, and loyalty within our industry and it is my mission to make sure that not only is that understood by our partners, but that PGA Professionals are the first choice when any opportunity arises within our industry.

Section office. I could only do so because I am so confident in the character and capabilities of the individuals at the Section office that I know that they won’t miss a beat without me. The Colorado Section is blessed with one of the most talented, passionate and committed teams in the Association. Without their support, mentorship and friendship I would not have been prepared to take this next step in my career. With a grateful heart, my sincerest thanks go to Eddie, Patrick, Justin, Holly, Annie, Judy, Laura, Maggie, and Reese as well as past team members Mikayla, Kelly, Zack, Riggs, Erin, Diane, Kaye and Katie Ann.

July 2017

New Member Service Same Famliar Face

I look forward to working alongside both the Colorado and Utah teams to serve the Member and Grow the Game. I am at your service, please feel free to reach out to me for any of your career needs. As always, I’m happy to discuss whatever you may desire over a round of golf. Sincerely, Keith Soriano, PGA

It was a difficult decision to leave the team at the

Posting Your Own MSR Hours H

ave you ever served the Section, Chapter, National PGA or Allied Association by participating in the advancement of the game activities such as radio shows, TV shows, speeches, golf promotional non-playing events, golf clinics and other volunteer activities, such as non-playing tournament official? Have you served as a golf coach or assistant golf coach of a high school/college golf team in a capacity not considered your primary employment?

Have you ever published PGA-approved news, media, and magazine articles or published book? Have you provided official Golf Get Ready group lessons at your facility? If you have done any of the above you can post your own MSR’s online through the following link: http:// apps.pga.org/professionals/apps/membership/msr/. It is easy and you can post these credits any time of the day at your convenience.

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Pfingston Doing the Bear Dance After Winning National Award!

The Golf Club at Bear Dance Head Professional Named Public Merchandiser of the Year

t may have been the impressive percentage of increase in retail merchandising that won Mark Pfingston, PGA, head professional at The Golf Club at Bear Dance, the 2017 PGA of America’s Public Merchandiser of the Year Award but the real story of his success is better understood when one appreciates the extreme passion he has for his calling. “Guys like me don’t win amazing awards like this. I am so very honored,” expresses Pfingston when asked about receiving this award. “I have a great group of people that I rely upon and demand that everything we do is our very best effort. They understand that our work is a reflection upon all of us including our ownership group and our brand. It is this dedication to excellence that makes us worthy of this recognition. “Personally, it is an honor for me to represent our ownership group, our club, our members and our golf professionals that have been instrumental in building the blocks that have allowed us to grow our merchandising and retail philosophy. It has been the dedicated effort of the entire team that has brought us to this pinnacle.” As Pfingston told his story, it was very clear that he sees retail merchandising as one of many spokes in the

wheel needed to run a successful golf operation. All of the work that is done at the club, from la1. Follow a strategic buying dies socials and strategy that incorporates valuemen’s clubs to based pricing and the highest the daily traffic, quality of goods at an affordable is a reflection price. upon us. If we perform below 2. Infuse the brand into every our standards, aspect of the merchandising sales. it is a poor reflection and 3. Create unique visual displays. a lack of effort. I always think that if we can plan and prepare, we are afforded an incredible opportunity.

Three-Pillar Merchandise Philosophy

“God has wired everyone with different talent, which makes people passionate about different things,” expresses Pfingston. “I carry in me a component of representation or image that I believe translates into

Colorado PGA News

July 2017

the success of our golf shop operations.”

Pfingston’s passion for the golf business originated from his father. As a career Air Force man, he taught young Pfingston that whatever he did was a reflection upon himself. That philosophy carried over into his work. When he decided to become a club professional, Pfingston wanted to run military courses and he wanted to create the best image and experience he possibly could to honor the service men and women bestowed upon him. He wanted them to feel like VIP’s and the course was a great place when they walked in the front door, because to him, the shop is a representation of how the rest of the day on the course and with the staff will evolve. Serving military personnel for 10 years proved to be the best honor of Pfingston’s career. When speaking of his family and his father in particular, emotions surface in this self-assured man. His father’s impact, his 33-years of military dedication and service and his achieving the highest enlisted Air Force rank – 10th Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force – made Pfingston want to honor him in everything he did and to never tarnish his legacy. “Men like to wear fashionable clothes too…they like to look good and “When someone walks into our shop, it is like the first moment of truth in their experience for the day. wear the stuff they see on TV. It is really neat when I hear gentleman walk through our shop and say, ‘Wow, they have some really good gear here. We They should know that the team of people working are coming back to shop,’” said Pfingston. here are friendly, knows what they are doing and According to Pfingston, besides buying and selling that they have a plan,” says Pfingston, a PGA member since 2002. “We are very aggressive in making sure merchandise, retail is about inventory management and fiscal responsibility. To understand how the busithat we represent ourselves well.” ness is performing, full fiscal inventories are performed monthly, which allow for immediate changes to mitigate any missed sales opportunities.

The staff at The Golf Club at Bear Dance utilizes bear images and the iconic bear paw on as much merchandise as they can.

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Having been a merchandiser from day one, anyone working under Pfingston’s guidance in the golf operation is going to be extremely well versed in the full scope of merchandising. Staff members are given the opportunity to market products from inception to sale, making the success of the merchandising efforts not only a reflection of Pfingston but of the entire team. Actively participating with the team in the merchandising aspect of the business allows Pfingston to turn these team building moments into learning experiences.

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Pfingston and his staff use views like this to highlight the natural setting of the Golf Club at Bear Dance.

With one common goal, the staff at Bear Dance works to always exceed the customer’s expectations in all that they do. To accomplish this mission, Pfingston has incorporated a three-pillar merchandising philosophy. Pfingston has created a very tight, concise buying program designed to help the team buy well, buy enough of what they really like and price it correctly. Through this strategy, his team works to show their guests an extreme value…both on and off the course. They work hard to create the perfect buying atmosphere in the 900 square foot shop. Because the Colorado weather and the 7,000 foot club elevation have a direct impact on the seasonality of the club, financial goals must be achieved in the short 200 days the club is open. The team generates 85 percent of total revenues in four months from June through September. Pfingston credits much of his success at Bear Dance to the support and the family atmosphere owners Stuart and Lisa Bruening have created. For 15 years now, he has worked at his dream job and every day he still strives to prove to not only them, but to himself, that they made the right decision in offering him this

position. “I am honored by the opportunity given to me by Stuart and Lisa,” comments Pfingston. “They have bestowed to me the keys to run their entire operation. We trust each other and in doing so, I have been given a lot of room to grow, to excel, to bring in new people and to explore new and creative ideas. That is why it is so gratifying to be recognized with this award and for it to reflect positively back upon them.” Preceding this honor, Pfingston was the recipient of the Colorado PGA Public Merchandiser of the Year Award in 2005, 2015 and 2016.

FASHION & DEMO EXPERIENCE

July 2017

Tournament News

SAVE THE DATE PGA FASHION & DEMO EXPERIENCE

AUGUST 14 - 16, 2017 THE VENETIAN HOTEL Las Vegas, Nevada

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Merchandising Matters!

With Member-Guest Season upon us, what are some unique items our members have given at their events and how did it go over? Russ Miller, PGA

Director of Golf | Broadmoor Golf Club What is the most unique gift you’ve given at your Member-Guest event? Unique gifts for Ladies Member-Guest events can be very difficult to choose, especially when they are hosted annually. Shoes, luggage and other accessories are most common. A unique and very popular gift we gave to our ladies was a Broadmoor umbrella with a photo of the clubhouse on the inside of the umbrella. Not only was it very colorful, but was also very tasteful and a gift that they had not seen before. What was the response from the participants? It seemed that each lady enjoyed the gift and many said they wouldn’t actually use it; they would showcase it as a keepsake. What recommendation would you give other Professionals when choosing a gift for their Member-Guest? Offering unique gifts that could be a once in a lifetime keepsake would be good advice. Additionally, it takes away the need for sizing and large inventory to prepare for the tournament.

Graham Cliff, PGA Head Golf Professional | Colorado Golf Club What is the most unique gift you’ve given at your Member-Guest event? I believe the most unique gift we ever did for The Paintbrush (Colorado Golf Club Member Guests) was when we allowed the participants to shop for their own gifts. We invited a variety of vendors – a vineyard, a pen company, Titleist, a cigar company and a clothing vendor – to set up on the practice facility. We presented each participant with Monopoly-type money when then checked in so that they could go buy an assortment of items of their own choosing from our different vendors. What was the response from the participants? The response was fantastic. Members really enjoyed being able to participate in the selection of their own gift. What recommendation would you give other Professionals when choosing a gift for their Member-Guest event? I think it’s good to visit with other professionals in your network to see what they have done in the past and hear what recommendations they may have. It’s hard to come up with a new idea each year, whereas it’s much easier to gather some data from other clubs to see what their members enjoyed.

Head Golf Professional | Cherry Hills Country Club What is the most unique gift you’ve given at your Member-Guest event? Every year it is a challenge to come up with a fresh idea that the members and their guests can enjoy and one that differentiates itself from years past. I would say this year’s favor may be one of the more memorable we have given during my tenure. We gave the participants a choice to choose from one of three packages and named them after the last three Head Professionals at Cherry Hills. The John Ogden package was a Yeti Cooler. The Clayton Cole package was to choose one of three different Scotty Cameron putter models. The Warren Smith package was a Club Glove Burst Proof Travel Bag and a pair of Peter Millar loafers.

July 2017

John D. Ogden, PGA

What was the response from the participants? It is a rarity to not have someone express their disappointment with a tournament favor because often they already have the item. However, this year, everyone seemed to enjoy having a choice of three very different packages. Many of the participants went out of their way to express their gratitude. What recommendation would you give other Professionals when choosing a gift for their Member-Guest? First things first, you are never going to make everyone happy. My advice would be to ask your fellow PGA Professionals what has been successful and what has not been well received. Also, reach out to a few members whom you trust. They will provide a great sounding board. Finally, ask yourself what you would want as a favor if you were playing in the Member-Guest and if the favor you have given or are giving excite you.

Jeff Hanson, PGA Director of Golf | Red Sky Ranch What is the most unique gift you’ve given at your Member-Guest event? Last year, we gave BIG belt buckles (Garrett Farnsworth) to our Member-Guest participants that were custom made with our Red Sky Ranch logo. We offered either a white or black leather belt to attach the buckle to and our members loved them! In addition, we displayed the Colorado flag along with a number of college flags and received multiple flag orders. We have also offered custom pants and shorts from Elevee Golf and FootJoy shoes from Tom Krystyn that are always a hit. What was the response from the participants? As we all know, it’s hard to buy for members who have everything. Our members couldn’t be more excited when we go outside the box and deliver a custom gift that they can’t get anywhere else! What recommendation would you give other Professionals when choosing a gift for their Member-Guest event? Try to select companies that offer additional products to display for incremental sales, work with a sales representative you trust and who can be present at the event and look for competitive pricing. Finding something unique is always a plus, and hard to find, when you have members who have everything.

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Tournament News

Smigelsky Has a June to Remember! Smigelsky Competes in First Senior Major

ale Smigelsky, the PGA Director of Golf at Collindale Golf Course in Ft. Collins, CO kept up his busy June as he competed in the 2017 US Senior Open at Salem Country Club June 29-July 2, 2017. Dale was fresh off a t7 finish at the CoBank Colorado Senior Open and a 27th place finish at the PGA Professional Championship. During the first round, Smigelsky got off to a rocky start playing his first eleven holes in four-over-par. He turned it around though as he made birdies at 4, 6 and 7 to finish the first round at one-over-par 71. Smigelsky, competing in his first senior major championship, didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t fare so well in the second round. With the top-60 and ties moving on to the weekend, Dale ended up shooting a 6-over-par 76 in round 2, leaving him at seven-over-par 147.

Smigelsky Finishes Just Misses Out on PGA Championship Birth

D Ore.

ale Smigelsky of Fort Collins came up just short of a PGA Championship berth after rallying early in the final round, but finished 27th out of 312 players at the 50th national PGA Professional Championship in Sunriver,

The director of golf at Collindale Golf Course needed to place in the top 20 to earn a berth in August's PGA Championship, but ended up one stroke out of a playoff for the final two berths Dale put himself in contention after playing his first three holes in two-under-par and sat in prime position at the turn. It started to unravel on the back nine as he went double bogey-bogey on number 15 and 16 to fall out of contention. Smigelsky finish the round with back-to-back pars to post a two-over par 74 to finish at four-over 291. Also making the 36-hole cut was the Head Professional from the Norman Course at Red Sky Golf Club, Ari Papadopoulos. Ari fired 75-72 to make the 36-hole cut but his third round two-over-par 74 wasnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t enough to make the 54-hole cut. The results of all of the Colorado PGA Professionals who competed are as follows: 27. Dale Smigelsky, Fort Collins 75-69-73-74--291 Missed 54-Hole Cut 72. Ari Papadopoulos, Eagle-Vail 75-72-74--221 Missed 36-Hole Cut 190. Geoff Keffer, Lakewood 74-78--152 209. Caine Fitzgerald, Parker 78-75--153 226. Mike Northern, Colorado Springs 75-79--154 226. Eric Bradley, Parker 78-76--154 240. Kirk Trowbridge, Castle Rock 82-73--155 250. Joseph Carlton, Golden 81-75--156

Four Tie Atop Inverness Pro Am Leaderboard

Inverness Golf Club, a former host of the Colorado Open, showed its teeth on Monday, July 10, 2017 as four players tied for first during the Inverness Golf Club Pro Am. All four players fired scores of even-par 70 to claim victory. Posting those scores were Sherry Andonian, PGA instructor at Valley Country Club, Geoff Keffer, PGA instructor at the Greater Golfer Development Center, Ron Vlosich, PGA Life Member and a former assistant professional at the club, and Andrew Hebert, an apprentice at Indian Peaks Golf Course.

July 2017

Tournament News

In the team contest, Pat Reidy, PGA instructor at the host facility, lead his team in posting a fourteen-under-par 126. Blake Sharamitaro and his team fired a thirteen-under-par 127 to finish just one stroke back.

Cole Claims Victory at the Ridge at Castle Pines North Pro Am R

ick Cole, PGA head professional at Eaton Country Club was fresh off a long-week at the CoBank Colorado Senior Open when he headed to the Ridge at Castle Pines North for their annual Pro Am on Monday, June 12, 2017. In fact, Cole was probably more tired than most as he had just finished as the low Colorado PGA Professional in the event. That didn’t stop him as Cole fired an impressive four-under-par 67 to claim the victory by two shots over Kyle Voska. Cole made four birdies on an otherwise flawless scorecard to beat the field of fort players.

assistant professional at Lake Arbor Golf Course who posted a one-under-par 71. In the team competition, Voska and Sharamitaro led their teams to a tied with the team led by Craig Stephens, PGA head professional at Indian Peaks Golf Course in Lafayette, CO. All three teams posted thirteen-under-par 121 in the 3-2-1 Net event.

For more information and the complete results, please click here.

Coming in second place was Kyle Voska, PGA instructor at The Links Golf Course at Highlands Ranch. Voska likewise made four birdies but also added two bogies to his scorecard to post a two-under-par 68. Coming in third place was Blake Sharamitro, PGA

Seniors Dominate Leaderboard at the CC of Colorado T

he Colorado PGA hasn’t visited the Pete Dye-designed Country Club of Colorado in a number of years. It was no surprise that a number of our Senior Division players didn’t skip a beat when we returned for the Country Club of Colorado Pro Am on Monday, June 12, 2017. Rand Bregar, PGA head professional at Elmwood Golf Course in Pueblo, CO, Gregg Jones, PGA instructor at Sand Creek Golf Course and Ken Krieger, PGA head professional at Cheyenne Country Club in Cheyenne, WY, finished tied for first after posting rounds of one-under-par 70. Coming in fourth place was Jason Witczak, PGA director of instruction at The Club at Pradera and Chris Johnson, PGA life member, who both shot an even-par 71. In the team contest, Tyler Parsloe, PGA instructor at Jake’s Academy, led his team to victory during the event. He partnered with Grant Miller, Blake Rutkowski, and Kerri Luther to post a twenty-one-under-par 121.

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Tournament News

Colorado PGA Professional Champ. Registration Open

Red Sky Golf Club - Fazio Course September 11-13, 2017 Registration Closes | Wednesday, August 23, 2017 - 11:59 PM MDT Entry Fee | $250 Click here to register Eligibility Eligibility is limited to PGA members who meet all of the following criteria: 1. Must be eligibly employed in and classified in one of the following active membership classifications at the time of entry and as of July 7, 2017. The PGA of America headquarters records must reflect this status at time of entry and as of July 7, 2017. *MP Master Professional A-1 Head Professional at a PGA recognized golf course A-2 Head Professional at a PGA recognized golf range A-4 Golf Directors at a PGA recognized golf course *A-5 Past PGA Presidents A-6 Self-employed teaching professionals A-7 Director of Golf or Head Professional at a PGA recognized golf facility under construction A-8 Assistant Professional A-9 Executives or managers of golf properties A-10 Golf Clinicians A-11 Employees of Go f Associations A-12 College Golf Coaches A-13 General Managers/Directors of Club Operations A-14 Directors of Instruction A-15 Retail A-16 Golf Course Architect/Builder A-17 Golf Course Superintendents A-18 Golf Media A-19 Golf Manufacturer Management A-20 Golf Manufacturer Sales Representatives A-21 Tournament Director A-22 Rules Official A-23 Golf Club Fitting/Golf Club Repair A-24 PGA members primarily employed within the golf industry who are not eligible for another Active classification *Must be eligibly employed in one of the above mentioned active membership classifications or must

be eligible for the following Life Member classifications (LM, LMA, LMM or LMMA). 2. Must not have played in more than ten (10) combined Adams Golf Pro Tours, Asian Tour, Australia/New Zealand Tour, Champions TOUR, Dakotas Tour, eGolf Gateway Tour (eGolf Professional Tours and All-American Gateway Tours), European Challenge Tour, European Senior Tour, European Tour, JPGA Senior Tour, JPGA Tour, Ladies European Tour (LET), LPGA Futures Tour (Symetra Tour), LPGA Tour, LPGT, SwingThought.com Tour (NGA Pro Golf Tours), PGA TOUR, PGA TOUR Canada, PGA TOUR LatioAmerica, The Safari Tour, The Sunshine Tour and web.com TOUR tournaments between July 7, 2016 and July 7, 2017. The U. S. Open, U. S. Senior Open, PGA Championship and Senior PGA Championship are not included in the 10-tournament count. PGA Tournament Corporation, Inc., reserves the right to determine whether or not any player is so employed and to reject any player who does not meet these requirements. A PGA member will not be eligible to participate if: a) the member is serving a suspension from membership; b) the member is suspended from tournament participation for National tournaments; or c) the member is classified as Class F, LM, LMM, LMC, RM, Inactive, A-3, or Honorary.

Senior Section Championship Registration Open

Valley Country Club August 14-15, 2017 Registration Closes | Wednesday, July 26, 2017 - 11:59 PM MDT Entry Fee | $250 Click here to register Eligibility

Eligibility is limited to PGA members who meet all of the following criteria. 1. Must be eligibly employed and classified in one of the following active membership classifications or have Life Member status in one of the following classifications (LM, LMA, LMM or LMMA), at the time of entry and as of July 14, 2017. The PGA of America headquarters records must reflect this status at time of entry and on July 14, 2017. *MP Master Professional A-1 Head Professional at a PGA golf course A-2 Head Professional at a PGA golf range A-4 Golf Directors at a PGA recognized golf course *A-5 Past PGA Presidents A-6 Self-employed teaching professionals A-7 Director of Golf or Head Professional at a PGA recognized golf facility under construction A-8 Assistant Professional A-9 Executives or managers of golf properties A-10 Golf Clinicians A-11 Employees of Go f Associations A-12 College Golf Coaches A-13 General Managers/Directors of Club Operations A-14 Directors of Instruction A-15 Retail A-16 Golf Course Architect/Builder A-17 Golf Course Superintendents A-18 Golf Media A-19 Golf Manufacturer Management A-20 Golf Manufacturer Sales Representatives A-21 Tournament Director A-22 Rules Official A-23 Golf Club Fitting/Golf Club Repair A-24 PGA members primarily employed within the golf industry who are not eligible for another Active classification

July 2017

Tournament News

*Must be eligibly employed in one of the above mentioned active membership classifications or must be eligible for the following Life Member classifications (LM, LMA, LMM or LMMA). 2. Must not have played in more than ten (10) combined Adams Golf Pro Tours, Asian Tour, Australia/ New Zealand Tour, Champions TOUR, Dakotas Tour, eGolf Gateway Tour (formerly eGolf Professional Tours and All-American Gateway Tours), European Challenge Tour, European Senior Tour, European Tour, JPGA Senior Tour, JPGA Tour, Ladies European Tour (LET), LPGA Futures Tour (Symetra Tour), LPGA Tour, LPGT, SwingThought.com Tour (formerly NGA Pro Golf Tours), PGA TOUR, PGA TOUR Canada, PGA TOUR LatinoAmerica, The Safari Tour, The Sunshine Tour and web.com TOUR tournaments between July 14, 2014 and July 13, 2015. The U.S. Open, U.S. Senior Open, PGA Championship, and Senior PGA Championship are not included in the 10-tournament count. 3. Participants must also be a minimum of 50 years of age on September 28 2017, the first round of the 2017 Senior PGA Championship Professional National presented by Mercedes-Benz. PGA Tournament Corporation, Inc., reserves the right to determine whether or not any player meets eligibility and to reject any player who does not: A. the member is serving a suspension from membership; B. the member is suspended from tournament participation for National tournaments; or C. the member is classified as Class F, Inactive, A-3, Retired Member, Life Member Century or Honorary.

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Tournament News

As of July 13, 2017 24

July 2017

Cameron McCormick PGA Professional

There is no typical day for a PGA Professional, but it all adds up to thanks. The PGA of America celebrates PGA Professionals everywhere â&#x20AC;&#x201C; for everything they do.

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Education News

Teaching and Coaching Workshop Announced for September 21, 2017

Colorado PGA Professionals to Highlight Hands On Workshop he Education Committee is happy to announce the Event Details creation of the Colorado PGA Fall Teaching and

Coaching Workshop. This one-day, hands-on workshop will feature some of the best instructors in the Colorado Section sharing with you their insights into the game in a 30 minute Ted-Talks style presentation. Below are the confirmed instructors for the event.

The Ranch Country Club Thursday, September 21, 2017 9:00am to 3:00pm Registration - $50 (includes lunch) Golf - an optional 9-hole “fun round” will be held after the seminars conclude

Luke Brosterhous, PGA Catamount Ranch and Club

Steve Beach, PGA Glenmoor Country Club

Nick Clearwater, PGA GOLFTEC

Don Hurter, PGA Castle Pines Golf Club

Ed Oldham, PGA The Ranch Country Club

Trent Wearner, PGA Trent Wearner Golf Academy

July 2017

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Membership News

Quarter Century Feature

Help us honor those Colorado PGA Professionals who have attained 25 years of membership!

Paul Surniak, PGA

Director of Instruction Cheyenne Shadows Golf Course at Ft. Carson Where did you grow up? I grew up in South Plainfield, NJ where I caddied at the Plainfield CC where they hold the Barclays every 4 years. What was your first introduction to the game of golf? It came from my older brother Greg, he also caddied there and he started playing first and introduced me to the game. Why did you choose to become a PGA Golf Professional? From a very young boy I played football, basketball, baseball and golf. Golf presented a unique challenge to me. As I grew up, golf became more and more a part of who I was and it was only natural that I make it a profession. I enjoy every aspect of the business, from competition to managing a facility to instruction. What makes you most proud about being a PGA Professional? Golf offers everyone an opportunity to challenge themselves. I have seen this game change lives and help others through life. I have worked with our wounded warriors through the PGA HOPE program, the SMGA program the Evens Army Hospital in the pain Clinic bringing people back into the game after injury, I have worked with special needs children and so many others. What golf facilities have you been employed at and in what capacity? Currently, I am the Director of Instruction at the Cheyenne Shadows Golf Club on Fort Carson in Colorado Springs, CO. I have been the Head Professional at the Sumo Golf Club, Cherokee Ridge Golf Course and an assistant at Gleneagle Golf Course and the World Golf Center. I have taught this game overseas in China and played professionally on the China Tour. Prior to that, I spent seven years competing in National long drive competitions.

What do you feel is the most meaningful contribution to the game of golf you have made? I am very proud of the work I have done with the Military and helping our soldiers and their families enjoy this great game! I am also very proud of the work I have done with the special needs children. I love introducing new people to this game. What hobbies do you have outside of golf? My hobbies outside of golf are spending time with my kids, fishing, and scuba diving, good food and travel to quiet places. If you could have a dream foursome, who would it be and why? I think it would be a 5-some; me, my brother, my father, Jack and Arnie. Why? I do not think I need to answer that but I will; my two best friends and our Golfing Idols.

Life Member Where did you grow up?

The North Shores suburbs of Chicago were home for me until I was 17. At that time, we moved to Glenwood Springs, Colo. I currently live in Aspen, Colo.

Johnson, Raymond Floyd, Lee Westwood and Chris DiMarco. What golf facilities have you been employed at and in what capacity?

My first introduction to golf was swinging at plastic golf balls in the back yard. I first started playing at the Glenview Naval Base in Glenview, Ill. We would ride our bikes a few miles to the base with our clubs and pull carts in tow. One time, we played after sundown and when we went to ride back home, we found the gate locked. The only way out was to heave our bikes and pull carts over an eight foot chain-link fence. That was the last time we played until after dark.

My first job in golf was at the Glenwood Springs Golf Course as an assistant professional. From there, I accepted the same position at the Snowmass Golf Club, Snowmass Village, Colo., before being promoted to head golf professional. I have worked as a golf instructor at Craft-Zavichas Golf School at Tucson National, Tucson Ariz.; Gold Canyon, Mesa Ariz.; and Pueblo West and Walking Stick courses, Pueblo, Colo. I worked as the director of membership and cabin sales at the Roaring Fork Golf and Fishing Club, Basalt, Colo., during its development, as well as its logo curator. Currently, I as serving the PGA as a player’s ability test examiner on the Western Slope of Colorado.

Why did you choose to become a PGA Golf Professional?

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

This is an easy question -- a passion for the game and the love of teaching are what drove me to become a golf professional. After graduating from PGA Business School, I felt that I understood how the golf business worked and I wanted to help others learn. I also enjoy watching my student’s skills improve and the smile on their faces when they feel a great shot!

Helping to mold and guide junior golfers is a way to give back and to change the world – one golfer at the time. Therefore, I feel my most meaningful contribution to the game has been the past seven years as the coach for the Aspen High School girl’s golf team and Aspen Junior Golf, as well as my service as a board member to the Aspen Junior Golf Foundation. I have also served as the President of the Colorado PGA West Chapter and was awarded the Colorado PGA West Chapter Bill Strausbaugh Award.

What was your first introduction to the game of golf?

What makes you most proud about being a PGA Professional? I am honored to teach others a love for the game, work with junior golfers and be recognized as an authority/ expert in respect to the game of golf. Becoming a professional has allowed me the opportunity to meet people from all walks of life and from all around the world who have a common love for the game. My love for learning and being able to pass this excitement on has never ceased! I have been fortunate to learn the game from some of the best instructors, namely the late John Jacobs, Hank Haney, Mike Hebron, Mike Adams, Dave Stockton, Mike Shannon, Penny Zavichas and Mike LaBauve, to name a few. I have also had the privilege of playing golf with touring pros such as Jason Dufner, Dustin

July 2017

Don Buchholz, PGA

Membership News

What hobbies do you have outside of golf? The list is diverse, ranging from outdoor activities like skiing and fly fishing to cooking, traveling and being with my children. Of course, finding that hidden gem of a golf course is always on the list. If you could have a dream foursome, who would it be and why? Being with family brings me my biggest joy so my dream foursome would probably be my son and daughter, Andrew and Christy, and my father, since I never got to play with him before he died.

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Membership News

Route 411

An update on our Colorado PGA Members

Happy Birthday! July 1 Tim Brauch, PGA Jim Faddis, PGA Tim McQuaid

July 3 Bryan Flanagan, PGA Brian Markel, PGA Tyler Winslow Lucas Butler Michael Sdao July 5 Ari Papadopoulos, PGA Tyler Gunkel July 6 Stephen Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Brien, PGA July 7 Jack Mendelsohn, PGA Nathan Morris, PGA July 8 Chris Schafer, PGA John Trujillo, PGA Seth Zacks July 9 Thomas Anderson, PGA July 10 Jack Small, PGA July 11 Don Graham, PGA Larry Mullis, PGA Keith Schneider, PGA Garrett Froggatte JJ Kennaugh, PGA

July 12 Dane Reese Tim Dever

July 13 Mark Fontana, PGA Russ Miller, PGA Doug Perry, PGA Robert Grall, PGA Michael Paavilainen July 14 Anthony Allen, PGA

July 23 Todd Marley, PGA Devon Puleo, PGA Patrick Ruddy, PGA Blake Sharamitaro, PGA July 24 Vince Buelk, PGA Carroll Sharratt, PGA Chris Sholts, PGA Paul Klatt

July 15 Mort Mulliken, PGA

July 25 Dale Smigelsky, PGA Jason Franke, PGA Kory Harrell

July 16 Travis Riddle, PGA

July 26 Curtis Starkey, PGA

July 17 Matt Pickering, PGA Emily McDonald Trevor Martinet

July 27 Heikke Nielsen, PGA

July 18 Jace Dressen July 19 John Clendenin, PGA Michael J. Passmore, PGA July 20 Larry Rinker, PGA July 21 Joe Sarconi, PGA July 22 Lincoln Winslow

July 29 Brad Tyson, PGA July 30 Sam Saunders, PGA July 31 Robert Stong, PGA Brian Turner Joshua Coccagna, PGA

Michael W. Wachter, PGA | A-8 Columbine Country Club

New Apprentices Ryan D. Husted B-8 | Valley Country Club

July 2017

New Members

Membership News

Making Moves

Jack Diehl, PGA | A-1 Rio Grande Club Previously an A-8 at the Snowmass Club Zane T. Zwemke, PGA | A-1 Saddle Rock Golf Course Previously an A-8 at Aurora Hills Golf Course

Welcome to the Colorado PGA! Luke W. Survis, PGA A-14 | Warren Golf Club Previously an A-4 at Lackland AFB GC-Gateway Hills

Moving On! Anthony G. Oberle, PGA Previously an A-6 at GolfTEC - Headquarters Currently an A-6 at LeSueur Country Club (Minnesota Section) Michael L. Pickens, PGA Life Member Currently in the Southwest Section Kelly L. Plaisier, PGA Previously an A-6 at the Trent Wearner Golf Academy Currently an A-6 at Thousand Oaks Golf Club (Michigan Section)

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Junior Golf News

Headed to Kansas

Coloradans Solem, Bryant, Shehee qualify at Fox Hill for U.S. Junior Amateur; Solem medalist at his home course by Gary Baines, Junior Golf Alliance of Colorado ackson Solem can still distinctly remember the last time U.S. Junior Amateur Qualifying was held at his home course, The Fox Hill Club in Longmont.

It was two years ago, and Solem made it into a playoff where four players competed for the final two available national berths. Alas, despite his home-course advantage, Solem was one of the odd men out. But fate smiled on the Longmont resident on Tuesday. First, the rules were changed for the 2017 championship, upping the maximum age of entrants from 17 to 18. Solem just happens to be 18, set to play golf for the University of Denver starting in the fall. And then the qualifying tournament returned to Fox Hill, where Solem estimates he’s played 1,000 rounds over the last 10 years. In fact, Solem won the 4A state high school individual title at the course in 2015. On Tuesday, he earned medalist honors at his home club to qualify for his first USGA championship. The U.S. Junior Amateur will be held July 17-22 at Flint Hills National Golf Club in Andover, Kan. Solem birdied two of the last three holes to shoot even-par 70 to lead the way out of a field that originally numbered 84. Joining him in earning spots in the U.S. Junior Am were Davis Bryant of Aurora, who has now qualified twice at Fox Hill for the U.S. Junior Amateur, and TJ Shehee of nearby Mead, who like Solem will be going to his first USGA championship. (The qualifiers are pictured, from left, Bryant, Solem and Shehee.) “I thought it was awesome” that 18-year-olds are allowed to compete in the U.S. Junior Am starting this year, Solem said. “This is something I’ve never qualified for. I’ve played in a lot of different things. I missed in a playoff when qualifying was here last time (in 2015). That kind of stung a little bit. Last year, I played terribly out at (the qualifier) at Walnut Creek. It was cool to have a shot at redemption.” As for qualifying for his first USGA event, “it means a whole

lot,” Solem said. “I’ve heard the USGA championships are awesome -- like the pinnacle of golf. It’s cool to get my first one. Getting at least a taste of it at (U.S. Open) Sectionals was so cool. I think it gave me a lot of confidence coming into this. It made me want it a little more even.” Solem, who last week won his third consecutive state Big I Junior Classic, has changed his mental approach to competing on his home course over time. “I used to (put a lot of pressure on himself) because I play out here all the time so people expect me to play well,” he said. “This year I’ve stopped caring about that so much and think, ‘It’s another golf course. I just know a little bit more about it than most people.’ I just think of it as a little advantage rather than as a curse now.” Bryant and Shehee matched 1-over-par scores of 71 on Tuesday, tying for second, a stroke behind Solem. Solem and Shehee were teammates on the Silver Creek High School golf squad, though Solem recently graduated from Longmont Christian and Shehee is a junior-to-be at Mead High School. And Solem and Bryant were teammates on the 2015 and 2016 Colorado Junior America’s Cup teams.

Second Time Around for Murray Coloradan joins JGAC’s Poynter and Californian Cai in qualifying for U.S. Girls’ Junior by Gary Baines, Junior Golf Alliance of Colorado

aclyn Murray of Grand Junction qualified for the U.S. Girls’ Junior as a 15-year-old in 2014, but hadn’t been able to book a return trip the last couple of years. However, she rectified that matter on Tuesday by earning her second berth to the national championship.

July 2017

Junior Golf News

Murray, a recent Regis Jesuit High School graduate who plans to play college golf at the University of Colorado beginning this fall, shot a 1-over-par 73 on Tuesday at Valley Country Club in Centennial to land one of the three national spots that were at stake. “I think it’s a great way to end up my junior career,” said the 18-year-old. “I really wanted this. It’ll be fun to have one last go at it. It means a lot to me.” Joining her at the U.S. Girls’ Junior – scheduled for July 24-29 at Boone Valley Country Club in Augusta, Mo. – were medalist Jennifer Cai, a 14-year-old from Irvine, Calif., and Shelby Poynter of Scottsbluff, Neb., who’s a member of the Junior Golf Alliance of Colorado. Cai carded a 1-under-par 71 and Poynter a 74. (The qualifiers are pictured, from left, Cai, Murray and Poynter.) Murray, who became the first Colorado resident in two years to qualify in the Centennial State for a spot in the U.S. Girls’ Junior, hit 15 greens in regulation on Tuesday but managed just one birdie to go with two bogeys. She parred her final 10 holes of the day. “I couldn’t make a putt,” said the two-time Colorado Girls Junior America’s Cup representative. “I had so many opportunities – so many putts within 10 feet, 5 feet. I just couldn’t make them. I had a lot of two-putts, but should have had more one-putts. But I’m definitely happy (with a 73). I hit the ball super, super well so I can’t complain.” Murray, runner-up in this month’s Colorado Junior PGA Championship, was among the beneficiaries this year of a change in age restrictions for the U.S. Girls’ Junior that allows 18-year-olds to compete, after 17 had been the maximum.

It will mark the third USGA championship overall for Murray, who also competed in the 2015 USGA Women’s State Team. Cai will be going to her second USGA championship, having played – alone – in the U.S. Women’s Amateur Four-Ball last month. It’ll be the first USGA tournament for Poynter. “This is probably the biggest thing I’ve done (in golf),” said the 17-year-old Poynter, a high school senior-to-be. “I placed second at state my sophomore year of high school, but this is a much bigger deal to me. “It’s really special. It’s really an honor. I haven’t been playing golf for very long. (Qualifying for a USGA championship) has been one of my biggest goals since I started playing, so it’s awesome. It’s a good feeling.” Cai, who made four birdies on Tuesday, was 4 under par through 15, but carded a double bogey on 16 and a bogey on 17 and still managed to post the only sub-par round out of a field that originally numbered 33. That despite this trip marking her first time playing golf in Colorado. Poynter also chalked up four birdies -- including a 60-footer on No. 12 -- in addition to four bogeys and a double bogey. “I actually played really well,” Poynter said. “I didn’t get a practice round in this year. I was actually late getting

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here this afternoon. I didn’t get here as early as I would have liked, so I didn’t really know what to expect. I didn’t think I would really make it (qualify). I was hoping for it, but ... continued from previous page “I was putting really well. I hadn’t been putting well for a long time. My coach just said, ‘You’re close. It’ll come. Just be patient.’ And I was today and they started falling.” As for Cai, she said she came to Colorado to qualify because the odds were better than if she tried it in her home state of California. “It’s more competitive at other places,” she said. “There’s too many good players in California.” Whatever the case, getting a recent taste of what USGA championships are like at the Women’s Four-Ball, Cai was happy to earn another berth in a national tournament. continued from page 28 Bryant, who prevailed in the 2015 playoff in which Solem fell short, also rallied late in his round on Tuesday. After being 4 over par through eight holes, he played his last 10 in 3 under, making four birdies along the way, starting with a 40-footer on his ninth hole. Bryant, who recently won the Colorado Junior PGA Championship, has verbally committed to play his college golf at Colorado State University beginning in 2018. “I bounced back good” after the rough start, said the Eaglecrest senior-to-be. “I left it all out there and did as best as I could. “I like this course a lot,” Bryant added. “It’s always in really good shape. I read the greens pretty well. It’s tight with the trees, which I like. I hit it really straight off the teebox. There’s a lot of dogleg lefts, which suits my draw. So there’s something about this place I really like. It’s been good to me. “I’ve really had a good start to the summer. To add this one to the schedule will be awesome. My game two years ago is nothing like it is now. I’ll definitely be a lot more prepared.” Like Bryant, the 17-year-old son of Green Valley Ranch PGA general manager Matt Bryant, Shehee comes from a family with close ties to the Colorado PGA. His dad, Tray, is an instructor at Ute Creek Golf Course, and his mom, Terra, is the head professional at Boulder Country Club. “They’re definitely the biggest influence on how I’m playing right now,” said TJ Shehee, who recently qualified for the Optimist International Junior Championships. On Tuesday, TJ Shehee made two birdies and three bogeys on the day at Fox Hill, where he often practices. “This is one of my home courses,” the 16-year-old said. “I feel really comfortable here. I’ve been playing well coming up to this point (of the season), so I thought I had a good chance here. “To qualify, it’s the biggest tournament I’ve ever played in in my life. It’ll be a really great experience.” Several changes were made for the U.S. Junior Amateur starting this year: The qualifying tournament was reduced from the 36 holes it long had been to 18 holes. As noted, the maximum age for competitors has been raised from 17 to 18. And the maximum Handicap Index allowed for players has been lowered from 6.4 to 4.4. For all of Tuesday’s scores, please click here.

High Point Totals Dominate At Murphy Creek GC

igh point totals dominated the field as Murphy Creek Golf Club hosted the third Drive Chip and Putt local qualifier on Tuesday, June 27. The field competed for three qualifying spots in each age bracket, two alternates and the opportunity to move onto the Sub-Regional Qualifier to be held at CommonGround Golf Course (GC) in Aurora, Colo., on Aug. 12. Winners at CommonGround GC will move on to Southern Hills Country Club in Oklahoma and could eventually be given the opportunity to compete at Augusta National Golf Club in the Drive Chip and Putt National Championship – a hallmark event of the Master’s Week festivities since 2013.

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Results (listed 1st - 3rd) and players to move on are listed below: Boys 7-9 1. Collen Todd – 66 2. Taylor Fry – 63 3. Connor Netherton – 57 Boys 10-11 1. Matai Naqica – 160 2. Mason Grube – 101 3. Lincoln Thomas – 94 Boys 12-13 1. Max Zdvorny – 146 2. Dawson Thulin – 137 3. Zachary Caldarella – 128 Boys 14-15 1. Alex McCoy – 160 2. Kade Patterson – 154 3. James Beckett – 142

Girls 7-9 1. Kendyl Hofstetter – 68 2. Allie Smith – 48 3. Maddie Mikino – 44 Girls 10-11 1. Haylee Clark – 106 2. Lilly Humbert – 105 3. Isabel Paraiso – 102 Girls 12-13 1. Kaylee Chen – 156 2. Chunya Boonta – 139 3. Gisella Lagrimas – 105 Girls 14-15 1. Emma Bryant – 143 2. Grace Ha – 119 3. Alyssa Chin – 117

The Road to Augusta Continues at Fort Collins CC

ort Collins Country Club hosted the second of seven Drive, Chip and Putt local Qualifiers on Monday, June 19th. A registered field of 135 players competed for three qualifying spots in each age bracket, two alternates and the opportunity to move onto to Sub-regional Qualifier to be held at Walnut Creek Golf Preserve on August 19th. Winners from this event and prospective winners of future qualifiers will eventually be given the opportunity to compete at Augusta National Golf Club in the Drive Chip and Putt National Championships—a hallmark event of the Master’s Week festivities since 2013. The Junior Golf Alliance of Colorado hosted the event alongside the Fort Collins Country Club staff and members who we greatly appreciate for their help and support. Results (listed 1st - 3rd) and players to move on are listed below: Boys 7-9 Girls 7-9 1. Max Riley - 94 1. Molli Mulhall - 84 2. Austyn Bell - 88 2. CheyAnne Schrick - 53 3. Ethan Marquez - 87 3. Sage Raymond - 52 Boys 10-11 Girls 10-11 1. Austin Barry - 153 1. Alena Kasanicky - 88 2. Kaden Devenport - 136 2. Rylee Salome - 72 3. Ethan Tompkins - 110 3. Ellie Barry - 68 Boys 12-13 Girls 12-13 1. Ian Hunn - 98 1. Ali Mulhall - 124 2. Ryan Woodley - 95 2. Katelyn Cobb - 100 3. Emmett Loomis - 91 3. Payton Wise - 95 Boys 14-15 Girls 14-15 1. Greg Woodley - 137 1. Katelyn Lehigh - 126 2. Cole Henton - 90 2. Reese Robinson - 90 3. Spencer Riley - 85 3. Ashley Treat - 76

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