The SUMMIT - Colorado PGA Magazine - April 2021 by Colorado PGA

The

SUMMIT

The SUMMIT is the official digital magazine of the Colorado PGA - April 2021

WHO WE ARE

The Official Magazine of the Colorado PGA The SUMMIT is produced by the Colorado PGA

Colorado PGA Officers

West Chapter Officers

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

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

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

Mike O’Donnell, PGA Secretary | 2021-2022 Fort Carson Ben Welsh, PGA Honorary President | 2021-2022 Frost Creek

Board of Directors

Mark Bacheldor, PGA | 2020-2022 UCCS PGA Golf Management Program Andy Benson, PGA | 2021 University of Denver Golf Club Jeff Boyer, PGA | 2019-2021 Eagle Ranch Golf Course Joe Carlton, PGA | 2021-2023 Legacy Ridge Golf Course Bob Doyle, PGA Past District 9 Director Life Member Kyle Heyen, PGA Past District 9 Director Hiwan Golf Club Charles ‘Vic’ Kline, PGA Past District 9 Director Ed Marzec, PGA | 2019-2021 Red Sky Golf Club Jim Miller, PGA | 2018-2023 Sonnenalp Golf Club

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

Steve VanDyke, PGA Secretary | 2021-2023 River Valley Ranch GC Ed Marzec, PGA Honorary President | 2019-2020 Red Sky Golf Club

West Chapter Board of Directors

Colorado PGA REACH Trustees Spencer Zinn, Chairman CCO, West Edge

John Andrew Brigadier General USAF - Retired Tom Bauerle Owner - Colorado Golf and Turf

Josh Miller, PGA | 2019-2021 GOLFTEC

Dan Bennett Investor/Partner, Southwest Greens Management

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

Anne Broholm CEO | AHEAD

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

Dr. Phil Brown President/Founder, Six Points Consulting

Dave Troyer, PGA | 2019-2021 CommonGround Golf Course

Independent Directors Theo Gregory Spencer Zinn

Dr. Stephen Davis Cheyenne Mountain Dental Group Brad Dombaugh CEO - PSA Worldwide Corp.

Maj. Gen. Barbara Faulkenberry, USAF, Retired - Corporate Director: Callon Petroleum; USA Truck Walter Glover EVP/COO - U.S. Olympic Endowment Theo Gregory Colorado Springs Sports Corp. Assistant to the CEO Tom Gunnerson VP Investments, Wells Fargo Dominic Karaba President - Specialty Lending and Business Banking - UMB Bill Keller Lieutenant Colonel USAF, Retired Eric Kenealy Chairman - Mackinaw Holding Corp.

CEO/Executive Director Eddie Ainsworth, PGA eainsworth@pgahq.com P (303) 996-1593 C (719) 761-6125 Education Director Holly Champion, PGA hchampion@pgahq.com P (303) 996-1591 C (217) 232-1790 Junior Golf Manager Samantha Crawford scrawford@pgahq.com P (303) 966-1597 C (720) 884-6130 Operations Manager Justin Limon, PGA jlimon@pgahq.com P (303) 996-1588 C (720) 390-1160 Business Development & Marketing Director Erinn Lopez elopez@pgahq.com P (303) 996-1594 C (719) 393-2644

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

Staff

Tournament Director Scott Minta sminta@pgahq.com P (303) 996-1590 C (630) 532-3230 Finance Specialist Annie O’Donnell adonnell@pgahq.com P (303) 996-1595 Marketing/Comms. Manager Cathy Thompson cthompson@pgahq.com P (303) 996-1589 C (303) 918-0396

Field Staff

Career Consultant Keith Soriano, PGA ksoriano@pgahq.com C (720) 841-1006 PGA Jr. League Regional Manager Anthony Vitale, PGA avitale@pgahq.com C (561) 267-1208

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

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

The SUMMIT

What’s Inside

President’s Report Celebrating our Professionals

Executive Director’s Report Who We Are:

District Director Report/PGA of America News Updates on Frisco

Career Development News 10 Create Your Own “Award Winning” Career Plan! West Chapter News 12 West Chapter Spring Plans 13 14 18

Colorado PGA News Meet Erinn Lopez Cliff, Milstead and Smith Elected to Serve on Board Striker Cup Raises $6,000 for All Breed Rescue & Training

20 21 24

Membership News Membership Update Colorado PGA Playing Privileges Quarter Century Club Inductees

Tournament News 28 Section Championship Registration is Now Live! Junior Golf News 30 Colorado PGA Jr. League 32 Colorado to Host Drive, Chip & Putt Regional Qualifier 33 Colorado PGA Golf in Schools Programs

April 2021

President’s Message

Celebrating our Professionals Keeping Up with the Times Fellow PGA Professionals,

ast SUMMIT Magazine, I shared the 4DX WIG (Wildly Important Goal) concept and how this tool might be used to help guide you to excellence in your life and/or career. This concept was embraced by your CPGA Officer Corp who took this as an opportunity to look inward and see how the WIG might best be applied to our role in the Colorado Section. The Officer WIG was to re-sign our Executive Director while creating a more modern structure, review process and agreement for this position. It has been over 13 years since this was last tackled and like many of us, the job barely resembles what it was 13 years ago. When you look back, substantial changes have occurred in our Section surrounding our partners, sponsors, donors and how we deliver programs such as tournaments, juniors, education, PGA REACH and so much more. Prior work and effort resulted in the Colorado PGA Section being named the “Herb Graffis Award Winner” by the PGA of America twice in the last 10 years. The Herb Graffis, in essence, honors the best PGA Section in the country - #1 out of 41 Sections. Combine these Section Honors with 7 National Award winners (see below), it is truly impressive, thanks to our extraordinary Colorado PGA Members and our ED/CEO all of which combined - makes this magic happen. •

2008 Bill Strausbaugh Award

Clayton Cole, PGA

Cherry Hills CC

•

2009 Player Development Award

Kyle Heyen, PGA

Hiwan GC

•

2010 Junior Golf Leader

Ann Finke, PGA

CC of Colorado

•

2011 Herb Graffis Award

Colorado PGA

•

2012 Private Merchandiser of the Year

George Kahrhoff, PGA

•

2012 Public Merchandiser of the Year

Dale Smigelsky, PGA

•

2015 Public Merchandiser of the Year

Jim Hajek, PGA

•

2017 Public Merchandiser of the Year

Mark Pfingston, PGA

•

2018 Herb Graffis Award

Colorado PGA

The CC at Castle Pines

Collindale GC Fossil Trace GC The GC at Bear Dance

This brings us back to the Officer WIG. We are honored to announce and celebrate the re-signing of our Executive Director to a new modern contract that better reflects the times. I’m confident 2021 will once again bring great success to our golf community, as well as continued success in our Section. Thank you to all our PGA Professionals including Eddie Ainsworth, PGA. – “We are in good hands.” Sincerely,

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

Jim Hajek, PGA Head Golf Professional President Colorado PGA Section 303-277-8752 (Work) 303-746-7416 (Cell)

The SUMMIT

Colorado PGA News

April 2021

Executive Director’s Message

Who We Are: E

very now and then I am asked what I do for a living. When I tell people I work for the Colorado PGA, their initial thought is of Tiger Woods, Jordan Spieth and the PGA Tour’s weekly televised events, as they’re often confused as to what the difference between the members of the PGA of America and the PGA Tour. When I explain that the members and associates of the PGA of America are the people who run the golf industry on a day-to-day basis by using their expertise in the game to operate golf facilities, teach, and in general, be the experts in the game and business of golf, only then do they begin to understand the differences. I then explain to them that the Colorado Section of the PGA promotes the game of golf for the golfers of Colorado, Eastern Wyoming, and a small part of South Dakota. Our purpose is to promote the enjoyment and involvement in the game, and to contribute to its growth by providing services to our PGA Golf Professionals and the golf industry within the Section.

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

I go on to tell them that we are a group of men and women who grew up with a passion for the game of golf. We turned that passion into a career and now we get the opportunity to do something every day that we love, and maybe most of all, we get to share our passion with others, hopefully making a positive impact in their day and in their lives as the game of golf is a game for a lifetime. I continue to inform them that to be a member of the Colorado PGA means you are among the finest, as the Colorado Section of the PGA is often recognized as one of the top Sections among the 41 Sections within the PGA of America. Time and time again our Colorado PGA Members are recognized as the best of the best in the golf industry, winning numerous national awards - the Colorado Section has even been recognized as the leading Section in growing the game of golf.

I then begin to brag about what our Colorado PGA Professionals are doing through our Foundation, Colorado PGA REACH. I talk about how our men and women are making a positive difference in the lives of others through our threepillars: Youth Development, Supporting Our Military, and Diversity & Inclusion. After explaining things like our no cost Golf in Schools Program, PGA Jr. League, the JGAC, how we help our veterans through PGA HOPE and award a mortgagefree home to a combat wounded veteran, and how we are making the game of golf more inclusive, all the while where our Colorado PGA Professionals are the largest contributors to our Foundation, and where 92 cents of every dollar donated are spent on delivering programs, people are usually blown away. Most couldn’t have ever imagined what their local PGA Professionals are doing day in and day out to make a positive difference in the lives of others that live in their community! Who are we? We are your neighbors, your friends, your community leaders, your children’s coaches and junior golf mentors, the experts in the game and business of golf, who each day are committed to bringing a little more joy to people’s lives through the game of golf. We are: Colorado PGA Professionals!! Very Respectfully,

Eddie Ainsworth, PGA CEO/Executive Director Colorado PGA 6630 Bear Dance Drive Larkspur, CO 80118 eainsworth@pgahq.com C (719) 761-6125

The SUMMIT

Colorado PGA NEWS

Colorado PGA REACH Colorado PGA Professionals make a positive difference in the lives of others through the game of golf, with programs for the youth in your community.

1 Colorado PGA Golf in Schools An introductory program at no cost to students or schools, PGA Professionals have been bringing the program to schools since 2008.

4 PGA Jr. League - Teams are captained by PGA and LPGA Professionals in this fun, social and inclusive opportunity for boys and girls age 17 and under.

2 3 Youth on Course - This program provides juniors the opportunity to play golf at participating facilities for no more than $5. In 2020, 30 facilities participated with over 4,000 rounds of golf played.

Drive Chip & Putt - This free youth golf development initiative welcomes boys and girls ages 7-15. Local qualifying skills competitions are hosted by PGA Professionals.

JGAC - For ages 6-18, the Junior Golf Alliance of Colorado has 3 membership levels to choose from to introduce and promote the game of golf. All JGAC members have access to Youth on Course benefits.

Colorado PGA REACH is the 501(c)(3) charitable foundation of the Colorado PGA. To learn more about the YOUTH PILLAR of Colorado PGA REACH and programs for juniors, visit us online at coloradopga.com or call 303-996-1597.

April 2021

PGA of America News

Updates on Frisco Spring Meeting 2021

fter 13 months meeting virtually, we were able to finally meet in person as a Board in Frisco, Texas, at the end of March. While we can keep the business of the association moving forward virtually, I am sure you all can agree there is no comparison to being able to meet in person. While we were in Frisco, we were able to tour the new home of the PGA of America. Our new headquarters for staff and education center for our associates is coming along nicely and is scheduled for opening in January 2022. This 106,000 square foot building will feature our education center for all our associates on the ground level with the top two levels office space and conference rooms for staff. Our associates will have an incredible PGA experience as they attend their seminars. From indoor hitting bays to an indoor short game area, as well as classrooms and great open space, it will provide a great environment for our associates. Along with our headquarters building, we were able to tour the new championship golf courses that are under construction. Designed by Gil Hanse, the East course will be the host to many of our PGA of America major championships starting with the 2023 KitchenAid Senior PGA Championship. The West course, designed by Beau Welling, will be a great compliment to the East course, as well. Some other highlights of the property are a 75,000 square foot putting green and a short course. The golf courses are currently scheduled for an August 2022 opening, at the earliest. One of the main points of discussion in the boardroom was our ongoing dialog with USGA concerning their proposed rule changes. We have had multiple roundtable visits with them regarding our concerns on amateurs playing and teaching for cash. Thank you to all the Colorado PGA Members who reached out during the comment period and voiced your concerns. As the comment period has now ended, I wish I could say that we have made them change their mind as to these rule changes, but they certainly know our position on these issues. I am confident that they have heard us. Now we hope they listened. As we begin a new season in our part of the country, I wish you all a successful 2021. Hopefully, our golf course tee sheets will remain full as we continue the process of returning to some normalcy. Please do not hesitate to reach out anytime I can be of help.

Jared Barnes, PGA District 9 Director PGA of America Head Professional Cedar Ridge Golf Course

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

The SUMMIT

Colorado PGA News

JULY 7TH BERTHOUD, COLORADO

Play golf inside the ropes at the acclaimed TPC Colorado with not one, but TWO Korn Ferry Tour Professionals in a uniquely memorable event, the Corona Premier Pro-Am! Each participant will play with one pro on the front nine and a different pro on the back nine for the ultimate pro-am experience! Each Pro-Am Playing Spot Includes... • 18 holes of golf at TPC Colorado • Playing experience with two Korn Ferry Tour players (nine holes each) • Gift package (customized through your own tournament shopping experience) • Food & beverage on course during the Pro-Am • Parking Pass (valid on Pro-Am day) • Two Weekly Grounds Passes • Awards, Commemorative Plaque and More Special Opportunity for Colorado PGA - Save up to $500 • Foursome $7,500 • Individual Spot $2,000 Contact Drew Blass, Tournament Director, drewblass@tpccolorado.com for more information and mention the Colorado PGA Section.

JULY 5 – 11

tpccoloradochampionship.com

April 2021

Career Services Update

Create Your Own “Award Winning” Career Plan! Using Mentors and Relationships to Find your Path

ecently the Colorado PGA celebrated some of the Section’s best at the annual awards dinner. You can view their accomplishments on the COPGA website page, which highlights those professionals who have been recognized by their peers for their contributions to the game and the industry. As you look through the list of deserving Professionals, take a glance at some of their achievements and accolades. You are sure to find a couple of things in common: 1. The Award Winners have all given part of themselves back to the game through their service and involvement. 2. They have crafted their own, unique road to success. 3. They have received guidance from their own mentors. Often, those who excel choose to not only be the best Professionals they can be at their respective facilities, but they also became involved in their Sections and some would go on to serve the larger membership on the National PGA of America Board of Directors. This commitment of service helped their Section, and Board, achieve goals that eventually were in the best interest of their fellow PGA Members. Whether the assistance came through a Tournament Committee, Employment Committee, or some other avenue, service and giving back not only helped Professionals along the way, but it also afforded them the benefit of networking and making life-long friendships that endure to this day. These contacts, professionally and personally, assisted them along the way to their own personal successes. Are you making your own contacts, networks and people who can assist you during your days in golf? Do you really know what a mentor is and how to use one effectively? A mentor is someone who puts the relationship first. A true mentor is not putting you through a training program but is helping you develop passion, respect, and values. Great mentors, like our award winners, will help others become great mentors along the way. I encourage you to take advantage of our talented membership and develop these mentor relationships. They will be a tremendous resource for your career going forward. As you review the stories of these award winners, take a glance at their road to success. You will find that each of these Professionals followed their passions and their purpose to achieve goals far beyond their original dreams and aspirations. Somewhere along their road to personal and professional success, they made choices that lead them to where they are today…not all these journeys carried them on “paved roads or easy streets.” Everyone has their own idea of the best road to success. No doubt, we can all layout our personal plan and follow it each day, but what will you do if your plan takes you a different direction? Do you have a plan? Each of us, hopefully, loves what we do, has a passion for our careers, and wakes up each day eager to achieve our goals. What if a circumstance arises and you find a roadblock along the way? Are you ready to take an alternative route? Be prepared for any opportunity that your path leads you to and have a board of trusted mentors and advisors who can help you when situations arise. Keith Soriano, PGA PGA Career Services Consultant Serving the Colorado and Utah Sections of the PGA ksoriano@pgahq.com (720) 841-1006

Keith Soriano, PGA, ARWC PGA of America Career Consultant Serving the Colorado and Utah PGA Sections ksoriano@pgahq.com www.keithsoriano.com 720.841.1006

The SUMMIT

Colorado PGA Partner

PROUD NEW TRAVEL PARTNER OF THE COLORADO PGA

The experts in Ireland and Scotland golf vacations • 20 years of experience • PGA professionals travel free with seven paying members • Fully bonded and insured • Members of IAGTO: the International Association of Golf Tour Operators

T: +44 7818 000 703 | E: tom@theconsummatepro.com

www.theconsummatepro.com

April 2021

West Chapter News

West Chapter Spring Plans Two Board of Director Positions Open - Vote at Spring Meeting

s we roll into the 2021 season, I think we are all expecting the demand for golf to remain high. Thankfully, COVID numbers are improving, and restrictions are being lifted. I know we are all looking forward to getting back to life being a little more normal. Hugs, handshakes, and mask-free sounds good to me! PGA Professionals have more responsibility than ever to grow the game of golf. We all need to use this great opportunity to encourage new golfers to our facilities, offer lessons and programs to help develop skills and just keep the game fun. As busy as we all are, we still must make ourselves available to teach and nurture those relationships we have with developing golfers to keep them engaged. PGA.Coach and Doubles Golf are great resources from the PGA that can help if you need it. The West Chapter Spring Meeting is coming up on Thursday, April 15. This will be a virtual meeting beginning at 9:00am (Register here). At this meeting, we will be electing two new West Chapter Board Members who will serve a three-year term. We recently appointed Steve VanDyke, Director of Golf at River Valley Ranch, to Secretary. Plus, James Pratt, Head Golf Professional at Aspen Golf Club, and Mark Matz, Director of Golf at Beaver Creek Golf Club, were appointed as new Board Members to fill vacancies left by VanDyke and John Lynch, who has moved to Hawaii. At our Spring Meeting, we will also announce our 2020 Special Award Winners. I am proud to say that I believe we had more nominees and more applications submitted than I remember in 10 years of being involved in the process. It is impressive to learn more about what our members are doing at their facilities and in their communities. Congratulations to our winners. I also want to congratulate those who were nominated and submitted applications. It was difficult to decide this year, as there were so many excellent applications in almost every category. I am excited about our tournament schedule for the West Chapter this season. We kick off the season with Doubles Golf at Tiara Rado Golf Club in Grand Junction on April 29. Tiara Rado is a fun golf course nestled below the Colorado National Monument. Find a partner and register here. To close the season, Sonnenalp Golf Club will host our West Chapter Fall Meeting (IN-PERSON!) and Championship on September 27-28. I can’t wait to get together and play at such a beautiful venue! Best wishes to all for a great season.

Jeff Boyer, PGA President Colorado PGA West Chapter General Manager Eagle Ranch Golf Club

The SUMMIT

Colorado PGA News

Meet Erinn Lopez Director of Business Development and Marketing

s our Spring Season kicks off, we have an exciting internal staffing announcement! Please join us in welcoming Erinn Lopez to our Section Staff as our new Director of Business Development and Marketing. She comes from having spent her last five years in Colorado working for Kroenke Sports and Entertainment, specifically with the Denver Nuggets Sales Team as their Senior Sales and Service Coordinator. A Texas native, Erinn grew up playing golf with her father. While she opted not to play at a collegiate level, she followed in her parent’s footsteps in attending the University of Texas at Austin, where she studied Sport Management and Communications. While in Austin, she stayed plugged into the golf world the best she could, as she interned with The First Tee of Greater Austin, as well as worked at the University of Texas Golf Club throughout her college career. Upon graduation, she returned home to Frisco, Texas, where she interned with the Northern Texas PGA Section as a Junior Tour Tournament Operations intern. We are excited to have Erinn join our Staff and are eager to get her plugged in within our community and alongside our members!

Erinn Lopez Business Development and Marketing Director (303) 916-1594 elopez@pgahq.com

Proud Partner of:

Hole In One Insurance Included in every contract:

Add excitement and increase participation in your golf course and charity tournaments by offering valuable, attention-getting hole in one prizes without the risk of a payout, for as little as $150. We offer hole in one prize coverage for anything with a cash value of up to $1,000,000!

A+ Rated Underwriting

Ancillary Prizes

Contest Signs

FREE Golf Club

We are proud to be underwritten by the Everest Re Group, Ltd. Insurance Group, an A.M. Best “A+” rated insurance company.

We offer any player acing a non-target par three during your tournament an exciting ancillary prize, with our compliments.

We’ll provide you with a hole in one contest sign and up to four additional signs for our complimentary ancillary prizes.

We’ve teamed up with TeePrize.com to give everyone in your event a FREE Golf Club or golf accessory of their choice!

Contact: Amy Grogan | amy.grogan@hiousa.com | 800.383.7273

Web: hiousa.com/partners/colorado-pga-section

April 2021

Colorado PGA News

Cliff, Milstead and Smith Elected to Serve Colorado on Board of Directors Trio will serve from 2021 Fall Meeting to 2024 Fall Meeting

Graham Cliff, PGA Colorado Golf Club

Barry Milstead, PGA Valley Country Club

hree members of the Colorado PGA were elected to serve a three-year term as members of the Colorado PGA Board of Directors on Monday, March 29, during the Virtual Spring Business Meeting. Graham Cliff, PGA, Director of Golf at Colorado Golf Club; Barry Milstead, PGA, Director of Golf at Valley Country Club; and Leighton Smith, PGA, Owner of Leighton Smith Golf will be sworn during the Fall Membership Meeting on October 11, 2021. “We were so honored to have had seven tremendous candidates running for the Board,” expressed Jim Hajek, PGA, President of the Colorado Section. “It is a true testament to the character of each of them in their desire to serve their fellow PGA Member. Unfortunately, we could not accept all seven, but I know Graham, Barry and Leighton will serve the membership very well.” Cliff shared in his nomination video that he chose to run for two main reasons. He believes that, based on committees and boards he has been on in the past, it takes a group of people of different backgrounds and expertise to make the most functional boards. He was asked by peers to put his name forward. Cliff believes growing up in Canada and his diverse work experience shaped who he is today.

Leighton Smith, PGA Leighton Smith Golf

Secondly, Cliff admitted that he has been on the sidelines, both vocal and quiet, which any of us can do. He continued, “this is dysfunctional.” It’s easy to sit on the sidelines, criticize what we don’t agree with and stir the pot. Or sit on the sidelines quiet and frustrated. He would like to get involved, learn, and understand, hopeful to be an advocate for the Section, current and future PGA Professionals. After being elected at the meeting, Cliff expressed that he is very excited to be a part of the Section as a Director at Large. He stated, “I look forward to learning from the current board of directors, while providing a fair and unbiased perspective to situations that will be presented.” Milstead has many years of experience serving on the Colorado PGA Board of Directors for eight years followed by serving as an officer for eight between 2000-2016. He served as president of the Section from 2011-2014. After a five-year break, he expressed in his nomination video, that he is rejuvenated and ready to get back in the boardroom, “to continue to make the Colorado Section the best it can be.” Reasons Milstead listed for running include working with the PGA REACH programs, growing the game of golf, playing more golf and mentorship. “I want to mentor,” Milstead proclaimed. Mentoring

The SUMMIT

Colorado PGA News Associates and PGA Professionals, working with Career Consultant, Keith Soriano, PGA, to help our professionals, he added, “we can make golf, the PGA and the Colorado Section the leaders in golf in Colorado.” After the election, Milstead shared, “I’m very excited to be back in the Colorado PGA Boardroom. We have a great collection of talent in the room and I’m looking forward to working to keep our Section as the best in the PGA.” Smith gave three reasons running for the board and asked for votes in his nomination video: energy, skillset and moving the needle. After carefully evaluating whether or not he had the energy it would take to perform at a high level on the board, he confidently assured members that his head is in the “right space.” He feels his skillset aligns with what the Board of Directors needs and with the momentum that has been built over the years as a membership. He hopes to “move the needle.” Smith wants to learn, contribute to our goals and be on the action team. After receiving the votes to be elected, Smith shared, “I am very grateful to have the confidence from our membership that will allow me to serve in this new role starting this Fall. I take this seriously

April 2021

and look forward to being a part of the strategic conversations and planning that will allow our section to continue to rise above. I am open minded and love growth-mindset oriented conversation so if you have a desire to bring an idea to light please reach out to me. Thank you and have a great start to your season!” Other topics of discussion at the Spring Meeting included hearing from Dan Baker, PGA, and Tracey Faenza, representing PGA Golf Retirement Plus and also PGA Career Services Consultant Keith Soriano, PGA. Be sure to sign up for Golf Retirement Plus and not miss out on the benefits offered. Soriano shared about enhancements to PGA.org, as well as education and services he provides to the Colorado Section. District 9 Director, Jared Barnes, PGA, gave a report and updates from National. To learn more of what he shared, view his article on page 8 of The SUMMIT. The education portion of the Spring Meeting was presented by Mark Kelbel, PGA, International Program Solutions, LLC, and Cindy Johnson, Global Hospitality Connections, LLC. Their presentation was titled “Setting the Framework of Culture Through Leadership, Commitment and Vision.”

Colorado PGA Partners

CUSTOMIZED TRAINING FOR BUILDING A WINNING SERVICE TEAM

oTalent Selection and Acquisition Strategies

oOnboarding and Culture Immersion

oTraining as a Competitive Advantage

oTraining Competencies for Supervisors and Managers oCoaching, Mentoring, and Career Development

oFundamentals of Staffing

oGenerational Workplace Strategies oRetention and Recognition

oOrganizational Transformation and Performance Excellence o5-Star Workplace Attributes

oAssessing Performance and Potential Additional Training Topics and Professional Services Available Provided by: Mark Kelbel, International Program Solutions, LLC markkelbel@gmail.com | (719) 237-4218 Cindy Johnson, Global Hospitality Connections, LLC cindy.johnson@globalhospitalityconnections.com | (719) 499-4446

The SUMMIT

Colorado PGA Partners

April 2021

Colorado PGA News

Striker Cup Raises $6,000 for All Breed Rescue & Training Man’s best friend joins golfers to raise funds for non-profit

heyenne Mountain Resort and the Country Club of Colorado are pet friendly. All public spaces are pet-friendly, and people can walk their dogs on leash. Ann Finke, PGA, Director of Instruction at Country Club of Colorado in Colorado Springs, Colorado, brought her dog, Striker, with her to work daily. The beloved Australian Shepherd pup was the “Shop Dog” and goose-chaser on site with Finke for 10 years. Striker started her career at just four months of age. “She knew nothing but here,” says Finke, who lost Striker in September 2020. The staff and club members who loved Striker wanted to do something in her honor and benefit the community at the same time. PGA Professional Cathy Matthews-Kane, General Manager at Country Club of Colorado and Colorado PGA Vice-President, collaborated with the resort team to develop the idea of the Striker Cup – Paws for a Cause. They found a community partner to support, All Breed Rescue & Training (haveanicedog.org), and set the date for the first Saturday in November. “We turned a sad time into something that was positive for the community,” shares Finke. The Striker Cup was a big success that raised over $6,000 for All Breed Rescue & Training. The weather more than cooperated with a beautiful, sunny day for the two-part event. In the early morning,

Ann Finke, PGA, Director of Instruction at Country Club of Colorado

participants could walk their dogs around the lake on site, which is just over one mile and is considered an “easy” walk. Next, golfers could join the 9-hole, 2-person scramble event and bring their dogs on the course. The dog walk around the lake brought out nearly 25 participants and dogs. “To have everybody come out in droves surprised me,” states Finke. “And to have that many people who were willing to take a chance on a having a nice day - Wow!” The event attracted people who weren’t golfers but wanted to donate to the cause. This fundraiser was well-received by eager members, who embraced the idea of bringing their dogs to play golf. With 88 players and 30 dogs of all sizes and breed, there were no issues! In fact, at times, it was hysterical. Navigating the dogs while playing was an easy task because of the scramble format. Dogs were on-leash near the clubhouse but could go off-leash on the course.

FInke with Juniors

Participants received ‘pet-friendly’ goodie bags filled with coupons, certificates and a tennis ball for their dog. The Club plans to make the Striker Cup an annual affair with hopes to gain sponsorships and increase the amount they can give back to the community.

The SUMMIT

Colorado PGA News

(Left) Finke with Ladies (RIght) Largest dog nose-to-nose with Smallest

Lauren Fox of All Breed Rescue & Training stated that the funds the Striker Cup brought into All Breed Rescue & Training completely covered the surgery and vaccination costs of four litters of puppies relinquished from the homeless population. “While litters of puppies are often the most fulfilling to find homes for, they also place a disproportionate financial burden on us due to the number of medical procedures that they require (spay/neuter, vaccinations, microchips, deworming, and other

unforeseen puppy problems). The Striker Cup allowed us to help puppies who would otherwise have been dispersed throughout the homeless community.” As for the Country Club of Colorado and Ann Finke, there is a new puppy, Graphite, on site. She should be ready to chase the geese this summer. Finke says that people come in to say hello to the new pup and she is being welcomed by guests and members. “That gives everybody a nice feeling and it is fun to have a dog around. I think everybody’s days are enhanced,” states Finke.

What should you do with your old clubs? As Spring is around the corner, we hope you will be hosting plenty of Demo Day Events. As your patrons upgrade their equipment, please consider encouraging them to donate gently used equipment to The First Tee. The Colorado PGA team will pick them up! Contact the Colorado PGA for more information or to schedule a pick up at (303) 681-0742.

April 2021

Membership News

An update on our Colorado PGA Members By the Numbers Members - 735 | Associates - 100 | Total - 835 Male Members - 788 | Female Members - 47

124 – Management positions (MP, A-4, A-9, A-11, A-13) 273 – Club Professionals (A-1, A-2, A-7, A-8) 118– Instructors (A-6, A-10, A-12, A-14) 25 – Expanded Career Paths (A-15 thru A-24) 147 – Life Members (LM, LMM, LMA, LMC) 48 – Other Categories (A-3, A-5, F, RM, RSV)

New Members and Associates

The Colorado PGA welcomes new members and associates to our Section on a regular basis. For some, this is the first time they have joined our Section, while others may be returning. Please join us in welcoming them! Members Jordan M. Bradford, PGA | A-6 | GOLFTEC - Westminster Isaac G. Calden, PGA | A-6 | X - Golf DTC Toby D. Isaacs, PGA | A-8 | Glenmoor Country Club William R. Veith, PGA | A-8 | Bear Dance (The Golf Club at) Alexander C. Gough, PGA | A-8 | Willis Case Golf Course Brandon A. Howard, PGA | A-8 | Green Valley Ranch Golf Club Scott K. Rhodes, PGA | A-8 | Foothills Golf Course Associates Ryan L. Sholty | B-8 | Pins & Fins, LLC Daniel J. Bost | B-8 | Grand Elk Golf Club Nicole L. Adams | B-6 | Optimum Golf Cornelius C. Christian | B-8 |

Classification or Location Changes in Colorado

The SUMMIT

Welcome Wagon

On the Move

Specialized Professionals

The following members have recently become specialized in one of the three career paths of the PGA Specialized Professional Program. Joseph D. Kamby, PGA | A-8 | Country Club of the Rockies | Golf Operations

Colorado PGA Playing Privileges A

s members of the PGA of America, we are lucky enough to hold the honor and privilege of being a guest at most PGA lead golf facilities around the country. This perk is a privilege and not a right.

Keep in mind the following guidelines the next time you visit a facility as a guest of the host professional: Playing Privilege Recommendations for PGA Members and Associates • Call in advance; do not show up without calling and getting prior approval. • If you are invited by a guest to come play the property, you still need to call in advance. • Speak with the Head Professional or Director of Golf personally. Associates need to have their Head Professionals call for them. • Expect that you may be required to pay a fee. • Remember that private clubs may not accept cash. Be prepared. • Do not assume that additional players will be welcome at all facilities and if you are bringing guests, don’t assume that they will receive the same PGA Member discount. • Consult with the host professional in regard to dress code (i.e: shorts) for the facility. • Treat the facility as if it were your own (i.e.: pick up trash, be very conscious of the policies and the staff • Remember to be professional at all times: Throwing/breaking clubs, cursing out loud is NOT professional behavior. • Remember that you represent the host professional, the Colorado PGA and the PGA of America when you are a guest at someone else’s facility. • When possible, make sure to stop in and say thank you and goodbye to the host professionals. • Always write a thank you note to the host professional!

April 2021

Membership News

Happy Birthday! April 1 Jason A. Brandt, PGA April 2 Michael R. Bandoni, PGA April 3 Tom W. Taylor, PGA April 4 Samuel P. Oleksak April 5 Roger D. Shields, PGA April 6 Trenton D. Peterson, PGA April 7 Michael C. Callihan, PGA James R. Miller, PGA John C. Ross April 8 Briana P. Morris, PGA Dennis S. Weber, PGA April 9 Kathryn A. Johnson, PGA April 10 James W. Arendt, PGA April 11 John Trenck III, PGA Jordan T. Shephard Scott D. Lane, PGA John M. Murray, PGA Harold Garrison, PGA April 12 Philip E. Gerlach, PGA Brandon A. Howard, PGA Robert V. Hunt, PGA April 13 Brandon M. Roll, PGA Todd P. James, PGA Cody S. Hasten, PGA Kory M. Thurman, PGA April 14 Erica E. Webster, PGA Daniel J. Bost April 15 Gianna M. Dela Cruz, PGA Paul Lobato, PGA Jack A. Cavanagh Larry P. Collins, PGA April 16 David W. Keesee, PGA

April 17 Andrew H. Firman, PGA Bryan M. Collins, PGA Douglas Cook, PGA April 18 Jeffrey A. Nova, PGA April 19 Charles Weir, PGA Scott A. Meyer April 20 Gregory W. Kohr, PGA Christopher A. Schultz, PGA Daniel A. Smith, PGA Corey A. Lorden, PGA Brian J. Lavender, PGA April 21 Eric M. Bradley, PGA Andrew M. Tucker, PGA Jeffrey B. Boyer, PGA Charles G Wallace, PGA April 23 Steven J. Samuels, PGA Nicholas J. Borgeson, PGA April 24 Ashton T. Opperman April 25 Thomas Connell, PGA Brett E. Gagnon, PGA April 26 Richard A. Lash, PGA Perry A. Holmes, PGA Scott Erwin, PGA April 27 Greg A. Heiny, PGA Peter C. Palinkas-Berg April 28 Kirk L. Rider, PGA April 29 Tyson C. Schalock, PGA Charles H. Hough, PGA Joseph D. Pinson, PGA Seth T. Francis, PGA April 30 Andrew J. Clavin, PGA May 1 Kyle M. McGee, PGA Keith E. Soriano, PGA John A. Williams, PGA Jeffrey M. Covington, PGA May 2 Kelly E. Sardella

May 3 Jeff E. Freebury, PGA Donald P. Randall, PGA Stephen J. Wallace, PGA Robert D. Geisbert May 4 Kirk R. Mease, PGA Michael J. Petrisko, PGA Alexandra R. Braga, PGA Billy D. Ellison, PGA Rachel J. Cavalier, PGA May 5 Gregory Frederick, PGA Marggie A. Hartman, PGA Douglas C. Rikkers, PGA Blake Adam Sims, PGA May 6 Jesse G. Hansen, PGA Steven C. David, PGA Keith C. Martin, PGA Nathan S. Vincent, PGA Brian C. Lindstrom, PGA

May 14 Kirk Padgett, PGA Lucas J. Brosterhous, PGA May 15 Christopher S. Woods Anne Kelly, PGA Steve Patterson, PGA Doug B. Rohrbaugh, PGA Terry Dear, PGA Edward Nosewicz, PGA May 16 Tom Apple, PGA Bob Doyle, PGA David A. Rawlings, PGA May 17 Nathan A. Schelling Davis W. Bonner George S. Miller Jr., PGA May 18 Austin J. Lienemann Eric C. Knotts, PGA

May 7 Jason C. Murphy, PGA Jeremiah T. Velez Benjamin D. Lanting, PGA John E. Mescall, PGA

May 19 Jim K. See II, PGA Arne C. Hansen, PGA Wayne Welden, PGA John T. Wilcox, PGA

May 8 Thomas J. Cross, PGA Thomas B. Noonan, PGA Erroll Miller, PGA Rudy K. Castaneda, PGA Scott Sommers, PGA

May 20 Ken R. Anderson, PGA Winston A. Howe Jr., PGA

May 9 Kyle Heyen, PGA John M. Karamigios, PGA Robert W. Harrison Jr., PGA

March 22 Matthew B. Hoffman Brett R. Wolf, PGA Michael J. Zaremba, PGA Beau S. Smith, PGA Donald S. Campbell, PGA

May 10 John Vickers Edward Oldham, PGA May 11 Ed L. Marzec II, PGA Mark T. Kelbel, PGA Kenneth S. Krieger, PGA Daniel L. Augustine Andrew W. Braley, PGA David T. Fletcher May 12 Paul J. Surniak, PGA Michael A. Knights, PGA

May 21 Ryan J. Mahlstadt, PGA

May 23 Chad Hansen, PGA Tanner J. Crisofulli, PGA Jeffrey C. Carter, PGA Nick R. Clearwater, PGA May 24 David A. Dent, PGA Jason L. Witczak, PGA May 25 Eli L. MacKay, PGA Michael F. Loosley, PGA Visanu Tongwarin, PGA

May 13 Timothy A. Tafoya, PGA Brian V. DallaBetta, PGA

The SUMMIT

Membership News May 26 Justin D. Hensley, PGA Ryan P. Smith, PGA Elliott E. Oscar, PGA May 27 Tucker R.B. Campbell, PGA

May 28 Donald M. Kara, PGA Matthew E. Bryant, PGA R.J. Wiegand, PGA Mickey Byrne, PGA Kevin Vena, PGA

The First Platform to Manage Private Golf Club Accommodations for Members

“OpenRounds’ services are built to help golf professionals manage outside play in a manner that is highly professional, consistent with the needs of clubs, and allows us total control.” Tony Pancake PGA Professional in Indiana “OpenRounds has allowed me to drive more revenue to our bottom line by filling unused tee times with unaccompanied play. Their web-based platform allows the professional staff to have total control over the tee times that are offered as well as the clubs that have access. I highly recommend that you learn more about what they can do for you.”

May 29 Jon D. Husby, PGA Nathan M. Pippett, PGA Richard G Parker, PGA David M. Thompson, PGA Dennis C. Murray, PGA

May 30 Kevin J. Quinn, PGA Max R. Twarjan, PGA May 31 Scott B. Rethlake, PGA Gary G. Hallberg, PGA Jonathan L. Dron, PGA

Free to partner with OpenRounds

Request-based platform, mimics traditional offline coordination

Designed with direct input from top PGA Professionals

Customizable to mirror existing policies and needs of each partner club

Saves golf professionals valuable time

325+ 100%

Clubs nationwide, including Golf Digest best-in-state courses Customer satisfaction, from sign-up to tee off Host sites include: PGA & LPGA Tour, Champions Tour & state competitions The best in course architecture: Pete Dye, Tom Fazio, Donald Ross, Seth Raynor, A.W. Tillinghast & more

Hugh Matthis PGA Professional in North Carolina

Chester Patterson / Director of Sales cpatterson@openrounds.com / 908.391.4597

April 2021

Quarter Century Club

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

GA Members who have served the PGA of America with honor and pride for 25 years are elected to the Quarter Century Club. Their steadfast promotion of our great sport is recognized with a letter from the PGA President, a special Quarter Century Club certificate and a gold Quarter Century Club lapel pin. This month, the Colorado Section is proud to feature three Quarter Century Club Members; Rudy Zupetz., Bill Hancock and Randy Meyers.

Rudy Zupetz, PGA

General Manager/Head Professional - Sanctuary Where did you grow up? I grew up in Minot, North Dakota. What was your first introduction to the game of golf? My parents were avid golfers and introduced me and my three sisters at a young age. Why did you choose to become a PGA Golf Professional? I really admired the two Head Golf Professionals in my hometown. Also, I like being able to work in such a great environment. What makes you most proud about being a PGA Professional? Being part of an organization that positively impacts the lives of so many people makes me proud. What golf facilities have you been employed at and in what capacity? • Cherry Hills CC - Assistant Golf Professional • Palm Valley CC in Palm Desert, CA - Assistant Golf Professional • Sanctuary What do you feel is the most meaningful contribution to the game of golf you have made? It is most meaningful to me being able to carry out the vision of Sanctuary Owners, Dave and Gail Liniger. They created Sanctuary as a resource to better the community that has been so good to them. Since opening in 1997, Sanctuary’s Charity Partners have raised over 112 million net dollars benefitting a wonderful variety of worthy causes. What hobbies do you have outside of golf? I enjoy running, working in the yard and watching my kids’ activities. If you could have a dream foursome, who would it be and why? My dream foursome would include John Ogden, Sean Thayer and any one of my other college teammates. We understand one another.

This or That?

Short par 5 or short par 3? Short par 5 Match Play or Stroke Play? Match Play

Pizza or tacos? Pizza

Music On or Music Off on the Course? Music Off

Favorite fast-food chain? Santiago’s

Morning or evening person? Morning person

Shorts or pants on the course? Pants

Chocolate or vanilla? Vanilla

The SUMMIT

Colorado PGA Partners

April 2021

Quarter Century Club

Bill Hancock, PGA

Teaching Professional - Foothills Golf Course Where did you grow up? I grew up in San Diego County, California. What was your first introduction to the game of golf? When I was 10 years old, we had an open field across the street from our house. We would pound balls out into the field and dodge rattlesnakes picking them up. Why did you choose to become a PGA Golf Professional? Golf chose me I think. I worked the summers in college at the Rancho Bernardo Inn. One of the assistants there happened to be from Indiana where my then girlfriend, now wife, was going to grad school. He got me a job as an assistant at the course he grew up at and I fell in love with the business. That was 32 years ago, and I haven’t looked back. What makes you most proud about being a PGA Professional? Just being part of such a wonderful organization as the PGA makes me proud. I looked up to all the professionals that came out of San Diego, not just the touring pros, but also the club pros that I got to be around were the best. They got me hooked! I would love to think that I have had that influence on some of the kids I have been around over the last 30 plus years. What golf facilities have you been employed at and in what capacity? • Rancho Bernardo Inn as a cart/bagroom attendant • Youche Country Club; Vista Valley Country Club; The Pinery; and Tanoan Country Club as an Assistant • Coto de Caza Golf and Racquet Club as the Head Professional • The Club at Las Campanas as the Head Professional • Littleton Golf and Tennis Club as the Head Professional • Foothills Golf Course as a Teaching Professional What do you feel is the most meaningful contribution to the game of golf you have made? This is going to sound cliche, but it has to be the relationships I have made over the years. From members to students to maintenance staff, to the cooks and housekeeping staffs, I have tried to create a rapport with everyone. I’ve been lucky to meet a lot of great and interesting people. What hobbies do you have outside of golf? When my kids were growing up, it was mostly going to their events. Now I try to fly fish as much as I can. If you could have a dream foursome, who would it be and why? I don’t really have a dream foursome, but if I could go back in time and play golf with the guys I grew up with. We had such great times playing bad golf on bad courses, playing for Slurpees and Big Gulps...Those were the best times!!

This or That? Short par 5 or short par 3? Short par 5

Music On or Music Off on the Course? NO Music

Shorts or pants on the course? Shorts - I’m a casual guy

Match Play or Stroke Play? Stroke Play

Morning or evening person? Morning person

Chocolate or vanilla? Vanilla & add a lot of toppings

Pizza or tacos? Tacos - by a mile

Favorite fast-food chain? Roberto’s Taco Shops in San Diego, rolled tacos and a carne asada burrito

The SUMMIT

Quarter Century Club

Randy Meyers, PGA

PGA Head Professional - Foothills Golf Course Where did you grow up? I grew up in Holdrege, Nebraska. What was your first introduction to the game of golf? I was around 8 years old when my father used to get me up early on Sunday mornings and we would head to the golf course. Why did you choose to become a PGA Golf Professional? Ever since I was a little boy, I wanted to work at a golf course. Once I met a few PGA members I knew I wanted to do what they were doing What makes you most proud about being a PGA Professional? The lifelong friendships I have created make me proud. What golf facilities have you been employed at and in what capacity? • Holdrege Country Club, Holdrege Nebraska - pro-shop, restaurant, and maintenance crew • The Meadows Golf Club - Assistant Golf Professional and PGA Head Professional • Foothills Golf Course - Assistant Golf Professional and PGA Head Professional What do you feel is the most meaningful contribution to the game of golf you have made? Doing my best to make sure anyone I encounter or play with knows that golf is a game that should be accessible and fun for everyone is my contribution. It is often taken too seriously but should instead often include more belly laughs than birdies. What hobbies do you have outside of golf? I enjoy family time, watching my boys play sports and many lake activities. If you could have a dream foursome, who would it be and why? My dream foursome would include my father, and my two sons. I wish my sons could experience the love my father had for the game.

This or That? Short par 5 or short par 3? Short par 5 - you feel like a boss when you’re putting for eagle Match Play or Stroke Play? Match Play - you can be more aggressive

April 2021

Pizza or tacos? Both, I’m a big eater Music On or Music Off on the Course? Music On - Golf is for fun Morning or evening person? Morning, love the smell of fresh cut grass

Favorite fast-food chain? Chipotle steak fajita burrito - enough said Shorts or pants on the course? Shorts - I’m a casual guy Chocolate or vanilla? Vanilla & add a lot of toppings

Tournament News

Section Championship Registration is Now Live! S

pring is here and the tournament season is upon us. To get you ready for the Colorado PGA 2021 Tournament Season, take a moment to catch up on what’s new! Schedule Updates June 1 | Stroke Play #4 | The Club at Rolling Hills August 9-10 | Colorado PGA Women’s Championship | Thorncreek Golf Course October 4 | Colorado PGA Pro-Assistant Championship | Thorncreek Golf Course 2021 Masek Match Play Championship The Colorado PGA is excited to announce Masek Rocky Mountain Golf Cars as the Title Sponsor for the 2021 Match Play Championship. The Masek Match Play Championship is a season long event with a stroke play seeding qualifier at The Club at Ravenna on Monday, April 19, in conjunction with the Pro-Only Stroke Play #3. We are excited to continue our partnership with Masek Rocky Mountain Golf Cars who are also the supporting sponsor of the West Chapter Pro-Pro and Pro-Pro-Pro Championship. With the addition of a title sponsorship, we are excited to advertise, with a full field of 64 players, a purse of $15,000 will be available for the Masek Match Play Championship. In addition, there will be a separate purse for the Stroke Play event. To be eligible for the Masek Match Play Championship, you must be registered for both events, sign up now! CLICK HERE to sign up for Stroke Play #3 at Ravenna CLICK HERE to sign up for the 2021 Masek Match Play Championship **The Masek Match Play Championship is moving away from POD Play in 2021 and utilizing the Stroke Play #3 to seed players 2-64, with the #1 seed going to the defending champion.** Section Championship Registration Registration for all Colorado PGA Section Championships is currently underway, use the links below to sign up and reserve your spot today. August 2-3 2021 Colorado Senior PGA Professional Championship The Ranch Country Club Registration Begins on April 28 | Deadline: July 14, 2021 at 4pm ET August 16-17 2021 Colorado Assistant PGA Professional Championship Highland Meadows Golf Course Register | Deadline: July 28, 2021 at 4pm ET September 13-15 2021 Colorado PGA Professional Championship Eisenhower Golf Club (Blue Course) Register | Deadline: August 25, 2021 at 4pm ET

The SUMMIT

Tournament News

April 2021

Colorado PGA Jr. League

Colorado PGA Jr. League 2021 Player Registration is Booming!

he PGA Jr. League season is right around the corner. Some of our programs in Colorado are already running, with spring programming this year. With player and parent demand exceeding our already high expectations, by the time this article is published, we will likely exceed our total number of players registered in all of 2020. Before you think, “well, that was 2020…” we are blowing past our 2019 year-to-date numbers! Through March of 2021, we have almost twice as many players registered compared to March of 2019. What does that mean for the future of PGA Jr. League in the Colorado Section? For starters, this is a really good sign! For every PGA Professional that runs a PGA Jr. League program, there is a lot of planning that goes into a successful season. When that planning gets done early on, it gives the parents a chance to schedule activities for their kids’ months in advance. So, during February and March, while parents are still feeling the COVID restrictions and shoveling out driveways full of snow, they start to dream of a world where their kids can be outside playing team sports with their friends. With early planning by our captains, parents can look for quality activities to get their kids out of the house in a healthy and responsible way, and BOOM...thousands of juniors embark on their golf journey under the guidance of PGA and LPGA Professionals. If your program is published and you are rocking and rolling with your registration, we applaud you. 2021 is sure to be the best season for PGA Jr. League ever! If you are still waiting for that final push of players to fill out your program, we are here to help. And, if you have not yet registered for the season, it is not too late. Most of the programs in Colorado start after school gets out. Below is the complete timeline of what it takes to run a PGA Jr. League program. Regardless of where you fall on the timeline, Anthony Vitale, PGA, and Sam Crawford are available to answer any questions you may have. Feel free to call or email us.

1. Plan Your Season • Your basic Who, What, When, Where questions 2. Complete Captain Registration

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

3. Market Your Program 4. Communicate with those who register. • Welcome them to your team and let them know what they can expect from you. 5. Register Your Coaches • Anyone who assists your teams in an administrative or official capacity must register.

6. Roster Your Players into Teams 7. Order Team Kits • Plan to place your order 3-4 weeks before your first game. 8. Run Your Season 9. Make an All-Star Team

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

The SUMMIT

Colorado PGA Jr. League

ENGAGE YOUR COMMUNITY WITH PGA JR. LEAGUE WHAT FAMILIES ARE SAYING “Summer league in the books… and my son is now hooked. The future of the sport looks bright… one of the few bright spots in the world of youth sports right now. Thanks to the PGA, the clubs/courses and professional staff for their efforts in bringing this opportunity to the kids in our community.”

2020 PGA JR. LEAGUE SNAPSHOT  Nearly 37,000 kids participated with responsible

guidance from PGA and LPGA Coaches.

 A 2020 survey of 6,700 PGA Jr. League families found that

91% of families say they’re comfortable or very comfortable returning to PGA Jr. League practices and games.

 PGA and LPGA Professionals generated $7.2 million through

registration alone and an estimated $41 million in incremental revenue.

The PGA Jr. League name and logo are a trademark of the PGA of America.

WE’LL HELP YOU GET STARTED! HEAD TO PGAJrLeague.com TODAY.

April 2021

Junior Golf News

Colorado to Host Drive, Chip & Putt Regional Qualifier at Colorado Golf Club W

ith the 2021 Colorado Drive, Chip and Putt schedule finalized, we are excited to have our competitors back out competing this season. Colorado will host every step of the competition as participants compete to advance to the National Finals at Augusta National Golf Club. This season Colorado will host nine local qualifiers, two sub-regional qualifiers and a regional qualifier.

Unfortunately, with the 2020 National Finals being postponed, the 2020 National Finalists have been invited to compete at the 2021 National Finals at Augusta National Golf Club on April 4, 2021. Those finalists will participate in the same age division that he or she originally qualified for. Drive, Chip and Putt is a free event that focuses on golf’s three fundamental skills - driving, chipping, and putting. This event welcomes boys and girls ages 7 to 15 to participate in separate divisions and age categories. In 2021, participants can choose from nearly 330 local qualifying locations across all 50 states. Top performers at the local level will advance through sub-regional and regional qualifiers. The top 80 performers - 40 boys and 40 girls - will earn an invitation to compete in the National Finals at Augusta National Golf Club on Sunday, April 3, on the eve of the 2022 Masters Tournament. Colorado qualifiers will begin Monday, May 24, 2021, at Cherry Creek Country Club in Denver, Colorado. The 2021 Colorado Drive, Chip and Putt date are as follows: Local • • • • • • • • •

Qualifiers Cherry Creek Country Club - May 24, 2021 Eagle Ranch Golf Club - June 10, 2021 Collindale Golf Course - June 14, 2021 University of Denver Golf Club at Highlands Ranch - June 16, 2021 Colorado National Golf Club - June 21, 2021 CommonGround Golf Course - July 6, 2021 Walnut Creek Golf Preserve - July 20, 2021 West Woods Golf Club - July 26, 2021 Eisenhower Golf Club - July 28, 2021

Sub-regional Qualifiers • Murphy Creek Golf Course - August 14, 2021 • Thorncreek Golf Course - August 28, 2021 Regional Qualifier • Colorado Golf Club - September 19, 2021 Participant registration is now open. For additional information about Drive, Chip and Putt and to register, please Click Here. If you are interested in volunteering at any Colorado Drive, Chip and Putt Qualifiers, please Click Here to fill out a volunteer form. If you have any questions, please contact Samantha Crawford, Junior Golf Manager (scrawford@pgahq.com).

The SUMMIT

Junior Golf News

Colorado PGA Golf in Schools Programs Applications Available for Fall 2021 - Apply Now!

he Colorado PGA is now accepting applications for the fall semester. PGA Professionals and Educators are welcome to submit applications. The fall application is now available and will close on May 15. Application requests do not guarantee funding; we will notify approved programs, and further details will be required. A huge thank you to all who have made Golf in Schools a big success thus far!

• For Teachers applying for a new program at their school, please Click Here. • For Teachers applying for a program that has been conducted in the past, please Click Here. • For PGA Professionals applying for a new program at a new school, please Click Here. • For PGA Professionals applying for a school program that has been conducted in the past, please Click Here.

Questions about the program can be directed to Samantha Crawford, Junior Golf Manager, at scrawford@pgahq.com.

April 2021

The SUMMIT - Colorado PGA Magazine - April 2021

Articles inside

Tournament News

Colorado PGA Playing Privileges

Executive Director’s Report