The SUMMIT - Colorado PGA Magazine - August 2020 by Colorado PGA

The

SUMMIT

The SUMMIT is the official digital magazine of the Colorado PGA - August 2020

Ben Welsh, PGA

Golf Professional of the Year

Whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Inside: 2020 Colorado PGA Special Award Winners 2020 PGA of America and Colorado PGA Scholarship Winners Colorado PGA REACH Gifts Seventh Home to a Hero

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

Colorado PGA Officers

West Chapter Officers

Jim Hajek, PGA Vice-President | 2019-2020 Fossil Trace Golf Club

Luke Brosterhous, PGA Secretary | 2019-2020 Catamount Ranch and Club

Ben Welsh, PGA President | 2019-2020 Frost Creek Club

Cathy Matthews-Kane, PGA Secretary | 2019-2020 Country Club of Colorado Ty Thompson, PGA Honorary President | 2019-2020 Crosshairs Consulting

Board of Directors

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

Jeff Boyer, PGA President | 2019-2020 Eagle Ranch Golf Course

Ed Marzec, PGA Honorary President | 2019-2020 Red Sky Golf Club

West Chapter Board of Directors

Tom Apple, PGA | 2019-2021 Country Club of the Rockies

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 Senior Vice President - El Pomar Tom Gunnerson VP Investments, Wells Fargo

Alice Plain, PGA | 2018 - 2020 Vail Golf Club

Dominic Karaba President - Specialty Lending and Business Banking - UMB

Todd Schafersman, PGA | 2020-2022 The Bridges Golf & CC

Bill Keller Lieutenant Colonel USAF, Retired

Kenny Thayer, PGA | 2019-2021 Beavercreek Golf Club

Eric Kenealy Chairman - Mackinaw Holding Corp.

Kyle Heyen, PGA Past District 9 Director Hiwan Golf Club

Max Twarjan, PGA | 2020-2022 Maroon Creek Club

Sandy King Entrepreneur/Songwriter

Charles ‘Vic’ Kline, PGA Past District 9 Director

Steve VanDyke, PGA | 2018-2020 River Valley Ranch GC

Bob Lally Navy Captain, Retired

Colorado PGA REACH Trustees

George Lee VP - Ameriprise Financial Services

Jeff Boyer, PGA | 2019-2020 Eagle Ranch Golf Course Bob Doyle, PGA Past District 9 Director Life Member

Spencer Zinn Chairman

John Andrew Brigadier General USAF - Retired Tom Bauerle Owner - Colorado Golf and Turf Dan Bennett Investor/Partner, Southwest Greens Management

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

John Bond VP Sales & Marketing, Golf Division of Garb

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

Anne Broholm CEO | AHEAD

Dave Troyer, PGA | 2019-2021 CommonGround Golf Course

Dr. Phil Brown President/Founder, Six Points Consulting

Independent Directors Theo Gregory Spencer Zinn

Dr. Stephen Davis Cheyenne Mountain Dental Group

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

Executive Director/CEO Eddie Ainsworth, PGA eainsworth@pgahq.com P (303) 996-1593 C (719) 761-6125 Operations Coordinator/ Tournament Director Justin Limon, PGA jlimon@pgahq.com P (303) 996-1588 C (720) 390-1160 Education Director Holly Champion, PGA hchampion@pgahq.com P (303) 996-1591 C (217) 232-1790 Junior Golf Director Scott Minta sminta@pgahq.com P (303) 996-1590 C (630) 532-3230 Junior Golf Coordinator Samantha Crawford p (303) 966-1597 C (720) 884-6130 Finance Specialist Annie O’Donnell adonnell@pgahq.com P (303) 996-1595 Marketing/Comms. Director Judy Malone jmalone@pgahq.com P (303) 996-1594 C (720) 490-0333 Marketing/Comms. Associate Cathy Thompson cthompson@pgahq.com P (303) 996-1589

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 A Time to Celebrate

Executive Director’s Report Our Seniors, Pioneers, Doubles Golf and Thank You!

District Director Report/PGA of America News Congratulations to Many ... Colorado and National

Career Development News 10 Getting Burned 12 16 19

Colorado PGA News 2020 Colorado PGA Special Award Recipients Announced Colorado PGA Golf Professional of the Year, Ben Welsh Quarter Century Club Inductee

20 24 26

Colorado PGA REACH News PGA of America and Colorado PGA REACH Scholarships ‘Epic” is How Brugeman Defines the Experience Loving Colorado, Smith and Parr are Ready to Serve

Tournament News 28 Hanson Hangs on to Win 2020 Colorado Senior PGA Professional Championship 30 31 32 33

Junior Golf News Colorado PGA Jr. League ... Getting Ready for the Fall Season Junior Golf Alliance Moves Forward During COVID-19 Sweet Success ... Colorado Junior Amatuer We are the Champions ... Colorado Junior Match Play

Membership News 34 Membership Update

August 2020

President’s Message

A Time to Celebrate

Honoring the best of the best in 2020! Fellow PGA Professionals,

he Colorado PGA Special Awards program is always a great time of the year to celebrate our fellow professionals, as well as to highlight the collective efforts and innovations of our industry. The PGA Golf Professional tends to be humble by nature and is one of the reasons that our awards program is so important. Each year, these peer nominated awards are evaluated by the Colorado Section Awards Committee that is comprised of the prior year’s award winners. We are excited to congratulate this year’s award winners, their wonderful accomplishments and achievements on behalf of their facilities. If they desire, our award winners will be subsequently nominated for the National PGA Special Awards, of which we are proud of our seven National Award winners in the last 10 years. Proof of the outstanding nature of the Colorado PGA Member and your dedication to the business and game of golf. Please take the time to read about each of our 2020 award winners and offer your congratulations when possible. Thank you for all that you do to represent the Colorado PGA! Our collaboration and innovation pushes us each to grow and improve every year.

Ben Welsh, PGA President Colorado PGA Head Professional Frost Creek bwelsh@pga.com P | (970) 328-2326 C | (970) 688-0115

I also want to thank all those who participated in the PGA REACH Pro-Am at Bear Dance. All things considered, we had a wonderful event and raised lots of money to support our programs. I want to give a special thanks to Eddie and the staff for all their hard work. We also want to thank Stuart Bruening, PGA, Dan Bennett and the Bear Dance Team for hosting the event and contributing the funds for the home giveaway. It was a really special time and an honor to have presented our seventh home to a combat wounded service member. Best wishes,

Ben Welsh, PGA Head Golf Professional President, Colorado PGA Section 970-328-2326 (Shop) 970-688-0115 (Cell)

The SUMMIT

August 2020

Executive Director’s Message

Our Seniors, Pioneers, Doubles Golf and Thank you! My Fellow Colorado PGA Professionals,

few months ago, when this pandemic shut down our country, we, of course, just like everyone else, were concerned with our cash flow and how we were going to get through all of this. We put together our plan, which called for a minimum of 150 of our Colorado PGA Members to pay their membership dues no later than July 31. By the end of May, we had already met that goal. By the end of June, that number increased to 350. And, by the end of July, we had over 500 Colorado PGA Members pay their dues in full. I have been in this position as your Executive Director for over 12 years and you never cease to amaze me! Every time we put a call out for assistance, you step up. Every time! It is such a joy for me to work for the Best of the Best that the PGA of America has to offer!! I will be forever grateful to each and every one of you for the opportunity to serve and grow this great game we all love, and please accept my Thanks for Your Support! Together we are a positive force to make a positive difference in the lives of others through this great game of golf.

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

As we continue to deal with COVID-19, I know that some of you may be struggling. I want you to know that if we can be of assistance in any way, we are here for you. Whether it is needing assistance to pay your PGA Membership Dues, or needing a friend to talk with, we are here for you. The best way to get through these tough times is to communicate, and I’m available if you’d like to talk to someone. The past couple of days I had the opportunity to compete -- well, if you’ve seen my scores, play might be a better word -- in our 2020 Colorado Senior PGA Professional Championship. What a thrill it was to tee it up with my peers! On Monday, I had the opportunity to play with PGA Professional and our host, Andy Benson. Andy is as fine a gentleman as you will ever meet, and he and his team had the course in just wonderful condition. When I spoke with their Superintendent Scott Hallam, I let him know that we may play on greens as good as theirs, but we won’t play on any better. They were outstanding. I also played with PGA Professional Tommy Thomas. I think I’m going to start calling Tommy, JL, for Mr. Junior League. Tommy Thomas personifies PGA Junior League! Not only his passion for the program and his passion for the kids in his league, but also in the clothes he wears and the golf balls he uses. [Tommy proudly wore the Blue and Orange colors of Junior League, and even the colors of his Callaway Chrome Soft Truvis Golf Balls.] On Tuesday, I had the privilege of playing with PGA Professionals Charlie Ray and Stewart Koch. For me, what I enjoyed the most about these past two days was getting to spend time with my peers. As you know, when you play a round of golf with someone, you get to learn a little more about what’s happening in their world and it seems to bring us all a little closer together. I cannot encourage you all enough to get out at least a couple times a year and compete with your fellow Colorado PGA Professionals. You’ll be a better person for it. I know I am after spending time with Andy, JL, Charlie and Stewart. Congratulations to our 2020 Colorado Senior PGA Professional Champion Jeff Hanson! It certainly was exciting to watch Jeff and Doug Rohrbaugh go head-to-head down the stretch, and in the playoff that went three holes. I also want to congratulate Dennis Murray for his leadership in getting our first ever Pioneer Division off and running. Through his leadership, we’ve only just begun to add this division to some of our events. Those who

The SUMMIT

Executive Director’s Message played had an outstanding time, and in speaking with them afterwards, PGA Life Member John Trenck stated, “It was wonderful to compete again with my friends and peers.” Finally, I believe the game of golf has been given a great opportunity through this pandemic. Most of our Tee Sheets are full, many new people are starting to play and numerous are returning to the game. By now you’ve heard a lot about Doubles Golf, and I know the last thing you need is something else on your plate. I would ask you to just become familiar with the program so if you’re asked about it, you will be able to provide a positive response. I believe this program will help us capture new people to the game and allow for numerous people to return to the game. The third week of August is going to be Doubles Golf Week across the country. This will bring even more recognition of the program, give it credibility and help us fully launch this program with Doubles Golf Leagues across our Section. Once again, my thanks to each one of you. You are truly the Best of the Best. Very Respectfully,

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

What an honor to play with the 1958 PGA Champion, Dow Finsterwald, the week of the PGA Championship!

2020 Section Championships Be sure to watch or register for these events, go to https://www.pgatournaments.com

2020 National Car Rental Colorado Assistant PGA Professional Championship August 17-18, 2020 Saddle Rock Golf Course

2020 Colorado PGA Professional Championship September 14-16,2020 Valley Country Club Deadline to register is August 26, 2020

August 2020

PGA of America News

Congratulations to Many! Colorado and National Award Winners Announced

have served on the National Special Awards Committee for the past three years, and it has turned out to be one of the best experiences of my professional life. It has been inspiring, humbling and has made me proud to see so many of our PGA Members doing so much and giving so much back to fellow members and associates, and so much back to our association and the game. It has truly been an experience I will never forget. That being said, I’d like to congratulate the Colorado Section Award winners. Winning a Section award is an unbelievable honor and achievement. Along with celebrating the Section Award winners, I’d like to take this opportunity to recognize our National PGA Award winners for 2020. Please join me in congratulating the following 2020 PGA Award winners: • • • • • • • • • • • • •

PGA Professional of the Year: Ronny Glanton, PGA ~ Sherrill Park Golf Course, Richardson, TX PGA Teacher & Coach of the Year: Mark Blackburn, PGA ~ Greystone Golf & CC, Birmingham, AL PGA Golf Executive of the Year: Dana Garmany, PGA ~ Troon, Scottsdale, AZ Bill Strausbaugh Award: Larry Dornisch, PGA ~ Muirfield Village Golf Club, Dublin, OH PGA Professional Development Award: Jim McLean, PGA ~ Jim McLean Golf Schools, Coral Gables, FL Deacon Palmer Award: J.P. Lunn, PGA ~ Fountain Head CC, Hagerstown, MD PGA Patriot Award: Christopher Runyan, PGA - GOLFTEC, Spokane, WA PGA Player Development Award: Rich Jones, PGA - Pine Ridgeolf Club, Coram, NY: Golf Galaxy, Bayshore, NY PGA Youth Player Development Award: Chris Thomson, PGA - Wilderness Ridge Golf Club, Lincoln, NE Herb Graffis Award: Nebraska PGA Section PGA Merchandiser of the Year - Resort: Josue Reves, PGA - Destination Kohler, Kohler, WI - Whistling Straits/Blackwolf Run PGA Merchandiser of the Year- Public: Jacob Lippold, PGA - Chambers Bay, Tacoma, WA PGA Merchandiser of the Year- Private: Jason Ballard, PGA - Oak Hill C.C., Rochester, NY This is the inaugural award for the PGA Golf Executive of the Year Award. This award was selected by the Board of Directors for 2020, but starting next year, this award will be nominated and the process will be the same as all the other awards. Again, I want to congratulate the Colorado Section Award winners and the Awards Committee. I know what a challenging task it is of selecting the award winners. It is a difficult process, but a rewarding one. Take care and stay safe,

Ron Rawls, PGA District 9 Director PGA of America Head Professional Crane Creek CC

The SUMMIT

August 2020

Career Services Update

Getting Burned

Game Changers to Avoid Burn-Out

ith the days longer now and temperatures rising, we all have to take stock of how to best take care of ourselves mentally, physically and spiritually to not just last through the season, but to conquer it. So, what might you consider doing this season that you haven’t done in the past? Let’s explore a few possibilities. Take a moment at the beginning and end of each day to remind yourself WHY you do WHAT you do. We all got into the business because of the love of the game and the desire to bring that same joy to others we get to serve each day. That can easily get lost in the middle of the heat and exhaustion. Gratitude is mind-altering and contagious. Take a minute to say what you are grateful for or even take it a step further—write it down. Go back to look at your “WHY” when the days aren’t going well and you are questioning your career choice. Gratitude is game-changer #1. According to www.themuse.com, it’s also a great practice to look around you at the team of people who work with you on a regular basis. Get connected with them and with the customers you serve. Knowing more about the life of your teammates and your customers often is what makes your daily tasks worthwhile. After all, you spend more time with them than with your family in many cases, so don’t forget to “do life” with them. We have all heard the expression, “I don’t care how much you know until I know that you care.” Caring about your teammates changes the dynamic, but you can’t fake it. You have to be genuinely interested in their lives. Just like Tim Novak told us at the Annual Meeting, “be interested, not interesting.” Caring is game-changer #2. Dan Price wrote in Gravity Payments, “I would burn out way faster working five hours a day at a job that was hurting my soul than I would working 15 hours a day at a job that’s feeding my soul.” Relationships are what feeds our soul, so take time to work on relationships as much as possible. You never know where a conversation with a co-worker or member will lead, but often it can provide the nourishment your soul needs and, in turn, try to be a healthy resource for others when they need encouragement or validation.

Keith Soriano, PGA is a PGA Career Services Consultant serving the Colorado, Utah and Nebraska Sections. He can be reached at (720) 841-1006 or ksoriano@ pgahq.com.

Another idea would be to have a team meeting where the staff can openly discuss who is good at what tasks and who might be better suited for another type of project. When we hate to perform a daily task, over time it impacts us personally and impacts the success of our team. If a schedule of responsibilities can be worked out that caters to each team member’s strengths, it is only natural everyone feels more reward in their work. Even more importantly, the team becomes more high performing for the club. Validating other’s strengths is game-changer #3. Physically, the season we are entering is draining. It is critical you schedule down time to do something that relaxes you on a daily basis. Note that I said you must schedule this! It is just as important as a lesson on your books, a date with your spouse or your child’s baseball game. For you to be able to renew and refresh yourself, take a walk with your pet, hit a few balls or putts, work out, go to a movie or even schedule a short nap. Your body, mind and spirit will thank you as will your spouse, teammates and customers! If every day is not possible, map out 2-3 times per week for you to accomplish this. Scheduled downtime is game-changer #4.

The SUMMIT

Career Services Update At the end of the day, however long it may be, you have a family of peers in the PGA who care about you. We all want to see each other be successful, so let’s hold each other accountable when needed. Reach out to others in your PGA family just to talk through things, and please know I am always a phone call away if I can help you! Cheers to the best golf professionals on the planet—one of my greatest joys in my work is getting to work with all of you. That’s my written gratitude (game-changer #1) for today—what’s yours?

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

August 2020

Colorado PGA News

2020 Colorado PGA Special Award Recipients Announced

very spring, the Special Awards Committee, guided by two or more Board of Director Members, goes through a long process that results in naming the best of the best. This year, the 2020 Special Awards Committee Chair, Keith Stilwell, PGA, was joined by Co-Chairs, Andy Benson, PGA, and Bobby Quarantino, PGA, along with the 2019 Special Award Winners to make up the 2020 Special Awards Committee. The Colorado PGA congratulates the 2020 Colorado PGA Special Award Recipients. The following recipients are true examples of the Section’s reputation as “The Experts in the Game and Business of Golf.”

Ben Welsh, PGA Frost Creek Golf Professional of the Year Ben Welsh, PGA, President of the Colorado Section and Head Professional at Frost Creek, is being awarded the highest honor given annually by the Colorado PGA, Golf Professional of the Year. A life-long learner, Welsh has completed three Certified Professional Certificates and, more impressively, achieved Master Professional in General Management. His mentorship to others reaches 40 interns, of which seven have advanced into Head Golf Professional positions. Welsh has been serving in various positions in the Association since 2000 and accepted his first of many awards in 2014, the Colorado PGA Assistant Professional of the Year. The most recent award for him is the 2018 Professional Development Award. Welsh is devoted to seeing the Colorado PGA Section be a leader of golf for the State of Colorado for many years to come.

The SUMMIT

Colorado PGA News Ryan Bakken, PGA Thorncreek Golf Course Assistant PGA Golf Professional of the Year The 2020 Colorado Assistant Professional of the Year Award goes to Ryan Bakken, PGA Assistant Professional at Thorncreek Golf Course. Bakken is a six-year member of the Colorado PGA, with previous years in the Minnesota Section. Always willing to host events and volunteer, he has spent several seasons with Golf in Schools, Drive, Chip and Putt, and JGAC, promoting the game and effectively developing relationships within the community. His goal every day is to be a leader for his staff, to be reliable for his team and to provide a quality experience for every guest who comes through the door. This is his first award in this category.

Nick Clearwater, PGA GOLFTEC HQ Teacher of the Year Award A PGA Member since 2004, Nick Clearwater, PGA, Director of Instruction at GOLFTEC HQ, has been named the Colorado PGA Teacher of the Year. Clearwater has been a speaker, presenter and instructor all over the world and has been awarded every honor offered to teachers by Golf Digest. The Golf Channel has shown over 300 videos that he has scripted, been featured in and produced as well as another 300 that he produced for other coaches. Clearwater also spearheads GOLFTEC’s free lesson program for anyone in North America to receive free lessons with any of their 400 corporate coaches, his team or himself. This is his first award in this category.

Scott Erwin, PGA Maroon Creek Club Bill Strausbaugh Award The Bill Strausbaugh Award is presented to a PGA member who has shown outstanding integrity and a commitment to mentoring PGA Professionals. This year, Scott Erwin, PGA, Director of Golf Emeritus at Maroon Creek Club, receives this honor for the Colorado PGA. A PGA Member since 1978, Erwin says the foundation of his career as a golf professional and his platform to serve as a mentor to other PGA Members are the same and framed from this saying, “Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind, let each of you regard one another as more important than himself, do not merely look out for your own interest, but also for the interest of others.” Erwin has received the Bill Strausbaugh Award for the West Chapter in 2015 and most recently the Vic Kline Award for the Colorado PGA Section in 2017.

August 2020

Colorado PGA News Mark Bacheldor, PGA University of Colorado Colorado Springs PGA Golf Management Professional Development Award Mark Bacheldor, PGA, Program Director of UCCS PGA Golf Management, is receiving the honor of the Colorado PGA Professional Development Award. This award recognizes a Colorado PGA Member for their outstanding contributions in developing and improving educational opportunities for the PGA Professional. Having instructed over five years of PGA material to students and having refined the delivery of material, he has seen student pass rates of PGA exams improve from 74 percent to 90 percent, resulting in more PGA Members. Bacheldor recently completed the PGAâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Master Professional Program in Teaching and Coaching in 2019 and received this same award, previously know as the Horton Smith Award, in 2016. He is currently serving on the Colorado Section PGA Education Committee as well as the Colorado Section Board of Directors.

Joe Assell, PGA GOLFTEC HQ Warren Smith Award The Warren Smith Award is given to a PGA Professional for his/her outstanding contributions to the game and to the section. Joe Assell, PGA, President and CEO of GOLFTEC, is receiving this honor, and has worked diligently to take what was once an idea with Clayton Cole to the worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s largest golf improvement company. Assell has served two, three-year terms on the Colorado PGA Board of Directors and has been on the Colorado PGA Finance committee for over 15 years. Previous awards Assell has received include the 1998 Colorado PGA Teacher of the Year, the 2012 Colorado PGA Bill Strausbaugh Award and the 2015 Colorado Golf Professional of the Year.

Ed Oldham, PGA Ed Oldham Golf and The Ranch Country Club Player Development Award PGA Master Professional Ed Oldham, Director of Instruction at The Ranch Country Club, is the recipient of the 2020 Player Development Award. This award is given to a PGA Professional who has displayed extraordinary and exemplary achievement in the area of player development and among other things, has made a meaningful impact at the facility. Oldham has understandably achieved this honor by offering programs at his facility starting with those as young as four and continuing through every stage of life. He has received numerous awards, including the Colorado PGA Horton Smith Award in 1997 and 1998, the Colorado PGA Teacher of the Year Award in 1999 and 2013, and the Colorado PGA Golf Professional of the Year in 2001 and 2002.

The SUMMIT

Colorado PGA News Tom Young, PGA Black Canyon Golf Club at Montrose Youth Player Development Award The 2020 Youth Player Development Award goes to Tom Young, PGA, Head Professional at Black Canyon Golf Club at Montrose. Though his PGA Membership started in 2018, he has made a profound impact in the city of Montrose by encouraging the City Manager to allow golf to kids 13 and under for free, and to offer those 14 to 18 a season pass of $100. Young also worked in collaboration with three courses in town to benefit the youth and created the Montrose Junior Golf Alliance, impacting over 100 kids. To his students, he teaches hard work, honesty and integrity, and that more important than winning is what kind of person you are, winning or losing. Earlier this year, Young was awarded the 2019 Youth Player Development Award for the West Chapter.

Matt Schalk, PGA Colorado National Golf Club Public Merchandiser of the Year The Public Merchandiser of the Year is being awarded to Matt Schalk, PGA, General Manager at Colorado National Golf Club. A PGA Member since 1999, Schalk has been at his current job for 14 years and has seen the operation grow substantially. Using a variety of unique shopping experiences, their operations have formed loyal customers and even reached a non-golfing customer. Their online sales have been a huge success and partnerships with companies like Nike and Lululemon, as well as licensing agreements with CU Boulder and PAC 12, have attributed to their increase in sales

Jeff Seltz, PGA The Club at Rolling Hills Private Merchandiser of the Year Jeff Seltz, PGA, Director of Golf at the Club at Rolling Hills, receives the honor of Private Merchandiser of the Year. His team prides themselves in giving outstanding customer service and more importantly, repeat business and customer retention. Seltz became the Head Golf Professional in 2003, and since that time has seen sales increase monumentally. Last yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s seasonal sales goal reached a record-setting high during a year with the least number of rounds. Seltzâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s team has adapted to its membership and has educated them on their competitive pricing. Their attention to detail and product mix contributed to their success as well.

August 2020

Colorado PGA News

President Welsh Named Colorado PGA Golf Professional of the Year B

en Welsh, PGA, Head Professional at Frost Creek in Eagle, Colorado, has been selected as the 2020 Colorado PGA Golf Professional of the Year. This honor is awarded by the Colorado PGA to a member for their overall performance including leadership, service and promotion of the game of golf. Recognizing the incredible amount of passion, time and energy spent in the golf career and his admiration, respect and friendship he has with previous award winners, Welsh comments on how he felt being named as this year’s award recipient. “This is a huge honor for me in the fact that it stems from service to the Association. It is always humbling to be recognized by any award, but with this award in particular, it is nice to be put in the same category with my mentors.” Welsh was born and raised in Fort Collins and started playing golf with his dad when he was about eight years old. The two of them would have their “fatherson time” early in the morning and on their way to school, playing nine holes together. Then, at age 13, he started working at the City Park Nine driving

range in Fort Collins to get a golf pass. Service and safety have been an interest to Welsh for as long as he can remember. In high school, when students were trying to figure out life and their future careers, he considered the noble service of a police officer. Focusing on a positive environment and helping people have fun has proven to be a good rewarding career choice. Playing golf is a big part of being a PGA Golf Professional. Welsh commented that he did not make the high school golf team but worked hard and tried to walk-on at Colorado State. He learned early that the playing competition could be stiff but he recognized that he enjoyed the business and operations of the game just as much. Welsh says, “The art of teaching, coaching and connecting with people and growing the game meant more to me than being a good player.” Welsh recalls his grandfather saying, “Figure out what you like to do and then find a way to make money doing it.” For him, that has been a career in

The SUMMIT

Colorado PGA News golf. Welsh loves the feeling he had as a child that golf was a safe and fun place. As an adult, he feels that proves to still be true and now gets to provide that supportive and positive environment for others. Welsh loves learning and views his education as professional development and uses it to serve the Association. This is proven true as he is the 2018 Horton Smith Award winner, now known as the Professional Development Award. Welsh also won the West Chapter Horton Smith Award in 2012 and 2013. His love to learn has propelled him to complete three of the Certified Professional Certificates: Golf Operations, General Management and Teaching and Coaching. He is also one of the few to attain the status of PGA Master Professional in General Management.

Welsh working with staff at Frost Creek.

Welsh’s dad not only introduced him to golf but was also a Rotarian. Being the son of a Rotarian, Welsh was raised under the motto of the Rotary, “Service Above Self.” This provided a foundation that he brought into the Colorado PGA as he has served on many levels. In 2000, Welsh started serving with the Assistant’s Association. He was volunteering to put on tournaments and soon became the Vice President and later the President of that Association. During those times of volunteering, he realized that he had the capabilities to be organized, manage projects and help coordinate decision making. In addition to his abilities, he truly loved it. The love for service, leadership and networking motivated him to run for the Colorado PGA Section Board of Directors to which he was elected in 2010. He continued his service when he was elected as a Section Officer in 2014.

August 2020

Colorado PGA News When asked about his proudest moments as a Golf Professional, Welsh said he was proud to help create the First Tee of Eagle County. He was part of a team that worked to create incredible programming, which included their own in-school golf programs and their own player’s league. Many opportunities were created for kids in the Vail Valley that were not there previously. Growing the game includes mentoring, and over the years, Welsh has worked with 40 interns in 15 years from the PGM Universities. Seven people who he has mentored are now Head Professionals. This includes his time at Eagle Vail Golf Club and now at Frost Creek. Welsh received this advice from one of his mentors, Dale Smigelsky, PGA, “Every job is the right place, right time opportunity. It is your job to be ready.” Welsh sees himself as that kid who grew up on the little nine-hole course but he worked hard and found his way to wider fairways. His education, networking and service to the Section helped put him in the right

circles at the right time to have opportunities, to which he now has one of the greatest jobs he could have imagined. Welsh recommends being intentional. “If you can learn, grow and be involved, then you can advance.” Commenting on leadership, mentorship and service, Welsh wanted to be sure to recognize and thank Eddie Ainsworth, PGA, for his leadership and organization. “We are extremely lucky to have an Executive Director and CEO that thinks the way he does and gives credit where it is due.” As for appreciation and gratitude for the Colorado PGA, Welsh feels incredibly proud to be a part of the Colorado PGA Section, the history in it and the reputation of it. “I hope we continue forward in our mission to serve the member and grow the game. If we can keep our eyes on supporting the game that supports us all, we will be successful,” says Welsh. “I want to make sure that the Colorado PGA continues to be the leader of the game in Colorado.”

Ben Welsh, PGA, received the 2018 Horton Smith Award at the Special Awards Gala. Pictured here with Bobby Quaratino, PGA, Head Professional at West Woods Golf Club. This is one of many awards Welsh receieved over the past two decades.

The SUMMIT

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 Quarter Century Club Member, Troy Youngren, PGA.

Troy Youngren, PGA

Certified Teaching Professional at GOLFTEC - Lakewood Where did you grow up? I grew up in Denver, Colorado. What was your first introduction to the game of golf? My future father-in-law introduced me to the game of golf. After I asked for his daughter’s hand in marriage, he took me to what was then the Centennial Golf and Tennis Club. I saw a “help wanted” sign on the wall, ended up applying for the job and working for Don Graham, PGA. Why did you choose to become a PGA Golf Professional? I was young when I started to work for Graham, and I didn’t know what I wanted to do at that point. From day one, the on-the-job-training I received, led me to love the business. What makes you most proud about being a PGA Professional? I am most proud of the relationships I have developed as a PGA Professional, which include students, clients and PGA Members. What golf facilities have you been employed at and in what capacity? • Head Professional at Centennial Golf and Tennis Club • Head Professional at South Suburban Golf Course • Head Professional at The Links at Cobble Creek in Montrose • Certified Teaching Professional at GOLFTEC What do you feel is the most meaningful contribution to the game of golf you have made? The most meaningful contribution I have made would be helping to establish the Cobble Creek Community from 9-holes to 18-holes to what it is today. What hobbies do you have outside of golf? My hobby is time with family: wife, Jill; Sons, Niko and Angelo; Daughter, Lexi and my grandson, Lhiam. If you could have a dream foursome, who would it be and why? My dream foursome would be to play with three eras: Ben Hogan, Payne Stewart and Tiger Woods.

This and That? Short par 5 or short par 3? Short par 3 Match Play or Stroke Play? Match Play Pizza or tacos? Pizza

August 2020

Music on or music off on the course? Always Music on Morning or evening person? Evening - Absolutely!

Favorite fast food chain? Taco Bell Shorts or pants on the course? Shorts Chocolate or vanilla? Vanilla

Colorado PGA REACH News

Meet Our 2020 PGA of America and Colorado PGA REACH Scholarship Winners Scholarships were still awarded even in times of pandemic.

hough school may look different for the 2020-2021 academic year, children and grandchildren of PGA Members still received financial scholarships for their college education. Colorado PGA Professionalâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s family members have been awarded three National Scholarships and 20 Colorado PGA REACH Scholarships. The Colorado Section modified its scholarship policy in 2019 to better support Colorado PGA Professionals, Members and their families. The change means that all children or grandchildren of Colorado PGA Members who meet the qualifications to be considered for a PGA of America Scholarship, whether they received PGA of America funding or not, are eligible to be considered for financial aid from the Colorado Section. Therefore, since 2019, students may receive both a National and a Colorado PGA Scholarship as each are committed to higher education charitable contributions. Golfers and non-golfers alike have been receiving these scholarships since 2008. In the past 13 years, over $380,000 have been awarded in 316 scholarships. This year, 20 Colorado students will be receiving a $1,000 scholarship through the Colorado PGA REACH Foundation. Three of those students will also be receiving a $2,000 scholarship from the PGA of America. Meet the scholarship recipients:

PGA of America Scholarship and Colorado PGA REACH Foundation Scholarships

Parker McNitt Grandson of Clayton Cole, PGA Attending Coastal Carolina Univ.

David Ruddy Son of Patrick Ruddy, PGA Attending UCCS

Abigail Zulkoski Granddaughter of Rich Zulkoski, PGA Attending Colorado State Univ.

The SUMMIT

Colorado PGA REACH News

Colorado PGA REACH Foundation Scholarships

Tanner Ausec Son of Timothy Ausec, PGA Attending Univ. of WI Whitewater

Taylor Ausec Son of Timothy Ausec, PGA Attending Colorado State Univ.

Gabrielle Cook Daughter of Douglas Cook, PGA Attending Hamline University

Jennifer Gillotti Daughter of Jeffrey Gillotti, PGA Attending Concordia University

Shannon Hancock Daughter of William Hancock, PGA Attending University of Denver

Lindsay Hanson Daughter of Jeff Hanson, PGA Attending University of Arizona

Joshua Hymes Son of Peter Hymes, PGA Attending CU Boulder

Kennedy Johnson Daughter of Chris Johnson, PGA Attending Univ. of North Alabama

Mitchell Kahrhoff Son of George Kahrhoff, PGA Attending CU Boulder

August 2020

Colorado PGA REACH News

Colorado PGA REACH Foundation Scholarships

Joseph Kristopeit Son of Ben Kristopeit II, PGA Attending Creighton University

Joshua McNeil Son of Doug McNeil, PGA Attending Montana State University

Tyler Meyers Son of Randall Meyers, PGA Attending Mesa State University

Austin Northern Son of Michael Northern, PGA Attending Colorado State Univ.

Brandon Sanger Son of Kevin Sanger, PGA Attending Grand Canyon University

Dylan Sanger Son of Kevin Sanger, PGA Attending Univ. of CO Denver

Tray Drew Shehee, Jr. Son of Tray & Terra Shehee, PGA Attending Univ. of Northern CO

Dillon Stewart Son of Scott Stewart, PGA Attending Oklahoma State Univ.

The SUMMIT

Contact Your Local Sales Rep: Nancy Huppert nancy.huppert@gmail.com 303-880-6331

August 2020

Colorado PGA REACH News

‘Epic’ is How Brugeman Defines the Experience Colorado PGA REACH Donates its 7th Home at 2020 Invitational

“And I’m proud to be an American Where at least I know I’m free And I won’t forget the men who died Who gave that right to me”

ith the words to Lee Greenwood’s song, God Bless the USA, appropriately ringing through the PA system, Staff Sergeant Matt Brugeman, U.S. Army Retired, and his wife Sydney, joined the small group of Colorado PGA REACH Trustees gathered to honor his service and to present them with the key to their new home. It has become custom for the Colorado PGA REACH Foundation to award the keys of a mortgage-free home to a deserving wounded warrior during its largest fund-raiser of the year, the REACH Invitational. Although things are being done differently this year, the plans came together, and the Foundation was able to present its seventh home. In additional to the home, the Foundation cleared more than $45,000 to support its many programs.

A Ticker-Tape Parade was given for Matt and Sydney Brugeman’s arrival into the Colorado PGA REACH Home Give-away Presentation.

This year was extra special for our honorees as it was also their wedding anniversary. Not having taken the time for a honeymoon, they will always remember their sixth anniversary as both a honeymoon and the dedication of their new home. “It is always so rewarding for us to get to meet the recipients of the home,” admits Stuart Bruening, copartner of Southwest Greens. “Matt and Sydney are great examples of the dedication of those who serve our country and we are proud to be able to support them in return.” “This was an epic adventure,” comments Brugeman. “We are simple people who live a simple life-style, so to be welcomed in such a grand way by such genuine people has been amazing and unimaginable to us, as well as a little over-whelming at the same time.” Due to protocols around the coronavirus, the Brugeman’s were given access to their Montpelier, Virginia, home on April 9 by providing them the code to the lockbox. This gave them the opportunity to enter their new home as a family unit to experience together the beginning of this new chapter in their lives.

Colorado PGA REACH Trustees Tom Bauerle, Spencer Zinn, Dan Bennett, George Lee and John Andrew present the key to their new home to Matt and Sydney Brugeman.

“There wasn’t much sleep going on in our house the night before we went to our new home,” admits Brugeman. “We were so excited. There were a lot of smiles, cheers and even a fair number of tears shed when we got our first glimpse of what would now be home.”

The SUMMIT

Colorado PGA REACH News Not having a clear vision of what the future would hold for him and always having a desire to serve his country like many family members before him had done, in 2005, Brugeman joined the U.S. Army. “I was watching the news one night and saw the reports coming in from Iraq and Afghanistan and something told me that was where I needed to be. The very next day I went to the recruiter’s office,” remembers Brugeman. Brugeman spent more than half of his 10-year career with the Army stationed at Fort Carson in Colorado Springs. As an infantryman, he was twice deployed to Iraq and once to Afghanistan. He was injured during his second deployment to Iraq, but it was his time in Afghanistan that proved to be the roughest. As a squad leader, he felt the pain when the squad experienced a high-injury rate – nearly two-thirds of the company was hurt. Faced with the decision to re-enlist for an additional 10 years or retire from the Army, in 2015 Brugeman decided to move into the civilian world and devote himself to his wife and new daughter. The Purple Heart, the Bronze Star, Army Commendation with V Device and the Combat Infantry Badge were just a few of the many awards earned by Brugeman during his time of serving our country.

Matt Brugeman was able to take advantage of a quick lesson from PGA Professional Ben Welsh in the newly installed simulator at The Golf Club at Bear Dance.

This family has grand plans. Sydney is finishing up her undergraduate work in mathematics and then hopes to move into a master’s program to prepare herself to teach at the college level. Matt enjoys his work with a large landscape supply company and the problem solving and hustle it takes to get the job done. He has a dream of sharing his love of woodworking with other veterans. For him, there is a healing power in working with wood, and he would like to share this with others who could also benefit. Then there is their 5-year old daughter. This active, inquisitive and smart little girl is soaking up all that life has to offer. In fact, it was shared that she is the one teaching her parents about the planets and the number of moons of each planet. “It was an honor to serve our country,” says Brugeman. “And it is extremely humbling to be presented with this mortgage-free home. This will have a long-term positive financial impact on all of us … Syd, me and our daughter. Thank you doesn’t seem to be enough. We hope you all know of the impact you have made in our lives and we will be forever grateful. “Please know that our door is always open, and you are always welcome,” concludes Brugeman.

Taking first place at the 2020 REACH Invitation Shamble are PGA REACH Trustee Bill Keller and his team of Kevin Dooms, Leon Palmer and PGA Professional Caleb Blass.

“It was a privilege to get to meet and spend a little time with two such admirable people like Matt and Sydney,” says Eddie Ainsworth, PGA, Colorado PGA Executive Director and CEO. “He served his country honorably by risking his life for our freedom. Being able to give back to him was a real privilege and blessing.”

The continued success of this program is attributed to the many organizations that work together toward the common goal of facilitating a smooth and successful transition of our nation’s combat wounded heroes. The Military Warriors Support Foundation evaluates and selects deserving combat-wounded heroes to receive mortgage-free homes. Wells Fargo contributes and remodels homes that it then donates to the program and the Colorado PGA REACH Foundation, through its Supporting Our Military Pillar, provides the avenue to donate the home. Southwest Greens, through the profits of its Mile-High Golf Trail Program featuring The Golf Club at Bear Dance, Colorado National Golf Club, Plum Creek Golf Course and Riverdale Golf Course, provides the funding for the home give-away. These funds will provide family and financial mentoring to assure the hero is given the necessary tools to be successful with this newly attained investment.

August 2020

Colorado PGA REACH News

Loving Colorado, Smith and Parr are Ready to Serve T

he Colorado PGA has replicated the PGA of America by implementing a LEAD program in our own Section. Like the PGA of America LEAD class, having a Colorado LEAD program is one way to demonstrate the commitment to leadership development. Eleven members make up the inaugural class of 2019-2020 and are a part of this two-year leadership program. So far, in 2020, we have introduced you to nine of the 11 Colorado PGA LEAD class members. These are our final interviews of the year and we are introducing you to the 2017 Colorado PGA Player Development Award Winner Leighton Smith, PGA, and Ryan Parr, PGA. Both have experiences outside of Colorado but were eager to return “home” when the opportunities arose. Parr was raised in Boulder, Colorado, and started his golf career as a young 14-year-old at the local municipal course where he worked for over 10 years. In pursuit of his PGA Membership, Parr went to Arizona in his twenties to participate in a PGA program, and returned to Colorado as an Assistant Golf Professional at Lakota Canyon in Glenwood Springs. There he learned from his General Manager and mentor and ended up advancing to the role of General Manager after his mentor moved to Florida. After five years of running operations at Lakota Canyon, Parr too moved to Florida and worked again for his former boss and mentor. Three years and many successes in Florida were enjoyed by Parr. When the call from Escalante Golf to run the Raven Golf Club in Silverthorne was offered in 2018, he jumped at the opportunity to return to Colorado. Parr has many years of working for golf course management companies, but it’s the relationships in the golf industry that have called him to move across the States. He thoroughly loves his career and loves the Colorado Section. When he is not on the course, Parr can be found spending time with his wife and their three dogs. What is the most valuable thing you have learned since joining the COLORADO PGA LEAD class? I think the most valuable part of the Colorado PGA LEAD class has been the opportunity to network with likeminded PGA Professionals in our Section. I believe that leadership qualities are vital to our role as we navigate through our profession, and any profession for that matter. Constantly learning new skills and ways of leading our teams and the people we work with is crucial. I know that the current LEAD Team has similar goals and objectives and has given their personal time to absorb as much knowledge as possible in the above areas. When we surround ourselves with people who share in those goals and objectives, we better ourselves and those around us. Personally, I thank the Section and the other members of this team for creating an atmosphere where dedicated professionals can continue to better their craft.. How do you see this helping you in the future? I think that anytime we are able to foster an atmosphere that allows for the sharing of past and current experiences, ideas and creativity, we create the ultimate learning environment. This is something every great leader should learn to embrace at their facility. If we want to be great, then we should never stop learning and expanding. This team, in particular, comes from so many backgrounds. To be able to be a part of that experience is both motivating and reassuring. I know that by simply listening to each team member, I can pick up something new, something better and, ultimately, will find myself with more knowledge as I move through my PGA career.

The SUMMIT

Colorado PGA REACH News Smith was born in North Carolina and spent his elementary years there, but he moved to Colorado and has spent most of his life in Colorado Springs. He was introduced to the game of golf by a neighbor the summer before his junior year in high school. Smith loved the sport immediately and gave up football and lacrosse to focus on golf. He attended UCCS and completed the PGA Golf Management program in 2011. Smith had a great opportunity with his first job as a Professional. He worked for Hank Haney, who just finished his time coaching Tiger Woods in South Carolina. In 2013, Smith returned to Colorado Springs to launch the First Tee of Pikes Peak. Just over two years ago, he started his own business, Leighton Smith Golf. Growing his business and his family is keeping him busy. He and his wife, Ashley, have two sons, Charlie (3) and Henry (9 months). They enjoy getting into the mountains as often as possible. What is the most valuable thing you have learned since joining the COLORADO PGA LEAD class? The most valuable thing I have learned from the Colorado PGA LEAD class is the power of communicating as a group and moving forward together. We come from such different backgrounds and career paths and have different goals, but when we are together, we can share the common interest of carrying the PGA forward. It’s inspiring and fun to have a diverse group and be able to voice our opinions and thoughts, working together with purpose. How do you see this helping you in the future? Because we have an opportunity to be around current Board Members, the class allows us to learn from people who have gone before us and prepares us to help those after us. It is a platform for us to say, “leadership is important to me,” and positions us in a way so that we can network and build relationships for when opportunities arise, we are ready to serve.

August 2020

Tournament News

Jeff Hanson Hangs On To Win 2020 Colorado Senior PGA Professional Championship Hanson and Rohrbaugh fight it out in a 3-hole playoff challenge

hat a final day it was at the 2020 Colorado Senior PGA Professional Championship at The University of Denver Golf Club at Highlands Ranch! In the end, PGA Professional Jeff Hanson, Director of Golf at Red Sky Golf Club, maintained his day-one lead and held off the rest of the field to claim the title of Champion. This may be Hanson’s first Senior Section title, but over the years, he has earned the top spot in several other Championships like the Match Play, Myran Craig and Pro-Pro-Pro, to name a few. Hanson also claimed the Colorado PGA Assistant Championship in 1990. “On the first day, I had some great drives and some really good iron shots,” admits Hanson. “However, on day two, I was 3-over par after five holes. Nothing was going right.” On Monday, he explains how he missed a really short putt on 9 (for par) to make the turn but then birdied 10, 11 and 12 to help his game. From there, he played really solidly all the way until 18 where he missed another short 2-footer for birdie. Tuesday was a different story. It wasn’t until later in the round that Hanson took charge of his game. He had a great par on 16 and a stellar shot on 17 for birdie but instead had to settle for par on the Par-3. Jeff Hanson, PGA, Director of Golf at Red Sky Golf Club, displays his trophy and award check.. Knowing he had to have a good showing on 18, he got up and down on the green and was faced with a 15 foot down-hill putt to tie. He admits that it was the only solid putt he had all day and it fell. At the end of 18, Hanson and Doug Rohrbaugh, PGA, Instructor at The Snowmass Club, each finished 5-under-par setting themselves up for a playoff. In the playoff, both players hit really good drives on 10 but on 11, Rohrbaugh hit into the fairway bunker and then clipped the lip. Still, both made par forcing them into a third playoff hole. Then on 12, both hit beautiful shots down the fairway and were on the green in regulation. Rohrbaugh missed his 25-foot putt but Hanson was able to capitalize by making his 20-footer from behind the hole for birdie to win. For Hanson, the playoff win was all about two really good putts, something he confesses was not his strength on the second day of the Championship. A man of few words and fighting his emotions while describing what this win meant to him, Hanson expresses, “I just kept fighting. I just kept hanging in there. I am proud of the way I hung in there after the start I had in the second round.”

The SUMMIT

Tournament News He also acknowledges Rohrbaugh by saying, “Since Doug and I have been in the Section equally long, we have played together many times. He just wins more often so it is nice to get a win this time.” When discussing the playoff, Rohrbaugh comments, “I missed two fairways in the playoff; I didn’t miss two fairways in the two days; I drove it so well. My putter is what cost me. I had 10 putts inside 6-feet for birdie that I missed in the two rounds. Some days they drop and some days they don’t. Jeff is a good, good friend and I am happy for his win.” From the field of 58 players, the Colorado Section is allocated seven qualifying spots at the 2020 In the playoff, Jeff Hanson rolls in his 20-footer from behind the pin Senior PGA Professional to birdie and win the Championship. Championship at the PGA Golf Club-Wanamaker Course in Port St. Lucie, Florida, on October 15-18, 2020. Hanson and Rohrbaugh claimed the first two spots. Finishing tied for third at 2-under-par and also qualifying for the National Championship are PGA Professionals Michael Zaremba, Director of Golf at Desert Hawk, and Micah Rudosky, Head Professional at Conquistador. A four-way tie for fifth place forced a playoff to determine who would fill the remaining three qualifying spots. Bill Hancock, Head Professional at Littleton Golf and Tennis; Dale Smigelsky, Life Member; and John Ogden, Head Professional at Cherry Hills, claimed these spots. Filling the five alternate slots, in order of selection, are Barry Milstead, Director of Golf at Valley Country Club; Ron Vlosich, Life Member; Paul Lobato, Instructor at Castle Pines; Doug Wherry, Director of Instruction at Jake’s Academy; and Dan O’Shaughnessy, Head Professional at Meadow Hills. The University of Denver Golf Club, a Hale Irwin design with a great variety of holes, was in great shape and the greens were perfect, shared many of the competitors. This course has played host to many Colorado Section events over the years. “I am so happy to host this event and provide a little normalcy in a year that has been all but normal,” shares the University of Denver Golf Club Head Golf Professional, Andy Benson, PGA. “These golfers are my peers…people of my age group that I have seen and known for years. It’s fun to be a part of this event.” The Colorado Section and the 58 participants of the Senior Championship thank Benson and his staff for their warm welcome and for providing such great course accommodations. Also worthy of recognition is the event sponsor, the PGA Tour, for helping to make this event the success it was. Jeff Hanson and Doug Rohrbaugh wish each other well prior to beginning the playoff.

August 2020

To see the full results of the 2020 Colorado Senior PGA Professional Championship, click here.

Colorado PGA Jr. League

Colorado PGA Jr. League Get Ready for the Fall Season

e hope things are going well with you, your families and your golf courses as the end of the summer approaches. Now more than ever, it is important that every PGA Professional realizes how crucial their human connection is with their golfers. Those relationships create tremendous value as you take them on their golf journey as their expert guide. Many of you may be seeing record numbers of golfers, and some of you may be looking to fill the tee sheets. In both cases, we can’t just think about what to do today and tomorrow, but instead think about how we can capture the attention of every customer and make them want to come back for months and years to come. As an expert guide to golf, building a relationship with that customer and creating reasons for them to fall in love with the experience is the key. What can you do to make the customer push other things to the side and visit the golf course when their families’ lives start to get busy again? There are so many ways to accomplish this, and you likely know what has worked for you and your facility in the past. As this roller coaster of a year starts to turn to a cooler fall and winter, we would like to help you create experiences that put focus on families and make them feel like your course can be their home away from home. ARE YOU READY TO HOST A FALL LEAGUE? 2019 was the official first year for the PGA Jr. League fall rec season. With the official postseason canceled for 2020, we elected to simply extend the regular season to run through the end of the year. Additionally, in 2020, the PGA Jr. League is completely flexible for you to use the brand to create incredible experiences for your juniors that align with the needs of the coaches, the facility, and the community.

• Run your program with any number of players you choose. There are no minimums. • Create your own local league at your facility to minimize travel. So far, parents are really enjoying seeing their kids out making friends with their teammates and playing golf in a healthy and responsible way.

• Modify your program to align with the Back2Golf Guidelines and how your facility needs to operate and get Back to PGA Jr. League in a fun way and follow the modified PGA Jr. League Guidelines.

• You also have plenty of support to get your fall season underway with assistance from PGA Jr. League Regional Manager, Anthony Vitale, and Colorado PGA Junior Golf Coordinator, Sam Crawford.

Get registered as a program captain now at www.pgajrleague.com/captains.

Anthony Vitale, PGA Samantha Crawford PGA Jr. League Regional Manager Junior Golf Coordinator (561) 267-1208 (720) 884-6130 avitale@pgahq.com scrawford@pgahq.com

The SUMMIT

Junior Golf News

Junior Golf Alliance of Colorado Progressed During COVID-19 Record Number of Rounds

he Junior Golf Alliance of Colorado (JGAC) has seen a substantial increase in membership numbers, Youth on Course (YOC) rounds and tournament registration in 2020. Each JGAC membership includes access to YOC, and JGAC members are certainly taking advantage of the program. “Youth on Course is an incredible opportunity for junior golfers of all abilities to have affordable access to play the game. A large part of player development is getting players experience ON course, and this program does just that,” states JGAC team member, Ashley Barnhart. Youth on Course has been a growing program all across the state of Colorado since its inception in 2018. The program has experienced the most growth this year. As of August 1, 2020, a total of 1,336 YOC rounds have been played throughout Colorado, compared to 980 rounds as of August 1, 2019. Despite the COVID-19 pandemic forcing the cancellation of JGAC’s spring events for 2020, the program is now experiencing sold out events across all membership levels. “The demand for competitive junior golf tournaments this year is larger than we’ve ever seen. We are excited to build upon the JGAC to deliver the best possible program in 2021 and beyond,” says Scott Minta, JGAC team member. The JGAC continues to be a winning program that makes players, parents and facilities proud. The JGAC team is looking forward to the rest of the fall where two more Major champions will be crowned (JGAC Tour Championship) and five fall events will be contested.

Doubles Golf Week in America is August 17-23 “Helping Our Healthcare Workers”

Learn more and register your team at DoublesGolf.com A $10 donation will be made in your name to healthcare workers.

August 2020

Junior Golf News

SWEET SUCCESS! Hillary prevails in playoff for fourth JGAC major title; Wardynski’s first JGAC victory comes in Colorado Junior Amateur By Gary Baines

ne winner of the Colorado Junior Amateur on Wednesday, June 8, not only captured a Junior Golf Alliance of Colorado title for the first time but scored his breakthrough victory in no less than a JGAC major championship. The other champion is no stranger to success at the highest level of junior golf in Colorado, as Wednesday marked her fourth title in a JGAC major. The wins at CommonGround Golf Course in Aurora were very meaningful for Bo Wardynski of Parker on the boys side and Charlotte Hillary of Cherry Hills Village on the girls. Hillary, who will play golf at Northwestern University beginning in the fall, very well may have been bidding adieu to JGAC tournament action on Wednesday. “It feels good that I left Colorado on a good note and I left junior golf in Colorado on a good note,” said Hillary, the JGAC Girls Player of the Year in 2019. “Looking back on it now, I’m really happy.”

Wardynski, likewise, is nearing the end of his junior career, though he’ll likely compete in the Colorado Match Play. The 18-year-old recently graduated from Regis Jesuit High School and plans to play golf at NCAA Division II University of Tampa beginning in a couple of months. But before he departs, it was satisfying to notch a big junior victory in Colorado. “This means the world to me. Before this season I told my dad I wanted to win a major before I go off to college. I was happy I could do that.” Click Here For Full Article. For scores from the Colorado Junior PGA, click on the following: BOYS, GIRLS.

The SUMMIT

Junior Golf News

WE ARE THE CHAMPIONS! Centennial’s Matthew Wilkinson, Texan Morgan Miller break through for titles at Colorado Junior Match Play By Gary Baines

t was Sweet 16 all around on Thursday afternoon, July 30, 2020, at the Colorado Junior Match Play as all four contestants in the boys and girls title matches were 16 years old.

And, of course, the final results were ever so sweet for champions Matthew Wilkinson of Centennial and Morgan Miller of Cedar Park, Texas. Each won two matches on Thursday and five over the course of three grueling days walking Eisenhower Golf Club’s Blue Course at the Air Force Academy. The victory “is pure joy, but I’m very tired,” said Wilkinson, a student-athlete at Arapahoe High School. Wilkinson notched his first victory in a Junior Golf Alliance of Colorado major after placing third in this year’s Colorado Junior PGA and fourth in the 2019 JGAC Tour Championship. So, in the last four JGAC majors, he has a first place, a third and a fourth. Ironically, he didn’t qualify for the other major during that stretch, the Colorado Junior Amateur. “It feels good to get it done,” said Wilkinson, who finished tenth in the 5A Boys State High School Tournament last fall after winning a regional at Colorado Springs Country Club. “I’ve been in contention a lot this year. I just haven’t been able to close it out. So, it’s nice to get one done.” Click Here For Full Article. For scores from the Colorado Junior PGA, click on the following: BOYS, GIRLS. The 70th Colorado Jr. Match Play Championship was held July 28-30, 2020, at Eisenhower Golf Club.

Colorado Junior Match Play Champions: Matthew Wilkinson and Morgan Miller

August 2020

Membership News

An update on our Colorado PGA Members By the Numbers Members - 752 | Associates - 109 | Total - 861 Male Members - 812 | Female Members - 49

125 – Management positions (MP, A-4, A-9, A-11, A-13) 298 – Club Professionals (A-1, A-2, A-7, A-8) 117 – Instructors (A-6, A-10, A-12, A-14) 24 – Expanded Career Paths (A-15 thru A-24) 138 – Life Members (LM, LMM, LMA, LMC) 50 – 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 Benjamin N. Pennymon, PGA | A-1 | Valley Country Club Associates Nathan P. Gruda | B-8 | Spring Valley Golf Club Austin J. Lienemann | B-8 | The Club At Pradera Justin M. Mattheis | B-8 | Roaring Fork Club Austin D. Umland | B-8 | Collindale Golf Club

Classification or Location Changes in Colorado

Welcome Wagon

On the Move

The following members have relocated outside of the Colorado PGA. Patrick R. Feindt Jr., PGA | A-6 | previously at Silver Spruce Golf Course | currently in the Aloha Section

Specialized Professionals

The SUMMIT

Membership News

Happy Birthday! August 1 Eloy W. Vendegna, PGA August 2 Brandon D. England, PGA Kenneth Everett, PGA Jim E. Eyberg, PGA Mark S. Franz Jonathan A. Kaye, PGA August 3 Wayne D. Leighton, PGA Jonathan D. Muff Robert Satterwhite, PGA Amy M. Stubblefield, PGA August 4 Magnus Dohlvik, PGA Christopher R. Murzyn, PGA August 5 Ryan M. Bakken, PGA Joseph Herbert, PGA Robert J. Skvorecz, PGA August 6 Mike Dunlop, PGA Scott R. Matthews, PGA Michael E. Weingartner, PGA August 7 Bradley F. Alston, PGA Michael Goff, PGA Robert G. O’Hara, PGA Ian W. Scott, PGA August 8 Ryan R. DeHaan, PGA August 9 Scott Hart, PGA Garrett T. Hoffman William R. Loeffler, PGA Terra L. Shehee, PGA August 10 Joseph L. Assell, PGA Eric P. Feely, PGA Shannon E. Hanley, PGA Steven B. Kurtz, PGA Joseph A. Tolla August 11 Eddie Ainsworth, PGA Nathan J. Erickson, PGA August 12 Steve Atherton, PGA Tyler G. Parsloe, PGA Dan H. Sommers, PGA Sonny Williams, PGA Corey J. Zoller, PGA

August 13 Russell W. Clark, PGA Brian E. Gott, PGA Joseph D. Kamby, PGA Dillon R. Loomis, PGA

August 30 Brian M. Brown, PGA

September 14 Richard J. Hartman, PGA

August 31 Ty Walker, PGA

August 15 Katie Milstead, PGA Michael J. O’Donnell, PGA Adam N. Perko, PGA Darryl J. Wilson, PGA

September 1 Jonathan D. Atencio Micah R. Rudosky, PGA Tray D. Shehee, PGA

September 15 Samantha A. Crawford Luke A. Lucero

August 16 Cassius L. Dinkel, PGA Stephen Glowacki, PGA Adam Johnson, PGA

September 2 Al Pryor, PGA

August 17 Cornelius C. Christian Robert M. O’Neill, PGA David L. Royar, PGA Christopher R. Swinhart, PGA August 19 Gary V. Allacher, PGA Brad Gannaway, PGA Kirk Trowbridge, PGA August 20 Miles E. Hains, PGA Bryan Heim, PGA Nicki Poulos, PGA Nathaniel C. Weber August 21 Jesse W. Weeks, PGA August 22 Brian K. Erickson, PGA Ryan D. Finnegan-Rocha, PGA Jake David Larkowski, PGA Gary Marsh, PGA August 23 Michael T. Clinton, PGA Evan M. Schultz August 25 Craig Hatch, PGA Geoffrey M. Keffer, PGA Jeff K. Ulvedal, PGA August 26 Willard J. Benner, PGA Douglas F. Wherry, PGA August 28 Michael T. Kahler, PGA Michael D. Ritter, PGA Courtney L. Rudolph, PGA Todd R. Schafersman, PGA August 29 Christopher L. Boehm, PGA David E. Kurtz, PGA

August 2020

September 3 Tristen B. Fay, PGA John R. Lynch, PGA September 4 Robert L. Haldeen, PGA Andrew D. Hilts, PGA September 5 Graham T. Cliff, PGA Erin E. Diegel, PGA Ty Thompson, PGA September 6 Dow H. Finsterwald Sr., PGA September 7 Cory M. Boillot, PGA William K. Parker, PGA Tyson J. Spratt Rich M. Zulkoski, PGA

September 17 James A. Edfors, PGA Kent Heusinkveld, PGA Behrod B. Keshtavar September 18 Jerred P. McKinney, PGA September 19 Randy C. Burross, PGA Leslie J. Core-Drevecky, PGA Matthew R. Magley, PGA Lonnie Reed, PGA Tyler A. Peterson, PGA September 20 Alicia E. Bakken September 21 Remington D. Post, PGA September 22 Eric M. Goettsch, PGA John P. Kienast, PGA Tim Stevens, PGA September 23 Geoffrey R. Hiland, PGA Randy Kahn, PGA

September 8 Anthony B. Chesla, PGA Jeffrey Trace Kea, PGA Bob Lewis, PGA Craig S. Parzybok, PGA Kurt O. Zolbe, PGA

September 24 Stan Fenn, PGA Austin J. Thomas, PGA

September 9 Robert P. Cherry, PGA Nathan L. Corsbie, PGA Zachary J. Dobrota Benjamin E. Spiers, PGA Michael E. Stubblefield, PGA

September 26 Tyler J. Lowry

September 10 Andy Benson, PGA September 11 Jason T. Young, PGA September 12 James D. Davidson, PGA Steven J. Grove, PGA Daniel Harvanek, PGA Alec B. Simmons, PGA

September 25 John T. Rogala, PGA Brett J. Walton, PGA

September 27 Robert T. Nelson, PGA September 28 Tyler J. Aynes, PGA Luke P. Lemon September 29 Vincent J. Downie, PGA Peer E. Finstad, PGA Austin C. Vannice Joshua G. Miller, PGA