PROPEAKS
The Official Publication of the Colorado PGA November 2015
All Aboard for Interactive Workshop! First Stop - Fossil Trace Golf Club Second Stop - The Golf Club at Redlands Mesa
What’s Inside?!? Player Development Workshops Award Nominations Being Accepted Growth of the Game Grants Available Finke Elected to Colorado Golf Hall of Fame and much more!
Colorado PGA Pro Peaks Digital Magazine
your fingers are frozen stiff, The green is frozen solid, and the tee box won’t take a tee. but just as the cold makes the game harder, it also hardens your resolve. Play when no one else will.
18/365
climaheat 2
Š2015 TaylorMade Golf Company, Inc. adidas, the 3-Bars logo, and the 3-Stripes mark are registered trademarks of the adidas Group.
President’s Report 4
November Update
Exec. Director’s Report 5
Our Words and Deeds Can Make a Difference
District Director Report
6 PGA Junior League Wraps Up Season with Championship
Section Content 8
Growth of the Game Grant Applications Available
9
Nominate a Deserving PGA Professional Today
10 Get On Board With Interactive Player Development Workshop 11 The Golf Club at Redlands Mesa to Host West Chapter Workshop 11
Mark Your Calendars - 2016 Education Schedule
12
Finke Elected to Colorado Golf Hall of Fame
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Finke, Krieger Earn Noble Chalfant Recognition
Player Development 16
Get Certified in General Management This Winter!
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Player Development and the Four Disciplines of Execution - Creating A Cadence of Accountability
Tournaments 18
Keffer Earns OMEGA Dow Finsterwald Player of the Year Nod
18 Augustine Named Apprentice Player of the Year 19 Smigelsky Captures OMEGA Senior Player of the Year
Speed Matters presented by Imperial Headwear 22
Speed Matters
The Buzz 24
What people are saying on Social Media!
Sponsors
46 Colorado PGA Partners
The 411 - An Update On Our Colorado PGA Professionals
Important Dates
Tom grew up competing at Denver’s City Park Golf Course and while he was an accomplished junior, he had to earn an Evans Scholarship to attend the University of Colorado. He was the The University of Colorado’s first African-American golfer. While at CU, he competed all four years for the Buffs setting many records that still stand to this tday. He earned Honorable Mention All-America Honors his Senior season. Tom went on to compete as a Professional following his time at CU. He began competing in Asian and after just a season as a professional he earned his spot on the PGA Tour. After spending several years making his living playing the game, Woodard moved behind the counter as a Club Professional. Congratulations to Tom Woodard on his induction into the University of Colorado Athletic Hall of Fame.
Member Update 14
Tom Woddard, the Director of Golf with the Foothills Park and Rec District was inducted into the University of Colorado Athletic Hall of Fame this past Saturday, November 7, 2015 during halftime of the CU Football game.
November 2-4, 2015 Las Vegas Pro Am Paiute Golf Resort
November 18-19, 2015 Player Development Workshop Fossil Trace Golf Club
November 30, 2015 West Chapter Awards Nomination Deadline
November 6, 2015 Special Awards Gala Colorado Golf Club
November 26, 2015 Thanksgiving
December 9-10, 2015 West Chapter Player Development Workshop The Golf Club at Redlands Mesa
November 14, 2015 Century of Golf Gala The Broadmoor
November Newsletter
What’s Inside
Woodard Inducted into CU Hall of Fame
November 30, 2015 Certified Professional Program General Management Indian Tree Golf Club
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Colorado PGA Pro Peaks Digital Magazine
President’s Message
November Update
Officers Leslie Core-Drevecky, PGA President | 2015-2016 By Leslie Core-Drevecky, PGA Ty Thompson, PGA Vice-President | 2015-2016 Hello Fellow PGA Members & Apprentices, Ben Welsh, PGA Hopefully all of you are able to take advantage of and your tee sheets reflect Secretary | 2015-2016 this wonderful fall weather!! Barry Milstead, PGA Hon. President | 2015-2016 The Colorado Section is still going strong this fall with the upcoming 2-day Eddie Ainsworth, PGA Player Development Workshop featuring our very own Director of Player Executive Director Development and Operations, Keith Soriano, PGA and PGA of America’s Director of Program Development, Ted Eleftheriou, PGA. Fossil Trace Golf Club’s Head Golf Professional, Jim Hajek is hosting this event on Wednesday Board of Directors and Thursday, November 18th & 19th so hopefully you and your staff will have Andy Benson, PGA the opportunity to attend. 2014-2016
Jeff Carlson, PGA 2014-2016 Sam Chapman, PGA 2014-2016 AC Cox, PGA 2016-2018 Remember, the Section Annual Awards nominations Rick Ellefson, PGA opened on Monday, October 12th at the Fall Business 2015-2017 Meeting and the deadline to submit nominations is Scott Erwin, PGA Tuesday, January 12th. If you have anyone in mind 2015-2017 for one of our Section Awards, please submit the Kyle Heyen, PGA nomination before the deadline. District 9 Director As always, we would love to hear from you. If you Jim Hajek, PGA have any questions for the Section Officers, Board 2015-2017 of Directors or Section Administration Staff, please Charles ‘Vic’ Kline, PGA don’t hesitate to contact any of us. Past District 9 Director Cathy Matthews-Kane, PGA Sincerely, 2016-2018 Dave Troyer, PGA 2016-2018 West Chapter President Mike Mendelson, PGA Your Section Officers and Board of Directors are making preparations for the BOD Annual Planning Meeting on Thursday, December 3. If you have any ideas or suggestions for our Committee Chairs, please let us know before the meeting.
Leslie Core-Drevecky, PGA President Colorado PGA Head Professional Murphy Creek GC LCore@auroragov.org
Leslie Core-Drevecky, PGA
President Colorado Section PGA
Independent Director Theo Gregory Spencer Zinn
Colorado PGA Section Staff
Eddie Ainsworth, PGA Executive Director/CEO eainsworth@PGAHQ.com P (303) 996-1593 C (719) 761-6125 Keith Soriano, PGA Player Development Dir./ Operations Manager ksoriano@pgahq.com P (303) 996-1590 C (720) 841-1006
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Patrick Salva Marketing and Communications Director psalva@PGAHQ.com P (303) 996-1597 C (303) 246-1007
Diane Plassmeyer Business Director dplassmeyer@PGAHQ.com P (303) 996-1595 C (720) 271-9660
Justin Limon, PGA Tournament Director jlimon@PGAHQ.com P (303) 996-1588 C (720) 390-1160 Katie Ann Lehman Junior Golf Director krobinson@PGAHQ.com P (303) 996-1591 C (303) 668-1551
Bruce Lubach Employment Consultant blubach@pgahq.com P (402) 261.3604 C (402) 802.8241
Our Words and Deeds Can Make a Difference By Eddie Ainsworth, PGA
R
ecently I read the following story;
One day, when I was a freshman in high school, I saw a kid from my class walking home from school. His name was Kyle. It looked like he was carrying all of his books. I thought to myself, “Why would anyone bring home all his books on a Friday? He must be a nerd.”
We talked all the way home, and I carried his books. He turned out to be a pretty cool kid. I asked him if he wanted to play football on Saturday with me and my friends. He said yes. We hung out all weekend, and the more I got to know Kyle, the more I liked him. And my friends thought the same of him. Over the next four years, Kyle and I became best friends. When we were seniors, we began to think about college. Kyle decided on Georgetown, and I was going to Duke. Kyle was valedictorian of our class. I teased him all the time about being a nerd. He had to prepare a speech for graduation. I was so glad it wasn’t me having to get up there and speak.
“Thankfully, I was saved. My friend saved me from doing the unspeakable.”
Eddie Ainsworth, PGA Executive Director Colorado PGA eainsworth@pgahq.com P | (303) 996-1593 C | (719) 761-6125
I had quite a weekend planned (parties and a football game with my friend on Saturday afternoon), so I shrugged my shoulders and went on. As I was walking, I saw a bunch of kids running toward him. They ran into him, knocking all his books out of his arms and tripping him so he landed in the dirt. His glasses went flying, and I saw them land in the grass about ten feet from him. He looked up and I saw this terrible sadness in his eyes. My heart went out to him. So I jogged over to him as he crawled around looking for his glasses, and I saw a tear in his eye. As I handed him his glasses, I said, “Those guys are jerks. They really should get lives.” He looked at me and said, “Hey, thanks!” There was a big smile on his face. It was one of those smiles that showed real gratitude. I helped him pick up his books, and I asked him where he lived. As it turned out, he lived near me, so I asked him why I had never seen him before. He said he had gone to a private school before now. I would have never hung out with a private school kid before.
November Newsletter
Executive Director’s Message
On graduation day, I saw Kyle. He looked great. I could see that he was nervous about his speech. As he started, he cleared his throat, and began, “Graduation is a time to thank those who helped you make it through those tough years. Your parents, your teachers, your siblings, maybe a coach…but mostly your friends. I am here to tell all of you that being a friend to someone is the best gift you can give them. I’m going to tell you a story.” I just looked at my friend with disbelief as he told the story of the first day we met. He had planned to kill himself over the weekend. He talked of how he cleaned out his locker so his mom wouldn’t have to do it later and was carrying his stuff home. He looked hard at me and gave me a little smile. “Thankfully, I was saved. My friend saved me from doing the unspeakable.” I heard the gasp go through the
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Colorado PGA Pro Peaks Digital Magazine
District 9 Director Report
PGA Junior League Golf Wraps Up Season with Championship By Kyle Heyen, PGA
T
he 2015 PGA Junior League Golf Championship to be hosted at Disney World
The 2015 PGA Junior League Golf Championship will be hosted Nov. 5-8, at Disney’s Palm Course, located within the Walt Disney World Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Florida. Below are the eight regional champions, along with the facilities the golfers played for during the regular season: • California All-Stars (participants are from an independent league based in San Diego County hosted by John Mason, PGA) • Connecticut All-Stars (participants are from Suzy Whaley Junior Golf Academy in the greater Hartford, Connecticut area) Kyle Heyen, PGA District 9 Director PGA of America Head Professional Hiwan Golf Club
• Georgia All-Stars (participants are from Alpharetta Athletic Club in Alpharetta, Georgia) • Illinois All-Stars (participants are from Royal Fox Country Club, Royal Hawk Country Club, Kishwaukee Country Club, Prairie Landing Golf Club, St. Charles Country Club and Geneva Golf Club in the greater Chicago area) • New Jersey All-Stars (participants are from Royce Brook Golf Club in Hillsborough, New Jersey) • Ohio All-Stars (participants are from Mallard Creek Golf Club, Fairlawn Country Club, Tam O’Shanter Golf Course, and Rosemont Country Club in the greater Cleveland area) • Oklahoma All-Stars (participants are from Broken
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Arrow Golf & Athletic Club, South Lakes Golf Course, Southern Hills Country Club and The Patriot Golf Club in the greater Tulsa area) • South Carolina All-Stars (participants are from Par Tee Golf Center, Columbia Country Club, Hidden Valley Country Club and Spring Valley Country Club in the greater Columbia area) Recognized as one of America’s premier resort courses, Disney’s Palm Course offers plenty of challenges for the novice and seasoned pro alike. Combining strategically placed palms, 59 bunkers and plenty of water, the natural Florida woodlands setting provides a dramatic backdrop. A Joe Lee masterpiece, redesigned by Arnold Palmer Course Design Company in summer 2013, the Palm features sparkling lakes and tropical sand, all in a gorgeous golf landscape. From April to July, kids played regular season matches, then were assembled into 10-player all-star teams comprising of a combination of players in the league. All-star teams competed in sub-regionals for a chance to earn a spot at one of eight regionals. Team California captured the Championship in 2014. 2015 PGA Annual Meeting November 10 – 13 will be the 99th PGA Annual Meeting in Palm Beach Gardens. Your Colorado Delegation will be represented by President Leslie Core and Vice President Ty Thompson. One of the highlights of the week will be honoring Jim Hajek, PGA and Fossil Trace Golf Club as the PGA Merchandiser of the Year for Public Facilities. Congratulations to Jim and his staff. The PGA of America will also provide live coverage of the Annual Meeting and Special Awards Events. Wednesday, 11, 2015 – Opening Session, Past Presidents forum, Informal Session during the morning and the National Awards in the evening. Thursday, 12, 2015 – Hall of Fame Induction in the evening, recognizing Tommy Bolt, Ray Cutright, Michael Doctor, George Hannon, Charlie Sifford, Payne Stewart and Lee Trevino are the Class of 2015. Friday, 13, 2015 – Celebration of the Association, Legend of the PGA, Distinguished Service Award – will be presented to 40 year PGA Member, Deane Beaman,
For exact times for coverage please go to PGA.org It will be a great week of sharing ideas with our fellow PGA Members, Governance and celebrating those that have given back to the game of golf. RESOLUTION 1 PROPOSED BY: PGA Board of Directors SUBJECT: PGA Representation on the Champions TOUR Board
RESOLUTION 5
PROPOSED BY: MIDDLE ATLANTIC AND CAROLINAS SECTION SUBJECT: Requirements of the Professional Development Program At the end of this most recent PDP cycle, there were 37 Required Credit hours added to online education. We feel strongly that there needs to be a limitation on how many credits can be achieved in this manner.
Replace the Honorary President with the President to be the PGA representative as the voting member of the Champions TOUR Division Board. This change is supported by the PGA TOUR.
However, because the decision to allow members to achieve all of their Required Credits online directly affects participation in Section events/meetings, we propose a limiting of the number of hours that can be achieved online to a maximum of 18 credits of the 36 required credits
RESOLUTION 2
RESOLUTION 6
PROPOSED BY: PGA Board of Directors
PROPOSED BY: NORTHERN TEXAS SECTION
SUBJECT: Removal of the PGA tour Player Directors as Delegates
SUBJECT: Creation of a Life Member Emeritus Classification for PGA Members
No longer include the option of two additional Player Directors as delegates to the PGA Annual meeting, there have been no Player Director delegates at the PGA Annual Meeting for over 30 years.
Members with 20 years of active classification, a minimum of 65 years of age and 25 consecutive years of employment at the same facility as a PGA Member.
RESOLUTION 3 PROPOSED BY: PGA Board of Directors SUBJECT: Removal of the obsolete language of “the rules and policies set forth in” and “orders” from the Bylaws The current language is inconsistent and uses terms “rules and policies” that are not set forth in the Constitution. It also uses the word “order”, which is ambiguous relative to Regulations RESOLUTION 4
November Newsletter
District 9 Director Report
followed by the Business Session which includes discussion and voting on the 6 Resolutions.
Again for further detail on Resolutions go to PGA.org. Professional Senior PGA National Championship presented by Mercedes Benz Congratulations to Tom Carricato, Jeff Hansen, Ken Kreiger, Bill Loeffer (Past Champion), Paul Lobato, Mike Northern, Doug Perry, Dale Smigelsky and Doug Wherry who recently competed in the Professional Senior PGA Championship. Doug Wherry also made the cut. Have a great November, please do not hesistate to call me if you have any questions.
PROPOSED BY: PGA Board of Directors SUBJECT: Honorary Members and Honorary Directors Remove the limit of two Honorary Directors, remove the confusion between annual and permanent Honorary Members. In order to remove any confusion, those who have received “temporary” Honorary Member status will now be elected annual Honorary Directors. The Board of Directors will annually determine which Allied Association Presidents, if any, will be proposed for election as annual Honorary Directors. Subsequently, Honorary Members will be reserved for those few individuals elected as “permanent” Honorary Members.
Kyle Heyen National PGA Director District 9
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Colorado PGA Pro Peaks Digital Magazine
Section News
Executive Director’s Message (continued) crowd as the handsome, popular boy told us all about As always, thank you for the opportunity to serve each his weakest moment. I saw his mom and dad looking at me and smiling that same grateful smile. Not until that moment did I realize its depth.
and every one of you. Please reach out to myself or any of our staff if we can be of any assistance to you in any way.
You are probably wondering by now why am I sharing this story with you. I am a firm believer that we all could quite possibly be one person away from accomplishing great things, or we could be one person away from disaster. Let me encourage you to surround yourself with a group of people that will help stretch and grow, and also encourage you to be on the lookout for someone who just may need a friend.
Very Respectfully,
As we head into this time of year many of us will be surrounded by family and friends and it will truly be a time of celebration. For others it could be exactly the opposite. Know that a simple act of kindness during this time of year could have a significant impact on somebody. Be on the lookout for our fellow PGA Members who may need a friend, not only this time of year, but especially this time of year. You being there for them with an act of kindness may be all they need to accomplish great things.
Eddie Ainsworth, PGA Executive Director/CEO Colorado PGA eainsworth@pgahq.com P | (303) 996-1593 C | (719) 761-6125
Growth of the Game Grant Applications Available
Deadline to Submit | Thursday, January 15, 2016
G
rowth of the Game Grant Applications are available for the 2016 golf season. Applications are available online and can be accessed by clicking on the Grant Application image to the right. Colorado PGA REACH Grant Applications are designed to provide financial assistance to facilities within the geographic boundaries of the Colorado Section PGA, that employ PGA members or apprentices in good standing, to develop and/or significantly enhance Growth of the Game programs that will attract and retain new golfers. If you have any questions or need any clarification on the process, please contact Diane Plassmeyer at dplassmeyer@pgahq.com or at (303) 9961595.
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Nominate a Deserving Colorado PGA Golf Professional Today! E
ach year the Colorado Section PGA recognizes 14 of its best professionals and subsequently nominates those people for National PGA Awards.
As a result of your nominations, the Colorado Section has brought home 7 National Awards in the past 8 years! Recognize the great work of your fellow PGA Member Professionals by nominating anyone you feel worthy of recognition among their peers. It is the goal of the Awards Committee to recognize the best of the best from all across our Section. In order to accomplish this goal we need to hear from you. The nomination period closes on Friday, February 20th, 2015. Click the form at right to access the Nomination Form. (Note: For West Chapter Nominations, please indicate at the bottom of the form that you wish to submit the nomination for the West Chapter Awards.)
2016 Colorado PGA Awards Schedule
November Newsletter
Section News
Oct 12, 2015 – Nomination period opens at Fall Meeting January 12, 2016 – Deadline for submission of all nominations March 8, 2016 – Deadline for submitting completed packet April 26, 2016 – Finalists selected and notified in the Merchandiser Category’s June 7, 2016 – Merchandiser’s Final Package Due July 12, 2016 – Awards Decision Meeting August 1, 2016 – Winners Announced November 4, 2016 – Awards Banquet
2016 Colorado PGA West Chapter Awards Schedule September 18, 2015 - Nomination Period Opens November 30, 2015 - Nominations Period Closes January 31, 2016 - Awards Packets Due March 1, 2016 - Awards Announced
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Colorado PGA Pro Peaks Digital Magazine 10
Section News
Get On Board With Interactive Player Development Workshop November 18-19, 2015 | Fossil Trace Golf Club November 16, 2015 | Registration Deadline
T
he Colorado PGA will host a “first of its kind” Player Development workshop on Wednesday and Thursday, November 18-19, 2015 at Fossil Trace Golf Club in Golden, Colorado. The two day workshop is designed to enhance a PGA Professional’s understanding of structured player development programming which can address any consumer’s needs and be flexible enough to meet the demands of any facility. The workshop will feature PGA of America Director of Golf Program Development, Ted D. Eleftheriou as the lead instructor. Ted is a PGA Professional whose career started as an instructor in Southern California before moving on to become the Eastern Regional Director with the Nike Golf Learning Centers. In 2004 Ted began focusing his attention on business motivation and consulting services. In 2014 he was hired by the PGA of America as the Director of Golf Program Development and remains in that role today.
The topics covered will include: 1. The importance of identifying and understanding operating analysis (Player Development Math and Revenue Scorecards) 2. ers
Implementation strategies for key revenue driv-
3. Identifying the consumer life-cycle (from non-golfer to avid golfer) 4. Instruction as a business for creating customers, growing rounds and generating incremental revenue at the facility 5. Developing and implementing instruction products that meet consumer needs Click here to access the event registration page.
who are we, the current situation and future possibilities
why we care, why we teach & why we play golf
who they are, what they want & where they are at
how to deepen the engagement of golfers by leveraging relationships
how to use activities an engagements to nurture the recreational golfer
the marketing lifecycle, conversion funnels & the channels to use
our purpose, what we excel at & how we add value
how to create value to and for the most committed golfers
tying everything together into an integrated programming strategy
how to measure and manage success – both before and after
comprehensive review of real player development and its inputs / outputs
The Golf Club at Redlands Mesa to Host West Chapter Workshop December 9-10, 2015 | The Club at Redlands Mesa December 2, 2015 | Registration Deadline
W
est Chapter Members will also have the opportunity to take part in what will amount to be the “second of its kind” Player Development Workshop on Wednesday and Thursday, December 9-10, 2015 at The Golf Club at Redlands Mesa. The day-and-a-half long seminar will mirror the one presented at Fossil Trace Golf Club. The seminar will be facilited by Colorado PGA Player Development Director Keith Soriano. “I encourage our members to register for this event through the website,” noted Colorado PGA West Chapter President Mike Mendelson. “I feel that Keith is a wealth of knowledge in this arena and that he will be a great resource for the chapter to tap into. I also hope
for a great turnout to keep programs like this coming to our Chapter.”
The topics covered will include the same lineup as the seminar hosted at Fossil Trace Golf Club, with a West Chapter emphasis put on the application of the programs. For more information or to register, please click here.
November Newsletter
Section News
2015-2016 Education Calendar Being Finalized W
hile the season is still going strong, it is time to start planning for the off-season and preparing for a successful 2016. With that in mind, the 2015-2016 Education Schedule is well on its’ way to completion. Two extended education seminars, the Certified Professional Program in General Management and 15 Invaluable Laws of Growth will be conducted as will two rules workshops, one at the University of Colorado - Colorado Springs and the four-day USGA-PGA Rules Workshop.
Player Development Workshop 11/18/15-11/19/15 Fossil Trace Golf Club Facilitated by Keith Soriano featuring Ted Eleftherio, PGA Certified Professional Program – General Management 11/30/15-2/29/15 Indian Tree Golf Club Facilitator - Keith Soriano, PGA G4 Summit 2/16/16 The Broadmoor | Colorado Springs, CO Featured Guests | Mike Davis, Rhett Evans and Dottie Pepper Teaching and Coaching Summit 2/17/16 The Broadmoor | Colorado Springs, CO Featured Guests | Dottie Pepper and others
Rules of Golf Workshop 2/18/16 University of Colorado – Colorado Springs | Featured guest, Larry Startzel USGA-PGA Rules Workshop 3/5/16 – 3/8/16 Denver, CO | Featured guest - USGA and PGA Rules Committee Member 15 Invaluable Laws of Growth Date To Be Determined Location To Be Determined (South Denver Metro area) Facilitator - Eddie Ainsworth, PGA Interview Training & Career Growth Date To Be Determined Location To Be Determined | Featured guest - To Be Determined
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Colorado PGA Pro Peaks Digital Magazine 12
Section News
Finke Elected to Colorado Golf Hall of Fame Ann Finke, the PGA Director of Instruction at the Country Club of Colorado was elected to the Colorado Golf Hall of Fame on Wednesday, October 28, 2015. Finke, who won the 2012 PGA of America Junior Golf Leader Award, will join PGA and Champions Tour veteran Craig Stadler in an induction ceremony in the spring of 2016 as the 44 class of the Colorado Golf Hall of Fame. “I really didn’t know what to say when I found out I was being inducted,” noted Finke. “I can’t tell you how honored I am to be recognized.” Indeed she has been honored a number of times this past year. In September, Finke and Hale Irwin received recognition from the First Tee of Pikes Peak as the two were given a Legacy Award. And just this past Friday, Finke was inducted as a Noble Chalfant Inductee at the Colorado PGA Awards Gala.
“I’ve had so many neat things happen this year,” Finke said. “I keep thinking, ‘Wow!’ We go out and do our thing, and it’s very gratifying to do something you love. To be recognized for that is really neat.”
Hajek Named Golf Person of the Year
Jim Hajek, PGA Head Professional at Fossil Trace Golf Club, who will be honored with the PGA of America Public Merchandiser of the Year Award this coming week, will receive the Golf Person of the Year Award. Hajek, who recently was honored with the Colorado PGA Charles “Vic” Kline Award, will become the eighth member in nine years to earn a national award.
Finke, Krieger Earn Noble Chalfant Recognition Finke Adds to Illustrious Career
T
he Colorado PGA is proud to announce that Ann Finke, PGA has been recognized as a 2015 Noble Chalfant Inductee.
Century Club membership.
Finke admitted that she reached a moment of truth in the game, which occurred in her first year at the University of New Mexico. She left the game for two years, because she said that she had always played golf “because I loved it. Being told to practice and play and where and when was so different. I was not very comfortable with it.”
“I’m most proud of the kind of juniors I get to work with on a daily basis,” Finke said of the 450 students she works with on an annual basis at both The Country Club of Colorado and in other junior programs. “The kids I get to meet are some of the best people I have met in golf. They come from all over the city and throughout the region. Most of them have a desire for a good education and are really nice kids. In fact, I have been at my club long enough to be teaching the kids of the kids I first taught.”
Finke’s career includes several membership milestones. She was the first woman PGA club professional in the history of the Colorado PGA Section; and in 2008 was the ninth female PGA Professional to gain Quarter
The Colorado PGA could not be more proud to add Ann Finke to the list of Colorado PGA Noble Chalfan Inductees.
Born in Scottsbluff, Neb., Finke was introduced to golf by her grandmother, who guided her through the game’s fundamentals and into becoming a solid amateur player. In 1974, Finke became the first female from her high school to receive an athletic scholarship in any sport, and joined the golf team at the U. of New Mexico.
November Newsletter
Section News
Cheyenne CC Head Professional Honored
T
he Colorado PGA is proud to announce that Ken Krieger, PGA has been recognized as a 2015 Noble Chalfant Inductee. Krieger, the current Head Professional at Cheyenne Country Club, grew up in Aurora and is to this day one of the most decorated athletes at Aurora Central High School. He was a three year letterman, finished third in the High School State Tournament and was selected to the All-State Team. He went on to earn a full golf scholarship to Georgia Southern University. As a collegiate athlete, Ken was a four year letterman, gaining All Conference honors. His senior year of college, he was selected to the Collegiate All-American Golf Team. Ken began his career working in the Denver metro area at Valley Country Club, Inverness Golf Club, and a few other facilities. In 1987 he moved north of the border when he took over as Head Professional at Cheyenne Country Club. Ken has remained as Cheyenne Country Club to this day.
Within the Section ranks, Ken is known as one of the best players to have ever been a member of the Section. He is a three-time champion of the Colorado PGA Professional Championship, having won the event each year from 1996 to 1998. He was named the Dow Finsterwald Player of the Year in 1996and 1997. He captured the 2008 Colorado Senior PGA Professional Championship and has been a part of numerous Colorado Cup and Taylor Cup teams. At the national level, Ken competed in five USGA Championships. He competed at in the1973 and 1977 US Amateur. He went on to compete in the US Open in 1981, 1989, and 2000. He also qualified for the 1993 PGA Championship. For his dedication to the game of golf and for his illustrious playing career, the Colorado PGA is thrilled to include Ken Krieger as a 2015 Noble Chalfant Inductee.
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Colorado PGA Pro Peaks Digital Magazine
Section News
Route 411
An update on our Colorado PGA Members Welcome Wagon! Seth H. Jamison, PGA | A-1 | The Club at Pradera | formerly in the Souther California Section Jerred P. McKinney, PGA | A-6 | GolfTEC - Park Meadows| formerly in the Pacific Northwest Section
New Members
Caleb S. Blass, PGA | A-21 | Broadmoor Golf Club Jeffery C. Corona, PGA | A-8 | The Club at Pradera
Transferred out of the Section Thomas H. Brinkman, PGA | A-6 | GolfTEC - North Scottsdale in the Southwest Section PGA | previously at GolfTEC - Park Meadows Melissa D. Hatten, PGA | A-8 | Willoughby Golf Club in the South Florida Section | previously at Catamount Ranch & Club Zachary R. Peck, PGA | A-8 | Diamante Cabo San Lucas - El Cardonal Course in the Unaffiliated Section | previously at Sanctuary
Happy Birthday! Nov. 1 Michael J. Congdon, PGA Guy E. Patterson, PGA Nov. 2 Kenneth A Sanchez, PGA Ron Vlosich, PGA Andrew T. West, PGA Nov. 3 Joe Glasser, PGA Josh W. Troyer, PGA Nov. 4
Jameson J. Beard Johnny R. Goodman, PGA Bruce A Johnston, PGA Stephen M. VanDyke, PGA
Nov. 6
Joe P. Carlton, PGA PJ Irwin, PGA James MacDougall II, PGA Robbins H Manley, PGA Alice M. Plain, PGA
Nov. 7 John T. Hamer, PGA Ed J. Kujalowicz, PGA Nov. 9 William C. Hancock, PGA Trent J Wearner, PGA Ryan C. Williams, PGA
Nov. 10 Kimberly N. Bean, PGA Christopher J. Carroll Mark E. Sutherland, PGA Nov. 11 Jacob Anderson, PGA Anthony J Principato, PGA Walter R Schlomer Nov. 12 Winston A. Howe III, PGA Todd B. Laxson, PGA Joseph Limes, PGA Luke O. Skattum Nov. 14 Tommy S. Wiles Nov. 15 Kevin E. Cohrs, PGA David Dame, PGA Nov. 16 Lew Lepore, PGA Nov. 18 Chris G. Bowry, PGA Michael D Mendelson, PGA Nov. 19 Samuel H. Chapman, PGA Wilbur A. Derby, PGA Nathan H. Mead, PGA Charles J. Perry, PGA Nov. 20Joseph Brown, PGA
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Nov. 21 Kenneth M. Kettler, PGA Nov. 22 Gregory D. Gortsema, PGA Paul D. Ransom, PGA Nov. 23 Randal L. Bregar, PGA Nov. 24 John P. Hanrahan, PGA Erin M. Hinderliter, PGA Douglas W. Poland, PGA Nov. 25 Ian D. Bruce, PGA Thomas R Gibbs, PGA Richard J. Urso, PGA Nov. 26 Tyler A. Finn, PGA Kury E. Reynolds, PGA Mike G. Swan, PGA Nov. 27 Mark N. Bacheldor, PGA Kevin S. Bolles, PGA Austin T Logan Will Panella, PGA Robert L. Quaratino Jr., PGA Rudolph T. Zupetz, PGA Nov. 29 Mark C. Miller, PGA Nov. 30Ryan D. Santa, PGA
HONORS
PINKTOBER
2UNDR Colorado PGA Section Representative Mary W. Mahoney e: mmahoney42@comcast.net
www.coloradopga.com
November Newsletter
Section News
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Colorado PGA Pro Peaks Digital Magazine
Player Development
Get Certified in General Management This Winter!
Colorado PGA Offering Dynamic Group Learning Experience
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he Colorado Section PGA is offering its professionals a unique opportunity to complete the course work required for Certification in General Management in a dynamic group learning environment. Over the course of 11 weeks, we will work through the 14 required courses in the General Management Certification Series during 2 hour morning workshops held at the Indian Tree Golf Club in Arvada. This is an opportunity to enhance your skills as a PGA Professional, and to do so in a group setting that will allow for the sharing of best practices, innovative ideas, and fellowship. The course will be highlighted by guest speakers who are experts in their areas. Certification candidates will complete the 6 required elective courses on their own over the course of the schedule. At the conclusion of the course, candidates will be prepared to complete the CAPSTONE paper and the PROficiency test or the General Management Project option. The General management CPP will focus on education for those who provide leadership and organizational structure while managing all business operations including F&B, Golf Operations, Golf Course Maintenance, Fitness, Membership, Aquatics and Tennis. The program will also cover administration of golf associations including membership service, benefits, philanthropy, and fulfillment of the association’s mission statement.
Upon completion of the 14 required courses and 6 electives, candidates will have one of two options based on length of Membership. Members with more than 8 years of Membership may complete the General Management Project. The project fee is $100.00 and upon successful completion, the Member is designated as a Certified Golf Professional. Members with less than 8 years of Membership will complete a CAPSTONE paper and a PROficiency test. The fee for the CAPSTONE paper is $50.00, the fee for the PROficiency test is $50.00. Upon successful completion of both, the Member is designated as a Certified Golf Professional. To sign up for the 11 week program, contact the Player Development & Operations Director, Keith Soriano, PGA, at ksoriano@pgahq.com or 303.996.1590. For more information on the PGA Certified Professional Program, log on to PGA.org and search under the “Member Education” tab.
Class Schedule
Mondays - 7:30am-9:30am November 30, 2015 December 7, 2015 December 14, 2015 December 21, 2015 January 4, 2016 January 11, 2016 January 18, 2016 January 25, 2016 No Class - PGA Merchandise Show/Elective Week February 1, 2016 February 18, 2016 February 22, 2016 February 29, 2016 Capstone & Project Workshop Location All classes will be held at Indian Tree Golf Club in Arvada. 7555 Wadsworth Bouleveard Arvada, CO 80003 Cost Enrollment & Access to CPP 2.0 Library: $400.00 Class Size is Limited to 20 PGA Professionals
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Player Development and The Four Disciplines of Execution Creating a Cadence of Accountability | 4 of 4
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The below chart would be your scorecard, and your weekly meeting would be a check-in on the progress towards those goals. These kinds of commitments should meet two standards: First, the commitment must represent a specific deliverable. Second, the commitment must influence the lead measures.
he fourth and final discipline of execution is to create a cadence of accountability. This is the discipline where execution happens. Disciplines 1, 2, and 3 set up the rules of engagement, but until Discipline 4 is applied, the framework remains unused. This is the discipline that brings the team members all together.
Keith Soriano, PGA Player Development Director/Operations Director Colorado PGA ksoriano@pgahq.com P | (303) 996-1590 C | (720) 841-1006
This discipline establishes a cadence, a rhythm by which the team operates and by which the team is held accountable to execution and goal setting. This cadence and rhythm must be honored and executed in a timely manner. What if your Player Development WIG was to have each of your staff members engage the membership as follows on a monthly basis:
November Newsletter
Player Development
If you simply tell your team what to do, they will learn little. What you ultimately want is for each member of your team to take personal ownership of the commitments they make. When members of the team see their peers consistently following through on the commitments they make, they learn that the people they work with can be trusted to follow through. When this happens, performance improves dramatically. 4DX produces results not from the exercise of authority, but from the fundamental desire of each team member to feel significant, to do work that matters, and, ultimately, to win.
www.coloradopga.com
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Colorado PGA Pro Peaks Digital Magazine
Tournaments
Keffer Earns OMEGA Dow Finsterwald Player of the Year Nod G
eoff Keffer, PGA Assistant Professional at Aurora Hills Golf Course is the 2015 OMEGA Dow Finsterwald Player of the Year. At this rate, the title may soon be called the OMEGA Dow Finsterwald - Geoff Keffer Player of the Year title. While the name may be long, it may be appropriate as Keffer has won the award the last two years and three of the last four. “One of my goals this year is to repeat as the Player of the Year,” noted Keffer early in the year. That goal was accomplished and then some!
Keffer didn’t excel in just a few events this year. He notched 23 top-10 finishes from the beginning of the season in 2014 through the Season Championship this year. He posted victories at two of the four majors on the Colorado PGA schedule; the National Car Rental Colorado Assistant Professional Championship (for the third time in a row) and the Colorado PGA West Chapter Championship. He also posted victories in the Ft. Collins Country Club, Colorado Golf Hall of Fame and Aspen Glen Golf Club Pro Am’s. He wrapped up the season by tying for fifth in the season-long Match Play Championship and finishing in second place at the Season Championship.
A native of Lakewood, Colorado, Keffer had a decorated playing career prior to becoming a PGA Professional. He competed as a junior on the Wheat Ridge High School golf team and won the 1996 CGA Junior Stroke Play Championship. For his exceptional playing ability and in representing PGA Professionals with distinction in competition, PGA Professional Geoff Keffer is the 2015 OMEGA Dow Finsterwald Player of the Year.
Keffer also had a strong season outside Colorado PGA events. He made the cut at the 2015 PGA Professional National Championship and finished in twelfth place at the HealthONE Colorado Open.
Augustine Named Apprentice Player of the Year D
an Augustine, Apprentice Professional at The Country Club at Castle Pines has earned the 2015 Colorado PGA Apprentice Player of the Year. Augustine, a native of Schaumburg, Illinois.
“I am very excited to earn this award and so proud to do so since it was on the top of my goal list for the 2015 season,” noted Augustine after the year concluded. “I am honored and humbled by the award and look forward to trying to defend the title next year. After finishing up my apprenticeship, I look forward to competing for section player of the year once I become a full member of the PGA of America.” Dan’s season began strong as posted three top three finishes to begin the year. He finished third in the first Stroke Play event of the year, partnered with Tyler Parsloe to finish third at the Myran Craig Pro-Pro Championship and partnered with Graham Cliff and Erik Billinger to win the 2015 Pro-Pro-Pro Championship at the Club at Ravenna. He played well in the Assistants Match Play Championship
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Smigelsky Captures OMEGA Senior Player of the Year Title D
ale Smigelsky, PGA Director of Golf at Collindale Golf Course in Ft. Collins, CO is the 2015 OMEGA Senior Player of the Year. The award goes to member for their exceptional play throughout the past year and in representing PGA Professionals with distinction in competition.
Smigelsky won four events on the 2015 calendar to de-thrown Doug Rohrbaugh after he had won the award the past three years in a row. Dale began the year with a win at the Fox Hill Club Pro Am and followed that up with another Pro Am victory when he finished tied for first at the Greeley Country Club Scratch Pro Am. He added to his strong year after finishing eleventh among Colorado PGA Professionals at the 2015 HealthONE Colorado Senior Open. The highlight of his season was when he posted a come from behind victory over Jeff Hanson, PGA Director of Golf at Red Sky Golf Club during the 2015 Colorado Senior PGA Professional Championship. Dale posted a three-under-par 139 to beat out a group of players that included many past champions of the event. The victory was Dale’s first Senior Championship and came twelve years after he won the Colorado PGA Professional Championship. In all, Dale posted 11 top-10 finishes in 2015 to total 4,953.81 points to edge out Rick Cole, PGA Head Professional from Eaton Country Club by less than 400 points.
Augustine (continued)
as well as the Section Match Play Championship and finished the year by winning the Apprentice Division at the West Chapter Championship. Augustine is no stranger to competitive golf. He played on mini-tour’s for a number of years. He competed on the Hooter’s Tour and the Maverick Tour while playing in Monday Qualifier’s on the Nationwide Tour. His last year competing full-time was 2008 when he made three of the first four cuts of the year on the Gateway Tour.
November Newsletter
Tournaments
Smigelsky has spent the last 21 years working for the City of Ft. Collins. He began as an Assistant Professional at Collindale and then spent time as the Head Professional at City Park Nine Golf Course and Southridge Golf Course before taking over as the Head Professional at Collindale Golf Club in 2008. This isn’t the first honor for Smigelsky. He was named the 2010 Colorado PGA Public Merchandiser of the Year and in 2012, he was honored by the PGA of America as the Public Merchandiser of the Year. The Colorado PGA is proud to honor Dale Smigelsky as the 2015 OMEGA Senior Player of the Year for his excellent skills competing on the golf course.
Working in the golf industry has always been in Dan’s blood. He grew up caddying at Medinah Country Club and has worked at Oakland Hills Country Club, Naples National Golf Club, and The Bonita Bay Club prior to coming to Colorado in 2012. For his superb skills on the golf course, the Colorado PGA is thrilled to name Dan Augustine the 2015 Apprentice Player of the Year.
In 2012 he won the Vince Smith Award for the lowest stroke average in the Southwest Chapter of the South Florida PGA after compiling a 67.5 scoring average.
www.coloradopga.com
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Colorado PGA Pro Peaks Digital Magazine
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Player of the Year (Final Standings)
Dow Finsterwald Colorado PGA OMEGA Player of the Year 1 Geoff Keffer Aurora Hills Golf Course 8,794.60 2 Caine Fitzgerald Meadow Hills Golf Course 7,628.06 3 Kyle Voska The Links Golf Course 5,406.67 4 Blake Sharamitaro Lake Arbor Golf Club 5,077.50 5 Barry Milstead Valley Country Club 4,817.97 6 Eric Bradley Eagle Ranch Golf Club 4,472.47 7 Sherry Andonian Valley Country Club 3,674 8 Rob Hunt The Links Golf Course 3,614.67 9 Dan O’Shaughnessy Fitzsimons Golf Course 3,506.65 10 Rick Cole Eaton Country Club 3,494.81 11 Chris Johnson The Pinery Country Club 3,423.81 12 Travis Morton The Pinery Country Club 3,007 13 Tray Shehee Ute Creek Golf Course 2,783.50 14 Doug Rohrbaugh Ironbridge Golf Club 2,729.14 15 Graham Cliff Colorado Golf Club 2,545.50 16 Dale Smigelsky Collindale Golf Course 2,396.81 17 Peter Norwood MetaGolf Learning Center 2,286.38 18 Scott Ough GolfTEC – Boulder 2,232 19 Doug Wherry Jake’s Academy 2,180.50 20 Erik Billinger University of Denver 2,105.33 21 Tom Krause Jake’s Academy 1,948.67 22 Ari Papadopoulos Red Sky Golf Club 1,927 23 Vince Buelk Collindale Golf Course 1,926.83 24 Mike Northern Life Member 1,924.83 25 Will Panella Buffalo Run Golf Course 1,658.67 26 Derek Rush Denver Country Club 1,632 27 Jeff Carlson Cherry Creek Country Club 1,612
November Newsletter
Tournaments
CoBank Colorado Open Exemption Cutoff 28 Ken Krieger Cheyenne Country Club 1,562.17 29 Rick Ellefson Life Member 1,553.17 30 Scott Hart Life Member 1,540 Click here to see the full list
Senior Colorado PGA OMEGA Player of the Year 1 Dale Smigelsky Collindale Golf Course 4,953.81 2 Rick Cole Eaton Country Club 4,581.81 3 Sherry Andonian Valley Country Club 4,537 4 Doug Wherry Jake’s Academy 4,290.50 5 Mike Northern Life Member 4,015.83 Click here to see the full list
Colorado PGA Apprentice Player of the Year 1 2 3 4 5
Daniel Augustine Dane Reese Kyler Booher Tim Richardson Patrick Kent
Country Club at Castle Pines The Pinery Country Club River Valley Ranch Golf Club Todd Creek Golf Club University of Denver
4,176.60 3,506.27 2,376.83 2,239.50 1,854.33
Click here to see the full list
www.coloradopga.com
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Colorado PGA Pro Peaks Digital Magazine
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peed Matters is a three-month long event where any Imperial event order submitted via Jamie Zabolio for shipment in June, July or August will get a facilities name included in a monthly drawing. Each month two separate winners will be announced in the Colorado PGA Pro Peaks Newsletter with a $500 credit being awarded to each facility selected. If CoolCore is included on an order, the facility name will be entered into the monthly drawing twice.
June Winners
Harmony Club July Winners
Blackstone CC
Columbine CC August Winners
Roaring Fork Club
The Broadmoor
www.coloradopga.com
November Newsletter
Imperial’s Speed Matters Awards Clubs for Dedication S
Castle Pines GC 23
Colorado PGA Pro Peaks Digital Magazine 24
@The Buzz
A monthly recap of the Colorado PGA @SenCoryGardner Thanks so much for sending your team to check out @PGAREACH at Ft. Carson! #RiseAboveFindAWay #ColoradoPGAReach
CGA, Colo. PGA teaming up for junior golf; Junior Tour planned for 2016. http://ow.ly/TjP2X @ ColoradoPGA http:// fb.me/45rAxIVvb
Some interesting changes to the Rules of Golf! If you could change any rule, what would it be and why? They’re off at the Colorado PGA Omni Interlocken Tri Am presented by @visagegolf and @ColoGolfandTurf ! @ryanbakken @petermnorwood
Colorado PGA
Our boys are doing a great job representing the Colorado PGA at the 2015 National Car Rental Assistant Professional Championship in Port St. Lucie, FL. Kyle Voska is the low Section Professionals after firing an opening one-under-par 71! Blake Sharamitaro and Ryan Wroblewksi aren’t far behind as they posted 74 and 75 respectively.
November Newsletter
A Twitter and Facebook World
Colorado PGA
Denver Bronco legend Karl Mecklenburg is our featured guest today at the Movers, Shakers and Money Makers workshop at The Broadmoor
By The Numbers Colorado PGA Facebook Fans | 678 Twitter Followers | 606 Colorado PGA Junior Golf Facebook Fans | 338 Twitter Followers | 124
Colorado PGA
It’s always great to see any list of Best Teachers including members of the Colorado PGA! Great job to all of our members!
www.coloradopga.com
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Colorado PGA Pro Peaks Digital Magazine
Presidents Club | $20,000 and above
Colorado Chevy Dealers
National Car Rental
PGA Tour
Platinum | $10,000 2UNDR Mary Mahoney
OMEGA
Platinum | $7,500 E-Z Go John Trenck, PGA
Colorado AvidGolfer Allen Walters
Gold | $5,000
Denver Golf Expo Mark Cramer
KBS Shafts
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Colorado Golf and Turf Tom Bauerle
Fairway Promotions James Schlatter, Nick Porter
Infinium Spirits Mike Horan
Imperial Headwear Jamie Zabolio
Greg Norman - Dunning Mike Giarratano
Masek Golf Cars Jason Masek
Adidas/Ashworth Mike Bryant
GolfTEC Joe Assell, PGA
PTE Golf Matt Pollitt
AHEAD Zach Ledvina
Golf MD’s Alex Weber
Sun Mountain Kevin Neff
Club Prophet Systems Tom Robshaw
GPS Industries Kevin Carpenter
TaylorMade Golf Mike Mendoza
November Newsletter
Silver | $2,500
Bronze | $1,000
www.coloradopga.com
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Colorado PGA Pro Peaks Digital Magazine 28
2015 Colorado PGA Member Directory | www.coloradopga.com