PROPEAKS The Official Publication of the Colorado PGA November 2016
Finsterwald and Sprague Highlight Fall Meeting
In this issue... Nominations for West Chapter Awards Available Krieger Elected to Wyoming Golf Hall of Fame Apply Today for a Growth of the Game Grant
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President’s Report Thank’s PGA Pro
16 Certified Professional Program Consultations Available
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Fall Meeting Videos Available to View
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Golf in Schools Spring Applications Available
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District Director Report PGA of America Annual Meeting
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Junior Golf News Junior Golf Alliance of Colorado Off to a Strong Start
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JGAC Hands Out 2016 Awards
Exec. Director’s Report Thank You PGA Professionals and Colorado Gives Day
PGA of America News 8 100th PGA Annual Meeting to Feature Jack Nicklaus, Election of PGA Officers and PGA National Awards Colorado PGA News 10 Krieger Elected to Wyoming State Golf Hall of Fame 11
Revenue Workshop Set for January 12, 2016
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Gott Awarded Callaway’s “National Club Fitter of the Year”
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ColoradoPGATeeTimes.com Continues Stellar Rise
15 Growth of the Game Grant Applications Available 15
Member News Route 411
November Issue
What’s Inside
West Chapter News 21 Nominate a Deserving West Chapter Professional Today! Tournament News 22 Grady Posts Strong Finish at PGA Assistant Championship 22 Eight Set to Compete in Senior Professional Championship 24
The Buzz Social Media Update
Section Partners 26 Partners
Player Development Spotlight
What’s Inside
November 4, 2016 Colorado PGA Special Awards Gala Colorado Golf Club Parker, CO November 11, 2016 Veteran’s Day PGA of America Office Closed Colorado PGA Office Open
November 14, 2016 Certified Professional Program Consult Valley Country Club November 14-16, 2016 Las Vegas Pro Am Paiute Golf Resort Las Vegas, NV
November 17, 2016 Board of Directors Meeting Conference Call November 17-20, 2016 Senior PGA Professional Championship PGA Golf Club Port St. Lucie, FL November 21, 2016 Certified Professional Program Consult Colorado National Golf Club November 24, 2016 Thanksgiving Colorado PGA Office Closed
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Colorado PGA Pro Peaks Digital Magazine
The Official Magazine of the Colorado PGA Pro Peaks is produced by the Colorado PGA
Colorado PGA Officers
West Chapter Officers
Ben Welsh, PGA Vice-President | 2017-2018 Eagle-Vail Golf Club
Jeff Boyer, PGA Secretary | 2015-2016 Eagle Ranch Golf Course
Jim Hajek, PGA Vice-President | 2017-2018 Fossil Trace Golf Club
Mike Mendelson, PGA Honorary President | 2017-2019 City of Grand Junction
Leslie Core-Drevecky, PGA Honorary President | 2017-2018 Murphy Creek Golf Course
Board of Directors
Board of Directors
Jacques Deyoe, PGA | 2016-2018 Aspen Glen Club
Ty Thompson, PGA President | 2017-2018 Colorado Springs Country Club
Andy Benson, PGA | 2017-2019 Highlands Ranch Golf Club Rick Ellefson, PGA | 2015-2017 PGA Member Scott Erwin, PGA | 2015-2017 Maroon Creek Club Kyle Heyen, PGA | District 9 Dir. Hiwan Golf Club Charles ‘Vic’ Kline, PGA | Past District 9 Director Indian Tree Golf Club Cathy Matthews-Kane, PGA | 2016-2018 Country Club of Colorado Josh Miller, PGA | 2016-2018 GolfTEC Bobby Quaratino, PGA | 2017-2019 West Woods Golf Course Chris Swinhart, PGA | 2017-2019 Thorncreek Golf Course Dave Troyer, PGA | 2016-2018 CommonGround Golf Course
Ed Marzec, PGA President | 2017-2018 Country Club of the Rockies
Ian Bruce, PGA | 2014-2016 The Club at Cordillera
Eric Feely, PGA | 2014-2016 The Bridges Country Club Brett Gagnon, PGA | 2016-2018 Red Sky Golf Club CJ Rhyne, PGA | 2016-2018 GJ Golf Tim Tafoya, PGA | 2014-2016 Bookcliff Country Club Luke Brosterhous | 2016-2018 Catamount Ranch and Club
Colorado PGA REACH Trustees Spencer Zinn Chairman
Anne Broholm CEO AHEAD Tom Bauerle Owner Colorado Golf and Turf Brad Dombaugh CEO PSA Worldwide Corp., INC. Walter Glover Former Chief Financial Officer USOC Theo Gregory Senior Vice President - El Pomar Foundation George Lee Managing Director – Investments Wells Fargo Scott McGraw Cherry Creek Insurance Group Vice President of Employee Benefits Honarable Sue Payton President SCI Aerospace Inc. Lisa Potvin Captain United States Navy LTG Ed Soriano, US Army (Ret) Director, Business Development Global Land Forces - Northrop Grumman Corporation
Staff
Executive Director/CEO Eddie Ainsworth, PGA eainsworth@ pgahq.com P (303) 996-1593 C (719) 761-6125 Assistant Executive Director Foundation Programs Keith Soriano, PGA ksoriano@pgahq.com P (303) 996-1590 C (720) 841-1006 Assistant Executive Director Section Programs Patrick Salva psalva@pgahq.com P (303) 996-1597 C (303) 246-1007 Tournament Director Justin Limon, PGA jlimon@pgahq.com P (303) 996-1588 C (720) 390-1160 Junior Golf Director Holly Champion, PGA hchampion@pgahq.com P (303) 996-1591 C (217) 232-1790 Executive Assistant Annie O’Donnell adonnell@pgahq.com P (303) 996-1595 Employment Consultant Bruce Lubach, PGA blubach@pgahq.com P | (623) 243-9199 C | (402) 802-8241
Bill Vogeney Executive VP and Chief Lending Officer Ent Federal Credit Union
Independent Directors Theo Gregory Spencer Zinn
Colorado PGA 6630 Bear Dance Drive | Larkspur, CO 80118 P | (303) 681-0742 www.coloradopga.com Pro Peaks is distributed free to members and affiliates of the Colorado PGA twelve times per year. The articles and other information contained within this publication are informational and do not necessarily represent the view or opinions of the Colorado PGA. The Colorado PGA assumes no responsibility or liability for claims made for or by any product in this publication whether reported or advertised. Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission of the Colorado PGA is prohibited.
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President’s Message By Ty Thompson, PGA
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lthough many of us are still experiencing “summer like” conditions, the fact of the matter is our seasons are coming to a close. This means we will turn our attention to items such as calendar planning, merchandising buying, vacations, and much more. As a section it means it’s time to celebrate our top performers at our annual awards Gala. We will recognize the top players, the best mentors, merchandisers, teachers, and more. We have much to celebrate as the PGA Professionals we have honored, on a local level, have been Ty Thompson, PGA elevated to win PGA National President Awards 8 times in the last 10 Colorado PGA years – this is a great tribute to Director of Golf the quality professionals in our Colorado Springs Country Club section! Congratulations to our winners this year and remember ty.thompson@pga.com to look around you as a future honoree may be in your sphere of influence and all they need is your nomination.
What a great moment in our sections history as we had our PGA National President Derek Sprague join us for our fall meeting and Jeff Beaudry facilitate an incredible fireside chat with Dow Finsterwald. In a time where the golfing world is celebrating the life of the King, the life of the man represented by one simple umbrella and a drink simply known as an “Arnie” or “AP”, we were fortunate to get a glimpse inside the ropes of not only Dow Finsterwald, but of the life of Arnold Palmer. Thank you Dow Finsterwald. 51,900,000! That is the search result of the name Arnold Palmer and I looked 20 pages deep and every article showed the incredible impact this great legend had on the game, the equipment, the industry, and most of all the people. Each of us has the same opportunity, as PGA Professionals, to impact those living in each of our “worlds”. I hope you were encouraged and inspired at our fall meeting to find ways in which we can grow, ways we can improve, and ways we can impact those around us. For all you do – Thanks PGA Pro!
November Issue
President’s Message
Fall Meeting Videos Available to View T
he Colorado PGA Fall Meeting was full of exciting news about the Colorado PGA. Included in the meeting was a visit and Open Forum discussion led by PGA of America President Derek Sprague. Also included was a Fireside Chat with former Ryder Cup Captain and Broadmor Director of Golf Dow Finsterwald. If you were unable to attend the meeting, both presentations were recorded and are available to view on YouTube.
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Colorado PGA Pro Peaks Digital Magazine
District 9 Director Report
PGA of America Annual Meeting W
hat a great 11 months the PGA of America has had in celebrating our 100 years.
On November 8th, 2016 the year-long celebration will come to the end at the Annual Meeting being held in New York City where it all began 100 years ago. This journey all began in January at the PGA Merchandise Show in Orlando. All 41 Sections were represented at Orange County Golf Club with Section representatives hitting a ceremonial tee shot on the driving range along with PGA Junior League Golfers. The ceremonial shots all were aired live on the Golf Channel which televised 25 hours of coverage from the 63rd PGA Merchandise Show over the week.
Kyle Heyen, PGA District 9 Director PGA of America Head Professional Hiwan Golf Club
#ThnxPGAPro also kicked off the celebration with the opening of the PGA Merchandise Show with President Derek Sprague, special guest Lee Trevino and Lee’s PGA Professional Bill Eschenbrenner. Lee spoke about the role the Bill had in changing Lee’s life. #ThnxPGAPro had numerous spots throughout the year from victorious Ryder Cup Captain David Love speaking about his father. Davis Love Sr, Renee Powell and the women that she influenced and changed their lives with the game of golf and Jordan Spieth speaking on how Cameron McCormick has made him the player he is today. But most of all is what a way for your members and for you to thank those PGA Professionals that were mentors in your life. The PGA of America also had a 100 day celebration featuring all 41 Sections with each Section being individually highlighted during the time. The Colorado Section was featured on April 15, with our golf in school program. The Golf Channel – in partnership with the PGA of America – also had the inaugural “National Instruction Day,” which aired on Wednesday, May 4 that featured a dedicated day of live programming devoted to helping golfers improve their game. The Colorado Section was
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one of the selected sections that hosted a “National Instruction Day” at Fossil Trace Golf Club. Our featured PGA Instructors were Hank Haney, Sandy LaBauve and Colorado Section member Trent Wearner. During the 100th Annual Meeting we will recognize President Derek Sprague for his 2 years as our President. As I have stated before having served on the Board of Control and in the Boardroom with Derek, he has always kept the two-pronged mission of serving the PGA Member and growing the game of golf at the forefront. As Derek moves into the Honorary President’s position, current Vice President Paul Levy is scheduled to become President of the PGA of America and current Secretary Suzy Whaley to Vice President of the PGA of America on Friday, November 11, during the election portion of the Business Meeting. I would also like to give a special thank you to Honorary President Allen Wronowski for his time as an Officer and Honorary President of the Association. The Annual meeting will also change the lives of one of three PGA members as one will be elected as the next Secretary: Russ Libby, Rick Murphy or Jim Richerson. Thank you to all three candidates for their dedication to the game of golf and the Association and willingness to serve as our next Officer. All three would candidates would make a great Officer for the PGA of America. Hopefully you get a little downtime, recover from a busy season of golf and start getting ready for the 2017 golf season. If you have any questions please feel free to give me a call. Sincerely,
Kyle Heyen, PGA National PGA Director, District 9 Head Professional, Hiwan Golf Club kyle@hiwan.com
Thank You PGA Professionals and Colorado Gives Day M
y Fellow Colorado PGA Professionals,
I wanted to thank each and every one of you for all you do day in and day out to improve the quality of life for the people you serve at your facilities.
Eddie Ainsworth, PGA Executive Director Colorado PGA eainsworth@pgahq.com P | (303) 996-1593 C | (719) 761-6125
Being a PGA Member is all about serving others, and in the Golf Business no one does better than Colorado PGA Professionals. This past year we have seen record participation in our Golf In Schools Program, record growth in PGA Junior League leading all Sections across the country, a phenomenal first year in our collaborative efforts within the Junior Golf alliance of Colorado (JGAC) and increased participation in all the programs we conduct through our charitable Foundation, Colorado PGA REACH. As we approach Thanksgiving and the Holiday Season I would like to encourage you to consider making a TAX DEDUCTABLE CHARITABLE DONATION to your Foundation, Colorado PGA REACH. Please allow me to emphasize YOUR Foundation. Colorado PGA REACH is set up to make a positive impact in the lives of others through the game of golf. Ultimately, when you think about it, it is set up to help each and every one of our Colorado PGA Professionals as we grow the game through our Junior Golf Pillar, use golf as a rehabilitation vehicle for the men and women who served our country under our Military Pillar, bring more diversity to our game under our Diversity & Inclusion Pillar, and then finally provide support to our PGA Professionals through College Scholarships to their children and grandchildren, Pillar Awards, and for 2017 the Club Champions Cup where we will raise money for our Home for
a Hero giveaway and where our PGA Members will play for a purse of $10,000.00. Our charge is simple; Serve the Member, and Grow the Game. One of the ways we accomplish this is through Colorado PGA REACH and I would ask you to consider on December 6, 2016 making a TAX DEDUCTABLE DONATION during Colorado Gives Day. Complete information with a direct link on how to make a contribution will be sent to you in the next few weeks. If every one of our over 800 Colorado PGA Members and Apprentices were able to donate at least $20.00 we would raise over $16,000.00 in support of all of our programs, ,which in turn, helps supports our PGA Members and Grows the Game.
November Issue
Executive Director’s Message
Thanks Colorado PGA Professionals for all you do day in and day out to serve others. It is indeed my honor to serve each and every one of you! All the Best. Very Respectfully,
Eddie Ainsworth, PGA Executive Director/CEO Colorado PGA 6630 Bear Dance Drive Larkspur, CO 80118 eainsworth@pgahq.com O – 303-996-1593 M – 719-761-6125
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Colorado PGA Pro Peaks Digital Magazine
PGA of America News
100th PGA Annual Meeting to Feature Jack Nicklaus, Election of PGA Officers and PGA National Awards Watch via live stream at PGA.org
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he PGA of America’s historic 100th Annual Meeting, Nov. 8-11, will commemorate the PGA of America’s Centennial in the same city at the Association’s founding in 1916. Delegates will gather at the Grand Hyatt New York to elect the 40th PGA President, Vice President and Secretary, and pave a path for the Association’s future.
The 2016 PGA of America National Awards celebration will honor 11 deserving PGA members on Wednesday, Nov. 9, while all-time major Champion Jack Nicklaus will sit down with NBC Sports Commentator Jimmy Roberts for a morning fireside chat on Thursday, Nov. 10. Nicklaus, who was recognized at the Ryder Cup for celebrating 50 years of PGA membership, will discuss his outlook on the game and his storied history. Among his record 18 total major Championship victories, Nicklaus shares the record for most PGA Championships won with founding PGA Member Walter Hagen at five apiece. The Annual Meeting’s final day is highlighted by the election of the PGA Officers for 2016-2018, who all serve as volunteers. Paul Levy, of Indian Wells, California and Suzy Whaley of Cromwell, Connecticut will be voted in as PGA President and Vice President, respectively, by
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delegates at the PGA Annual Meeting on Friday, Nov. 11. Levy has served the past two years as PGA Vice President. Whaley, the first woman ever to be elected as a PGA Officer, has served as PGA Secretary. After completing his term as the current PGA President, Derek Sprague, of Jersey City, New Jersey will assume the role of Honorary PGA President. 2016 PGA of America National Award Honorees PGA Golf Professional of the Year Cary Cozby and PGA Teacher of the Year Mike Adams headline the 2016 PGA of America National Award recipients to be honored on Wednesday, Nov. 11, at 6 p.m., in the Grand Hyatt’s Empire Ballroom. Cozby, the PGA Director of Golf at Southern Hills Country Club in Tulsa, Oklahoma, joins his father, Jerry Cozby (1985), as the only father-son combination to win the PGA’s highest annual honor. Adams, of Hamilton Farm Golf Club, in Gladstone, New Jersey, has taught four U.S. Presidents, as well as Jack Nicholson, Sean Connery, Michael Douglas, Glen Frey and Tom Lehman.
PGA of America News
Cary Cozby, Southern Hills C.C.— Tulsa, Oklahoma
Rick Murphy, PGA
PGA Teacher of the Year
A Carolinas PGA Section Member and PGA Owner/Director of Instruction of Rick Murphy Golf Academy & Practice Centers in Greensboro, North Carolina
Mike Adams, Hamilton Farm G.C.— Gladstone, New Jersey PGA Youth Player Development Award Dennis Johnsen, Pine G.C.—Mundelein, Illinois
General Manager/Director of Golf at Hidden Hills Country Club in Jacksonville, Florida
Jim Richerson, PGA
Meadow
A Wisconsin PGA Section Member and General Manager & Group Director of Golf at Whistling Straits & Blackwolf Run in Kohler Wisconsin.
Bill Strausbaugh Award Joe Tesori, The Pompey Club— Pompey, New York Horton Smith Award Bryan Jones, Black Oak G.C.—Long Valley, New Jersey PGA Player Development Award Mary Hafeman, Deercreek C.C.—Jacksonville, Florida and Missing Links G.C. – Mequon, Wisconsin Patriot Award Stephen Greiner, Links to Freedom —Springfield, Virginia Deacon Palmer Award William “Bill” Flynn*, Windham C.C.—Windham, New Hampshire PGA Merchandiser of the Year – Private Facilities Mark Thush, Desert Mountain Club– Scottsdale, Arizona PGA Merchandiser of the Year – Public Facilities Matt Brown, Highlands G.C. – Gearhart, Oregon PGA Merchandiser of the Year – Resort Facilities Kelly O’Donnell, Wolfdancer G.C.– Lost Pines, Texas Herb Graffis Award Northern Texas PGA Section** PGA of America Election Three prominent PGA members are vying to be elected as the new PGA Secretary:
November Issue
PGA Golf Professional of the Year
The PGA of America Board of Directors is comprised of the president, vice president, secretary, honorary president and 17 directors who establish Association policy. The directors include representatives from each of the PGA’s 14 districts, two Independent Directors and a member of the PGA Tour. The six new incoming District Directors and one Independent Director are: District 1: Noel Gebauer, PGA, Colonie Town Golf Course, in Schenectady, New York (Connecticut, New England, Northeastern New York) District 2: Tom Henderson, PGA, Round Hill Club, in Greenwich, Connecticut (Metropolitan, New Jersey, Philadelphia) District 5: John Lindert, PGA, Country Club of Lansing, in Lansing, Michigan (Michigan, Northern Ohio, Southern Ohio) District 10: Kelly Williams, PGA, Greenbrier Golf & Country Club, in Lexington, Kentucky (Carolinas, Kentucky, Middle Atlantic) District 13: Patrick Richardson, PGA, Wilmington Island Club, in Savannah, Georgia (Georgia, North Florida, South Florida) District 14: Don Rea, Jr., PGA, Augusta Ranch Golf Club, in Mesa, Arizona (Pacific Northwest, Southwest) Independent Director: Christopher Liedel, President, Smithsonian Enterprises, in Washington, D.C.
Russ Libby, PGA A North Florida PGA Section Member and PGA Owner/
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Colorado PGA Pro Peaks Digital Magazine
Colorado PGA News
Krieger Elected to Wyoming State Golf Association Hall of Fame K
en Krieger, PGA Head Professional at Cheyenne Country Club was inducted into the Wyoming State Golf Hall of Fame on Friday, October 7, 2016.
when he took over as Head Professional at Cheyenne Country Club. Ken has remained as Cheyenne Country Club to this day.
“It’s great to see one of our best players and most distinguised Golf Professionals recognized for their accomplishments,” noted Colorado PGA Executive Director Eddie Ainsworth. “Ken has been a fixture in the Colorado Section for such a long time and there is nobody more deserving of this kind of recognition.”
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 1996 and 1997. He captured the 2008 Colorado Senior PGA Professional Championship and has been a part of numerous Colorado Cup and Taylor Cup teams. He was honored with recognition in 2015 as an Noble Chalfant Inductee.
Krieger grew up in Aurora, CO 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
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At the national level, Ken competed in five USGA Championships. He competed at in the 1973 and 1977 US Amateur. He went on to compete in the US Open in 1981, 1989, and 2000. He qualified for the 1993 PGA Championship which happened to be hosted at a course Ken was familiar with, Inverness Golf Club in Toledo, Ohio where he had competed in the US Amateur twenty years earlier.
Revenue Workshop Set for January 12, 2016
November Issue
Colorado PGA News
PGA of America Senior Director of Player Development, Mike O’Donnell To Lead Workshop
C
ome join us as we explore the role that instruction and coaching plays in enhancing income, increasing job security and generating incremental rounds and revenue for PGA Professionals and their respective facilities. This winter, the Colorado PGA will be hosting a Revenue Workshop presented by the PGA’s Senior Director of Player Development, Mike O’Donnell.
player, engaged player, and committed player. Finally, those in attendance will receive an introduction into quantifying and measuring the financial and facility impact of your teaching and coaching activities by understanding the key revenue drivers and utilizing available resources to codify that information.
The workshop will take place on Thursday, January 12th, 2017 at The Ranch Country Club Stay tuned to Chip Shots for updates or email Keith Soriano, PGA at ksoriano@pgahq.com for more information.
Members have said the greatest benefits of attending were an increased awareness of their value, how to calculate it, and how to report it. In some cases this has led to feedback such as, “This was a life changing experience. I now have a much better working environment, a better relationship with my GM and we are working together to drive customer satisfaction. This has led to an increase in revenue, profitability and more income for me. We’ve also hired additional staff to support our expanding golf program. Every PGA member and their owner/GM should attend this workshop. I can’t thank you enough for this.”
The workshops focus on three primary take-a-ways:
• Increased job satisfaction and security. • Increased Income. • Job creation. The agenda will include reflecting on and challenging long-held assumptions regarding the importance of player development, the consumer’s motivations, and the role of the PGA Professional at any facility. We will review applicable marketing principals and marketing tactics which will empower Professionals to inspire and engage with any player, regardless of their ability or relative position on the consumer pathway. Attendees will engage in an in-depth dive into structured player development programming that can address any type of consumer, with specific emphasis on the recreational
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Colorado PGA Pro Peaks Digital Magazine
November Issue
Colorado PGA News
Gott Awarded Callaway’s “National Club Fitter of The Year” O
n Monday, October 17th, Callaway Golf awarded Coloroado club fitter, Brian Gott, with their National Club Fitter of the Year award. Callaway Golf, a global leader in advanced golf technology, brings in nearly a billion dollars in annual revenue and holds partnerships with some of Golf’s biggest names, including Phil Mickelson, Jim Furyk, Henrik Stenson, and Annika Sörenstam. “I’m just unbelievably honored,” Gott said at the San Diego event. “We’ve put in an enormous amount of work to build something special in Denver. When I started Gott Golf, I knew I wanted to do something great with it, but I had no idea that the demand for our approach to club fitting would resonate so well with our customers and our partners.”
ed people to know that they could get a tour quality club fitting experience without having to break the bank to do it. They don’t just have to settle for off the rack clubs, either. Give me about 45 minutes in a fitting session, and I can build a custom set that is tailored to your specific needs and abilities.”
Though the current season is winding down, Gott has interesting plans for Colorado golfers and encourages people to visit www.gottgolf.com for new offerings that will be launching next season. Some things to keep an eye on include putting clinics, the launch of a new online store, and the expansion of his current events and relationship with Common Ground Golf Course, the PGA, and golf courses throughout Colorado.
Brian began Gott Golf in 2008. As he developed his unique approach to fitting clubs for golfers of all skill levels, demand grew. For 2015 and 2016, Brian was awarded Golf Digest’s coveted “Top 100 Club Fitters in America Award” (new award winners will be announced by Golf Digest in November). Today, he works with some of Colorado’s most prestigious golf clubs, including The Broadmoor, Cherry Hills Country Club, Castle Pines, Maroon Creek, and others. “I want-
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Colorado PGA Pro Peaks Digital Magazine
Colorado PGA News
ColoradoPGATeeTimes.com Continues Stellar Rise C
oloradoPGATeeTimes.com, the online tee time website created in 2014 with the goal of giving participating facilities an avenue to distribute and market their tee times on an online platform is wrapping up its third season with stellar results. The website, which includes tee times from 19 participating facilities, generated over $400,000 in revenue through 7,800 rounds of golf booked. That was a 70% increase in revenue from 2015.
The main push of the marketing campaign since early 2015 has been in the digital space through the services of AdTaxi, a division of The Denver Post. The digital campaign focuses on search engine optimization (SEO) and display advertising. In 2015 the campaign was split evenly between the two while in 2016 there was a stronger emphasis on SEO. While the emphasis on the display advertising was reduced, the results actually improved from year to year with 2,400 conversions from ads, up from 1,807 in 2015. The site has built a strong following since its inception. At the end of 2016 there were 4,100 customers in the database of the website with 35% of the customers booking on the site being repeat customers. Plans for 2017 and beyond are still being developed. If the marketing campaign continues to return results like the ones seen over the first two years, the future looks promising for the website. For more information on ColoradoPGATeeTimes.com or to setup a meeting to find out more information on how you can get involved, please contact Jeff Bryant, Quick18 Account Executive at jeff@quick18.com.
Statistics for ColoradoPGATeeTimes.com Website 2015 Results • 4,800 rounds booked for $248,000 in Green Fee revenue. •
32,000 site visits with 110,000 page views.
•
27% Repeat Customers.
•
2,700 customers in the data base
2016 Results • 7,800 rounds booked for $410,000 in Green Fee revenue.
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•
50,000 site visits with 340,000 page views.
•
35% Repeat Customers.
•
4,100 customers in the data base
List of Participating Facilities Aurora Hills Golf Course The Golf Club at Bear Dance Boomerang Links Broadlands Golf Course Eagle Ranch - Vail Fitzsimons Golf Course Fossil Trace Golf Club Fox Hollow Golf Course Heritage Eagle Bend Golf Club Highland Hills Golf Course - Greeley Homestead Golf Course Indian Peaks Golf Course Meadow Hills Golf Course Murphy Creek Golf Course Redlands Mesa - Grand Junction Saddle Rock Golf Course Springhill Golf Course Thorncreek Golf Course
Colorado PGA News
Applications are available online
C
olorado 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. Growth of the Game grants have been used to help launch facility level programs that are focused on traditionally underserved communities. In addition, grants have been used to partially subsidize the cost of the implementation of PGA Family Tees, military focused programs, and to provide access to facilities for new or lapsed golfers who might otherwise not have the financial resources to participate in growth of the game programs.
November Issue
Growth of the Game Grant Applications Available for 2017
Thorncreek Golf Course received a grant in 2015 that was used for the “Big Splash for Juniors” for The City of Thornton. The program re-developed of the entire junior golf program at the club and the grant was used to help purchase new equipment, provide prizes for the participants and to help offset the costs of the entire program. For an example of a completed form for PGA Family Tees, please click here. For an example of a complete form for a new program, please click here. If you are interested in filling applying for a Growth of the Game Grant, please click here.
Player Development Spotlight Graduated Junior Golf Programs by Brad Alston, PGA
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he PGA Learning Center at Park Hill has developed a junior golf development program that includes elements of other junior athletic programs, like Tae Kwon Do or Karate to codify juniors by skill level and help player and parent identify benchmarks for advancement. Pre-requisites, combined with identifiable skill sets within a “color level” help parents connect their junior golfer with the instructional level appropriate for their skill and their goals. Consider working tiered instruction levels, along with skill testing days into your programs to help the consumer identify their personal player pathway. Looking outside of the industry to successful sport advancement programs like Karate, Swimming, Tennis, and Hockey can provide inspiration and structure to your programs. To schedule a meeting to discuss opportunities to grow and enhance your programming, contact Keith Soriano, PGA at ksoriano@pgahq.com
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Colorado PGA Pro Peaks Digital Magazine 16
Colorado PGA News
Certified Professional Program Consultations Available Get Help Completing Your CPP Program
H
ave you started the Certified Professional Program but have yet to finish it? Did you attend one of the four in-class programs offered by the Colorado PGA but need a little help to get over the hump and complete the program? The Colorado PGA will be hosting three CPP Completion consultation days this winter to help you do just that.
During a one hour appointment with Keith Soriano, PGA Members will have the opportunity to gain a full understating of their current status within the program and map out a plan for completion. To reserve a one hour space with Keith Soriano, please contact him at ksoriano@pgahq.com.
Locations for CPP consults: Valley Country Club: November 14, 2016 Colorado National Golf Club: November 21, 2016 Fossil Trace Golf Club: December 5, 2016
Golf in Schools Spring Applications Available T
he Colorado PGA’s Golf In Schools Spring program request window is now open!
Please know that this is the preliminary request form and does not guarantee you will be funded. All requests will be reviewed and applicants will be contacted by 12/1/2016 if more information and an application is needed. If you have questions please contact Holly Champion, PGA at hchampion@pgahq.com or (303) 996-1591.
Kevin Vitale, CCM-General Manager/COO
Baltusrol Golf Club
WE’VE RELIED ON THE TXT® FOR OVER 20 YEARS. YOU THINK THAT’S A COINCIDENCE?
November Issue
Junior Golf News
GET REAL. Baltusrol has been one of the world’s preeminent golf clubs for over a century. To sustain that level of excellence, they rely on partners that value continuous improvement as much as they do. That’s why they chose the E-Z-GO ® TXT when the vehicle was first introduced, and why Kevin Vitale continues to choose it today. By combining refined features with industry-leading reliability, Baltusrol knows the TXT adds an exceptional ride to every round.
www.coloradopga.com
See Balt lttusrol Golf Club’s story at EZGO.com/GetReal
REAL STORIES. REAL RESULTS.™
©2016 E-Z-GO Division of Textron Inc. All rights reserved.
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Colorado PGA Pro Peaks Digital Magazine
Junior Golf News
Junior Golf Alliance of Colorado - Off to a Strong Start By Gary Baines
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t might be hard to believe, but there were probably more spectators surrounding the 18th green at Cherry Hills Country Club for the conclusion of the recent Junior Tour Championship than there were for any other golf tournament in Colorado this year, with the possible exception of the CoBank Colorado Open. That obviously is partly due to no professional tour events or USGA national championships being held in the state in 2016. But it’s also a testament to the first-year success of the Junior Golf Alliance of Colorado, which concluded its inaugural year with an Oct. 9 awards banquet at Cherry Hills following the Junior Tour Championship. About 230 people attended the season-ending banquet, which took place almost exactly a year after the CGA and Colorado PGA announced plans to join forces for the junior alliance, with the CWGA being a contributing partner. With youth participation in tournaments and events increasing considerably over comparable events in 2015, the driving forces behind the JGAC have a right to be proud about the “rookie year” for their major initiative. “I’d call it without a doubt one of the most successful things we’ve ever done,” said Dustin Jensen, the CGA’s managing director of operations, who along with Colorado PGA assistant executive director Keith Soriano has spearheaded the JGAC organizational efforts. “The entire thing just exploded in a great way. It was a complete success. (The alliance) did exactly what was hoped for, which was to make life simpler and easier for players and parents” by the JGAC being a one-stop shop for junior golf in Colorado. “One of the most important things when we put together this alliance was getting all of our championships under
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one roof. Everything now lives in one location.” The numbers certainly show a positive trend for the JGAC, which was created with the idea of streamlining, improving and expanding the junior golf experience in Colorado. Membership in the JGAC is up about 16 percent from what it was for the CJGA in 2015, and tournament participation jumped 23.5 percent, not counting PGA Junior League Golf and the Drive, Chip & Putt events. Soriano reports that kids playing in Colorado-based Drive, Chip & Putt competitions increased almost 15 percent from 2015. For the PGA Junior League Golf in Colorado, the number of kids, teams and facilities participating roughly doubled in 2016 compared to 2015. (The South Denver All-Stars won the state title.) And if fall projections prove accurate, almost 28 percent more kids will be reached this year than last through the Colorado PGA Golf in Schools Program, with the total for 2016 expected to be 10,101. Even with some spring events canceled due to the weather, there were more than 80 junior tournaments that the JGAC oversaw in 2016, highlighted by the four major championships for both boys and girls. For more information on the Junior Golf Alliance of Colorado, CLICK HERE
JGAC Hands Out 2016 Awards
Below are the 2016 honorees that were among those recognized at the JGAC awards banquet at Cherry Hills on Oct. 9: JGAC Players of the Year Mary Weinstein Mary Weinstein of Highlands Ranch-JGAC Girls Player of the Year: Weinstein, who now plays at Regis University, won two of the four girls titles in the JGAC majors as well as the 5A girls state high school championship. Nationally/internationally, the Hale Irwin Elite Player finished fifth in the Optimist International Junior and 15th in the Junior PGA Championship. At Regis, Weinstein has posted top-five individual finishes in each of her first four college events, including a win at the Western New Mexico Fall Intercollegiate. Weinstein essentially wins this girls POY award for the second straight season as she was the CWGA Junior Player of the Year in 2015.
November Issue
Junior Golf News
AJ Ott AJ Ott of Fort Collins-JGAC Boys Player of the Year: Ott, now a freshman on the Colorado State University golf team, won the Colorado Junior PGA Championship by seven strokes, finished second in the AJGA Hale Irwin Colorado Junior and the national PGA Junior Series event at the Air Force Academy, and made it to the semifinals of the Colorado Junior Match Play.
Most Improved Players Kelsey Webster Arik Roberts Points Chase Champions Andre Dumonteil - JGAC 10 & Under Boys Champion Hadley Ashton - JGAC 10 & Under Girls Champion Jordan Jennings - JGAC 11-13 Boys Champion Katelyn Lehigh - JGAC 11-13 Girls Champion Jack Pevny - JGAC 14-18 Boys Champion Emma Bryant - JGAC 14-18 Girls Champion AJ Ott - JGAC Tour Boys Champion Caroline Jordaan - JGAC Tour Girls Champion Junior All-Starts Hadley Ashton-JGAC 10 & Under Girls All-Star Ashleigh Wilson-JGAC 10 & Under Girls All-Star Caitlyn Chin-JGAC 10 & Under Girls All-Star Hillary Nelson-JGAC 10 & Under Girls All-Star Brooke Hudson-JGAC 10 & Under Girls All-Star Andre Dumonteil-JGAC 10 & Under Boys All-Star Matai Naqica-JGAC 10 & Under Boys All-Star Tyler Long-JGAC 10 & Under Boys All-Star Frank Lockwood-JGAC 10 & Under Boys All-Star Landon Houska-JGAC 10 & Under Boys All-Star Jordan Jennings-JGAC 11-13 Boys All-Star Jeffrey Zhou-JGAC 11-13 Boys All-Star Ryan Sangchompuphen-JGAC 11-13 Boys All-Star Traejan Andrews-JGAC 11-13 Boys All-Star TJ Hicks-JGAC 11-13 Boys All-Star
Junior All-Starts Katelyn Lehigh-JGAC 11-13 Girls All-Star Sofia Choi-JGAC 11-13 Girls All-Star Anju Ogi-JGAC 11-13 Girls All-Star Merielle Gojo-JGAC 11-13 Girls All-Star Alyssa Chin-JGAC 11-13 Girls All-Star Jack Pevny-JGAC 14-18 Boys All-Star Beam Boonta-JGAC 14-18 Boys All-Star Colter Zwieg-JGAC 14-18 Boys All-Star Connor Jones-JGAC 14-18 Boys All-Star Travis Menke, Jr.-JGAC 14-18 Boys All-Star Emma Bryant-JGAC 14-18 Girls All-Star Jessica Zapf-JGAC 14-18 Girls All-Star Aili Bundy-JGAC 14-18 Girls All-Star Natasha Brandy McClain-JGAC 14-18 Girls All-Star Katherine Malcolm-JGAC 14-18 Girls All-Star AJ Ott-JGAC Tour Boys All-Star Trevor Olkowski-JGAC Tour Boys All-Star Davis Bryant-JGAC Tour Boys All-Star Griffin Barela-JGAC Tour Boys All-Star Jackson Solem-JGAC Tour Boys All-Star Caroline Jordaan-JGAC Tour Girls All-Star Mary Weinstein-JGAC Tour Girls All-Star Lauren Lehigh-JGAC Tour Girls All-Star Hailey Schalk-JGAC Tour Girls All-Star Charlotte Hillary-JGAC Tour Girls All-Star
www.coloradopga.com
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Colorado PGA Pro Peaks Digital Magazine
Member Update
Route 411
An update on our Colorado PGA Members
Happy Birthday! November 1 Guy E. Patterson, PGA Michael J. Congdon, PGA November 2 Ron Vlosich, PGA Ken Sanchez, PGA November 3 Joe Glasser, PGA Josh W. Troyer, PGA November 4 Johnny R. Goodman, PGA Stephen M. VanDyke, PGA Bruce A Johnston, PGA November 5 Stacy R. Amann, PGA November 6 Alice M. Plain, PGA Robbins H Manley, PGA PJ Irwin, PGA Joseph P. Carlton, PGA James W. MacDougall II, PGA Thomas E Young November 7 Ed J. Kujalowicz, PGA John T. Hamer, PGA November 9 Bill Hancock, PGA David R. Duval, PGA Trent Wearner, PGA Ryan C. Williams, PGA November 10 Mark E. Sutherland, PGA Christopher J. Carroll Kimmy Bean, PGA
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November 11 Anthony J Principato, PGA Walter R Schlomer Jacob K. Anderson, PGA November 12 Winston A. Howe III, PGA Ken Limes, PGA Todd B. Laxson, PGA Luke O. Skattum, PGA November 14 Tommy S. Wiles November 15 David Dame, PGA Brett Winder Kevin E. Cohrs, PGA November 16 Lew Lepore, PGA November 18 Michael D Mendelson, PGA Chris G. Bowry, PGA November 19 Samuel H. Chapman, PGA Wilbur A. Derby, PGA Charles J. Perry, PGA Nathan H. Mead, PGA November 20 David R. DiMartino, PGA Christopher J Wilson November 21 Kenneth M. Kettler, PGA November 22 Gregory D. Gortsema, PGA Paul D. Ransom, PGA
November 23 Randal L. Bregar, PGA November 24 John P. Hanrahan, PGA Erin M. Hinderliter, PGA Douglas W. Poland, PGA November 25 Thomas R Gibbs, PGA Ian D. Bruce, PGA Richard J. Urso, PGA November 26 Kury E. Reynolds, PGA Mike G. Swan, PGA Daniel Reabe, PGA Tyler A. Finn, PGA November 27 Kevin S. Bolles, PGA Rudolph T. Zupetz, PGA Robert L. Quaratino Jr., PGA Will Panella, PGA Mark N. Bacheldor, PGA Austin T Logan November 29 Mark C. Miller, PGA Jeffrey C. Mayhall, PGA
Nominate a Deserving West Chapter Professional Today!
November Issue
West Chapter News
T
he time has come to nominate the Best of the West for the 2017 West Chapter Special Awards. The deadline to nominate Member and/or Apprentices is set for Friday, December 16, 2016. To access the nomination form, click the form to the right.
New Members Luke O. Skattum, PGA | B-8 | Buffalo Run Golf Course
New Apprentices Jonathan D Atencio | B-8 | Cattails Golf Club Alexander P Calleja | B-8 | Country Club of Colorado
Transfers Out of the Colorado PGA Dale R Abraham, PGA | A-14 | currently at Bighorn Golf Club Benjamin R. Halter, PGA | A-8 | currently at Teravista Golf Club Seth D Zacks | B-8 | currently at The Polo Club of Boca Raton Brian J. Zeigler, PGA | A-8 | currently at the Old Marsh Golf Club
www.coloradopga.com
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Colorado PGA Pro Peaks Digital Magazine
Tournament News
Grady Posts Strong Finish at PGA Assistant Championship P
at Grady, the University of Colorado Men’s Golf Team Assistant Coach wrapped up a strong performance at the National Car Rental Assistant Professional Championship this past week in Port St. Lucie, FL. The Colorado PGA Apprentice Player of the Year and winner of the National Car Rental Colorado PGA Assistant Professional Championship finished the week at even-par 288 and in eleventh place. Grady started the event strong by firing rounds of 70-71 to sit at three-under-par through tournament. “I played pretty well for my current game”, Grady noted.
Tough conditions during the event got the best of Grady over the final 36 holes of the tournament though. “Conditions all week were very difficult because of the wind,” he noted. “I hung in there nicely for the most part but my putter went ice cold for the last 45 holes. I supposed it comes down to practice and preparation.”
Pat Grady, Assistant Men’s Golf Coach for the University of Colorado Men’s Golf team recently wrapped up an 11th place finish at the National Car Rental Assistant Professional Championship in Port St. Lucie, FL.
While Grady has been around the block, whether as a junior, collegiate athlete or as a mini-tour professional, but didn’t know what to expect in his first PGA of America National Championship. “This tournament was absolutely first class,” noted Grady after returning to Colorado. “It felt like a Web.com Tour event or an NCAA Championship. Every detail was meticulously planned; course setup, pace of play, player hospitality, practice
Also representing the Colorado PGA but failing to make the cut was Somin Lee, Brian Zeigler and Remington Post. The event was won by Ben Polland, PGA Assistant Professional at Deepdale Golf Club in Manhasset, N.Y., who finished at seven-under-par 281.
Eight Set to Compete in Senior Professional Championship E
ight Colorado PGA Professionals will compete in the 2016 Senior PGA Professional Championship November 17-20, 2016 at PGA Golf Club in Port St. Lucie, FL. Among those entered are defending champion of the Colorado Senior PGA Professional Championship and Senior Player of the Year Mike Northern, a PGA Life Member from Colorado Springs. Also competing is 2015 Colorado PGA Senior Player of the Year Dale Smigelsky, PGA Director of Golf at Collindale Golf Course who got in as an alternate.
The eight players from Colorado are just a small part of the 312-player field that will compete in the event. The top-35 finishes from the Senior Professional Championship will qualify for the 2017 Senior PGA Championship to be held May 25-28, 2017, at Trump
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rounds, sponsorship. It was a wonderful experience and felt like a real championship.”
National Golf Club, Washington, D.C., in Potomac Falls, Va. The field representing the Colorado PGA is as follows: Steve Crane, PGA Jeff Hanson, PGA Don Hurter, PGA Paul Lobato, PGA Mike Northern, PGA Vance Pollock, PGA Dale Smigelsky, PGA Mike Zaremba, PGA
November Issue
Tournament News
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Colorado PGA Pro Peaks Digital Magazine
@The Buzz
A monthly recap of the Colorado PGA Check out the video recap from the first round of the @ColoradoPGA Professional Championship at @CherryCreek_CC! Continued thanks to @SCGGolf for their support of the @ ColoradoPGA and our member Professionals! #crystal #trophy Great to see our Colorado PGA Professionals succeeding! Be sure to check Trent out tomorrow morning!
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By The Numbers Colorado PGA Facebook Fans | 859 Twitter Followers | 736 Junior Golf Alliance of Colorado Facebook Fans | 365 Twitter Followers | 158
Talking junior golf today at the West Chapter Fall Membership meeting. Good stuff at a great club! #golf #juniorgolf
Colorado PGA
The trophy is back where it belongs! We won the 2016 Taylor Cup!!!
November Issue
A Twitter and Facebook World
Colorado PGA
The JGAC had a phenomenal first year! Check out how the Colorado PGA is impacting lives through golf.
Colorado PGA
Interesting news from the PGA Tour today. Sounds like they’re finally taking our recommendation on using the format from our Myran Craig Pro-Pro Championship!
Colorado PGA Good morning! Welcome to the final round of the 2016 Colorado PGA Professional Championship presented by ClubCar, Mercedes-Benz and OMEGA hosted here at Cherry Creek Country
Colorado PGA
Story of the day.... “I’m an Army Chaplain. I suffer from PTSD. I sustained a TBI. I’m getting divorced and I’m estranged from my family. I was in a car wreck this week. I’m here today on the course in the wind and cold because this is where I find my peace. Golf is keeping me alive. PGA HOPE is keeping me alive.”
www.coloradopga.com
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Colorado PGA Pro Peaks Digital Magazine
Presidents Club | $20,000 and above C&M Golf and Grounds Equipment Jeff Mathis Brett Walton
Colorado Chevy Dealers
National Car Rental
PGA Tour
Platinum | $10,000 OMEGA
Platinum | $7,500 Colorado AvidGolfer Allen Walters
Gold | $5,000
Denver Golf Expo Mark Cramer
KBS Shafts
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Colorado Golf and Turf Tom Bauerle
Imperial Headwear Jamie Zabolio
Fairway Promotions James Schlatter, Nick Porter
Infinium Spirits Mike Horan
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
November Issue
Silver | $2,500
TaylorMade Golf Shaun Haberstroh
Bronze | $1,000
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