The SUMMIT - Colorado PGA Magazine - June 2019 by Colorado PGA

The

SUMMIT

The SUMMIT is the official digital magazine of the Colorado PGA - June 2019

Simulators Open New Doors for Colorado Golf Facilities

What’s Inside Can’t Miss Women’s Leadership Summit Coming Scholarship Recipients Announced Adult Operation36 Program a Success Stewart, Lehigh Claim Colorado Junior PGA Championship

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

Colorado PGA Officers

West Chapter Officers

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

Brett Gagnon, PGA Vice-President | 2019-2020 Red Sky Golf Club

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

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

Board of Directors

Andy Benson, PGA | 2017-2019 Highlands Ranch Golf Club

Dr. Stephen Davis Cheyenne Mountain Dental Group

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

Brad Dombaugh CEO - PSA Worldwide Corp. Maj. Gen. Barb Faulkenberry Callon Petroleum Company and USA Truck

Luke Brosterhous Secretary | 2017-2019 Catamount Ranch and Club Ed Marzec, PGA Honorary President | 2019-2020 Red Sky Golf Club

West Chapter Board of Directors

Walter Glover EVP/COO - United States Olympic Endowment Theo Gregory Senior Vice President - El Pomar Foundation Tom Gunnerson Vice President of Investments, Wells Fargo Advisors

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

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

Bob Doyle, PGA Past District 9 Director Life Member

Jacques Deyoe, PGA | 2017-2019 Maroon Creek Club

Dominic Karaba President - Specialty Lending and Business Banking - UMB

Alice Plain, PGA | 2018 - 2020 Vail Golf Club

Bill Keller Lieutenant Colonel USAF, Retired

Kenny Thayer, PGA | 2019-2021 Beavercreek Golf Club

Bob Lally Navy Captain, Retired

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

George Lee VP - Ameriprise Financial Services

Colorado PGA REACH Trustees

Adam McDiarmid Regional Manager - Business Banking - UMB

Josh Miller, PGA | 2019-2021 GOLFTEC

John Andrew Brigadier General USAF - Retired

Scott McGraw VP of Employee Benefits Cherry Creek Insurance Group

Dennis Murray, PGA | 2018-2020 Valley Country Club

Dan Bennett Investor/Partner, Southwest Greens Management

Honorable Sue Payton President - SCI Aerospace Inc.

Kyle Heyen, PGA Past District 9 Director Hiwan Golf Club Charles ‘Vic’ Kline, PGA Past District 9 Director Ed Marzec, PGA | 2019-2021 PGA Member Jim Miller, PGA | 2018-2020 Sonnenalp Golf Club

Mike O’Donnell, PGA | 2018-2020 Fort Carson Bobby Quaratino, PGA | 2017-2019 West Woods Golf Course Chris Swinhart, PGA | 2017-2019 Thorncreek Golf Course Dave Troyer, PGA | 2019-2021 CommonGround Golf Course

Independent Directors Theo Gregory Spencer Zinn

Spencer Zinn Chairman

LTG Ed Soriano, US Army (Ret) Director, Bus. Dev. Global Land Forces - Northrop Grumman Corporation

John Bond VP Sales & Marketing, Golf Division of Garb Anne Broholm CEO | AHEAD Tom Bauerle Owner - Colorado Golf and Turf Dr. Phil Brown President/Founder, Six Points Consulting

Mike Talaga Credit Analyst Janus Henderson Investors

Staff

Executive Director/CEO Eddie Ainsworth, PGA eainsworth@pgahq.com P (303) 996-1593 C (719) 761-6125 Assistant Executive Director Patrick Salva psalva@pgahq.com P (303) 996-1597 C (303) 246-1007 Tournament Director Justin Limon, PGA jlimon@pgahq.com P (303) 996-1588 C (720) 390-1160 Player Development Director Holly Champion, PGA hchampion@pgahq.com P (303) 996-1591 C (217) 232-1790 Junior Golf Manager Scott Minta sminta@pgahq.com P (303) 996-1590 C (630) 532-3230 Finance Specialist Annie O’Donnell adonnell@pgahq.com P (303) 996-1595 Marketing and Communications Coordinator Judy Malone jmalone@pgahq.com P (303) 996-1594

Field Staff

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

Bill Vogeney Chief Revenue Officer Ent Credit Union

Colorado PGA

6630 Bear Dance Drive | Larkspur, CO 80118 P | (303) 681-0742 www.coloradopga.com The SUMMIT is distributed free to members and affiliates of the Colorado PGA eleven times per year. The articles and other information contained within this publication are informational and do not necessarily represent the view or opinions of the Colorado PGA. The Colorado PGA assumes no responsibility or liability for claims made for or by any product in this publication whether reported or advertised. Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission of the Colorado PGA is prohibited.

The SUMMIT

What’s Inside

President’s Report 4 We Have Unique Opportunities As PGA Professionals District Director Report/PGA of America News 5 Championship Recaps, CEO Update and More Executive Director’s Report 6 Playing and Teaching - It’s in our DNA Colorado PGA News 8 Salva Promoted to Chief Operating Officer 9 CPGA Summer Interns Bring With Them Personality and Dedication Colorado PGA REACH Foundation News 10 Schomp BMW Cup Raises Nearly $50,000 for CPGA REACH 11 Two Welcomed as Newest Colorado PGA REACH Trustees 12 Scholarship Winners Announced 16 Women’s Leadership Summit Career Development 19 Inquiries, Inefficiency and Inaction Membership News 20 Memberhip Report & Quarter Century Feature Special Feature News 24 Colorado Facilities Add Indoor Simulators to Evolve with Ever-Changing Landscape of Golf Industry - Graham Cliff, Jim Hajek, Kevin Vena, Bobby Quaratino 29 Ferguson and ExperienceGolf Implement Operation 36 Tournament News 30 Women’s Colorado PGA Championship Recap 31 Section Championship Registration Junior Golf News 34 PGA Junior League Update 35 Colorado Junior PGA Championship Recap

June 2019

Presidentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Message

We Have Unique Opportunities As PGA Professionals A

s we all enter the heart of the summer season, it can be important to remember the unique opportunities we have as PGA Golf Professionals. Our ability to connect with people through the game of golf and specifically, through time spent on the lesson tee or golf course can be priceless. By connecting with current members and customers while continuing to grow the game through new relationships, you have the ability to drive revenue to the bottom line, not just for yourself but for the viability of your facility. While a large part of your success as a teacher or coach comes with education and experience, it is your personality and ability to connect with people that builds trust and loyalty. The game of golf continues to evolve with technology and the ways that our customers engage with the game, their equipment and your facility. While our industry may be ever evolving, it is our privilege to hold the human interaction and passion for the game as our specialty. In this monthâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s issue, you will hear from some of your fellow professionals about the ways that they are evolving with the industry and finding new opportunities to connect with people and not just drive revenue but to create new customer experiences and relationships. As always I encourage us all to continue to grow as individual professionals but work together to further the game and our industry in the great Colorado PGA Section. Ben Welsh, PGA President Colorado PGA Head Professional Frost Creek bwelsh@pga.com P | (970) 328-2326 C | (970) 688-0115

I wish you continued success this summer and may your tee sheets and lesson books remain full! All the Best,

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

The SUMMIT

PGA of America News

PGA of America Update Championship Recaps, CEO Update and More It has been a crazy nine-week stretch for our Kerry Haigh and our Championships Department. They have conducted probably our four largest Championships over that stretch, with each of them being a huge success. I’ll recap each of these championships individually. Alex Beach Wins the PGA Professional Championship Alex Beach from the Metropolitan Section won the 52nd PGA Professional Championship at Belfair Country Club in Bluffton, S.C. Beach, an Assistant Professional at Westchester Country Club, won by two shots over a fellow Met Section player, Danny Balin, to become only the second left hander to win this championship (Rod Perry was the first). The host club and its members received many compliments on the golf course and on the hospitality shown the players during the event. Brooks Koepka Goes Back to Back at Bethpage I was lucky enough to attend the PGA Championship at Bethpage, and I must say the golf course and facilities are amazing. Bethpage proved to be a great test for all players and in the end, it even gave Brooks Koepka some trouble (eventually!!). I followed Koepka the first few days, and to me, it was as if there was a large gap between him and the other players. I know there was on the scoreboard, but in quality of play, it just seemed so much easier for Brooks. The golf course was in phenomenal shape and any concern about playing a course that far north in the month of May, well, it turns out springtime on Long Island is a great time to have a tournament! The entire week was amazing from the Champions dinner on Tuesday night, to the announcing assignments and the trophy presentation to the Champions toast. Congratulations to the 20 PGA Professionals who qualified for the event and particularly to the three who made the cut – Rob Labritz from N.Y. (low club professional), Ryan Vermeer from Neb., and Marty Jertson from Ariz. This was the most club professionals to make the cut in many years. All in all, our PGA brand was shining brightly the entire week on Long Island! Ken Tanigawa Wins the PGA Senior Championship Ken Tanigawa won his first senior major championship by capturing the PGA Senior Championship at historic Oak Hill in Rochester, New York. Tanigawa came from threeshots down to defeat Scott McCarron and defending champion Paul Broadhurst. Mark Brown of Oyster Bay, N.Y., and Bob Sowards from Dublin, Ohio, tied for low-club professional honors. KPMG Women’s PGA Championship Goes to Hazeltine The Women’s PGA Championship was played at Hazeltine National the June 20-23. I spent a couple of days watching the first two rounds and the golf course was amazing, as was the play! The event is still being contested as I am writing this, but it looks like it was an exciting finish, no matter who came out on top. Again, the PGA Brand was shining at Hazeltine. The players raved about the golf course and the exceptional treatment they received by the PGA of America. Congratulations to the five PGA members who played in the event – Joanna Coe, Dr. Alison Curdt, Ashley Grier, Brittany Kelly and Seul-ki Park.

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

continued on page 10

June 2019

Executive Director’s Message

Playing and Teaching - It’s in Our DNA We all started out playing this game before we decided to make our living in the golf business.

aking a Golf Lesson from a good instructor is like going to a good doctor. They can quickly analyze the symptoms and prescribe the right remedy to correct the poor health of your golf swing. I thoroughly am envious of our best instructors, and I so enjoy watching them give a golf lesson. You all have experienced this before. To see someone struggling with their game when they arrive for their lesson, their entire body language shows how frustrated and discouraged they are. Then to see our PGA Professionals go to work analyzing the symptoms, prescribing the right remedy and applying their wisdom and knowledge – it’s quite amazing. The person’s entire body language changes! It’s pure joy for me to witness this and it never gets old. I have such great respect for the time and dedication it takes to become a really good instructor, and I am so thankful that we have some of the best of the best right here in the Colorado Section. I hope you enjoy this issue of The SUMMIT as several of your fellow PGA Professionals share their insight on Instruction.

Eddie Ainsworth, PGA CEO/Executive Director Colorado PGA eainsworth@pgahq.com

Now, let’s talk a little about playing. As we are right in the middle of the busiest time of our golf season, I want to encourage you to make the time to play. I know. You’re busy. You’re swamped. The season got off to a slow start. I don’t have time to play. Yes, I’m talking about playing Golf, but I’m also talking about playing with your family and friends, and it doesn’t have to be playing golf. Just play! Of course, you need to play golf. As PGA Professionals, how can we market to the consumer the benefits and enjoyment of playing golf when we don’t play the game that much ourselves. Find the right reasons to play, and enjoy your time out on

the golf course. I loved the comment one of our PGA Associates made during our Colorado PGA Women’s Championship recently. She stated that she was so nervous, but really enjoyed meeting her fellow women PGA Professionals and building her network. Now that’s playing with a purpose. But we also need to just play at whatever else brings us enjoyment, relaxation and fulfilment in our lives. Be certain that on a regular basis you make time to spend time with your family and friends. For those of you with children, they truly do grow up fast. It seems like yesterday when our daughter was just starting high school, and now she’s graduated from college and starting her career. Make the time to play with those special people in your life. You’ll be glad you did, and your performance at work will be the better for it as well. Playing and Teaching. It’s in our DNA as PGA Professionals. And if you’re not playing well, do what I do. Go see your local PGA Professional for a Golf Lesson. You’ll be glad you did. Have a great summer. And please always remember to call on any of your Colorado PGA Section Team if we can assist in any way. Thank You for the opportunity to serve. All the Best. Very Respectfully,

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

The SUMMIT

June 2019

Colorado PGA News

Salva Promoted to Chief Operating Officer T

he Colorado Section of the PGA of America is proud to announce that they have promoted Patrick Salva to Chief Operating Officer/Assistant Executive Director.

In his new role as Chief Operating Officer, Salva will be responsible for overseeing the Sections Business Operations, to include Membership, Tournament, Player Development, Junior Golf, Foundation, Marketing and Communication, and Technology. He is charged with enhancing member driven programs across the board which will support our PGA Professionals and the Strategic Plan of the Colorado PGA. This includes identifying and executing against new growth areas across the Section, such as the development of best practices; guiding the development of new initiatives and services; enhancing a purpose-driven and values-based culture; and supporting the learning and development of the membership and staff. “The Colorado Section is proud to promote Patrick into this new position. He has been a part of everything positive the Section has produced over the past decade,” said Colorado PGA Section CEO Eddie Ainsworth. “It has been a joy to watch Patrick develop and grow over the years and I’m excited to see him excel in this new position for the benefit of

continued from page 5 It has been a remarkable stretch for our Championships department. Kerry Haigh and his team are second to none when it comes to putting on a championship, but they have out done themselves this spring. We should all feel truly proud of them and the way they present our PGA Brand.

our Colorado PGA Professionals and the ultimately, the Colorado golf industry.

After completing his undergraduate degree in Sports Sciences at the Ohio University in 2007, Salva started his career with the Colorado PGA in the Spring of 2008 as Tournament Manager, moving through the ranks as Tournament Director, Marketing and Communications Director, Assistant Executive Director of Section Programs, and now, COO. He recently graduated with a Masters in Sports Administration from top-ranked Ohio University. He resides in Centennial, CO with his wife Sarah and 9-month-old daughter Kemper.

individual Members of the PGA. Hopefully, we’ll have some great news to report in these areas soon! I hope everyone is experiencing a busy spring and early summer at your facility. If you have any questions for me of if you have input on how the PGA Board of Directors can better serve the member, please don’t hesitate to contact me.

Seth Waugh

At your service,

I just want to say a few words in closing about our CEO Seth Waugh. Seth continues to work hard for our members on many fronts, and hopefully, we will see some direct benefits for PGA members coming from his efforts. He and the team at headquarters continue to work on the new headquarters deal in Frisco and the eventual transition of staffing that office, while keeping a presence in South Florida. Seth continues to work to try and create a possible direct benefit for our members in the area of deferred compensation as well as health care and is very encouraged by the progress in those areas. It’s encouraging to know that the CEO of our association is putting major time and focus on the

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

The SUMMIT

Colorado PGA News

CPGA Summer Interns Bring With Them Personality and Dedication H

istorically, the Colorado PGA has ‘won the lottery’ when it comes to hiring summer interns to help deliver programs around the Section. And, this year is no exception to this rule!

Hiring and managing the interns falls within the purview of Holly Champion, PGA, Player Development Director. “This year’s interns are brimming with enthusiasm, work ethic and personality,” says Champion. “When we hire, we account for the fact that we can teach the golf skills needed for the positions, but what we are not able to affect are character, temperament or social interaction. Our 2019 interns came with it all – an in-depth knowledge of the game of golf, they are trust-worthy and engaged and bring with them dedication and motivation. We are lucky to have them.” The 2019 Colorado PGA interns are Tristan Hyde and Kelsey Webster. They will work with the staffs of the Colorado Section and the Junior Golf Alliance of Colorado to deliver programs throughout June, July and August in the areas of Drive, Chip & Putt, junior events and tournament and Section activities. Hyde and Webster join nine-month intern Chase Kerlek in assisting in the delivery of the events of the Colorado Section. Tristan Hyde, originally from Tampa, Fla., is a recent graduate of Florida State University with bachelor’s degrees in Marketing and Finance. As a Junior Golf Operations Intern, Hyde assists and helps manage all aspects of the junior tournament program. Hyde was introduced to golf by his father at a young age. After pursuing football throughout his teenage years, he rekindled his love for golf in college and continues to work on his game when possible. Sports have always played a pivotal role in Hyde’s life and he is hoping to be able to help instill this passion in children, and adults alike, through his career. Hyde believes that sports teach lifelong lessons and are an essential aspect in the development of younger generations. The values of family, teamwork and work ethic are things Hyde holds in high regard. In his free time, Hyde loves being outdoors and is an amateur restaurant critic. Kelsey Webster, born and raised in Boulder, Colo., grew up playing golf as a member of the Junior Golf Alliance of Colorado. She just finished her first year at the University of Colorado where she is a member of the golf team. Kelsey is excited to return to JGAC as a Golf Operations Intern in the Colorado Section of the PGA, looking to give back to the junior golf program that gave her so many opportunities. Kelsey’s passion for the game of golf extends all the way back to when she was little, and she is enthusiastic to continue to be involved with the game that has positively impacted her life and to share it with others.

June 2019

Colorado PGA REACH Foundation News

Schomp BMW Cup Raises Nearly $50,000 for Colorado PGA REACH Foundation Even though the two-day event was riddled by rain showers, it didn’t diminish the enthusiasm of the golfers as they teed off at the Schomp BMW Cup presented by Colorado AvidGolfer at Ravenna Golf Club on June 3-4, 2019. The benefitting charity, Colorado PGA REACH Foundation, was honored to have been supported by the event where nearly $50,000 was raised to further its goals of impacting the lives of others through the game of golf. “The donations to the Foundation from this event are always exceptional,” says Eddie Ainsworth, PGA, Colorado Section Executive Director/CEO. “We are delighted by the outpouring of support we received from contributors who helped us raise funding to support our mission.” Participants were extremely generous during the auctions, both live and silent. Always a fast-paced event, the paddle-raise challenge to win Dinner for 10

at Shanahan’s again showed great action. Twenty-six unique bidders raised their paddles in quick succession donating $100 each time to vie for this elusive prize. Part way through the bidding, Marc Steron, Shanahan’s co-owner, raised the stakes by including a VIP Patio Experience to the package that included cognac and cigars around the firepit to encourage continued action. “The Colorado PGA REACH Foundation has partnered with Colorado AvidGolfer Magazine at this event for a number of years,” comments Ainsworth. “We are honored to be a part of this great affair and to be able to share the excitement of the Foundation to this influential group of golfers. They have been and continue to be very generous to the objectives and goals of the Foundation.”

The SUMMIT

Colorado PGA REACH Foundation News

Faulkenberry and Gunnersen Welcomed as Newest Colorado PGA REACH Trustees

The Colorado PGA REACH Foundation continues its pursuit to recruit the best and the brightest as Trustees. Two additional Trustees have joined the ranks: Barbara Faulkenberry and Tom Gunnersen. Both individuals bring with them a wealth of knowledge and experience, along with a love for golf. The Board, which is made up of diverse business professionals, provides the leadership to carry out the Foundation’s mission of furthering the scope of the game of golf. Upon her retirement from the U.S. Air Force in October of 2014, Faulkenberry has served as an independent consultant with Callon Petroleum Company and USA Truck, Inc., as well as an advisor at MAG Aerospace Corporation. “I believe in the power of sports to change lives. In my own life, sports have been instrumental in enriching social connections, providing valuable life lessons and creating strong personal and mental health,” comments Faulkenberry. “Golf has the potential to do all this. PGA REACH focuses on improving access and availability to golf for women, youth and the military three communities to which I’m committed. I’m excited to add my efforts to this group!” Major General Faulkenberry was the Vice Commander, 18th Air Force, Scott Air Force Base, Illinois. responsible for the command’s worldwide mission of providing rapid global mobility for America’s armed forces through airlift, aerial refueling, aeromedical evacuation and the enroute/ contingency logistics support. The command includes 37,000 active-duty airmen and civilians and 1,100 aircraft, including subordinate organizations of the 618th Air and Space Operations Center, 11 wings and two stand-alone groups.

June 2019

Faulkenberry entered the Air Force in 1982 as a graduate of the U.S. Air Force Academy. She was the 1991 Air Force Female Athlete of the Year and is a 12-time Military Racquetball champion. She holds multiple Master’s Degrees in National Security Policy Studies, Airpower Arts & Sciences and Business Administration and Management, to name a few. For over two decades Gunnersen has helped his clients address their financial concerns and develop strategies by focusing on their individual specific needs. With extensive experience throughout major shifts in the markets, he has dedicated his career to delivering personalized investment planning services. He provides comprehensive investment planning and specializes in the financial needs of the individual investor and the small business owner. “I am so very proud to be a part of this great organization,” says Gunnersen. “I see this as an opportunity to give back to a community that has given so much to me. I look forward to the journey we will share together.” Gunnersen began his career as a financial advisor with Edward Jones before being recruited by UMS Financial Services. He is currently Vice President of Investments with Wells Fargo Advisors. Gunnersen earned his degree in Economics at the University of Buffalo. In his free time, he and his wife spend time with their two children where they enjoy spending time in the mountains, skiing, golfing and fly fishing.

Colorado PGA REACH Foundation News

Meet Our 2019 PGA of America and Colorado PGA Scholarship Winners

Expanded Colorado PGA REACH College Scholarship Program Increases Support for PGA Professionals and Their Families It’s another big year for PGA Scholarship recipients PGA of America John Cox in the Centennial State. Colorado PGA Professionals’ family members have been awarded 10 National Scholarship & Colorado Scholarships and 21 Colorado Section Scholarships. A Colorado applicant was even the recipient of one of PGA REACH Foundation the coveted $5,000 John Cox Scholarships. Scholarship The Colorado Section and the PGA of America continue their charitable commitment to higher education by providing scholarships to golfers and non-golfers alike. Over the last 11 years, recipients from Colorado have been awarded more than $324,000 in funding to assist them with their higher education aspirations – more than $192,000 from the Section and $132,000 from the PGA of America.

In 2019, the Colorado Section modified its scholarship policy to better support Colorado PGA Professionals and Members. The Colorado Section no longer limits its students who qualify for a National PGA Scholarship from being considered for a Section Scholarship. Thus, all children of Colorado PGA Members who met the qualifications to be considered for a PGA of America Scholarship, whether they received PGA of America funding or not, were eligible to be considered for financial aid from the Colorado Section. Twenty-one Colorado students will be receiving $1,000 scholarships for the 2019-2020 academic year from the Colorado PGA REACH Foundation. Meet the recipients this year’s Section Scholarships:

Tessa Kauffman Daughter of Martin Kauffman, PGA Attending Metropolitan State University

The SUMMIT

Colorado PGA REACH Foundation News

PGA of America Scholarship & Colorado PGA REACH Foundation Scholarships

Gabrielle Cook Daughter of Douglas Cook, PGA Attending Hamline University

Anne Kristopeit Daughter of Ben Kristopeit, PGA Attending Univ. of N. Colorado

Jessika Linnemeyer Daughter of Joe Linnemeyer, PGA Attending Rollins College

Parker McNitt Grandson of Clayton Cole, PGA

Megan Miller Daughter of Mark Miller, PGA

David Ruddy Son of Patrick Ruddy, PGA Attending UCCS

TJ Shehee Son of Terra and Tray Shehee, PGA Attending Univ. of N. Colorado

Sydney Small Granddaughter of Ed Oldham, PGA Attending Univ. of N. Colorado

Natalie Young Daughter of Jason Young, PGA

June 2019

Colorado PGA REACH Foundation News

Colorado PGA REACH Foundation Scholarships

Taylor Ausec Son of Timothy Ausec, PGA Attending CSU

Shannon Hancock Daughter of William Hancock, PGA

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

Patrick Kramer Son of Michael Kramer, PGA

Edward (Fisher) Matthews Son of Scott Matthews, PGA Attending University of Michigan

Jenna Miller Daughter of James Miller, PGA Attending Point Loma Nazarene University

Emily Nielsen Daughter of Mitchell Nielsen, PGA Attending CSU

Austin Northern Son of Michael Northern, PGA Attending CSU

Riley Rafferty Daughter of Jeff Rafferty, PGA Attending University of Wyoming

The SUMMIT

Colorado PGA REACH Foundation News

Colorado PGA REACH Foundation Scholarships

Nicole Sarconi Daughter of Joseph Sarconi, PGA Attending CSU

Dillon Stewart Son of Scott Stewart, PGA Attending Oklahoma State University

GOLF BECAUSE

A GAME REQUIRING PATIENCE CLEARLY WASNâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;T DESIGNED FOR MEN

June 2019

Colorado PGA REACH Foundation News

Inspiring Greatness ~ Generational Diversity Plus a Scholarship Opportunity 2nd Annual Colorado PGA REACH Women’s Leadership Summit Generational Diversity is definitely a hot topic for businesses today. Securing Keynote Speaker, Anna Liotta, to present at the Second Annual Women’s Leadership Summit on this topic – one that is near-and-dear to her, as well as being extremely relevant – is very exciting. Liotta is the bestselling author of Unlocking Generational Codes. Anna engages the hearts, minds and spirits of her audiences. while challenging them to answer the question, “What is worth giving my full being to?” Take a moment to watch a short video of Anna’s Generational Keynote. We are sure you will be propelled to join us for this day of enlightenment and education. Presented by the Colorado PGA REACH Foundation, the Summit is committed to the development, advancement and empowerment of women. It is with this goal in mind that we are again partnering with top women leaders to pay it forward to next-generation women leaders. This event is an investment in women by providing content, tools, mentoring and networking opportunities to support their career advancement. Scholarship Supporting this commitment, the Colorado PGA Reach Foundation is investing in a promising young woman and affords top female students in Colorado the opportunity to enhance their personal growth through a $2,500 College Scholarship and attendance to the Women’s Leadership Summit. To learn more about the scholarship, click here. The deadline to apply is Monday, July 8, 2019. Summit Logistics The Summit will be held on Monday, July 15, 2019, at The Country Club of the Rockies in Colorado Springs. Lunch begins at 11:00 a.m. with the Summit beginning at 12:30 p.m. An hour of social networking along with a golf clinic will follow the presentations at 3:30 p.m. Attire for the event is business casual with comfortable shoes. Registration The event is open to any and all females regardless of their connection to the game of golf. PGA Professionals and Associates are encouraged to attend to learn from successful leaders outside of the golf industry. Registration is $50, inclusive. To register for the Summit, click here. If you are interested in sponsoring a Table of 10 for $500, please contact Judy Malone at jmalone@pgahq.com or call 303-996-1594. To encourage young women to attend, registration is complimentary for high school and college students. Contact Judy for details.

Speakers An impressive slate of speakers, beyond Anna Liotta, has been assembled for this annual event. Sharing their expertise and tricks-of-the-trade are a panel of women who come from diverse backgrounds – law, advertising, political science, government relations, PGA Professional and member relationships. This panel will discuss the topic of Leading in a Diverse World. Keynote Speaker Anna Liotta is the best-selling author of Unlocking Generational CODES©, a renowned speaker and a recognized expert on Generational Diversity and Inclusion in Leadership, Sales and Customer Service. She has shared generational insights from the stage and in the workplace for 25+ years. As the CEO of Resultance,

The SUMMIT

Colorado PGA REACH Foundation News Inc., Anna has worked with hundreds of clients including Amazon, Microsoft, PGA, NBA, Merrill Lynch, Bloomberg News and Pike Place Fish to deliver presentations worldwide to thousands of delighted attendees. Her personal generational journey began early (at birth to be exact). As the youngest girl of 19 children, Anna grew up in a household of six generations. This immersion research started Anna’s lifelong passion to understand “What Makes Each Generation Tick and What Ticks Them OFF?” Facilitating the event is The Honorable Sue C. Payton, Former Assistant Secretary of the Air Force/Acquisition, Former Deputy Under Secretary of Defense/Acting Director Defense Research and Engineering, currently President of SCI Aerospace Inc. The Honorable Sue C. Payton – change agent, acquisition expert, innovative industry leader and public servant – has over 30 years of continued success working in senior industry and government positions with military services, defense agencies, coalition partners, Joint Chiefs of Staff, Office of the Secretary of Defense, Intelligence Community, Congress, universities and the media. Maria G. Arias is the Principal of Arias Solutions, a consulting firm specializing in diversity and inclusion and multicultural programs. Maria recently was the first Vice President of Diversity & Inclusion for Comcast Corporation where she led the company to national recognition as first among Fortune’s Best Companies for Diversity. Maria is bilingual (Spanish) and bicultural. She received her undergraduate degree in political science from DePaul University and a J.D. from Northwestern University School of Law.

community. Currently, she is Co-CEO of her father’s business, Karsh Hagan, having joined the organization in 2008 to provide leadership and experience to refresh the then 31-year old agency. She has worked with Blue Chip clients around the world, developing their brands and integrated marketing initiatives including the Denver International Airport, Colorado Tourism and University of Colorado Denver-BoulderColorado Springs, to name a few. Jennifer Cassell is a partner with the government relations firm Bowditch & Cassell Public Affairs where she advocates on behalf of economic development, insurance, education, local government and agriculture interests to the Colorado General Assembly. Jennifer co-founded BCPA after working as a lobbyist for Tomlinson & Associates, and as the legislative liaison for Governor Hickenlooper’s Office of Economic Development and International Trade. In addition, Jennifer is an adjunct faculty member at Colorado Mountain College. Susan Bond-Philo, PGA, is a 28-year Member of the PGA of America. Her professional experience includes 17 years as a Head Professional at Weekapaug Country Club in Westerly, R.I., as well as time as a Teaching Professional and an Independent Sales Representative. Since 2015, she has been serving as a PGA Member Relationship Manager for PGA Magazine where she directs the Women’s Leaders Platform. The platform follows the efforts of the PGA of America to make the game of golf more diverse and inclusive with a specific focus on the growth of female involvement and participation in the ranks of the PGA of America.

Encouraged by her father, Kathy Hagan Brown launched her first ad agency at the age of 26. Being an entrepreneur allowed her the freedom to raise her two daughters, work and donate time and energy to the

June 2019

The SUMMIT

Career Development

Inquiries, Inefficiency, & Inaction “If I had an hour to solve a problem and my life depended on the solution, I would spend the first 55 minutes determining the proper question to ask, for once I know the proper question, I could solve the problem in less than five minutes.” -Albert Einstein

ast month I wrote a message regarding how your mindset often determines the quality of your commitment to your actions. The choice you have is whether you regard the task in front of you as something you “Won’t Do,” “Got To” or “Get To” do. But I believe that I left out an important facet of the first option, “Won’t Do.” That variable is: “Won’t Do....Until I’m Ready,” which was perfectly described by Albert Einstein in the quote above. What causes people or organizations to act before they are ready? Do the circumstances in which they find themselves force them to abandon their mission, values and goals and simply react? Or, does the noise and chatter from the critics compel action without due diligence? I often hear the idioms “It can’t hurt” or “It’s worth a try” as justifications for doing something. But is the return on your investment of time, energy and resources worth it? Would the result be better if you did nothing at first (other than ask better questions)? And, organizationally speaking, what is the cultural impact on employees who are asked to do something that isn’t well thought out? To be clear, this option is not an excuse for inaction, but a prescription for the ailment of taking action to provide the appearance that you are doing something. When faced with the decision of whether to act now or later, I suggest asking yourself a simple set of questions. 1.

Does this course of action support my mission, values and goals (or those of the organization)? If not, it might just be a Shiny Object.

Do I really understand the issue, and if not, who can help me better understand?

What does success look like, and how will I measure it?

Once complete, you can determine your appropriate course of action, or inaction for that matter, while choosing if it is something you “Got to do” or “Get to do.” I would love to hear your ideas regarding more questions to consider. If you have one, please submit it here.

June 2019

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

Membership News

Membership News An update on our Colorado PGA Members By the Numbers Members - 744 | Associates - 112 Total - 856 Male Members - 705 | Female Members - 39 12th out of 41 Sections 116 – Management positions (MP, A-4, A-9, A-11, A-13) 314 – Club Professionals (A-1, A-2, A-7, A-8) 115 – Instructors (A-6, A-10, A-12, A-14) 21 – Expanded Career Paths (A-15 thru A-24) 123 – Life Members (LM, LMM, LMA, LMMA) 37 – Other Categories (A-3, A-5, HM, IN, F, RM) Generational Breakdown 1900-1926 - G.I.s 1 ( 0.1%) 1927-1945 - Traditionalists - 32 (4.3%) 1946-1964 - Baby Boomers - 246 (33.1%) 1965-1977 - Gen X - 206 (27.7%) 1978-1999 - Millennials - 259 (34.8%)

New Members

Class and Employment Changes

On the Move

The SUMMIT

Membership News

Welcome Wagon

New Associates

The Colorado PGA welcomes our newly registered associates. Associates in the PGA of America are responsible for upholding the mission of the PGA, to establish and elevate the standards of the profession and to grow interest and participation in the game of golf. Daniel L. Augustine | The Golf Club at Ravenna | B-8 Cornelius C. Christian | Black Bear Golf Club | B-8 Devon J. Pilkington | Todd Creek Golf Club | B-8 Jordan T. Shephard | Pinery Country Club | B-8 Phillip J. Spicer | Hollydot Golf Club | B-8

June 2019

Membership News

Quarter Century Club Celebrating 25 Years of Service as a PGA Member PGA Members who have served the PGA of America with honor and pride for 25 years are elected to the Quarter Century Club. Their steadfast promotion of our great sport is recognized with a letter from the PGA President, a special Quarter Century Club certificate and a gold Quarter Century Club lapel pin. This month, the Colorado Section is proud to feature three inductees into the Quarter Century Club. They are William (Bill) Martin, Managing Partner at GIMMIE Golf and Director of Golf at Patty Jewett Golf Course; Brad Tyson, former Assistant Professional at Valley CC; Jason Murphy, General Manager at Pinehurst Country Club. Learn a little more about these Professionals and help them celebrate this accomplishment.

William (Bill) Martin, PGA Managing Partner | GIMMIE Golf Director of Golf | Patty Jewett Golf Course

What hobbies do you have outside of golf?

Where did you grow up?

Outside of golf my main hobbies are biking, basketball officiating, skiing and hiking.

I grew up in Parsippany, New Jersey. What was your first introduction to the game of golf? My father introduced me to the game when I was about 10 years old. Why did you choose to become a PGA Golf Professional? I loved the game and business of golf and decided to make it a career when I was in my mid-twenties. What makes you most proud about being a PGA Professional? I take a great deal of pride in being a PGA Professional. I think the PGA is a tremendous organization that has done much to promote and enhance the game of golf. What golf facilities have you been employed at and in what capacity? I was an Assistant Professional at Patty Jewett Golf Course from 1988-1998. From there, I went to Cherokee Ridge Golf Course as the Head Professional from 1998-2000. Since 2001, I have been one of the Managing Partners of GIMMIE Golf and the Director of Golf at Patty Jewett Golf Course. In 2015, GIMMIE Golf took over the operations at Valley Hi Golf Course. We currently own and operate the golf shops and driving ranges at both Patty Jewett and Valley Hi. What do you feel is the most meaningful contribution to the game of golf you have made? I have been able to be involved in developing the Women’s Learn to Golf Program and the Junior Golf Program at Patty Jewett. We have had over 1,000

participants go through these programs. I am proud to have been able to help bring so many new golfers to the game.

If you could have a dream foursome, who would it be and why? I had the opportunity this past weekend to play in my dream foursome. I played with my son Billy, my son-inlaw Shane and my grandson Brody.

Jason Murphy, PGA General Manager | Pinehurst Country Club Where did you grow up? I grew up in San Dimas, California. What was your first introduction to the game of golf? I grew up walking distance from Via Verde Country Club and started caddying at the age of 13. Why did you choose to become a PGA Golf Professional? I loved being around the game and the business of golf. I loved everything about it. I had worked just about every job at the club and just new this was the career for me. What makes you most proud about being a PGA Professional? I am most proud to be part of an organization and a game that does so much for its surrounding communities.

The SUMMIT

Membership News What golf facilities have you been employed at and in what capacity?

What makes you most proud about being a PGA Professional?

I attained my PGA Class A working at Via Verde Country Club. I then moved to Las Vegas where I began a 7-year career with American Golf Corporation, working at great properties including the Westin Mission Hills Resort as Director of Golf. After American Golf, I became the General Manager for Cherry Creek Country Club, Redlands Country Club and now Pinehurst Country Club.

Throughout the years, I have always been extremely active in the junior golf arena. I also did a lot of volunteer work for organizations that work with disabled veterans and with handicapped kids. Those are probably what I consider to be my biggest accomplishments of my career.

What do you feel is the most meaningful contribution to the game of golf you have made? For me, I believe is it working with junior golfers for many year, introducing them to the game, and helping to grow our game just a little bit. What hobbies do you have outside of golf? Trying to keep up with my two kids, ages 9 and 6, whether it is snowboarding or skiing or teaching them the game of golf. We also love to travel the world with the kids. If you could have a dream foursome, who would it be and why? My dad and my two brothers. Because of my moving around a lot, we did not have the opportunity to play together except for a couple of times. We had such a great time when those rare opportunities to play did come about.

Brad Tyson, PGA Head Professional | Oregon Trail Country Club, Soda Springs, Idaho (recently an Assistant Professional at Valley Country Club) Where did you grow up? I grew up in Grand Junction, Colorado. What was your first introduction to the game of golf? My first introduction to the game was high school golf and a pro named Tom Kolacny at Tiara Rado Golf Course. I wanted to play a sport in high school, so I took up golf. Why did you choose to become a PGA Golf Professional?

What golf facilities have you been employed at and in what capacity? I have been fortunate to have had many great opportunities at various facilities throughout my 25-year career and I am thankful for each and every one of them. I started as an Assistant Professional for Jack Summers at Tiara Rado Golf Course in Grand Junction. From there, I joined ClubCorp working my way from an Assistant up to Director of Golf at facilities like Brookhaven and Braemar Country Clubs. Most recently, I worked at Valley Country Club as an Assistant for Barry Milstead. In the last couple weeks, an opportunity through the PGA Career Line presented itself and I have taken a position as Head Professional at Oregon Trail Country Club in Soda Springs, Idaho. It has taken me back to my roots to a 9-hole Private facility. What do you feel is the most meaningful contribution to the game of golf you have made? While I was at Brookhaven Country Club, I was part of a team that worked with a prosthetic engineer to develop prostheses for a young man who was missing his arms from the elbow down. This project let to a USGA grant for the hospital for their work. What hobbies do you have outside of golf? I enjoy what the outdoors has to offer, particularly fishing and hiking. If you could have a dream foursome, who would it be and why? I think I just created a five-some, but it would include: Fred Couples because he is Freddy; Lee Trevino because of his humor and enthusiasm – and I think it would be entertaining to watch Freddy and Lee interact; Jack Nicklaus because I consider him to be one of the greats of the game and he was part of my inspiration to want to get into the profession; and Arnold Palmer because I consider him to be the best example of a true professional and a true gentleman.

Like many others, I feel in love with the game. But, in addition to that, Tom Kolacny really inspired me and a lot of other junior golfers.

June 2019

Special Instruction Feature

Colorado Facilities Add Indoor Simulators to Evolve with Ever Changing Landscape of Golf Industry T

he National Golf Foundation noted in 2018 that 33.5 Million Americans played golf in 2018; 24.2 million of those on a golf course while 9.3 million played “off-course” at a at places like driving ranges, indoor golf simulators or golf entertainment venues like Topgolf and Drive Shack.

needed to become a year-round opportunity,” Jim Hajek, PGA Head Professional at Vice-President of the Colorado PGA added. “In addition, year-round instructional opportunities as well as playing golf on the simulator would add to our amenities as well as generate additional revenue.”

These “off-course” venues provide a number of positive benefits for golfers and non-golfers alike. They tend to be less intimidating than the traditional “on-course” game and they incorporate technology into a fun, casual and social atmosphere that can’t be replicated on the golf course.

Adding these simulators can come with significant up-front costs that may scare many facilities away from even considering adding them to their property.

If the opportunity to engage with golfers and nongolfers wasn’t enough, Colorado faces an economic issue when it comes to participation. There are only so many hours in the day and for many facilities in our Rocky Mountain region, only so many days in the season that people can play golf outdoors. A number of Colorado facilities have taken a step forward to engage with their membership in this non-traditional route and to extend their season to a year-round cycle by installing simulators at their facility. Clubs like Colorado Golf Club, Pinehurst Country Club, Fossil Trace Golf Club and West Woods Golf Course have installed golf simulators as a way to engage with their members and provide a year-round alternative to playing golf on the course. “We made a conscious effort with our committees and board of directors to help find ways to make our club more relevant 12 months a year to our membership,” noted Kevin Vena, the PGA Head Professional at Pinehurst Country Club. “One idea to help accomplish that goal was to install a simulator for the members to use during the offseason and bring them out to the club even when the weather may not cooperate for golf outside.”

“The upfront costs are what scare most people away,” said Bobby Quaratino, PGA Head Professional at West Woods Golf Course. But done the right way, the club was able to add a simulator during a recent remodel and have seen immediate results. “Keep in mind if you market your product you will fill it with customers,” he noted. “We have increased club sales, added simulator green fees and hosted 10 plus tournaments since opening in April of 2018. The simulator paid for itself in eight months.” Those sentiments were the same with many of the facilities in Colorado that added a simulator recently. “It’s a wonderful amenity that our members enjoy using during the off season,” Graham Cliff, PGA Director of Golf at Colorado Golf Club noted. “It has more than paid for itself with the club sales we generate off it every winter. For us, it makes it easier to close the golf course in December – February when we have an option for members to play and practice in doors.” Adding an indoor simulator certainly isn’t for everyone but as the game of golf evolves, it may fill a niche that many would have never previously considered. Check out the following input from some of the facilities that have taken the leap by adding a simulator to their club.

While many think that the opportunity only benefits members at a private club, Fossil Trace Golf Club in Golden, Colo. added a simulator with a slightly different goal in mind. “We believe our greatest potential to substantially increase merchandise sales is thru club fitting which

The SUMMIT

Special Instruction Feature

Colorado Golf Club Sees Positives Five Years After Addition of Simulator Graham Cliff, PGA Director of Golf Colorado Golf Club

What contributed to you making the decision to add the simulator? We had some extra space in our workout room downstairs. The extra room was becoming a storage space and we were trying to find a way to utilize it. After visiting other Clubs around the country on our member trips, we noticed that simulators were starting to be incorporated at other Clubs around the country. We made a presentation to the Board of Directors, highlighting it would be an added amenity for our membership and we began the process of retrofitting the space, once receiving board approval. What type of simulator did you choose and why? We choose an About Golf Simulator. The simulator was purchased over 5 years ago now, and at that time we felt it was the best simulator on the market. We also had a connection through one of our members with About Golf. The relationship between our member and the company allowed us some wonderful opportunities and advantages that no other company could match. About Golf also rendered CGC, so our members can play CGC on the simulator Did you create space or was that space already available? The space was going unused. After meeting with About golf and getting an understanding of how to best use the space to maximize the functionality of the simulator, we brought a contractor in to retro fir the room. This was a very easy process that only took a couple of days. How have you been able to use the simulator? We currently use this simulator Thursday – Sunday all winter. Members can simply book a starting time on it for 1 hour slots online. We also use it every other Saturday after the PGA Show in Orlando for Demo Days. This way our members can hit all the new product in February and March before golf season. During the summer months, we fit off the simulator and use it for junior golf on a rainy day. We also use it

June 2019

for special events in the evening with our corporate groups for long drive, closest to the pin contests during a cocktail hour. What were your concerns about installing the simulator? (We were concerned) that it would be utilized. This fear went away after the first month What recommendation would you make to somebody considering installing a simulator at their club? It’s a wonderful amenity that our members enjoy using during the off season. It has more than paid for itself with the club sales we generate off it every winter. For us, it makes it easier to close the golf course in December – February when we have an option for members to play and practice in doors. If you could make the decision to add the simulator again, what would you do differently? I don’t know if we would (have done) anything differently. At the time we installed it, we were the first Club in CO to have one. We did the project on a budget and were able to finish the build out on time and on budget. If doing it again, I may find a way to tier it in with a clubhouse remodel where you could add a more dedicated space, have 2 simulators and create more of a casual atmosphere in the space with a “bar” setting rather than have the simulator in a dedicated room.

Special Instruction Feature

Fossil Trace Leaps Into Simulator Business Jim Hajek, PGA Head Professional Fossil Trace Golf Club

What contributed to you making the decision to add the simulator? We believe our greatest potential to substantially increase merchandise sales is thru club fitting which needed to become a year-round opportunity. In addition, year-round instructional opportunities as well as playing golf on the simulator would add to our amenities as well as generate additional revenue. What type of simulator did you choose and why? We already owned a Foresight Quad launch monitor so we added a laptop, TV, projector and screen to round out the sim bay. Did you create space or was that space already available? If you created, how did you do so? We created space in cart storage with Nick (Boregeson) and Katie (Johnson) (PGA Member Assistants) building the walls and hitting bay.

(continued)

outside to finish the fitting and determine a winner. On off weather days (too many this year), instruction can continue inside. What were your concerns about installing the simulator? Two concerns for us: 1. Will be get the ROI expected? 2. Will we be able to create an experience that is in line w/Fossil Trace’s? What new revenue has this generated for the club/ property? As this is the first full season with full simulator activity – time will tell, however early results are very positive. What recommendation would you make to somebody considering installing a simulator at their club? Determine what you want the product to provide for your players, visit as many facilities as you can to see options and “do’s and don’ts” and pull the trigger.

How have you been able to use the simulator?

If you could make the decision to add the simulator again, what would you do differently?

All fittings begin in the simulator as 6 fitting systems w/heads and shaft options are stationed there. Once we narrow down to the top 2 competitors, we head

Everything about our simulator and hitting bay is “temporary” so it can look a bit unfinished. We will continue to make tweaks each year to improve the experience.

The SUMMIT

Special Instruction Feature

Simulator Keeps Pinehurst CC Relevant Year Round Kevin Vena, PGA Director of Golf Pinehurst Country Club

What contributed to you making the decision to add the simulator? We made a conscious effort with our committees and board of directors to help find ways to make our club more relevant 12 months a year to our membership. One idea to help accomplish that goal was to install a Simulator for the members to use during the offseason and bring them out to the club even when the weather may not cooperate for golf outside. What type of simulator did you choose and why? We decided to go with the HD Golf Simulator. One of the primary factors was their use of digital photography of each course they feature helping to make the playing experience as realistic as it gets. All of the Simulators have very similar capabilities when it comes to tracking ball flight and providing data back to the player, so this was one of the main reasons for going with HD Golf. Did you create space or was that space already available? If you created, how did you do so? We converted a meeting room and an office that were being underutilized into one larger room to accommodate the Simulator and some seating for 8 people. We had to raise the ceiling about 18 inches and relocate some electrical and HVAC to finish the room. We also installed a big screen TV for entertainment purposes and a phone to call upstairs to the bar for food and beverage service. How have you been able to use the simulator? The membership enjoys using the Simulator when there is inclement weather primarily in the winter months. Some people use it to practice before going on a trip, getting together with a group of friends to play a course like Pebble Beach, we’ve had a few members bring a group of customers out for entertainment, and the most popular use has been for instruction.

June 2019

What were your concerns about installing the simulator? My only concerns were that the membership would use the Simulator enough to justify the expense. After two years, it has proven to be a terrific asset to the club and our membership. What new revenue has this generated for the club/ property? With the primary use being weather dependent, it’s tough to put a specific revenue number on the Simulator, but what I can say is that it certainly brings people to the club on those snowy days that normally would not be here. Our lesson program has grown almost 20% since installing and using the Simulator as part of our teaching program. It has also, given our professional staff some new opportunities during the winter months What recommendation would you make to somebody considering installing a simulator at their club? Make sure you have ample space to install one, as there will sometimes be groups of people playing or watching. If you could make the decision to add the simulator again, what would you do differently? We spoke with many clubs prior to installing our system and we’re happy with the finished product.

Special Instruction Feature

WestWoods Golf Course Adds Simulator During Clubhouse Project Bobby Quaratino, PGA Head Professional WestWoods Golf Club

What contributed to you making the decision to add the simulator? Changing trends in golf. Concerns over time, cost, accessibility and a chance to engage with non-golfers in the surrounding communities. What type of simulator did you choose and why? HD Golf Simulator. The real look and feel of the product. Did you create space or was that space already available? If you created, how did you do so? When we went through our clubhouse project in 2017, we added space to accommodate the specific dimensions required for the simulator. How have you been able to use the simulator? Yes, we had to learn the functions of the simulator. It was a lot of fun getting the feel and testing the accuracy of the equipment. What were your concerns about installing the simulator? No concerns regarding install. The space was built to fit the dimensions required for the hitting area, screen, projector, cameras and computer.

What new revenue has this generated for the club/ property? We have increased club sales, added simulator green fees and hosted 10 plus tournaments since opening in April of 2018. The simulator paid for itself in in 8 months. What recommendation would you make to somebody considering installing a simulator at their club? The upfront costs are what scare most people away. Keep in mind if you market your product you will fill it with customers. If you could make the decision to add the simulator again, what would you do differently? I would add two. It seems that you will always have down time in season but it is the fall/winter/spring when you can bring in additional revenue.

The SUMMIT

Special Instruction Feature

Ferguson and ExperienceGolf Implement Operation36 for Adults About Stefanie Ferguson, PGA Stefanie is a LPGA/ PGA Class A and Titleist Performance Institute (TPI) certified instructor and recent winner of “Best Instructor for Women in Colorado” by Colorado AvidGolfer. She is also the Women’s Head Golf Coach for Metro State University. Stef qualified for the 2013 LPGA Championship at Locust Hills and competed in her first major. Stef grew up in Broomfield, CO and played collegiate golf at Colorado State University where she was the team captain. What made you choose Operation36 as a program to support?

What were you trying to accomplish by using this program for adults? We wanted to get adults out on the course and working on their short game. From our experience players spend way too much time in a controlled environment on the driving range working on full swing and not nearly enough time working on short game in conditions they would see when they go play. Adults also like to have goals and objectives and the badge system for Operation 36 provides that for all ages and levels of players. What success have you seen from the program? We have received so much positive feedback from all of our players in the first semester about how much better their shots from 100 yards and in have become. They feel more confident being out on the course and feel like if they can just get the ball to 100 yards then they know how to score from there. As part of the program we encouraged all of our players to keep some basic statistics when they played in our matches as well as when they play on their own and they were all seeing great improvements in their statistics for short game.

Operation36 is one of the fastest growing programs around the world that has had great success with all ages. They have developed a program and curriculum that is easy to follow and provides levels of achievement for immediate success and growth.

June 2019

Tournament News

Andonian Claims Her First Colorado PGA Women’s Championship T

he Colorado PGA Women’s Championship title had eluded Sherry Andonian for the first three years of the tournament’s existence. During that time, she claimed two West Chapter Championship titles but couldn’t break through in the only women’s championship contested by the Colorado PGA. That all changed on Thursday as Andonian outlasted a late charge from two-time champion Alexandra Braga to claim victory.

“It feels great,” Andonian noted after the event. “I wanted it a little too badly, so I put a lot of pressure on myself.” Andonian opened with a one-under-par 71 during the first round at Glenmoor Country Club in Cherry Hills Village, Colo. That was good enough for a two-shot lead over Tara Morris, the defending champion and Assistant Professional at The Country Club at Castle Pines. Tied for third after the first round was Braga, a PGA Assistant Professional at Denver Country Club, and Stefanie Ferguson, PGA, Instructor at Experience Golf. During the final round, Braga mounted a methodical charge and pulled within one shot heading to the par-5 sixteenth hole. An errant tee-shot by Braga that found the penalty area created an opportunity for Andonian, the inaugural Colorado PGA Women’s Player of the Year in 2018. “On 16, I didn’t hit a good drive but was in the middle of the fairway,” commented Andonian, Instructor at Valley Country Club. “I striped my three-wood to get up on the green and two-putted from there for birdie. She (Braga) made bogey, so that was a big two-shot swing right there.”

Braga wasn’t going to let that error impact the rest of the round. She hit her tee-shot at the difficult par-3 seventeenth to 12 feet and calmly rolled in her birdie putt, the only one of the day at the penultimate hole. With the momentum swinging back in Braga’s direction, Andonian knew she had to play the last hole well to claim the title. “After than, I figured I should just play for par on 18,” she noted. “After getting there in three, I had two putts for par and boy, that was a tough two-putt!” Andonian mis-read the putt but was able to convert the two-and-a-half-foot putt for par to claim the one-stroke victory after Braga drained her birdie putt at the closing hole. The title earned Andonian entry into the PGA of America’s Women’s Stroke Play Championship to be held in February. “I feel confident and really like both courses at PGA National,” Andonian said of the championship. “I played well when I competed there at the Senior PGA Professional Championship last year and look forward to the opportunity.”

The SUMMIT

Tournament News

Registration Open For Colorado PGA Major Championships National Car Rental Colorado Assistant Professional Championship Walnut Creek Golf Preserve July 29 - July 30, 2019 Registration Deadline - July 10, 2019 Click here for more information

Colorado Senior PGA Professional Championship Inverness Golf Club August 12-13, 2019 Registration Deadline - July 24. 2019 Click here for more information

Colorado PGA Professional Championship Meridian Golf Club September 9-11, 2019 Registration Deadline – August 21, 2019 Click here for more information

Colorado PGA West Chapter Championship Aspen Glen Club Oct 1-2, 2019 Registration Deadline – September 28, 2019 Click here for more information continued from previous page Following the conclusion of the first round, Colorado PGA Executive Director Eddie Ainsworth, PGA, announced the formation of a taskforce to guide the planning of future Women’s Championships. Committing to be a part of the task force were Tara Morris, Stefanie Ferguson and LPGA Professional Lauren Howe, who was recently inducted into the Colorado Golf Hall of Fame. Final Results 1 | Sherry Andonian | Valley CC | 71-73--144 - E 2 | Alexandra Braga | Denver | 74-71--145 +1 3 | Stef Ferguson | CommonGround GC | 74-72--146 +2 4 | Kelli McKandless | 77-74--151 | +7 5 | Tara Morris | CC at Castle Pines | 73-85--158 | +14 6 | Lauren Howe | 81-78--159 | +15 7 | Debbie Zamprelli | Broadmoor GC | 80-81--161 +17 8 | Holly Champion | Colorado PGA | 82-82--164 +20 9 | Rachel Cavalier | Boulder | 81-88--169 | +25 10 Alicia Bakken | GolfTEC-Westminster | 90-97--187 +43

June 2019

YOUR MOUNTAIN SPIRIT BOURBON

PORT CASK FINISH

PX SHERRY CASK FINISH

The SUMMIT

Tournament News

June 2019

Junior Golf News

2019 PGA Jr. League Season is Going Strong T

hank you to everyone who has been involved as a Captain or Coach of a PGA Jr. League team this year. Some programs have already concluded their regular season, some programs are about half way through, and others are just getting started. That is the beauty of PGA Jr. League. The program can be tailored to meet the demands of your facility and your instruction and coaching programs. Colorado PGA Jr. League Numbers Continue to Grow Year to date, PGA Jr. League participation in the Section is up by over 250 participants to 2,100 kids. Every one of those golfers is a child that will get to experience the excitement of the team atmosphere of PGA Jr. League and is one step closer to becoming a golfer for life. Also, to date, Colorado is one of the top five Sections in total number of PGA REACH Scholarships issued with more than 100 scholarships issued to children of military families and families that qualify for financial need. Thank you to all the golf professionals who are making this happen!

Facility Spotlight New for this month’s magazine, we wanted to take some time to spotlight a couple programs. The first program is from The Club at Flying Horse. PGA Professionals Garrett Froggatte and Ashley Skidmore braved the early spring weather and completed the sections first full, regular season with 48 kids participating. Congratulation to The Flying Squirrels on winning the regular season. The second program is led by PGA Professionals Philip Tobias and Dennis Weber at the River Course at Keystone. Keystone is one of only 7 programs in the country with more than 100 kids participating. With 107 kids spread over two game nights, Keystone will be the place to be on Monday and Wednesday evenings in Summit County. DON’T FORGET If you are managing a team, make sure to utilize the Sports Engine Team Management app and score your games to be eligible to receive your “League Champs” medals at the end of the season. We look forward to highlighting more leagues next month. Mark your calendars for August 17-18 at The Pinery, and come out and see the All-Stars of PGA Jr. League compete in the Section Championship.

The SUMMIT

Junior Golf News

Pair Of 8s Stewart, Lehigh Claim Titles at Colorado Junior PGA Championship By Gary Baines – 06/12/2019 Earlier this month, Dillon Stewart of Fort Collins and Lauren Lehigh of Loveland were honored as “Future Famers” by the Colorado Golf Hall of Fame. On Wednesday at Eisenhower Golf Club at the Air Force Academy, Stewart and Lehigh gave anyone who cared to watch a glimpse of what that future might look like. In the first major of the Junior Golf Alliance of Colorado’s 2019 season, the 2018 JGAC Players of the Year matched eight-stroke victories against strong fields at the Colorado Junior PGA Championship at Eisenhower’s Blue Course. To put those margins into perspective, Stewart’s eight-shot victory is the largest in the boys Colorado Junior PGA in more than a decade. And Lehigh’s is the second-largest on the girls side over that same period, surpassed only by Hailey Schalk’s 11-stroke win two years ago. As fellow competitor Connor Jones of Westminster said after seeing Stewart hit his second shot on the par-5 16th hole to 3 1/2 feet from the hole for an eagle

June 2019

opportunity: “Kid’s a stick.” Added TJ Shehee of Mead, who also played in the final group with Stewart on Wednesday: “I would have liked to have beaten Dillon, but he just went off today. Yeah, I couldn’t quite catch him — not with (his) 5 under on the back nine. I shot 2 under on the back and played one of my best back nines of the year, and he shot 5 under, so what can you do? And it could have been lower for him.” Dillon Stewart kept the pedal down on Wednesday, closing with a back-nine 31 for his first JGAC major title. Stewart said he was just following some wisdom imparted by his future college golf coach, Oklahoma State’s Alan Bratton.

Junior Golf News “What coach Bratton says is ‘You’ve got to be a dreamcrusher.’ His example of that is beating somebody by so much that they never want to play again. That is what he tells me. So that’s what I want to do every single time I tee it up and play.”

— pretty aggressive and want to make as many birdies as I can.

Meanwhile, Lehigh did what she did in the final JGAC major of her career, which made Wednesday’s victory seem extra special.

The result was something that had eluded Stewart until Wednesday — a triumph in a JGAC major.

“It feels great,” said Lehigh, who will become a University of New Mexico golfer in the fall. “Obviously it’s always good to win a tournament, and to win one of the big ones out here is always a bonus. And since this is the last major I’ll play in, it’s a good way to finish the major career.” Suffice it to say Stewart and Lehigh left little suspense down the stretch Wednesday regarding who the champions would be. About the only thing of significance left to decide would be the size of the victories and who would be joining the aforementioned duo at the national Junior PGA Championships that will be contested later this summer.

“I got in a good rhythm (on the back nine Wednesday), and this week I got it done.”

“I’ve been wanting to get one for three or four years,” the 18-year-old said. “I’ve been stumped a few times. It’s the one thing I didn’t really have on my resume, so to get one feels great.” With Stewart running away with the title, that left Shehee and Jones battling for second place — and the second and final boys berth into the national Junior PGA Championship. TJ Shehee relishes qualifying for his first national Junior PGA Championship as both his parents are PGA pros.

The answer to that latter question turned out to be Shehee and Marie Jordaan of Greenwood Village, who each qualified for the national event by finishing second on Wednesday. Shehee secured his spot by draining a 10-foot birdie putt on the first hole of a playoff to defeat co-runner-up Jones. Both national Junior PGA Championships will be held in Hartford, Conn., with the boys tournament set for July 30-Aug. 2 and the girls July 9-12. In the boys tournament at the Colorado Junior PGA, Stewart left little hope for his opponents by rebounding from a first-round 75 with back-to-back 4-under-par 68s for a 5-under 211 total. And he put on a clinic on the back nine the last two rounds, playing it in a combined 9 under. That includes a 5-under 31 on Wednesday. And had Stewart had his putter going, that 31 could have easily turned into a twenty-something as he missed putts of 4 feet and 3 1/2 feet — not to mention a 7-footer and a 9-footer. It was a complete bounce-back from last week’s AJGA Hale Irwin Colorado Junior, where Stewart shot a finalround 79 after leading by two going into the day. “The mistake I made last week was (trying) to not make any mistakes — and I played so-called scared and protective of my lead,” said Stewart, winner of the Junior America’s Cup and the Hale Irwin tournaments in 2018. “Today I got out here and I was like, ‘Floor it until that last putt on 18 goes in.’ That’s how I play golf

Shehee, the 2017 U.S. Junior Amateur qualifier who’s headed to the University of Northern Colorado, rallied on the back nine by playing holes 10-15 in 3 under par. But a bogey on 18 — where he pulled his drive into the trees that guard the left side of the dogleg — put him in a playoff with Jones, the future University of Denver golfer who parred the final nine holes of regulation. Both players finished at 3-over-par 219, Jones after a 72 on Wednesday and Shehee after a 73. But in the playoff, Shehee hit an 8-iron from 175 yards to 10 feet past the pin on No. 18, and after Jones stroked his 12-foot birdie attempt 6 feet by the cup, Shehee drained his birdie for the national Junior PGA berth.

The SUMMIT

Junior Golf News “It means so much to me because both my parents are PGA professionals (dad Trey and mom Terra),” TJ Shehee said. “It’s really going to make them happy and it makes me happy as well.” Lauren Lehigh chalked up a victory in her final JGAC major.

Championship for the second time as she made the field last year after being an alternate. “It was a cool experience last year even though I missed the cut,” the 18-year-old said. Marie Jordaan is headed for her first national Junior PGA, though her sister Caroline is no stranger to the event. Jordaan, meanwhile, will be headed to the national Junior PGA for the first time. But her older sister Caroline competed in the national event in both 2015 — when she was the Colorado Junior PGA champion — and last year. “It feels amazing” to qualify,” said the younger Jordaan, a Colorado Academy senior-to-be who will play her college golf at Santa Clara. “I’ve been working really hard these last few months. My sister has always competed well in this event and for me to follow in her footsteps is just incredible.”

In the girls tournament, Lehigh earned her second victory in a JGAC major, following up on her win at the 2018 Colorado Junior Match Play. She also captured her second state high school individual title last month, this time in the 5A state meet. Lehigh came into Wednesday with a five-stroke lead and wasn’t seriously challenged for the top spot. Her 5-over-par 77 gave her a 13-over 229 total. It was a welcome result for her given how she’s sometimes struggled at Eisenhower in the past. For instance, when she played the 2016 Colorado Junior Amateur at Eisenhower, she opened with a 92 en route to missing the cut. “It was all around just bad golf being played,” she said with a smile while remembering. This time, the formidable course treated her much better, which seemed fitting given that it was her JGAC major finale.

Marie Jordaan closed with an 80 on Wednesday, but played solid after making back-toback double bogeys on holes 11 and 12. She went 1 over par the rest of the way to post a 237 total, which was one stroke better than third-place Aubri Braecklein of Northglenn, who shot a final-round 77. “It was a grind,” the 17-year-old Jordaan said. “I had a few hiccups — I went double-double, which was unfortunate — but I kept fighting. I’m real happy I finished well.” For scores from the Colorado Junior PGA, click on the following: BOYS, GIRLS.

“I feel like it’s the same feeling I had at (the state high school tournament),” she said. “It’ll hit a little later and I’ll be in tears — just thinking about the fact that I won’t be playing junior golf again (after this summer). It’s just kind of sad. But I am ready for the next step and I’m excited to see where golf continues to take me.” Lehigh will be going to the national Junior PGA

June 2019

Junior Golf News

The Season for Drive, Chip and Putt is in Full Swing C

ontestants are showing up to try their golf skills at the 2019 Colorado Drive, Chip and Putt Qualifiers. Excitement builds as the competition gets underway for each of the age groups. With 10 local qualifiers being held in the state, there is a location to serve everyone’s needs. For the first time ever, Colorado will host every step of the competition in a participant’s quest to advance to the National Finals at Augusta National Golf Club as the Junior Golf Alliance of Colorado was selected to host one of just ten Regional Qualifiers across the country. This season, Colorado will host 10 Local Qualifiers, two Subregional Qualifiers and a Regional Qualifier. First time DCP host, The Golf Club at Bear Dance, accommodated the first qualifier on May 29, followed by The Ridge at Castle Pines North on June 3, The Club at Flying Horse on June 11 and Fort Collins Country Club on June 17. The results for each of the completed qualifiers are listed below.

The Golf Club at Bear Dance May 29, 2019 Girls 7-9 Madilyn Vandaveer - Castle Rock

10-11 Amalei Lagrimas - Castle Rock Isabella Curtis – Little Rock, Ark. Brooke Barrett - Colorado Springs 12-13 Emilie O’donnell - Colorado Springs Mollie Todd - Golden Anna Finkelstein - Colorado Springs 14-15 Gisella Lagrimas - Castle Rock Abigail Aeschleman - Highlands Ranch Gabbie Ednilao - Larkspur Boys 7-9 Jack Brenning - Aurora

12-13 Aaron Shelton - Colorado Springs James Caleo - Aurora Conor Laurent - Erie 14-15 Charlie Flaxbeard - Greenwood Village Andrew Roark - Parker Spencer Schlagel - Parker

10-11 Brayden DeStefano - Colorado Springs Collen Todd - Golden James Flaxbeard - Greenwood Village

The SUMMIT

Junior Golf News

The Ridge at Castle Pines North June 3, 2019

Boys 7-9 Blake Salonen - Centennial Ansel Wood - Aurora Charlie Hilts - Highlands Ranch

Girls 7-9 Chloe Johnson - Parker Madelin Phillips - Parker Claire Atzbach - Englewood

10-11 Brady Sanderson – Castle Pines Jackson Phillips - Parker Talon McNeil - Castle Rock

10-11 Fayth Turnbaugh - Castle Rock Isabella Scott - Castle Rock Miriama Naqica - Centennial

12-13 Matai Naqica - Centennial Gregory White - Centennial Evan Scanlon – Castle Pines

12-13 Clara Jeon - Centennial Alexis Sanderson – Castle Pines Halahn Lee - Highlands Ranch

14-15 Andrew White - Centennial Liam Wood - Aurora Luke Cushman - Castle Rock

14-15 Brooke Jones - Castle Rock Joey Jung - Parker

June 2019

Junior Golf News

The Club at Flying Horse June 11, 2019

Girls 7-9 Elizabeth Derge - Elbert Maylin Edge - Colorado Springs Scout Fitzgerald - Parker 10-11 Elaina Madden - Colorado Springs Siena Nimmer - Castle Rock Keira Butler - Colorado Springs 12-13 Kaitlyn Park - Colorado Springs Caitlyn Chin - Greenwood Village Grace Messner - Colorado Springs 14-15 Anna Mettler - Colorado Springs Vivienne Carter - Monument Carlita Martinez - Colorado Springs

Boys 7-9 Grady Ortiz - Colorado Springs Crew Ortiz - Colorado Springs Drake Tagtow - Colorado Springs 10-11 Elijah Flores - Colorado Springs Carter Donegan - Colorado Springs Crew Fitzgerald Parker 12-13 Alex Slawson - Penrose Keegan Butler - Colorado Springs Caden Cowles - Colorado Springs 14-15 Ryan Falender - Colorado Springs Benjamin Chin - Greenwood Village Reese Knox â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Peyton

The SUMMIT

Junior Golf News

Fort Collins Country Club June 17, 2019

Girls 7-9 Sloane Snyder – Timnath Bryann Anderson – Erie Sienna Schrick – Timnath 10-11 Khloe Romo – Casper, Wyo. Brooklyn Skalska – Fort Collins 12-13 Mia Huerta – Broomfield Ellie Barry – Fort Collins Jordyn Bandemer – Loveland 14-15 Maryn Harlow – Fort Collins Sophia Spiva – Caster, Wyo. Mackenzie Malone – Lovelan

Boys 7-9 Corbin Eisenmenger – Timnath Gage Poulsen – Timnath Tripp Letson – Fort Collins 10-11 Jaxson Bratton – Casper, Wyo. Ethan Eisenmanger – Timnath Wyatt Harlow – Fort Collins 12-13 Kaden Devenport – Windsor Jesse Miller – Fort Collins Howie Thompson – Dacono 14-15 Grant Samuelson – Fort Collins Jack Chambers – Carr Connor Kosola – Windsor

The full results to all of the Local Qualifiers can be accessed at https://www.drivechipandputt.com/results. Drive, Chip and Putt is a free event for boys and girls ages 7 to 15 centered around the three fundamental skills of golf – driving, chipping and putting. In 2018, approximately 50,000 youngsters at 290 sites throughout all 50 states competed at local qualifiers for the opportunity to move forward.

June 2019

The SUMMIT - Colorado PGA Magazine - June 2019

Articles inside

Simulators Open New Doors for Colorado Golf Facilities

PGA of America and Colorado PGA REACH Foundation Scholarships Announced