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Pa tr io tA w ar d
2023 Section Award Winners
Bill Hughes, PGA COO/General Manager Country Club of the Rockies Dedication to Vets by Hughes Leads to COPGA Patriot Award Bill Hughes, PGA, is the 2023 recipient of the Colorado PGA Section Patriot Award. The Patriot Award is presented to a Colorado PGA of America Golf Professional who personifies patriotism through the game of golf and demonstrates unwavering commitment and dedication to the men and women who have valiantly served and protected the United States of America.
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Hughes has been a member of the PGA of America since 1984 and currently sits in the role of COO/General Manager of The Country Club of the Rockies in Edwards, Colorado. When Bill arrived at CCR in 2019, the Club's involvement in supporting any military initiative was limited to a small oneday event that generated less than $25k annually. In 2020, with a vision to create a fundraising event in the Vail Valley that would significantly make a difference in the lives of those who have given the most in defense of this country, partnering with Ken Eakes, Executive Director, Military Warrior Support Foundation and Cheryl Jensen, President/Founder, Vail Veterans Program, the Club's GM, with the support of the Board of Directors and Membership, created a platform of involvement and support resulting in over $500k raised the past two years. The Club has hosted top military officials, Medal of Honor recipients, state and local officials, and over a dozen wounded warriors each year as a part of a fundraising dinner on September 10th and the golf event on September 11th, each year. Hughes, the two host organizations, and a special CCR Member named Jim Thomason work closely together to foster the development and growth of this special event. It is a community effort supported by CCR Members and residents of the Arrowhead Community.
“The PGA of America has many wonderful awards and I have been the recipient of a few. But I must say, this Patriot Bill will be recognized for his achievements at the Colorado PGA Awards Award hits right here like Gala, presented by Citywide Banks, on Friday, October 27th. Doors are open very few awards because to the public. of what it really stands for.“
29 Fall 2023
The SUMMIT
