City of Westminster Golf Courses Protecting the Future of the Game

Golf is more than a game; it’s a community, an industry, and increasingly, a steward of the environment. At the forefront of this movement is Golf Westminster, and its amazing group of dedicated Colorado PGA of America Golf Professionals, who have launched a program that merges sustainability, philanthropy, and golf to create a lasting impact.

It all began when Tim Davis, the Colorado PGA 2024 Superintendent of the Year (and superintendent at Legacy Ridge GC), approached the Golf Westminster team with a challenge: find a way to support the courses’ sustainability goals and give back to the Rocky Mountain Environmental Golf Institute (RMEGI). The idea struck a chord, especially as they reflected on similar efforts, like those done by Meridian Golf Course, to focus on sustainability. However, this wasn’t just about donating—it was about creating a tangible, ongoing way to demonstrate the value of golf, not just to players but to the broader community.

Westminster’s golf courses are more than just places for recreation—they play a vital role in habitat preservation. Walnut Creek Golf Preserve is one of only two courses in Colorado and 13 in the western U.S. certified as an "Audubon International Signature Sanctuary." This prestigious certification recognizes landowners who prioritize natural resource conservation. Spanning 215 acres, Walnut Creek is a sanctuary for over 77 wildlife species and native plants, with most of its land dedicated to natural habitats, wetlands, and open space. Similarly, Legacy Ridge Golf Course embraces sustainable practices. With 192 acres of native grasslands and wetlands, the course integrates environmental conservation into every aspect of its maintenance and operations, ensuring a lasting impact on the City of Westminster and its surrounding communities.

“We’re always challenged by our bosses in the City of Westminster—Chris Johnson and Lance Johnson—to show our work to the community and care for the cause,” Joe Carlton, PGA shared. “As a municipal golf course, we have a responsibility to showcase our value to both golfers and non-golfers.”

Building a Program That Gives Back

The team decided to focus on sustainability while supporting organizations that align with their values. Alongside RMEGI, they identified two other impactful groups: The PGA REACH Colorado Foundation, which through its 900 Colorado PGA of America Golf Professionals supports youth, military, and inclusion initiatives through the game of golf. And the Westminster Community Foundation, a local nonprofit that drives community-focused initiatives.

The solution? A creative funding model. For every paid, non-charitable tournament round at their two golf courses, three dollars were set aside into a shared account. This straightforward approach ensured every event contributed to these causes.

“Like everyone, we’ve raised our fees over the years, and instead of adding more, we took $3 per round from our revenue. It’s simple, scalable, and effective,” Joe clarified.

Big Impacts On and Off the Course

In its first year, the program raised nearly $14,000, split equally among the three organizations. These funds are more than just a donation—they’re a reinvestment in golf, the community, and the environment. For RMEGI, the funds support critical sustainability efforts, including water conservation and pesticide management. The PGA REACH Colorado Foundation will use these resources to grow programs like PGA HOPE (Helping Our Patriots Everywhere), a program that provides therapeutic golf experiences for over 800 veterans annually. As well as keeping Junior Golf accessible and affordable, ensuring the sport thrives for future generations. Meanwhile, the Westminster Community Foundation helps fund local initiatives that touch the lives of residents.

“This isn’t just about revenue,” Brian Carlson, PGA emphasized. “It’s about what comes back. These dollars help grow the game, protect our environment, and support golf professionals and the community at large.”

"On behalf of the PGA REACH Colorado Foundation, I would like to extend our deepest gratitude to Joe Carlton, Brian Carlson, and the City of Westminster for their incredible generosity and commitment to the future of the game. Through their innovative sustainability initiative, they have demonstrated how golf continues to be a force for good, not only in creating lasting environmental impact but also in empowering communities. Their contributions, which support vital programs like PGA HOPE for veterans and accessibility to the game for youth, will continue to have a profound impact on the lives of many for years to come. This partnership is a shining example of how collaboration and community spirit can drive real change, and we are proud to be a part of this inspiring effort." Steven Bartkowski, CEO, PGA REACH Colorado Foundation and the Colorado PGA.

A Model for the Future

Looking ahead, the program isn’t slowing down. The team plans to continue their $3-per-round contributions in 2025 and beyond, maintaining their focus on sustainability and community impact.

“We hope other courses will follow this model,” Brian said. “It’s simple, it works, and it demonstrates the broader value of golf. The more courses that adopt similar initiatives, the more we can grow the game and make a meaningful difference.”

This initiative exemplifies how golf can be more than a sport—it can be a force for good. By blending sustainability, community engagement, and a love for the game, Westminster’s golf courses are driving positive change for golfers, non-golfers, and the environment altogether.

About the PGA REACH Colorado Foundation

The PGA REACH Colorado Foundation is a 501c3 public charity in Colorado that works daily to support our over 900 Colorado PGA of America Golf Professionals to make a positive difference in our local communities. Programming tries to ensure that regardless of your age or background, cost will not inhibit one’s involvement and enjoyment of the game of golf. The mission of the PGA REACH Colorado Foundation is to positively impact the lives of youth, military, and diverse populations by enabling access to PGA of America Golf Professionals, PGA Sections, and the game of golf.

About the Westminster Community Foundation

The Westminster Community Foundation (WCF) enriches the spirit and identity of Westminster by inspiring positive change and partnering with the community to mobilize resources. Established in 2001, WCF is a leader and catalyst for philanthropy, supporting programs, initiatives, and nonprofits focused on three key areas: Advancing a Thriving Community, City Beautiful, and Elevating Our Youth. Its mission is to support inclusive, meaningful causes that provide opportunities for residents to thrive, strengthen the community, and benefit the people of Westminster.

About the Rocky Mountain Environmental Golf Institute

The Rocky Mountain Environmental Golf Institute (RMEGI) was established by the RMGCSA to support the future of the golf course management industry by awarding annual scholarships to students pursuing careers in turfgrass and course management. Operating alongside and independently of RMGCSA, the institute promotes academic excellence in related sciences. Its mission is to unite people to support golf and enhance its environmental impact, while its purpose focuses on raising funds for education, research, and scholarships, and supporting the industry's growth and relevant non-profits.

Media Contact:

Steven Bartkowski
CEO/Executive Directo

Colorado PGA Section

PGA REACH Colorado Foundation

sbartowski@pgahq.com