Colorado PGA Section News

A $51K Milestone Sets 170 Veterans on a Path to HOPE

Fri, 20 Mar 2026 13:00:20 GMT

On behalf of the PGA REACH Colorado Foundation, thank you.

Thank you for being the heart of the PGA REACH Colorado Foundation, and for believing in our Veterans and the power of this game.

See you at the 3rd Annual. Raising HOPE Fore Heroes Gala in 2027 !

Thank You to All of Our Gala Partners & Supporters!

A bout PGA REACH Colorado

The PGA REACH Colorado Foundation is the 501(c)(3) charitable arm of the Colorado Section of the PGA of America. Our mission is to positively impact the lives of youth, military veterans, and diverse populations through the game of golf. The Foundation serves over 15,000 individuals annually through the dedicated work of Colorado PGA Professionals and maintains the highest charitable rankings on both Candid and Charity Navigator.

Robbins Manley Appointed as 29th Trustee of the PGA REACH Colorado Foundation

Thu, 05 Mar 2026 21:14:13 GMT

The PGA REACH Colorado Foundation Proudly Welcomes Back Dominic Karaba and Appoints First-Time Trustee Ron Budacz!

Tue, 24 Feb 2026 16:00:32 GMT

Larkspur, CO, February 24, 2026 – The PGA REACH Colorado Foundation is thrilled to announce the return of Dominic Karaba and the first-time appointment of Ron Budacz to its distinguished Trustee and Advisory Board. These two leaders bring a wealth of experience, passion, and strategic vision that will further elevate the Foundation's impact on the community.

"We are beyond excited to welcome Dominic back to the team and to have Ron join us for the first time," said Steven Bartkowski, CEO/Executive Director of the PGA REACH Colorado Foundation. "Dominic’s deep history with our mission and Ron’s incredible record of global leadership and military service make them both incredible additions to this group. Their commitment to giving back through the game of golf will be a driving force as we continue to positively impact lives across the region."

About PGA REACH Colorado

The PGA REACH Colorado Foundation is the 501(c)(3) charitable arm of the Colorado Section of the PGA of America. Our mission is to positively impact the lives of youth, military veterans, and diverse populations through the game of golf. The Foundation serves over 15,000 individuals each year through the work of the Colorado PGA of America Golf Professionals. The Foundation holds the highest rankings on both CANDID and Charity Navigator.

Media Contact:

Steven Bartkowski

CEO/Executive Director

Colorado PGA Section

PGA REACH Colorado Foundation

sbartowski@pgahq.com

GOLFTEC Partners with PGA of America REACH Foundation Colorado to Expand Access to Golf and Youth Development

Thu, 19 Feb 2026 23:25:45 GMT

About GOLFTEC

Founded in 1995, GOLFTEC is the world leader in golf improvement, delivering more than 2 million lessons annually across 250+ locations worldwide . With over 1,000 expert Coaches , industry-leading motion analysis technology (OptiMotion), and personalized coaching programs, GOLFTEC provides the most complete golf improvement experience—anytime, anywhere. On average, GOLFTEC Students improve by 7 shots , proving that better golf is a journey best taken with the right guidance and support.

GOLFTEC — Helping the World Play Better Golf

About the PGA of America REACH Foundation Colorado

PGA RE ACH Colorado is the charitable foundation of the Colorado PGA Section. Its mission is to positively impact lives through the game of golf, with a focus on three key pillars: Youth, Military, and Inclusion. Through innovative programs and community partnerships, PGA REACH Colorado works to try and ensure the game of golf is accessible, welcoming, and transformative for all.

PGA HOPE National Golf & Wellness Week Honors Veterans at Congressional Country Club

Tue, 14 Oct 2025 18:53:16 GMT

20 Veterans receive specialized golf and wellness training to become national PGA HOPE Ambassadors

BETHESDA, Maryland - Oct. 13, 2025 - Twenty Military Veterans received specialized golf and wellness training October 9 - 13 at the 6th annual PGA HOPE National Golf & Wellness Week, presented by ConocoPhillips and T-Mobile. Held at Congressional Country Club near our nation’s capital, these Veterans will now serve as Ambassadors of PGA HOPE (Helping Our Patriots Everywhere), the flagship military program of the PGA of America REACH Foundation, and return to their home PGA Sections to work with other Veterans and help foster the game of golf.

The immersive five-day event, hosted by the 501(c)(3) Foundation of the PGA of America, included advanced golf instruction from PGA of America Golf Professionals and wellness training from the Cohen Veterans Network, focusing on topics such as stress management and mental health, as well as public speaking and social media best practices.

“PGA HOPE National Golf & Wellness Week provides our Veterans the opportunity to excel in their rehabilitation journey, and, in turn, empowers them to thrive from the health and social benefits golf provides,” said PGA of America President Don Rea Jr., PGA. “We are honored that these Veterans are willing to represent PGA HOPE as Ambassadors in their communities, charged with growing PGA HOPE to their fellow Veterans. Most importantly, we are grateful for the service they have provided to our country.”

Participating PGA HOPE Veterans

Roland Abare; Navy; PGA HOPE Northeastern New York; Cohoes, N.Y.
Troy Abel; Air Force/Air National Guard; PGA HOPE Midwest; Topeka, Kans.
Chris Aranda; Army; PGA HOPE Carolinas; Myrtle Beach, S.C.
Daniel Ferrere Sr.; Army; PGA HOPE Tennessee; Soddy Daisy, Tenn.
Pat Forrestal; Marine Corps; PGA HOPE Georgia; Atlanta, Ga.
Todd Frey; Navy; PGA HOPE South Florida; Punta Gorda, Fla.
Paul Garcia; Air Force (Active Duty); PGA HOPE Colorado; Commerce City, Colo.
Manny Gonzales III; Marine Corps; PGA HOPE Sun Country; Albuquerque, N.M.
Tim Hubbard; Army; PGA HOPE Indiana; Zionsville, Ind.
Dusty Hull; Army/National Guard; PGA HOPE Michigan; Lansing, Mich.
John Hupp; Army; PGA HOPE Pacific Northwest; Corvallis, Oreg.
Matt Jackson; Army; PGA HOPE Southwest; Surprise, Ariz.
Brandon Johnson; Air Force; PGA HOPE Southern Ohio; Xenia, Ohio
Anthony Laske; Army; PGA HOPE Wisconsin; Shorewood, Wis.
Don Moore; Army; PGA HOPE North Florida; Jacksonville, Fla.
DJ Naigan; Navy; PGA HOPE Southern California; San Diego, Calif.
Adam Napier; Army; PGA HOPE Gulf States; Louisville, Miss.
Bob O’Neill; Army; PGA HOPE Kentucky; Corbin, Ky.
Jason Strejcek; Navy; PGA HOPE Northern Ohio; Strongsville, Ohio
George Vasiloff; Air Force; PGA HOPE Philadelphia; Enola, Penn.

Squad Leaders:

Franko Poynter; Navy; PGA HOPE Indiana; New Palestine, Ind.
Christopher Garner; Coast Guard; PGA HOPE Tennessee; Memphis, Tenn.

Participating Veterans are graduates of their local PGA HOPE programs, which introduce and teach golf to Veterans and Active Duty Military to enhance their physical, mental, social and emotional well-being. The six-to eight-week curriculum is led by PGA of America Golf Professionals trained in adaptive golf and military cultural competency and is currently hosted at more than 650 locations throughout the United States. With more than 4,400 trained PGA of America Golf Professionals, PGA HOPE will serve 17,000 Veterans in 2025.

Special guests during the week included Captain Charlie Plumb , who provided a keynote address detailing his experience as a six-year prisoner in the Vietnam War after his plane was shot down on his 75th mission, five days before the end of his tour. A fireside chat also took place featuring 2019 World Series Champion “Mr. National” Ryan Zimmerman , who spent his entire 17-year career with the Washington Nationals, which was moderated by award-winning reporter and PGA of America REACH Foundation Trustee Bret Baier .

PGA HOPE is celebrating 10 years of impact, which includes a Memorandum of Understanding with the Department of Veterans Affairs enabling direct referrals to the PGA HOPE program as a form of therapy. The program is changing and saving the lives of America’s heroes, and since inception, more than 50,000 Veterans have been served.

PGA HOPE National Golf & Wellness Week culminated with golf at Congressional Country Club on Monday, Oct. 13, featuring Veterans playing alongside corporate sponsors, PGA of America Golf Professionals and dignitaries. A frequent host of major championships through the years, Congressional is scheduled to host five PGA of America championships through 2037, including the 2037 Ryder Cup, 2030 PGA Championship, 2027 KPMG Women's PGA Championship, 2033 Senior PGA Championship and 2029 PGA Professional Championship.

PGA HOPE is open to public support and fundraising. Every $330 raised allows a Veteran or active duty military member to participate in PGA HOPE at no personal expense. To support Veterans through PGA HOPE, click here .

About PGA HOPE

PGA HOPE (Helping Our Patriots Everywhere) is the flagship military program of PGA REACH, the charitable foundation of the PGA of America. PGA HOPE introduces golf to Veterans and Active Duty Military to enhance their physical, mental, social and emotional well-being. For more information, visit PGAREACH.org , follow @PGAHOPE on Instagram , X and find us on Facebook .

About PGA of America REACH Foundation

The PGA of America REACH Foundation is the 501(c)(3) charitable foundation of the PGA of America. The mission of the 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. For more information on the PGA of America REACH Foundation, visit PGAREACH.org , follow @PGAREACH on Instagram , X and find us on Facebook .

Media Contacts

Jesse Dodson, PGA of America, jdodson@pgahq.com

Ari Edelman, Mastro Communications, aedelman@mastrocomm.com

PGA HOPE Colorado Cup Unites Military and Colorado PGA of America Golf Professionals at The Country Club of Colorado

Wed, 08 Oct 2025 15:54:15 GMT

Team Erie captures the 2025 PGA HOPE Colorado Cup title! (Pictured left to right): Leo Markworth (Marines), Tyler Mayhew (Air Force), Justin Limon, PGA (PGA HOPE Lead), Jordan Daniels (Navy), and Mark Staroscik (Marines),

Media Contact:

Steven Bartkowski

CEO/Executive Director

Colorado PGA Section

PGA REACH Colorado Foundation

sbartowski@pgahq.com

PGA REACH Colorado Foundation Welcomes Jonathan “Jon” Stirling to Trustee Board

Wed, 01 Oct 2025 12:00:19 GMT

Sandoval Among 23 Others Nationwide as a PGA Works Fellow

Thu, 04 Sep 2025 18:48:00 GMT

Bryan is the Fifth PGA Works Fellow Since 2022 In the Colorado PGA

FRISCO, Texas (Sept. 4, 2025) - The PGA of America REACH Foundation, the 501(c)(3) charitable foundation of the PGA of America, has announced the 2025-26 class for the PGA WORKS Fellowship.

The PGA WORKS Fellowship, established in 2017, provides the opportunity for a paid immersion in a PGA of America Section’s Foundation operations. PGA Sections oversee the 41 regions of the PGA of America across the United States and help create the network of communication and community for PGA of America Golf Professionals and amateur golfers nationwide.

Included in that 2025-2026 class is Bryan Sandoval. Bryan started as the Works Fellow in the PGA REACH Colorado Foundation in May of 2026 as a graduate of the University of Colorado at Boulder, with a degree in the College of Media, Communication, and Information. Bryan, who is hired on with the Colorado PGA Section's Foundation through January of 2026, has been fully engrained with junior programming, PGA HOPE Programming, fundraising efforts, and conducting professional tournaments, giving him a wide array of experience in the golf industry.

The PGA WORKS Fellowship is one of the most valuable entry-level opportunities for individuals from all backgrounds to gain experience in the golf industry. The Fellowship gives recent college and university graduates a first-hand look at everything that a career in the $102 billion golf industry can provide.

The primary responsibilities of the 23 PGA WORKS Fellows will be to support and execute philanthropic initiatives for the charitable foundations of their respective PGA Sections. This includes assisting with marketing, communications, and fundraising activities, as well as PGA HOPE (Helping Our Patriots Everywhere) programming for Veterans and junior golf initiatives such as PGA Jr. League and Drive, Chip & Putt.

“We are thrilled to welcome our new class of PGA WORKS Fellows to their respective PGA Sections,” said PGA of America President and Master Professional Don Rea Jr., PGA Owner/Operator of Augusta Ranch Golf Club (Arizona). “Our PGA WORKS Fellowship program isn’t just about opening doors, it’s about equipping the next generation of leaders and ensuring those doors lead to meaningful career paths and lasting connections.”

Past Fellows have gone on to work for Titleist, the First Tee, the USGA, APGA, and the PGA Tour, among other golf companies, sporting organizations, and leading industries. Others have continued their education or taken their career in golf a step further by attaining PGA of America Membership.

Currently, seven PGA WORKS Fellows Alumni work for the Association at the Home of the PGA of America in Frisco, Texas (including two former PGA Works Fellows from the Colorado Section): PGA WORKS Leader Cameron Dinkins; PGA WORKS Program Coordinator Iyannei Miranda; PGA REACH Events Coordinator Caroline Riggs; PGA Jr. League Grants Coordinator Tomie Anderson; PGA Jr. League Specialist Dayvon Collins; Membership Representative Cameron Jones and Education Faculty Rosa Jones, PGA.

2025-26 Class of PGA WORKS Fellows:

Patrick Appel; Fairfield, Calif.; University of California, San Diego; Northern California PGA Section
Mackenzie Blake; Buffalo, N.Y.; SUNY Cortland; Western New York PGA Section
Claire Calabro; West Chester, Penn.; Florida State University; Gateway PGA Section
Will Cisko; Sparta, N.J.; Rutgers University; New Jersey PGA Section
Kenadie Daegar; Payne, Ohio; University of Northwestern Ohio; Michigan PGA Section
Katherine Foerg; University Heights, Ohio; Niagara University; Northern Ohio PGA Section
Shandiin Harper; Farmington, N.M.; Western New Mexico University; Sun Country PGA Section
George Hill; Jackson, Miss.; University of Alabama; Metropolitan PGA Section
Jacob Hillan; Rensselaer, Ind.; Ball State University; Indiana PGA Section
Leann Kelly; Dunwoody, Ga.; Auburn University; Southern Texas PGA Section
AJ Kisting; New Berlin, Wis.; St. Norbert College; Wisconsin PGA Section
Harlee Lucier; Parish, N.Y.; Utica University; Central New York PGA Section
Savannah Nissel; Ocala, Fla.; Rollins College; North Florida PGA Section
Emmett Noone; Center Valley, Penn.; Temple University; Philadelphia PGA Section
Kennedy Pickering; McKinney, Texas; University of Colorado Boulder; Northern Texas PGA Section
Nina Piscitello; Sacramento, Calif.; California Baptist University; Southern California PGA Section
Sydney Reichard; Brookline, N.H.; University of South Carolina; New England PGA Section
Bryan Sandoval; Littleton, Colo.; University of Colorado Boulder; Colorado PGA Section
Emme Speas; Camas, Wash.; Colorado State University; Carolinas PGA Section
Issie Spray; York, England; Jacksonville State University; Southern Ohio PGA Section
Noah Tietsort; Tulsa, Okla.; Rogers State University; South Central PGA Section
Maria Villamil; Bogota, Colombia; Lincoln University of Missouri; Kentucky PGA Section
Elizabeth Young; Lexington, N.C.; The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill; Middle Atlantic PGA Section

For more information about the PGA of America REACH Foundation, visit PGAREACH.org .

About PGA WORKS

PGA WORKS is a strategic initiative designed to broaden the golf industry’s workforce and future leaders. Funded by the PGA of America REACH Foundation, the 501(c)(3) charitable foundation of the PGA of America, PGA WORKS leverages fellowships, scholarships, career exploration events, and the PGA WORKS Collegiate Championship to inspire and engage talent from all backgrounds to pursue key employment positions across the golf industry. For more information, visit PGAREACH.org/PGAWORKS, follow @PGAWORKS on X, formerly known as Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram, and Facebook.

About the PGA of America REACH Foundation

The PGA of America REACH Foundation is the 501(c)(3) charitable foundation of the PGA of America. The mission of the 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. For more information on the PGA of America REACH Foundation, visit PGAREACH.org, follow @PGAREACH on Instagram, X, formerly known as Twitter and find us on Facebook.

Media Contacts

Jesse Dodson, PGA of America, 801/995-0684, jdodson@pgahq.com

Jared Minski, Mastro Communications, Inc., 732/546-4325, jared@mastrocomm.com

Colorado PGA & Hole Hecklers Team Up to Raise $10,000 for the PGA REACH Colorado Foundation

Tue, 26 Aug 2025 17:36:20 GMT

Larkspur, Colo . — The Colorado PGA is proud to celebrate its continued partnership with the Hole Hecklers, a one-of-a-kind golf entertainment group that blends comedy, camaraderie, and charitable giving to create unforgettable tournament experiences.

This summer, the Hole Hecklers helped drive fundraising efforts for the PGA REACH Colorado Foundation, the charitable arm of the Colorado PGA dedicated to positively impacting lives through the game of golf. Through their on-course entertainment and creative fundraising initiatives, including a special opportunity involving a pair of donated Ryder Cup tickets, the Hole Hecklers helped generate an incredible $10,000 in support of the Foundation’s mission.

Over the past three years, the Colorado PGA and the Hole Hecklers have partnered to bring laughter, energy, and purpose to tournaments across the Section and Foundation. Including many of our Section facilities through their member-guests and charity events. Their unique style of interactive comedy—set right on the course—creates memorable experiences for participants while raising critical funds for PGA REACH Colorado Foundation programs, which focus on Youth Development, Supporting Our Military, and Inclusion in golf.

“We are thrilled with the impact that the Hole Hecklers have had on our fundraising efforts,” said Steven Bartkowski, CEO and Executive Director of the Colorado PGA and PGA REACH Colorado Foundation.“ Their ability to engage golfers in a fun and meaningful way has been a game-changer for our events, and the support they’ve generated is truly remarkable. The funds will go a long way in helping to support the numerous programs and initiatives that our Colorado PGA of America Golf Professionals conduct through our Foundation.” With this latest initiative, the Hole Hecklers have raised over $26,000 for the PGA REACH Colorado Foundation in the past three years. The funds raised will support the junior golf, military, and inclusive programs of The PGA REACH Colorado Foundation, which annually serves over 15,000 people through the game of golf.

The Hole Hecklers’ involvement has grown each year, and the PGA REACH Colorado Foundation is proud to recognize them as an invaluable partner in advancing the Foundation’s mission. To learn how the Hole Hecklers can provide a fresh, fun, and unique approach to your club or corporate events and fundraising, please reach out to Shane Nance of the Hole Hecklers. Not only will your guests and members have some laughs, but you will be making an impact in your communities.

Learn More About the Hole Hecklers

Email Shane Nance of Hole Hecklers

About the PGA REACH Colorado Foundation

PGA REACH Colorado is the 501(c)(3) charitable foundation of the Colorado PGA Section. Its mission is to positively impact lives through the game of golf, with a focus on youth, military, and inclusion programming.

About the Hole Hecklers
The Hole Hecklers are a team of comedians who bring laughter to the links by providing live entertainment at golf tournaments across the country. With their signature style of playful on-course commentary, they turn each event into a fun, memorable experience while raising funds for charitable organizations.

Colorado PGA Professionals Give Back Through Teach Fore REACH

Thu, 24 Jul 2025 17:22:58 GMT

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.

Media Contact:

Steven Bartkowski

CEO/Executive Director

Colorado PGA Section

PGA REACH Colorado Foundation

sbartkowski@pgahq.com

PGA REACH Colorado Foundation Honors Wounded Hero with its 12th Sponsored Mortgage-Free Home

Tue, 22 Jul 2025 18:14:25 GMT

Golf with a purpose:

$110K Raised for Local Programming, One Hero Honored

New Trustee, Matt Stewart, Welcomed to PGA REACH Colorado

Sun, 13 Jul 2025 16:00:07 GMT

New Trustee, Albert Duncan, Welcomed to PGA REACH Colorado

Wed, 28 May 2025 14:43:36 GMT

Welcome, Albert Duncan!

PGA HOPE Colorado Set to Compete in the 2025 Secretary’s Cup

Thu, 20 Mar 2025 17:19:39 GMT

PGA HOPE Colorado (Helping Our Patriots Everywhere) has achieved a momentous milestone—securing a coveted spot in the 2025 PGA HOPE Secretary’s Cup. This prestigious national tournament, held in conjunction with the PGA Championship, celebrates the transformative power of golf in the lives of U.S. military veterans and active duty through PGA HOPE. The Colorado team’s selection is a testament to their dedication, perseverance, and the strength of the Colorado Section’s PGA HOPE program.

PGA HOPE is a flagship initiative of the PGA of America and the PGA REACH Colorado Foundation, designed to introduce golf to veterans and active-duty military personnel as a way to enhance their physical, mental, emotional, and social well-being. The program provides free adaptive golf instruction to veterans, creating an environment that fosters inclusion, camaraderie, and rehabilitation. For many participants, it’s not just about learning the game—it’s about finding a supportive community and building confidence to overcome personal challenges.

Meet the PGA HOPE Colorado Team
The Colorado team consists of five veterans from various branches of the United States military, all of whom earned their place by winning the 2024 PGA HOPE Colorado Cup. Representing the Section at this national event will be:

Jordan LeBlanc, PGA (Army Veteran) – Serving as the team leader, Jordan LeBlanc has played a vital role in the PGA HOPE program since 2018. As a PGA Professional, and National PGA HOPE Trainer, he has trained and certified over 300 PGA Professionals across 15 different sections in the past three years. His leadership and commitment to veteran golf instruction have made a lasting impact.
Jeremiah James (Army Veteran) – Despite severe shoulder, back, and neck injuries sustained during service, Jeremiah remains passionate about golf. His ability to adapt and compete serves as an inspiration, demonstrating how perseverance can overcome physical challenges.
Erich Posdzich (Marine Corps Veteran) – For Erich, golf provides a sense of belonging and community, helping to replace the camaraderie often missed after military service. His dedication to the game reflects his passion for staying connected and engaged.
Joshua Lee (Navy Veteran) – Golf has been an essential tool for Joshua in improving his mental well-being. After completing a mental health program, he turned to the sport as a therapeutic outlet. The Secretary’s Cup presents an opportunity for him to affirm his progress and play alongside supportive teammates.
Paul Garcia (Air Force Veteran) – Transitioning from military to civilian life was a challenge for Paul, but he found purpose and structure in golf. His methodical approach to the game has helped him regain focus and stability, proving that golf is more than just a sport—it’s a lifeline.

The Significance of the Secretary’s Cup
The Secretary’s Cup, held on the Monday of PGA Championship Week, is a premier event that brings together veterans from PGA HOPE chapters across the country. More than just a competition, it serves as a platform to highlight the profound impact of golf on the lives of veterans.

For PGA HOPE Colorado, participating in the Secretary’s Cup is about more than just playing golf—it’s about representing their community, inspiring fellow veterans, and showcasing the power of PGA HOPE. Their journey to the event embodies resilience, camaraderie, and the spirit of giving back.

The team’s mission extends beyond the Secretary’s Cup. Their participation brings awareness to the program, encouraging other veterans to get involved and experience the benefits of adaptive golf. Through PGA HOPE, veterans find more than just a game—they discover support, purpose, and a renewed sense of belonging.

As the team prepares to compete on a national stage, they carry with them the stories of countless veterans who have benefited from the program. Their journey is not just a personal achievement but a celebration of every veteran who has found hope through the programs across the Colorado Section and PGA REACH Colorado Foundation, healing, and connection through the game of golf.

Colorado is ready to make its mark at the Secretary’s Cup. This is more than a tournament—it’s a tribute to the unwavering spirit of our nation’s veterans and the transformative impact of PGA HOPE.

For more information on the PGA HOPE Secretary’s Cup, CLICK HERE.

New Trustee, Josh Knipp, Welcomed to PGA REACH Colorado

Tue, 04 Mar 2025 21:51:17 GMT

Welcome, Josh Knipp!

New Trustee, Trevor Miller, Welcomed to PGA REACH Colorado

Mon, 03 Feb 2025 16:32:59 GMT

Welcome, Trevor Miller!

City of Westminster Golf Courses Protecting the Future of the Game

Mon, 13 Jan 2025 17:44:49 GMT

Colorado PGA of America Golf Professionals Joe Carlton and Brian Carlson are driving sustainability and creating an impact on their community through golf

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

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

New Trustee Welcomed to PGA REACH Colorado

Fri, 22 Nov 2024 16:30:00 GMT

Welcome, Matt Hanson!

PGA of America Hosts PGA HOPE National Golf & Wellness Week – Honoring Veterans at Congressional Country Club, Including 4th PGA HOPE Ambassador from the Colorado Section, Zechariah Owens

Tue, 22 Oct 2024 18:17:26 GMT

Zec Recently Returned Home from the PGA HOPE National Golf and Wellness October 10-14 at Congressional Country Club in Bethesda, Maryland

Larkspur, CO — October 14, 2025 – The PGA REACH Colorado Foundation is proud to
announce the selection of Army Veteran Zec Owens as the fourth PGA HOPE (Helping Our Patriots Everywhere) Colorado Section Ambassador since 2019. This appointment underscores the foundation's commitment to enhancing the lives of veterans through golf and community support.

The PGA of America REACH Foundation—the 501(c)(3) charitable foundation of the PGA of America hosted 19 Veterans and two Veteran squad leaders at PGA HOPE National Golf & Wellness Week, presented by ConocoPhillips and T-Mobile, October 10-14 at Congressional Country Club in Bethesda, Maryland. Included in that exclusive group was Zec Owens, who is a 2023 Graduate of the PGA HOPE Buffalo Wyoming Chapter, led by PGA of America Golf Profesional Dan Ashley, at Buffalo Golf Club.

The participating Veterans, all graduates of their local PGA HOPE (Helping Our Patriots Everywhere) programs, participated in an immersive five-day event that included advanced golf instruction from PGA of America Golf Professionals and wellness training from the Cohen Veterans Network - covering topics including social media, public speaking, stress management, and mental health.

A special highlight of the week, PGA of America REACH Foundation Trustee and record 18-time major champion Jack Nicklaus, made a surprise visit, joining the Veterans for a putting contest on Sunday and a fireside chat with the award-winning reporter and PGA of America REACH Foundation Trustee, Bret Baier. Nicklaus, who was joined by his wife Barbara—the 2019 winner of the PGA of America’s Distinguished Service Award—is a renowned global ambassador, course designer, businessman, and philanthropist, who continues to use his success as a platform to help others.

Pictured: 2024 PGA HOPE Colorado Ambassador, Zec Owens

Zec Owens, a dedicated advocate for veterans' wellness, joins the ranks of previous local PGA HOPE Colorado ambassadors Jay Millar (2023), Chris Cordova (2022), and Joseph Robinson (2019) who have helped bridge the gap between military service and civilian life through the therapeutic benefits of golf. His unique experiences and passion for helping fellow veterans make him a perfect fit for this role.

When asked what the PGA HOPE Program in Wyoming did for him, Zec stated “HOPE got me back into a community of like-minded people that I have been lacking since I left the Army. Being the 2024 PGA HOPE Ambassador means the world to me. This opportunity to help other veterans silence their demons, through the game of golf is an honor that I won’t take lightly. Life can get pretty lonely for my brothers and sisters who served, but the Buffalo GC PGA HOPE Program has brought back that needed sense of community for us.”

Zec found his true calling and served as an Army Specialist from 2013-2016. After leaving the Army, Owens sought a fulfilling pursuit and found it at the Veterans Home of Wyoming in Buffalo. There he became deeply involved in activities supporting veterans, focusing on suicide prevention and aiding those with mental health and memory challenges.

Pictured L-R: Jack Nicklaus, Zec Owens, Barbara Nicklaus

PGA HOPE Colorado programming has made a significant impact since its inception, providing veterans with opportunities to learn and enjoy the game of golf at no cost, which serves as both a therapeutic outlet and a means of building lasting friendships. Through its programs, PGA HOPE Colorado has successfully reached over 700 veterans in calendar year 2024, helping them transition to civilian life, develop new skills, and create supportive networks within their communities. This is a growth of over 71% in veterans served compared to 2022 when the Foundation made it a strategic priority to reach more veterans.

"We are thrilled to welcome Zec as our fourth PGA HOPE Colorado Section Ambassador," said Steven Bartkowski, CEO and Executive Director of PGA REACH Colorado Foundation. "His commitment to serving his fellow veterans aligns perfectly with our mission to empower those who have served our country. We look forward to seeing the positive impact he will have on our programs in Wyoming."

PGA HOPE is not just about golf; it’s about healing, connecting, and providing a pathway to community reintegration for veterans. The Foundation is dedicated to enhancing the lives of veterans by offering a supportive environment where they can engage in the game, learn new skills, and find purpose through sport.

For more information about PGA REACH Colorado foundation and how to support the programming, visit https://reach.coloradopga.com/ .

For a list and map of all PGA HOPE Ambassadors, visit https://sites.google.com/pgahq.com/pga-hope-ambassador-hub/ambassadors .

About 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 difference in our local communities. Programming ensures that regardless of your age or background, cost will try not to 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.

Media Contact

Steven Bartkowski
CEO/Executive Director
sbartkowski@pgahq.com

PGA of America REACH Foundation Announces  2024 Class of PGA WORKS Fellows

Wed, 16 Oct 2024 18:09:49 GMT

27 Recent College And University Graduates From Diverse Backgrounds Get Their First Opportunities To Enter The Golf Industry

FRISCO, Texas (Sept. 17, 2024) - The PGA of America REACH Foundation, the 501(c)(3) charitable foundation of the PGA of America, has announced the 2024 class for the PGA WORKS Fellowship.

The PGA WORKS Fellowship, established in 2017, provides the opportunity for a one-year paid immersion in a PGA of America Section’s Foundation operations. PGA Sections oversee the 41 regions of the PGA of America across the United States and help create the network of communication and community for PGA of America Golf Professionals and amateur golfers nationwide.

The PGA WORKS Fellowship is one of the most valuable entry-level opportunities for individuals from diverse and underrepresented backgrounds to gain experience in all facets of the golf industry. The Fellowship gives recent college and university graduates a first-hand look at everything that a career in the $102 billion golf industry can provide.

The primary responsibilities of this year’s 27 PGA WORKS Fellows will be to support and execute philanthropic initiatives for the charitable foundations of their respective PGA Sections. This includes assisting with marketing, communications and fundraising activities, as well as PGA HOPE programming for Veterans and junior golf initiatives such as PGA Jr. League and Drive, Chip & Putt.

“Our PGA WORKS Fellowship program has become an incredible resource for recent college graduates to get their foot in the door within the golf industry and make real contributions to their local communities and PGA of America Sections,” said PGA of America President John Lindert, PGA Director of Golf at the Country Club of Lansing (Michigan). “The Fellows experience how meaningful a career in golf is and the majority continue down that path following their Fellowship. I’m looking forward to seeing the future success of our 27 Fellows.”

As part of PGA WORKS’ mission, Fellows are encouraged to continue their careers in golf following their fellowships with direct access to both PGA of America Career Consultants and mentors to help them achieve their career goals. In the history of the PGA WORKS Fellowship, 82 percent of all Fellows have acquired jobs within the golf industry, and 85 percent have acquired full-time positions upon completing their fellowship. 56 percent of fellows have secured jobs at a PGA Section.

Past Fellows have gone on to work for Titleist, the First Tee, the Texas Golf Association and the PGA Tour, among other golf companies and sporting organizations. Additionally, several Fellows work full-time in PGA Section Offices across the country. Others have continued their education in graduate school.

Currently, four PGA WORKS Fellows Alumni have landed jobs working for the Association at the Home of the PGA of America in Frisco, Texas: Cameron Dinkins, PGA WORKS Leader; Iyannei Miranda, PGA WORKS Program Coordinator; Caroline Riggs, PGA REACH Events Coordinator; and Cameron Jones, Membership Representative.

2024 Colorado PGA WORKS Fellow

Kika Dzoan; Tracy, Calif.; Metropolitan State University of Denver; Colorado PGA Section

2024 Class of PGA WORKS Fellows

Maddy Anderson; Waukesha, Wis.; Western Illinois University (UG) / University of Wisconsin-Whitewater (Masters); Wisconsin PGA Section

Amber Bogle; Lincoln, Neb.; Bellevue University; Nebraska PGA Section

Hannah Corso; Winchester, Mass.; University of Massachusetts Amherst; New England PGA Section

Kika Dzoan; Tracy, Calif.; Metropolitan State University of Denver; Colorado PGA Section

Rachel Dupree; Shreveport, La.; Oral Roberts University; South Central PGA Section

Camryn Eddy; Cincinnati, Ohio; University of Kentucky; Gateway PGA Section

Aron Gianchandani; Watchung, N.J.; Muhlenberg College; New Jersey PGA Section

Hayley Guilinger; Thomson, Ill.; Culver Stockton University (UG) / Western Illinois University (Masters); Michigan PGA Section

Taylor Harvey; Phoenix, Ariz.; Prairie View A&M University (UG) / Delaware State University (Masters); Sun Country PGA Section

Jordan Haynes; Lithia, Fla.; Florida State University; Georgia PGA Section

Emily Jones; Cleveland, Ohio; University of Dayton; Northern Ohio PGA Section

Abbie Kludt; Hettinger, N.D.; Dickinson State University (UG) / Syracuse (Masters); Western New York PGA Section

Presley Ladner; Canton, Miss.; Louisiana State University; Gulf States PGA Section

Carli Lynch; Needham, Mass..; Methodist University; South Florida PGA Section

Kara Madden; Leesburg, Va.; University of Mississippi; Middle Atlantic PGA Section

Destiny McLeod; Philadelphia, Pa.; Penn State University; Kentucky PGA Section

Nic Mendez; Pembroke Pines, Fla.; University of Central Florida; North Florida PGA Section

Vuyo Mondi; Northcliff, South Africa; Arizona State University (UG) / Ohio State (Masters); Southern Ohio PGA Section

Alexandra Mudie; Dundee, Scotland; William Carey University (UG) / University of Southern Mississippi (Masters); Southern Texas PGA Section

Seely Murphy; Albany, Ga.; Georgia Southern University; Northern Texas PGA Section

Zoe Rogers; Shelton, Conn.; Saint Michael’s College; Metropolitan PGA Section

Amanda Schaare; Clinton, Mich.; University of Michigan (UG) / Wake Forest University (Masters); Intersport

Nyah Singh; Nassau, The Bahamas; Lincoln University; Indiana PGA Section

Cami Terkildsen; Wheaton, Ill.; University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign; Carolinas PGA Section

Cassandra Vogel; Bellefonte, Pa.; Millersville University; Philadelphia PGA Section

Casey Ware; Fulton, N.Y.; Syracuse University; Central NY PGA Section

Valentina Wilson; San Diego, Calif.; Penn State University; Southern California PGA Section

For more information on PGA REACH, visit PGAREACH.org.

About PGA WORKS
PGA WORKS is a strategic initiative designed to diversify the golf industry’s workforce. Funded as one of the pillars of the PGA of America REACH Foundation, the 501(c)(3) charitable foundation of the PGA of America, PGA WORKS leverages fellowships, scholarships, career exploration events, and the PGA WORKS Collegiate Championship to inspire and engage talent from all backgrounds to pursue key employment positions across the golf industry. For more information, visit PGAREACH.org .

About PGA of America REACH Foundation

Media Contacts:
Jesse Dodson, PGA of America, jdodson@pgahq.com , 801-995-0684
Jared Minski, Mastro Communications, jared@mastrocomm.com , 732-546-4325

PGA REACH Colorado Foundation Announces 2024 Scholarship Recipients

hchampion@pgahq.com (Holly Champion) — Wed, 04 Sep 2024 23:00:18 GMT

Eleven Local Students Receive Funding for Secondary Schooling

September 5, 2024 - The PGA REACH Colorado Foundation has awarded eleven students a $1,000 scholarship toward their secondary schooling. The PGA REACH Colorado Scholarship Program was established to provide college scholarships for children and grandchildren of PGA of America Golf Professionals in the Colorado Section. These scholarships are based on the National PGA Financial Assistance Fund Scholarship which is awarded to students who have at least a 3.4 cumulative GPA and are the children or grandchildren of PGA of America Golf Professionals. This merit-based scholarship program considers academic performance and extracurricular participation.

In 2024, eleven deserving students met the academic requirements and received $11,000 towards their secondary schooling from the PGA REACH Colorado Foundation.

The 2024 Recipients are:

Lily Wallace, daughter of Glenn Wallace, PGA
Jonathan Boyer, son of Jeffrey Boyer, PGA
Timbre Shehee, daughter of Tray and Terra Shehee, PGA
Tommy Noonan III, grandson of Thomas Noonan, PGA
Vincent Buelk, son of Vince Buelk, PGA
Raef (Nyx) Kamby, son of Joe Kamby, PGA
Savannah Schieck, granddaughter of Gary Marsh, PGA
Coralinn Vena, daughter of Kevin Vena, PGA
Emma Bryant, daughter of Matt Bryant, PGA
Sophie Webster, daughter of Erica Webster, PGA
Sydney Webster, daughter of Erica Webster, PGA

About the PGA REACH Colorado Foundation

The PGA REACH Colorado Foundation is a non-profit organization focused on creating opportunities and support for youth, military veterans, and diverse communities through the game of golf. The foundation’s mission is to positively impact lives by leveraging the resources and network of the PGA of America.

About the PGA Financial Assistance Fund

The PGA Financial Assistance Fund was established in 1986 and provides college scholarships to the children and grandchildren of PGA Members based on evidence of academic achievement during high school or college. All national funding for the scholarships comes from contributions made by the PGA Members. All local funding comes from community donors and partners. Since its inception, the PGA of America has awarded a little over 4,000 scholarships totaling $9,197,500.00. Since 2008, PGA REACH Colorado has funded over $229,000 in local college scholarships.

Media Contact:

Steven Bartkowski

CEO/Executive Director

Colorado PGA
PGA REACH Colorado Foundation

sbartkowski@pgahq.com

REACH Invitational Golf Tournament Raises Over $128,000 to Support Youth, Military, and Inclusion Initiatives

Fri, 02 Aug 2024 20:04:00 GMT

PGA REACH Colorado Foundation Honors Wounded Hero with Mortgage-Free Home

Larkspur, CO — July 31, 2024 — The 2024 REACH Invitational Fundraiser Golf Tournament has proudly concluded with a remarkable achievement, raising over $128,000 to bolster programming and initiatives that support youth, military personnel, and inclusion efforts. Hosted at The Golf Club at Bear Dance in Larkspur, Colorado, the event showcased a powerful commitment to community support and charitable giving, drawing participants and supporters from across the region.

This, the 11th Annual REACH Invitational, was conducted by the PGA REACH Colorado Foundation, the charitable arm of the Colorado PGA Section. The mission of the PGA REACH Colorado Foundation is to positively impact lives through the game of golf.

This year's tournament was a resounding success, thanks to the generous contributions of PGA of America Golf Professionals, Foundation Trustees, Sponsors, Participants, and Volunteers. The funds raised will be directed toward vital programs aimed at fostering growth, opportunity, and inclusion for young people, veterans, and underrepresented communities. The REACH Invitational is a testament to the community's dedication to making a positive impact through golf and philanthropy.

A highlight of the event was the presentation of a significant gift from the PGA REACH Colorado Foundation and their partners in the Military Warriors Support Foundation, led by Executive Director Ken Eakes. In a heartfelt ceremony the night before the golf event, the foundation bestowed a deed and key for a mortgage-free home to Jason Moon, a wounded combat hero. Moon, a decorated veteran, has bravely served his country through his time in the US Army and received the Purple Heart decoration for his courage.

“We are immensely grateful for the overwhelming support we received at this year’s REACH Invitational,” said Steven Bartkowski, CEO/Executive Director of the PGA REACH Colorado Foundation. “The funds raised will make a profound difference in the lives of the over 15,000 individuals we aim to support each year. Additionally, presenting Jason Moon with a mortgage-free home was a truly special moment that embodies the spirit of giving and gratitude that defines our event. This would not be possible without the support of all our sponsors and donors, especially presenting partners Tito’s, Jack Daniels, The Golf Club at Bear Dance, Plum Creek Golf Club, and Colorado National Golf Club.”

The PGA REACH Colorado Foundation’s contribution to Jason Moon’s life is a poignant reminder of the impact that collective efforts can have on individuals who have given so much for their country. This gesture not only provides Jason and his family with a new beginning but also underscores the importance of supporting our heroes and their families.

The REACH Invitational Golf Tournament continues to be a pivotal event in the realm of charitable fundraising, demonstrating the power of community and the enduring legacy of those who contribute to its success. Plans for next year’s tournament are already underway, with the aim of continuing to support and uplift those in need through the game of golf.

For more information about the REACH Invitational Fundraising Golf Tournament, upcoming events, or how to get involved, please visit https://reach.coloradopga.com/ or contact Steven Bartkowski at sbartkowski@pgahq.com.

About the REACH Invitational: The REACH Invitational Fundraising Golf Tournament is an annual event dedicated to raising funds and awareness for programming that supports youth, military personnel, and inclusion initiatives. Through the generosity of participants and sponsors, the tournament aims to foster positive change and provide valuable resources to those in need.

About the PGA REACH Colorado Foundation: The PGA REACH Colorado Foundation is a non-profit organization focused on creating opportunities and support for youth, military veterans, and diverse communities through the game of golf. The foundation’s mission is to positively impact lives by leveraging the resources and network of the PGA of America.

Media Contact:

Steven Bartkowski
CEO/Executive Director
Colorado PGA
PGA REACH Colorado Foundation
sbartkowski@pgahq.com
https://reach.coloradopga.com/

PGA REACH Colorado Foundation To Present 11th Mortgage-Free Home to Purple Heart Recipient Jason Moon at REACH Invitational

Tue, 23 Jul 2024 16:58:45 GMT

PGA REACH Colorado Foundation Home Presentation 2024

Larkspur, CO – July 19th, 2024 – The PGA REACH Colorado Foundation is proud to announce that during the upcoming REACH Invitational, again in partnership with The Military Warriors Support Foundation, will be providing the 11th set of keys to a mortgage-free home to combat wounded veteran Jason Moon. This significant event will take place on Tuesday, July 30th at The Golf Club at Bear Dance, during the Welcome Reception of the golf tournament, showcasing the foundation’s continued commitment to supporting the community and veterans.

Jason Moon, a decorated veteran who has bravely served his country through his time in the US Army, will receive the keys to his new home in a heartfelt ceremony. This marks another milestone in the foundation’s ongoing mission to give back to those who have sacrificed so much for freedom. The PGA REACH Colorado Foundation is dedicated to enhancing the lives of military veterans through the game of golf, and providing a stable and supportive living environment is a crucial part of this mission.

“We are honored to present this home to Jason Moon,” said Steven Bartkowski, CEO and Executive Director of The Colorado PGA and PGA REACH Colorado Foundation. “His courage and dedication to our country are truly inspirational, and it is our privilege to support him in this way. The REACH Invitational is not just a golf event; it’s a celebration of community, service, and gratitude.”

U.S. Army Specialist Jason Moon

The REACH Invitational, a cornerstone event for the foundation, brings golfers, veterans, and supporters from across the Colorado PGA Section together for a day of competition and camaraderie. The event also serves as a platform to raise awareness and funds for various programs aimed at helping veterans transition back into civilian life, including employment assistance, healthcare, and housing.

Attendees of the REACH Invitational can look forward to an exciting day of golf, with opportunities to meet and hear from Jason Moon, and other veterans who have benefited from the foundation’s initiatives. The event will also feature live music, a live and silent auction, and a lunch reception to celebrate the occasion.

PGA REACH Colorado Foundation extends its gratitude to all sponsors, donors, and volunteers who make these life-changing events possible. Their generosity and support are vital to the success of the foundation’s programs and the well-being of veterans in the community.

For more information about the REACH Invitational and the PGA REACH Colorado Foundation’s work, please visit reach.coloradopga.com.

About PGA REACH Colorado Foundation:

PGA REACH Colorado Foundation is the charitable foundation of the PGA of America. Its mission is to positively impact the lives of youth, military, and diverse populations by enabling access to the game of golf. Through its programs and initiatives, the foundation strives to inspire and create a lasting difference in the lives of those it serves.

PGA REACH Colorado Foundation Awards 2024 Pillar Grant Recipients

Thu, 20 Jun 2024 00:30:00 GMT

Eight programs provided grant dollars to help positively impact the community!

Larkspur, CO - Since a group of Colorado PGA of America Golf Professionals created the vision of the PGA REACH Colorado Foundation (the charitable arm of the Colorado PGA Section) on July 15, 1996, the mission has always been to Positively Impact Lives Through the Game of Golf under three pillars (areas)- Youth, Military, and Inclusion. As the Foundation has grown year over year, and with the creation of the Growth of the Game/Pillar Grants, the 501c3 has been able to support the work of many Colorado PGA of America Professionals, golf facilities across the region, and allied associations that conduct programming directly in line with this same mission.

This process to apply for Pillar Grants is open to all Colorado PGA of America Golf Professionals and organizations annually that use the game of golf to give back to the community. As this year's application process has passed, we are excited to announce the 2024 Pillar Grant Recipients. This year the Foundation Board of Directors is proud to say that they could support 100% of requests that came in.

"We are excited to once again be able to use the resources of the PGA REACH Colorado Foundation to support our PGA of America Golf Professionals and Allied Associations who believe in the mission of positively impacting lives through the game of golf. The Colorado PGA Section and its Foundation are proud to continue to be a small part in helping to drive positive impact throughout Colorado, Eastern Wyoming, and South Dakota. This is the second year in a row in which 100% of applicants have been funded, and we hope to see continued growth of applicants in years to come," said Steven Bartkowski, PGA REACH Colorado Foundation CEO/Executive Director.

Thank you to these individuals and organizations that are going above and beyond to give back! The PGA REACH Colorado Foundation is so grateful as an organization to support this work being done right in our backyard financially. Please take a minute to learn about these inspiring programs below.

Fearless Golf (Colorado Springs, CO) - Led by Mark Kelbel, PGA, the mission of Fearless Golf is to use golf as a vehicle to equip at-risk youth for a successful transition to adulthood. Fearless Golf served 175 youth in 2023.
Just P.L.A.Y. (Denver, CO)- Led by Chad Kendall, PGA in partnership with Just P.L.A.Y where at-risk youth receive life-changing experiences through athletics and activities.
PGA HOPE Down Range Events (Arvada, CO) - Visanu Tongwarin, PGA, and Rob Grall, PGA, will host “Down Range” events to keep Veterans engaged after completing a PGA HOPE Program. The program is meant to help ensure these Veterans continue to use golf for healing well after the 6-8 week clinics.
Patriots to Pros (Colorado Springs, CO ) - Mark Bacheldor, PGA, and Jon Husby, PGA, at the University of Colorado Colorado Springs will be rolling out the second year of Patriots to Pros helping military personnel start a career in golf.
P51 Initiative (Monument CO) - Matt Bohrer, PGA Associate helped to run a golf fundraiser at his facility for Life Scout Colin Saber who has an inspiring goal of honoring service members by building a memorial at the Town Hall in Monument, CO.
Junior Golf Equipment Library (Aurora, CO) - Ben Pennymon, PGA, who leads CommonGround Golf Course, is launching an equipment library that the community can use to access golf equipment at no cost. This program is aimed at removing one of the primary barriers that prohibit families of need from entering the game of golf.
And, lastly, the work that many of our Colorado PGA of America Golf Professionals are doing for The First Tee of Southern Colorado and First Tee of Green Valley Ranch by building life skills for youth.

For media inquiries or further information, please contact:

Steven Bartkowski
CEO/Executive Director
Colorado PGA Section
PGA REACH Colorado Foundation
303.996.1593
sbartkowski@pgahq.com

About the PGA REACH Colorado Foundation:

The PGA REACH Colorado Foundation works daily to support our over 900 Colorado PGA Professionals to make a difference in our local communities. Programming tries to ensure that regardless of your age or background, cost will never 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 Professionals, PGA Sections, and the game of golf.

THE COLORADO PGA JUNIOR GOLF TOUR, POWERED BY CITYWIDE BANKS, A DIVISION OF HTLF BANK

Tue, 06 Feb 2024 23:44:09 GMT

Citywide Banks, A Division of HTLF Bank, Signs Three Year Commitment

Larkspur, Colorado - PGA REACH Colorado is thrilled to announce a significant and strategic partnership with Citywide Banks, a division of HTLF Bank, solidifying their commitment to the development of Junior Golf in the state of Colorado. The three-year commitment designates Citywide Banks as the official Title Partner for the Colorado PGA Junior Golf Tour, marking a collaborative effort to foster the growth and success of young golfers. The collaboration aims to enhance the overall experience for participants, parents, and spectators while elevating the profile of junior golf in the region.

"We are delighted to welcome Citywide Banks as the title partner of the Colorado PGA Junior Golf Tour. This partnership aligns with our shared values of promoting youth development, sportsmanship, and a love for the game of golf," said Steven Bartkowski, Executive Director and CEO of the Colorado PGA Section and the PGA REACH Colorado Foundation. "Citywide Banks' commitment to community engagement and supporting young athletes makes them an ideal partner as we work together to inspire the next generation of golf enthusiasts."

Citywide Banks' involvement is not limited to branding; the partnership also extends to collaborative initiatives focused on community outreach, junior golfer education, and scholarships. Through these efforts, both organizations aim to make a lasting impact on the local golf community and contribute to the development of well-rounded young individuals.

"We are honored to be the title partner for Colorado PGA Junior Golf and to play a key role in fostering the growth of junior golf in our community. This partnership is a testament to our dedication to youth development, and we look forward to supporting these talented young athletes as they pursue their passion for golf," said Michael Wamsganz, President and CEO of Citywide Banks. “It's about investing in the next generation and shaping tomorrow's community leaders. By providing opportunities for young athletes to develop their skills and values through golf, we believe we are contributing to the growth and prosperity of our communities.”

The three-year commitment reflects both organizations' confidence in the potential for positive, long-term impacts on junior golf in Colorado. Together, PGA REACH Colorado and Citywide Banks are poised to create memorable experiences for young golfers, leaving a lasting legacy on the future of the sport.

For more information about Citywide Banks, please visit https://www.citywidebanks.com/ or contact Erinn Lopez .

About Citywide Banks, a division of HTLF Bank

Supported by our parent company HTLF, our unique model leverages technology, efficiency, and strength, enabling us to deliver the best of both worlds: The resources and tools of a large company, combined with local decision-making, unmatched customer service, and in-depth understanding of our customers and communities. For more about HTLF Bank, visit HTLF.com. This is local banking with the scale to compete at any level.

About PGA REACH Colorado

The PGA REACH Colorado Foundation works daily to support our over 850 Colorado PGA Professionals to make a difference in our local communities. Programming tries to ensure that regardless of your age or background, cost will never 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 Professionals, PGA Sections, and the game of golf.

About the Colorado PGA

The Colorado Section of the PGA promotes the game of golf for the golfers of Colorado, Eastern Wyoming, and a small part of South Dakota. The Section aims to promote enjoyment and involvement in the game of golf and contribute to its growth by providing services to golf professionals and the industry within the Section. The Section accomplishes this purpose by enhancing the skills of its professionals and the opportunities for amateurs, employers, manufacturers, employees, and the general public within the Section. The Colorado PGA has more than 850 members and associates.

NEW TRUSTEE JOHN EASTERBROOK, PGA JOINS OUR CAUSE

Fri, 02 Feb 2024 23:42:02 GMT

New Trustee Welcomed to PGA REACH Colorado

Larkspur Colorado - February 1st, 2024 - Welcome to the team Mr. John Easterbrook Jr., PGA. John joins the PGA REACH Colorado Trustee/Advisory Board as the Chief Membership Officer of The PGA of America. John Easterbrook Jr., PGA, joined the PGA of America in 2017, as the Association’s first Chief Membership Officer. He directs the core PGA Member-focused areas of the Association—including PGA Career Services, Education, Member Services and Section Business Operations. In addition, he oversees PGA Golf Properties, which includes PGA Golf Club in Port St. Lucie, Florida; and Valhalla Golf Club in Louisville, Kentucky.

For 20 years, he served as Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer at Troon, the largest third-party management company in the world. Easterbrook was responsible for the day-to-day operations of a vast global business that included more than 15,000 associates (including more than 450 PGA Professionals) at 280 courses in 33 countries and 37 states. In addition, he was instrumental in the growth of the company’s portfolio and oversaw the development of Troon’s operating standards and financial benchmarking. As a member of the senior executive committee, Easterbrook also directed field operations, sales and marketing. He is the only recipient of Troon’s Lifetime Achievement Award.

The grandson of a PGA Professional and the son of a college football coach, Easterbrook earned a bachelor’s degree in finance from the University of Wyoming, where he played on the golf team all four years and was twice selected to the All-Conference team. He and his wife Lori continue to be strong supporters of both the mens and women's golf teams at the university. They have three daughters: Alexandra, Kelsey and Morgan who currently reside in Colorado. John spends most of his time in Frisco, TX (the headquarters of the PGA of America) but comes back as often as he can to his home in Colorado. He considers Colorado his home Section and is excited to join this group.

About PGA REACH Colorado
The PGA REACH Colorado Foundation works daily to support our over 850 Colorado PGA Professionals to make a difference in our local communities. Programming tries to ensure that regardless of your age or background, cost will never 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 Professionals, PGA Sections, and the game of golf.

About the Colorado PGA
The Colorado Section of the PGA promotes the game of golf for the golfers of Colorado, Eastern Wyoming, and a small part of South Dakota. The Section aims to promote enjoyment and involvement in the game of golf and contribute to its growth by providing services to golf professionals and the industry within the Section. The Section accomplishes this purpose by enhancing the skills of its professionals and the opportunities for amateurs, employers, manufacturers, employees, and the general public within the Section. The Colorado PGA has more than 850 members and associates.

Zachary Ledvina and Kari Coover Join PGA REACH Colorado!

Wed, 13 Dec 2023 22:36:00 GMT

Welcome Zachary and Kari!

Larkspur, Colorado - December 13, 2023 - PGA REACH Colorado (the charitable arm of The Colorado PGA Section) welcomes on our newest Trustees, Zachary Ledvina and Kari Coover. Zachary and Kari join a group of 26 other Trustees dedicated to supporting Colorado PGA Professionals and their efforts to grow the game through PGA REACH Colorado.

Zachary has been working within the Colorado PGA Section for over a decade. Throughout this time, he has provided valuable support to various initiatives of the Colorado PGA. He is very grateful for the opportunity to represent companies like Ahead, Maui Jim, and Summit Golf Brands, who share the vision of promoting and expanding the game of golf, particularly through the PGA Reach program.

After a decade of experience and contribution, Zachary believes it is time to enhance his outreach efforts by joining the Board of Trustees. He eagerly anticipates assuming an expanded role in supporting the organization's pillars and working towards achieving the established goals.

Zachary was born into the golf world, his Father worked for Titleist for 30 years, most notably pioneering the manufacturing of the ProV1 ball we all love to lose. Even though with his travel schedule, he doesn’t get onto the links as much as he likes, he still enjoys seeing all the clubs in the Section. Zachary is married, to his patient wife Kayla and lives with his beagle and rescue pup (13 and 8).

Veteran to run in NYC marathon as part of PGA REACH team

Thu, 19 Oct 2023 16:38:34 GMT

Colorado PGA's Very Own, Jon Husby, PGA is Set to Run in the 2023 New York City Marathon Next Month

Story courtesy of Maggy Wolanske and FOX21 News

(WOODLAND PARK, Colo.) — The crunch of gravel, the scent of pine, the view of Pikes Peak–all part of a marathon training run for Jon Husby.

“I’m here at 8,400 feet and surrounded by mountains,” Husby said. “So, a lot of my training, been hills and slower speed. So, I’m hoping that that kind of equates, and it’ll be okay when we get to the flats and then down at sea level, hopefully the goal.” The Professional Golfers’ Association (PGA) of America houses a charitable foundation called PGA R EACH , dedicated to making the game of golf accessible across the country.

“PGA Reach is actually the charitable foundation for the PGA of America, and they have three pillars,” Husby said. “They support the military, youth, and diversity in the industry. So, a lot of their programs go towards scholarships, junior golf programing, military golf programing, any way that they can kind of connect and impact lives and use golf just as a tool to do that.” Husby is one of a handful of runners across the country who are a part of PGA Reach team. 17 of them will run in the New York City Marathon with the goal to collectively raise $150,000 for the charity’s mission. “Running is more of an individual sport a lot of times,” Husby said. “But to be able to have 16 others that we can kind of commiserate with and talk about training and fundraising and kind of that lead up to the New York City Marathon has been a ton of fun.”

Husby’s fundraising page can be found here .

Putting and hitting the driving range has been a passion of Husby’s since he was eight years old.

Following his military service, Husby dedicated himself to introducing the game of golf to young enthusiasts and the military community in Southern Colorado. “Through my service in the military and then working at a military installation and being around military golf for all those years, it’s awesome to kind of give back and connect with them,” Husby said. “And then introduce them to a game that they can continue to play regardless of what kind of injuries they’ve sustained.”

Jon Husby during his time serving in the army.

Following his military service, Husby dedicated himself to introducing the game of golf to young enthusiasts and the military community in Southern Colorado.

“Through my service in the military and then working at a military installation and being around military golf for all those years, it’s awesome to kind of give back and connect with them,” Husby said. “And then introduce them to a game that they can continue to play regardless of what kind of injuries they’ve sustained.”

Thanks to clubs, putting greens, and tees, Husby expressed the positive benefits golf has on military veterans.

“Especially through golf, because we try to get those veterans back out on the golf course, back outside, back around other people so that they can kind of just get back outside, be normal, enjoy being outside around other people,” Husby said. “We’ve seen great success in just using that as a tool to really help them heal, just being outside and being connected around other people, and again, we just use golf as a tool to kind of make that happen.”

This is not the first time Husby is running a marathon, as he embarks on his training runs, he strives to be ready for the 26.2 miles which await in November.

“I’m getting pretty pumped and pretty prepped,” Husby said. “Last year, didn’t quite go as well as I had hoped, the heat and humidity really got to me. So we’re hoping for a little better weather this year, a little bit cooler, hopefully and I think I’m prepped and ready to go, so not too nervous. [I] just know that day-of is going to be a little rough and just got to get through it and get to the finish line.”

While out on the trails, Husby is never alone as he has a man’s best friend each step of the way.

“This is Tucker, the trail dog,” Husby said. “He’s probably my best buddy in the world, and he’s probably one of the best running buddies that you can ask for. He’s about a four-year-old standard poodle, and he can put the miles in, and he’s put down pretty much all the training around with me. So, he’s going to do it all except for New York City this year.”

Husby is never alone on the trails as he is joined by his loyal pal, Tucker the Trail Dog.

When Husby is not out on a run or on the course, he is sharing his passion for golf with students at UCCS.

“Being at UCCS, is a lot of fun with the PGA Golf Management program,” Husby said. “We’re one of 17 PGA accredited universities across the country where students work towards PGA membership and then with our program, their business degree as well. So, it’s really fun to be around that next generation of golfers.”

With every step and every dollar raised, Husby is fueling his passion for golf in teaching veterans and inspiring the next generation of golfers.

“It’s fun to be able to kind of give back and kind of engage my family and friends and that whole support system to really truly engage in what I love,” said Husby.

Colorado PGA Professionals Raise $126K Through 2023 Play Yellow Birdie Bash

Wed, 11 Oct 2023 02:54:23 GMT

Proceeds Benefiting PGA REACH Colorado & Children's Hospital Colorado

Westminster, CO, The Ranch Country Club – The Colorado PGA, through its charitable arm PGA REACH Colorado Foundation, is excited to announce the inaugural Play Yellow Birdie Bash raised over $126,000 in support of Play Yellow, a program benefiting Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals (CMN Hospitals). The funds raised specifically benefit CMN Hospitals in Denver, Colorado Springs, Fort Collins, and the surrounding areas as well as PGA REACH Colorado.

“The Play Yellow Birdie Bash is all about community,” noted Colorado PGA CEO/Executive Director Steven Bartkowski “The goal of the Play Yellow Birdie Bash is to support our community through the game of golf. We made huge strides this year by uniting 500 individual donors behind our campaign. All of those people believe in the game and believe in our PGA of America Golf Professionals. Our PGA of America Golf Professionals excelled on the golf course to benefit the community; our three hospitals and our PGA REACH Colorado Foundation.”

34 PGA of America Golf Professionals from Colorado gathered to play at The Ranch Country Club to raise money by making as many birdies as possible throughout 72 holes of golf, playing the Doubles Golf format (two-person scramble). Over the past thirty days, players recruited pledges from donors to contribute money for each birdie their team made in the Play Yellow Birdie Bash. Over 500 donors pledged anywhere from $2 to $50 per birdie in the inaugural event.

The Play Yellow Birdie Bash is all about utilizing the game of golf to impact the community. Children’s Hospital Colorado Champion, Porter, kicked off the 2023 event by hitting a ceremonial tee shot to begin play. Porter and his family cheered players on throughout the day while also reading putts on the greens to help teams make birdies and raise more funds.

2023 Play Yellow Birdie Bash Team Results

64 – Andy Connell (The Ridge at Castle Pines) & Blake Kuzava (Bear Creek Golf Club)

61 – Ben Honaman & Geoff Keffer (Lakewood Country Club)

61 – Mark Avery (The Ranch Country Club) & Jason Witczak (The Club at Pradera)

58 – Will Veith (The Golf Club at Bear Dance) & Keith Stilwell (Perry Park Country Club)

56 – Visanu Tongwarin (Legacy Ridge Golf Club) & Rob Grall (Colorado National Golf Club)

55 – Chris Hyten & Drew Parr (Castle Pines Golf Club)

53 – Joe Carlton (Legacy Ridge Golf Club) & Brian Carlson (Walnut Creek Golf Preserve)

52 – Zach Peck (TPC Colorado) & Adam Johnson (GOLFTEC - Highlands Ranch)

50 – Mike Fengler (The Pinery Country Club) & Cary Callihan (Aurora Hills Golf Course)

45 – Brian Gott & Sean Knights (The Club at Rolling Hills)

44 – Jeramy Curry (Pinehurst Country Club) & Ben Tremayne (Willis Case Golf Course)

42 – Samantha Crawford (Colorado PGA) & Blair Sirene Blair (PGA of America)

41 – Justin Limon & Peter Weisel (Colorado PGA)

40 – Ryan Bakken (Thorncreek Golf Course) & Chris Bowry (Ptarmigan Country Club)

33 – Maggie Hartman (Experience Golf) & Ben Pennymon (CommonGround Golf Course)

27 – Jim Miller & Killian Simpson (Sonnenalp Golf Club)

Funds generated from the event will go to support the greatest needs at Children’s Hospital Colorado - by way of the Children’s Miracle Network as well as PGA REACH Colorado programs that support military, youth, and inclusive programming throughout the Colorado Section.

About the Colorado PGA:
The Colorado Section of the PGA promotes the game of golf for the golfers of Colorado, Eastern Wyoming, and a small part of South Dakota. The purpose of the Section is to promote enjoyment and involvement in the game of golf and to contribute to its growth by providing services to golf professionals and the golf industry within the Section.

The Section accomplishes this purpose by enhancing the skills of its professionals and the opportunities for amateurs, employers, manufacturers, employees, and the general public within the Section. The Colorado PGA has more than 850 members and associates.

About PGA REACH Colorado:
The PGA REACH Colorado Foundation works daily to support our over 850 Colorado PGA Professionals to make a difference in our local communities. Programming tries to ensure that regardless of your age or background, cost will never 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 Professionals, PGA Sections, and the game of golf

Commerce City Takes Home Inaugural UMB Bank PGA HOPE Colorado Cup

jlimon@pgahq.com (Justin Limon) — Thu, 28 Sep 2023 21:10:31 GMT

Colorado Springs, CO (September 25th, 2023) – The first-ever UMB Bank PGA HOPE Colorado Cup was a major success this past Monday at the beautiful Broadmoor Golf Club in Colorado Springs. The team of five from Commerce City, led by PGA Professional Jordan Leblanc, took first place with a score of -13. They will have the opportunity now to represent Colorado and the PGA HOPE Colorado program at the PGA HOPE Secretary’s Cup.

The Broadmoor, which will host the 2025 US Senior Open Championship, hosted 17 teams composed of PGA HOPE graduates and their instructors. They played on the West Golf Course at The Broadmoor and played a 5-person scramble format. A tournament-high 13 birdies paved the way for Leblanc and Commerce City to win.

Click here to view the full results.

Click here to view photos from the event.

The Colorado PGA extends its gratitude to The Broadmoor Golf Club, PGA Director of Golf Russ Miller, and its staff for playing host to this beautiful event. We also thank Wilson for providing custom PGA HOPE Colorado golf balls, Branded Bills for providing hats for all those who participated in the event, and UMB Bank for being a great sponsor for the inaugural edition of the Colorado PGA HOPE Cup.

An upcoming opportunity to support PGA HOPE will begin on Tuesday, October 11th as the National Day of HOPE campaign opens. This fundraiser will be open through November 11th and all funds will go directly towards efforts to ensure the program remains entirely free for current and future Veterans.

For more information on PGA HOPE Colorado: Click Here

Colorado PGA HOPE Lead: Justin Limon, PGA, (720)-390-1160

About PGA HOPE Colorado:

PGA HOPE (Helping Our Patriots Everywhere) Colorado is the flagship military program of PGA REACH Colorado, the charitable foundation of the Colorado Section, PGA of America. PGA HOPE introduces golf to Veterans with disabilities to enhance their physical, mental, social, and emotional well-being.

The program introduces the game of golf through a developmental 6-8 week curriculum taught by PGA Professionals trained in adaptive golf and military cultural competency. PGA HOPE includes an introduction to the sport of golf, golf instruction, playing opportunities, and social events. All programs are funded by PGA REACH Colorado, so the cost of programming is free to all Veterans.

About PGA REACH Colorado:

The Colorado Section of the PGA promotes the game of golf for the golfers of Colorado, Eastern Wyoming, and a small part of South Dakota. The purpose of the Section is to promote enjoyment and involvement in the game of golf and to contribute to its growth by providing services to golf professionals and the golf industry within the Section. The Section accomplishes this purpose by enhancing the skills of its professionals and the opportunities for amateurs, employers, manufacturers, employees, and the general public within the Section. The Colorado PGA has more than 850 members and associates.

PGA REACH Colorado Welcomes New Trustee!

Fri, 15 Sep 2023 17:59:38 GMT

Michael Wamsganz Joins PGA REACH Colorado Foundation Trustee Board

Larkspur Colorado - September 15, 2023 - PGA REACH Colorado is thrilled to introduce a new trustee to the Foundation Board, Mr. Michael (Mike) Wamsganz! Michael earned his B.S. in Business Management and Marketing from Southeast Missouri State University and was eventually selected to the prestigious Pacific Coast Banking School, in partnership with the Foster School of Business at the University of Washington. That mid-western background created a foundation of strong work ethic, the desire to continue learning and sharing these learnings via collaboration with teams to create a positive culture. His banking journey spans 33 years with an extensive background in the Commercial, Small Business, Consumer, Credit and Risk Management banking segments. Michael has held various leadership positions previously at Huntington National Bank, Bank of the West, U.S. Bank, and Citibank.

In March of 2021, Michael was approved by the Board of Directors and became the President and CEO at Citywide Banks, a Division of HTLF. His learnings over the years are blended with empathy for both his colleagues and customers and that is core to the Board nomination and selection of his President and CEO role at Citywide Banks. Michael is highly involved in the community, as he serves on the Board of Colorado Chamber of Commerce, Colorado Banker Association, Downtown Denver Partnership, and University of Colorado Customer Experience Advisory Board.

In this new role as a Trustee, the opportunity to support the PGA Reach mission, “Positively Impact Lives Through the Game of Golf” makes his heart happy and puts a smile on his face. As Michael states, “The opportunity to help individuals withinthe three founding pillars is an honor and supports my desire to help make our communities stronger one person at a time and to do this via the game of golf is a dream opportunity!”

Tai Palacio Joins PGA REACH Colorado as 25th Trustee

Fri, 28 Jul 2023 15:53:45 GMT

New Trustee Welcomed to PGA REACH Colorado

Larkspur Colorado - July 28th, 2023 - PGA REACH Colorado (the charitable arm of The Colorado PGA Section) welcomes on our newest Trustee, Tai Palacio. Tai joins a group of 24 other Trustees dedicated to supporting Colorado PGA Professionals and their efforts to grow the game through PGA REACH Colorado.

Tai is a Senior Associate at Hogan Lovells US LLP where she practices commercial real estate law, with an emphasis on lending and private equity real estate focused deals. Her background, with law degrees from both America and Ireland, brings a unique perspective to her real estate practice by helping her understand the influence of geography on the real estate and legal landscape.

Tai began playing golf in May 2020 after a couple months of working from home during the start of the pandemic, looking out longingly at the golfers on the fairway behind her house. She immediately took lessons and has been hooked to the game since; she averages 3 rounds a week and her clubs are included in all travel plans. Her husband is very happy with her newfound love of the game.

Tai is married and has two young children (7 and 3), both of whom are swinging a club on the weekends. Tai deems parenting success as having her family of four on a chair lift in the winter and on a golf cart in the summer.

Tai is honored to join the Board of Trustees for PGA Reach of Colorado and is thrilled to combine her passion for golf with the opportunity to make a positive impact on the lives of individuals and communities throughout Colorado. She is excited to contribute to the organization’s mission and help drive positive change through the sport she loves.

2023 PGA REACH COLORADO INVITATIONAL RAISES RECORD $115K FOR PROGRAMMING!

Thu, 20 Jul 2023 18:47:46 GMT

Tenth Set of Keys Donated to Retired U.S. Air Force Staff Sergeant Zachary Ruttman

Larkspur, Colo. - The annual Colorado PGA REACH Invitational was held on Tuesday, July 18th at Bear Dance Golf Club to raise critical funds to support youth, military and diverse programming and initiatives run by PGA Professionals across the Colorado PGA Section.

At this year's REACH Invitational, the Inaugural Game Changer Award was announced. This will be an award given to an individual or corporation annually at this event to recognize an individual or individuals that have gone above and beyond to ensure PGA REACH Colorado can execute its mission of Positively Impact Lives Through the Game of Golf. The inaugural recipient of the award was Stuart Bruening, PGA. Mr. Bruening was the catalyst behind moving the Colorado PGA Headquarters to The Golf Club at Bear Dance in the early 2000's. This helped to raise the brand of the organization and save them significant dollars on overhead annually. Stuart also assisted in bringing in both Jack Daniels and Titos as Foundation supporters. Both companies to this day are still one of the larger supporters of the mission, and ensure a mortgage-free home can be sponsored to a military warrior each year.

Thanks to the partnership of Military Warriors Support Foundation, PGA REACH Colorado was able to donate it's tenth set of keys to a mortgage free home to Retired U.S. Air Force Staff Sergeant Zachary Ruttman. With the help of our partners, Wilson Golf, Mr. Ruttman not only went home with the keys to a new home, but a new set of Wilson golf clubs. But the generosity from our partners did not end there. Thanks to Maggie Bruening and Igor Vainshtein of SkyTrak and Joe Assell, PGA of GOLFTEC, Zachary's home will include a SkyTrak golf simulator and indoor hitting bay!

Congratulations to the winning team of the tournament, Emich Automotive! The team fired 25 under par and was comprised of Ben Honamon, PGA of Lakewood Country Club, Mike Jendreas, Darrell Weakland and Karl Ritz. Click here to view the full leaderboard .

We want to say thank you again to our 2023 Partners, UMB Bank, Jack Daniels, Tito's Vodka, Corona Premier, Mizuno, SkyTrack, GOLFTEC, Military Warriors Support Foundation, The Golf Club at Bear Dance, Plum Creek Golf Club, Colorado National Golf Club, Emich Automotive, El Pomar Foundation, AHEAD, Lagunas Coffee, BioSteel, Colorado Golf Association, Maui Jim, Colorado Avid Golfer, Colorado Golf Association, BirdieBox, The Swing Bays, Alpine Wine and Spirits, John and Sandi Andrew, and Zachary Ledvina for their continued support.

PGA REACH Colorado Teams with the Colorado Golf Association, Game For Life event at Hiwan Golf Club, and Wilson Golf to Make Junior Golf Accessible to All

Mon, 05 Jun 2023 17:18:03 GMT

Financial Aid Available for Golf Equipment and Junior Tournament Entry Fees

Larkspur, Colo. - PGA REACH Colorado (the charitable arm of the Colorado PGA Section) is proud to release a new collaboration that will hopefully provide access to the game of golf for kids who can’t otherwise afford it. With the help of the Colorado Golf Association (CGA), Game For Life, and Wilson Golf, kids within the geographical boundaries of the Colorado PGA (COPGA) will now be able to apply for financial aid to play in tournaments on the COPGA Junior Tour and apply for a new set of clubs from Wilson Golf.

The COPGA Junior Tour is a part of the newly released junior golf pathway created by the 850 PGA Professionals who call the COPGA Section home. The concept was created with the American Development Model (ADM) in mind and utilized by the US Olympic Committee. This model focuses on getting kids involved in the game at the right level and at the right age to prevent burnout. The junior tour, which houses over 1,000 junior golfers and growing, has three different levels of competition for kids ages 6-18. Starting with the Developmental Series, to the Player Series, and up to the top level of competition at the Cup Series, the tour is open to kids of any skill level and now any financial level.

PGA REACH Colorado was created by PGA Members in 1996 with the goal of positively impacting lives through the game of golf. The 501c3 tries to ensure that no matter your financial situation you should not be deterred from being involved in a game that teaches so many life lessons. With the creation of this Financial Aid program, alongside our other free programs such as Golf in Schools and Drive, Chip & Putt, the Foundation is heading in the right direction, despite many other challenges ahead.

“Thank you to our partners on this initiative. Without them, it would not be possible to afford all kids the opportunity to play in our amazing junior programs. This is a huge step forward in our foundation's priorities. I would encourage all Colorado PGA Professionals and Allied Associations to identify families within their network who may benefit from this program.” said Mike O’Donnell, PGA, Vice President and Board Chairman of PGA REACH Colorado.

To learn more about PGA REACH Colorado, the COPGA Player Pathway, or the 850 PGA Professionals who teach the game of golf, please Click Here .

For more information on the PGA REACH Colorado Junior Programs or the Financial Aid Initiative, please contact Peter Weisel, Player Engagement Director.

PGA REACH Colorado Announces 2023 Women's Scholarship Recipients

Tue, 09 May 2023 22:02:14 GMT

2023 PGA REACH Colorado Women's Leadership Scholarship

Two UCCS Golf Management Students Sari Schrock and Abbie Nelson Supported

Larkspur, CO - The PGA REACH Colorado Women’s Leadership Scholarship serves as a catalyst to empower women on and off the golf course. The PGA REACH Colorado Foundation is committed to the development, advancement and empowerment of women.

Supporting this commitment, the PGA REACH Colorado 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.

See what it means below to our two recipients.

MAKING A POSITIVE DIFFERENCE IN THE LIVES OF OTHERS THROUGH THE GAME OF GOLF

2023 PGA REACH Colorado Pillar Grant Recipients Announced

Sun, 30 Apr 2023 03:56:15 GMT

Pillar Grants have given back over $200,000 to the community since 2017

Larkspur, CO - Since a group of Colorado PGA Professionals created the vision of PGA REACH Colorado (the charitable arm of the Colorado PGA Section) on July 15, 1996, the mission has always been to Positively Impact Lives Through the Game of Golf under three pillars (areas)- Youth, Military, and Inclusion. As the Foundation has grown year over year, and with the creation of the Growth of the Game/Pillar Grants, the 501c3 has been able to support the work of many Colorado PGA Professionals, golf facilities, and allied associations that conduct programming directly in line with this same mission.

This process to apply for Pillar Grants is open to all Colorado PGA Professionals and organizations annually that use the game of golf to give back to the community. As this year's application process has passed, we are excited to announce the 2023 Pillar Grant Recipients. This year the Foundation Board of Directors are proud to say that they could support 100% of requests that came in.

Thank you to these individuals and organizations that are going above and beyond to give back! PGA REACH Colorado is so grateful as an organization to support this work being done right in our backyard financially. Please take a minute to learn about these inspiring programs below.

MAKING A POSITIVE DIFFERENCE IN THE LIVES OF OTHERS THROUGH THE GAME OF GOLF

PGA National Day of HOPE

Tue, 11 Oct 2022 18:10:37 GMT

Join us in supporting the PGA National Day of HOPE campaign . Funds raised will benefit the Colorado PGA Section with every dollar raised matched by PGA REACH National.

You, the PGA professionals across the nation are critical to introducing and teaching the game of golf to Veterans across the country, we are creating lifelong players, we are saving lives – the mission of PGA HOPE (Helping Our Patriots Everywhere) is to do just this and use golf as a way to enhance Veterans' physical, mental, social, and emotional well-being.

As the 2022 PGA National Day of HOPE Campaign Chair, we're happy to share that the campaign officially starts today and will run through Veteran's Day (November 11). As strong advocates of our Veteran community, we support our troops who are actively serving and those transitioning back to everyday life in the U.S. through PGA HOPE.

This transformational program, led by our PGA Professionals, will serve 7,500 Veterans in 2022 and 30,000 annually by 2026. For as little as $10, you can enable a Veteran's life-changing experience through PGA HOPE. Join us in giving with a purpose to support these ambitious goals so we can continue transforming the lives of our nation's heroes. You can learn more and donate here.

Click below to download the flyer and post it in your facility!

2022 PGA REACH COLORADO INVITATIONAL RAISES RECORD $100K FOR PROGRAMMING!

Thu, 25 Aug 2022 18:44:10 GMT

PGA REACH Colorado Donates 9th Mortgage-Free Home!

The annual Colorado PGA REACH Invitational was held on Wednesday, July 27th at Bear Dance Golf Club to raise critical funds to support youth, military
and diverse programming and initiatives run by PGA Professionals across the Colorado PGA Section.

New to the fundraiser in 2022 was a pre-tournament party on the evening of July 26th at Colorado Golf Club that included keynote speaker Gary McCord and the presentation of a mortgage free home to decorated United States Air Force veteran Kevin Wallace. This is the 9th mortgage free home that PGA REACH Colorado has joined forces with Military Warriors Support Foundation to provide. In addition to the home, PGA REACH Colorado also partnered with All Things Turf to present a synthetic turf putting green to Chris Hardesty, a former United States Army Specialist and Purple Heart recipient who was presented his mortgage-free home in 2017.

Winning the invitational golf event was the team of Stephen Davis, Brian Boudreau, Bret Robinson, and James Yoo who shot a team total of 24-under par. The field included over 100 players with PGA Professionals, PGA REACH Colorado Trustees, amateur golfers and corporate partners.

Thanks to the support of all these groups, PGA REACH Colorado was able to raise over $100,000 to support future mission driven programming that supports youth, military and diverse programming across Colorado, Wyoming and South Dakota.

Meet Our 2021 PGA of America and Colorado PGA REACH Scholarship Recipients!

Tue, 10 Aug 2021 19:28:23 GMT

20 Students Awarded Scholarships in Colorado

Family members of Colorado PGA Professionals have been awarded five (5) National Scholarships and 20 Colorado PGA REACH Scholarships! One of the five National awards is the coveted $5,000 John Cox Scholarship [Kennedey Johnson]. The other four students will be receiving $2,000 PGA of America Scholarships [Tanner Ausec, Wyatt Hough, Thomas Noonan and Courtney Thompson].

The PGA Assistance Fund Scholarship provides college scholarships to children and grandchildren of PGA Members based on evidence of academic achievement during high school or college. All applicants who met the qualifications for a PGA of America Scholarship, whether they received PGA of America funding or not, are eligible to be considered for financial aid from the Colorado Section. Therefore, the Colorado PGA REACH Foundation has awarded 20 $1,000 college scholarships for the 2021-2022 academic year. These scholarships are a small token of our appreciation to our Colorado PGA Professionals giving their time to make a positive difference in the lives of others through the game of golf.

Golfers and non-golfers alike have been receiving these scholarships since 2008. Over $424,000 has been awarded to Colorado students – $175,000 from the PGA of America and more than $249,000 from the Colorado PGA REACH Foundation.

Congratulations to the many students and their families for their academic achievements!

A New Home is a Game Changer

Fri, 23 Jul 2021 19:38:30 GMT

Eighth Home Presentation at the Colorado PGA REACH Invitational

The Colorado PGA REACH Foundation held its annual Colorado PGA REACH Invitational Golf Tournament on Wednesday, July 21, 2021, at The Golf Club at Bear Dance. Known for being the largest fundraiser of the year, this event was another huge success raising over $90,000 to support its many programs!

One of the special moments of the day was the presentation of keys to a mortgage-free home to combat wounded Veteran and deserving recipient former U.S. Army Sergeant William ‘Jaye’ VanBoening. “I have never in my life been around so many people who cared about a single purpose. That really touches me. It makes me want to do the same thing for other people,” comments VanBoening. “It was amazing. The people! The people are what made it special.”

VanBoening joined the Active-duty U.S. Army in November 2006 and was stationed at Ft. Carson, Colorado, from 2007-2010, with the 360th Transportation Company. During this time, he deployed for 15 months to Iraq. Following his tour, he was then stationed at Ft. Campbell, Kentucky, with the 101st Airborne Division from 2010-2014 where he deployed twice more to Afghanistan. VanBoening was honorably discharged in January 2014.

“I was in a really bad stretch after my last deployment. We lost a lot of people… Finally, I listened to other people and found help at the Combat Veteran Center,” shared VanBoening. For four days a week for two consecutive years, his focus was working hard through therapies and counseling sessions. He wants to encourage others needing help to ask for it. “Get help. There are organizations out there willing to help.”

One of the therapies VanBoening utilized is known as Dark Room Therapy. This is a passion of his and he is making his own dark room in the new home he received in late April. Also, he plans to open a gallery space where others can work in the studio and host a show. “My goal is to give back 22% of every piece of artwork sold, every workshop fee, every event cost, to organizations across the country [like Military Warriors Support Foundation] who help save Veteran lives and make their lives more accessible and more stress-free,” stated VanBoening. The percentage is in honor of the 22 Veterans per day who commit suicide.

During the home presentation, Eddie Ainsworth, CEO and Executive Director of the Colorado PGA, said of VanBoening, “He served from 2006-2014 and he is still serving today.”

Ainsworth also expressed many thanks to supporters of the day and months leading up to the event: Ken Eakes, Executive Director of Military Warriors Support Foundation; Mark Lapides, Wells Fargo Regional Banking District Manager from Colorado South; Brandon Dastrup, Wells Fargo District Manager for the Pikes Peak Market; Stuart Bruening, PGA General Manager at The Golf Club at Bear Dance and Dan Bennett, both from Southwest Greens; Joe Assell, PGA and GOLFTEC (Ty Walker, PGA Denver Tech Center); the Colorado PGA REACH Trustees and Colorado PGA Officers.

VanBoening was fitted for clubs at GOLFTEC upon his arrival to Colorado and then participated in the Colorado PGA REACH Invitational. He was escorted into the Invitational with bagpipes followed by the trumpeter playing the National Anthem.

When asked what it was like to walk into the home he received, he said “It was unbelievable! It took my breath away. My daughter and I had been bouncing around a lot because of the things I was dealing with – to finally have that stability is a game-changer.” This new home allows for VanBoening to focus on his mental health and build a strong foundation. He finally feels he and his family are in a space where they can be stable. VanBoening lives with his daughter and service dog, Maggie, outside of St. Louis, Missouri.

VanBoening expressed gratitude to all who helped make the day and home possible for him. “I can’t thank them enough. Keep it up! Everybody was so nice. It makes me want to be a role model, especially to my daughter, because that’s what everybody was here for me today.”

Personal and financial mentorship will be provided by Military Warriors Support Foundation to VanBoening for the next three years to assure he is given the necessary tools to be successful with this newly attained investment. Eakes commented, “The Military Warriors Support Foundation was honored to partner with the Colorado PGA REACH Foundation to sponsor another combat wounded hero home at their annual golf fundraiser.”

The continued success of this home presentation is attributed to the many organizations that work together toward the common goal of facilitating a smooth and successful transition of our nation’s combat wounded heroes. The Military Warriors Support Foundation evaluates and selects deserving combat wounded heroes to receive mortgage-free homes. Wells Fargo contributes and remodels homes that it then donates to the program and the Colorado PGA REACH Foundation, through its Supporting Our Military Pillar, provides the avenue to donate the home. Southwest Greens, through the profits of its Mile-High Golf Trail Program featuring The Golf Club at Bear Dance, Colorado National Golf Club, Plum Creek Golf Course and Riverdale Golf Course, provides the funding for the home.

Funds raised from the Colorado PGA REACH Invitational will support the Colorado PGA REACH Foundation and it’s three pillars – Supporting Our Military, Youth Development, and Inclusion. In addition to the above organizations, the Colorado PGA extends thanks to the trustees, corporate sponsors and friends who supported the event.

To visit VanBoening’s website of artwork visit: wuddybuddy.com

Fun at Fort Carson Ivy Pro-Am!

Fri, 16 Jul 2021 19:51:30 GMT

We’d like to say a special ‘thank you’ to all of those who played in our annual event hosted by Cheyenne Shadows Golf Club at Ft. Carson on the 15th of July! In conjunction with the Warrior Transition Battalion and active-duty soldiers at Ft. Carson, for the last 12 years, the Colorado PGA has paired one professional or associate with three military personnel to form a four person scramble! The day from start to finish was full of fun, beverages and even a special guest appearance of Major General Matthew McFarlane, before the teams took to the course! Congratulations to Tyler Jeffers (Active Duty Air Force), Mark Dunivan (RET), Robert Beyer (RET) and Joseph Carlton, PGA Head Professional at Legacy Ridge GC, for taking home first place!

We are so thankful for the continued support of our Military Veterans and the Colorado PGA REACH Foundation, specifically through the PGA HOPE (Helping Our Patriots Everywhere) Program. PGA HOPE introduces golf to Veterans with disabilities to enhance their physical, mental, social and emotional well-being. The program introduces the game of golf through a developmental 6-8 week curriculum, taught by PGA Professionals trained in adaptive golf and military cultural competency. All programs are funded by PGA REACH and supplemented by the Colorado PGA so the cost of programming is free to all Veterans! If you’re interested in hosting PGA HOPE Programs at your facilities, please reach out to Holly Champion at HChampion@PGAHQ.com .

The fun didn’t just stay out on the course that afternoon though! We were thrilled to share the afternoon with local junior golfers for an afternoon of Birdie Ball, corn-hole and a bounce house! Loads of fun was held by all! We’d like to also thank our sponsor, Tito’s Handmade Vodka, for the on-course refreshments throughout the duration of the round. A huge thank you is also in order to our wonderful volunteers, John and Sandi Andrew, for taking care of the golfers on the course with beverages and cigars throughout the round!

We look forward to hosting this tournament again in 2022 with Cheyenne Shadows!

Young Female Leader and Caddie is Recipient of Women’s Leadership Scholarship

Tue, 01 Jun 2021 19:55:49 GMT

Isabella ‘Bella’ Iacovetta, a 4.31 student at Arrupe Jesuit High School in Denver, is this year’s recipient of the 2020 Colorado PGA REACH Women’s Leadership Scholarship. Observing, describing and identifying key leadership qualities during the progression of a pandemic was the essay topic presented to the 2020 Women’s Leadership Scholarship applicants as they competed for a $2,500 college scholarship. The responses offered by these young women showed great awareness and understanding of the environment around them. In part, Bella says, “They are selfless, have good communication skills, empathetic, confident, influential, courageous and respectful.”

Arrupe Jesuit is a Cristo Rey High School known for integrating academics with work experience. Through this program, Iacovetta has worked with patients at an orthopedic spine center, volunteered with the City of Thornton Fire Department and worked with the U.S. Forest Service Law Enforcement and Investigations Division. These exposures have helped her to discover her desire to pursue a degree in criminal justice that she can draw from in a career as a firefighter paramedic. She plans to attend Marquette University in Wisconsin in the fall of 2021.

Iacovetta may be familiar to some in the golf industry as she has spent the last three summers working as a caddie at the Lakewood Country Club. A job, that according to Iacovetta was “a physically difficult job that provided great networking opportunities.” Besides all of this, she is active at her high school as a math and science tutor, captain of her basketball team, volleyball team member, prom chair and part of the homecoming committee, to name just a few.

“Striving to be a leader is something that wakes me up in the morning because it lets me be the difference,” shares an insightful Iacovetta. “We may want to be liked by everyone but realistically, that will not happen. As long as we are doing the right thing, it does not matter what anyone else thinks of us.”

“One of the key commitments of the Colorado PGA REACH Foundation is its dedication to the development, advancement and empowerment of women,” says Colorado PGA REACH spokesperson Sue Payton, President of SCI Aerospace, Inc . “Awarding a Women’s Leadership Scholarship to a young college age woman with a proven track record of academic excellence, leadership and community involvement is one of the ways we meet this commitment.

“This year’s applicants were truly outstanding and included exceptional high school students from across the state. Their insights and examples of the confidence, empathy and critical thinking skills required to lead in unchartered waters and to do what is right no matter what the personal consequences might be, exemplified their strength of character. We congratulate all of our 2020 Women’s Leadership Scholarship applicants and look forward to more activities in 2021 that develop, advance and empower women,” concludes Payton.

$2,500 Scholarship Opportunity through Women’s Leadership Summit

Thu, 01 Oct 2020 20:02:31 GMT

The Colorado PGA REACH Women’s Leadership Summit serves as a catalyst to empower women on and off the golf course. Even though the 2020 Annual Leadership Summit had to be canceled, the Colorado PGA REACH Foundation is still committed to the development and advancement of women and paying it forward to next-generation women leaders.

Supporting this commitment, the Colorado PGA Reach Foundation is moving forward with its Women’s Leadership Scholarship Opportunity. It is investing in a promising young woman by affording top female students in Colorado the opportunity to enhance their personal growth through the submission of an application for a $2,500 College Scholarship.

Criteria to apply:

In the 2021-2022 academic year, must be a female high-school senior progressing toward a four-year undergraduate degree or a female college student with at least one full year of school remaining;
Display an interest in a Business or STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) academic track;
Proven track record of academic excellence and leadership potential by submitting SAT or ACT Score or GPA;
Active in the community – List areas of involvement; Personal or Teacher Letter of Recommendation; and
Submit Scholarship Essay.
Previous recipients of a Women’s Leadership Summit Scholarship are not eligible to apply.

Essay Requirements:

Respond to the following question: We can all acknowledge that good leadership is key to being successful. With the global pandemic in early 2020, this concept was quickly reinforced. Describe the key leadership qualities you observed during the progression of the coronavirus. Which of these qualities do you identify with and why?

Essay should be no more than 500 words.

To Apply:

Click here to access the Scholarship Application Form.

Application Deadline:

Applications must be submitted by the end of the day Friday, October 23, 2020. No late applications will be considered.
Recipient will be announced in early November 2020.
Questions can be directed to Judy Malone at jmalone@pgahq.com or 303-996-1594.

‘Epic’ is How Brugeman Defines the Experience of Receiving a Mortgage-Free Home

Tue, 01 Sep 2020 20:11:37 GMT

With the words to Lee Greenwood’s song, God Bless the USA, appropriately ringing through the PA system, Staff Sergeant Matt Brugeman, U.S. Army Retired, and his wife Sydney, joined the small group of Colorado PGA REACH Trustees gathered to honor his service and to present them with the key to their new home.

It has become custom for the Colorado PGA REACH Foundation to award the keys of a mortgage-free home to a deserving wounded warrior during its largest fund-raiser of the year, the REACH Invitational. Although things are being done differently this year, the plans came together, and the Foundation was able to present its seventh home. In additional to the home, the Foundation cleared more than $45,000 to support its many programs.

This year was extra special for our honorees as it was also their wedding anniversary. Not having taken the time for a honeymoon, they will always remember their sixth anniversary as both a honeymoon and the dedication of their new home.

“It is always so rewarding for us to get to meet the recipients of the home,” admits Stuart Bruening, co-partner of Southwest Greens. “Matt and Sydney are great examples of the dedication of those who serve our country and we are proud to be able to support them in return.”

“This was an epic adventure,” comments Brugeman. “We are simple people who live a simple life-style, so to be welcomed in such a grand way by such genuine people has been amazing and unimaginable to us, as well as a little over-whelming at the same time.”

Due to protocols around the coronavirus, the Brugeman’s were given access to their Montpelier, Virginia, home on April 9 by providing them the code to the lockbox. This gave them the opportunity to enter their new home as a family unit to experience together the beginning of this new chapter in their lives.

“There wasn’t much sleep going on in our house the night before we went to our new home,” admits Brugeman. “We were so excited. There were a lot of smiles, cheers and even a fair number of tears shed when we got our first glimpse of what would now be home.”

Not having a clear vision of what the future would hold for him and always having a desire to serve his country like many family members before him had done, in 2005, Brugeman joined the U.S. Army.

“I was watching the news one night and saw the reports coming in from Iraq and Afghanistan and something told me that was where I needed to be. The very next day I went to the recruiter’s office,” remembers Brugeman.

Brugeman spent more than half of his 10-year career with the Army stationed at Fort Carson in Colorado Springs. As an infantryman, he was twice deployed to Iraq and once to Afghanistan. He was injured during his second deployment to Iraq, but it was his time in Afghanistan that proved to be the roughest. As a squad leader, he felt the pain when the squad experienced a high-injury rate – nearly two-thirds of the company was hurt. Faced with the decision to re-enlist for an additional 10 years or retire from the Army, in 2015 Brugeman decided to move into the civilian world and devote himself to his wife and new daughter.

The Purple Heart, the Bronze Star, Army Commendation with V Device and the Combat Infantry Badge were just a few of the many awards earned by Brugeman during his time of serving our country.

This family has grand plans. Sydney is finishing up her undergraduate work in mathematics and then hopes to move into a master’s program to prepare herself to teach at the college level. Matt enjoys his work with a large landscape supply company and the problem solving and hustle it takes to get the job done. He has a dream of sharing his love of woodworking with other veterans. For him, there is a healing power in working with wood, and he would like to share this with others who could also benefit. Then there is their 5-year old daughter. This active, inquisitive and smart little girl is soaking up all that life has to offer. In fact, it was shared that she is the one teaching her parents about the planets and the number of moons of each planet.

“It was an honor to serve our country,” says Brugeman. “And it is extremely humbling to be presented with this mortgage-free home. This will have a long-term positive financial impact on all of us … Syd, me and our daughter. Thank you doesn’t seem to be enough. We hope you all know of the impact you have made in our lives and we will be forever grateful.

“Please know that our door is always open, and you are always welcome,”

concludes Brugeman.

“It was a privilege to get to meet and spend a little time with two such admirable people like Matt and Sydney,” says Eddie Ainsworth, PGA, Colorado PGA Executive Director and CEO. “He served his country honorably by risking his life for our freedom. Being able to give back to him was a real privilege and blessing.”

The continued success of this program is attributed to the many organizations that work together toward the common goal of facilitating a smooth and successful transition of our nation’s combat wounded heroes. The Military Warriors Support Foundation evaluates and selects deserving combat-wounded heroes to receive mortgage-free homes. Wells Fargo contributes and remodels homes that it then donates to the program and the Colorado PGA REACH Foundation, through its Supporting Our Military Pillar, provides the avenue to donate the home. Southwest Greens, through the profits of its Mile-High Golf Trail Program featuring The Golf Club at Bear Dance, Colorado National Golf Club, Plum Creek Golf Course and Riverdale Golf Course, provides the funding for the home give-away. These funds will provide family and financial mentoring to assure the hero is given the necessary tools to be successful with this newly attained investment.

Schomp BMW Cup Raises Over $53,000 for Colorado PGA REACH

Mon, 10 Aug 2020 20:14:24 GMT

The Schomp BMW Cup, presented by Colorado AvidGolfer, at The Country Club at Castle Pines on August 10-11, raised a record-setting $53,000 for the Colorado PGA REACH Foundation. Congratulations to the President and Group Publisher of AvidGolfer, Allen Walters, for his hole-in-one on #2, and his prize of a two-year lease on a BMW X7. The Colorado PGA would like to thank Schomp BMW, Colorado AvidGolfer, and all other sponsors and players for this fantastic event and their donations to the Colorado PGA REACH Foundation.

2020 Women’s Leadership Summit – Trajectory to Greatness ~ “Aim High!”

Tue, 05 May 2020 20:17:24 GMT

On May 5, 2020, this event was cancelled due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Trajectory to Greatness ~ “Aim High!”
What happens when the Wow of Girls meets the Wisdom of Women?

On July 10, 2020, at the United States Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, the third annual Women’s Leadership Summit will take place. This event will be held in conjunction with the 72nd U.S. Girls’ Junior Championship. Inspired by this historic event, the Colorado golf community has designated 2020 as the Year of the Woman .

Leading off the list of stellar speakers are Dr. Janet Kavandi and Donna Orender.

Kavandi is a three-time space shuttle astronaut – taking part in the last mission to the Space Station MIR, mapping the Earth on the Shuttle Radar Topography Mission, and installing the Quest airlock on the International Space Station. She served as Director of Flight Crew Operations at NASA Johnson and as the Deputy Director of Health and Human Performance. She is now the Senior Vice President for Programs at Sierra Nevada Corporations’ Space Systems headquarters in Louisville, Colorado.

A nationally-recognized business leader, Orender is the founder of Generation W, Generation WOW, and CEO of Orender Unlimited. She is a women’s professional basketball pioneer and former WNBA president and is deeply passionate about elevating the voices of girls and women.

Registration is now open at coloradopga.formstack.com

Davis, Talaga, Kenealy, Faulkenberry and Gunnersen Add Expertise as Trustees

Fri, 01 May 2020 20:20:03 GMT

The Colorado PGA Reach Foundation is pleased to announce the addition of three new trustees to its Board: Dr. Stephen Davis, Mike Talaga, Eric Kenealy, Major General Barbara Faulkenberry, USAF, Retired, and Tom Gunnersen.

Davis has always had a passion for serving his community, which is what inspired him to earn his Eagle Scout rank while growing up in the South Bay of Los Angeles. He was awarded the University of Southern California School of Dentistry’s highest award for community outreach for his work around the world. Davis is part of the Cheyenne Mountain Dental Group in Colorado Springs.

Talaga joined Janus Henderson Investors as a Credit Analyst in 2015. Prior to this, he served as a Vice President for Bank of America Merrill Lynch’s Global Investment Bank where he helped corporate and private equity clients originate and execute capital markets and merger and acquisition transactions.

Kenealy serves as Chairman of Mackinaw Holding Corporation, a private equity investment group specializing in acquiring and operating businesses in the Rocky Mountain region. He was also a success operator of multiple Massage Envy locations from 2005 until 2019, where he was recognized for developing several of the top performing stores in the United States.

Faulkenberry is an independent director at two public companies. She has led organizations as diverse as a 37,000-person global air logistics operation to the Air Force’s sole leadership development college for officers. In 2014, Faulkenberry retired from the United States Air Force as a Major General after a 32-year career.

Gunnersen has been helping clients address their financial goals for the last two decades. He began his career as a financial advisor with Edward Jones, was recruited by UBS Financial Services and is currently with Wells Fargo Advisors. Gunnersen earned his degree in Economics at the University of Buffalo.

Wounded Combat Hero Receives New Home Taking Him From Homelessness to Home-Owner

Wed, 01 Apr 2020 20:26:04 GMT

From homelessness to owning a mortgage-free home, former U.S. Marine Corps Lance Corporal Steven Klimtzak rode a wave of emotions as he received the keys to his new home in Boston, N.Y., just outside of Buffalo.

“I was scared as I was going through the process with the Military Warriors Support Foundation. Not scare for me but for my boys,” shared Klimtzak. “I was homeless and had moved back in with my mom. Because of my situation, I didn’t get to see my boys a lot. Today, I have a house that we can make our home. I am speechless. This is the greatest gift. Someone is looking out for me and my boys.”

It was all pomp and circumstance as the Colorado PGA REACH Foundation held its annual REACH Invitational Golf Tournament on Wednesday, July 17, 2019, at The Golf Club at Bear Dance where tribute was paid to Klimtzak for his service and sacrifice to our country. Bagpipers led the Marine onto the course where the American flag was hoisted for the very first time onto the newly installed pole. Everyone stood at attention as the trumpeter sounded the National Anthem.

“Steven definitely earned the respect and admiration of everyone attending the event on Wednesday,” comments Stuart Bruening, co-partner of Southwest Greens. “He is a shining example of the dedication of those who serve our country and we are proud to be able to support them in return.”

At its largest fund-raiser of the year, the Colorado PGA REACH Foundation, with the support and dedication of its trustees, raised more than $85,000 to support its many programs. This includes the $25,000 donation from Southwest Greens that makes this home give-away possible.

Joining the Marine Corp was a challenge for Klimtzak. Not only did he want to follow in the shoes of his uncle, but the Marine Corp is the toughest branch of the military and he wanted to prove to himself, as well as to those that said he could never do it, that he could. He never quite and joyfully joined the ranks of the Marines – the best of the best! By doing so, he became a part of a brotherhood.

Fighting through his emotions, Klimtzak described the events of September 1, 2004, at 12:01 p.m. when the vehicle he was riding in was hit by a road-side bomb. He credits the driver and his ability to keep the vehicle on the road for saving the lives of everyone inside. They were heading to a local Iraqi school to assess how they could help them and to deliver school supplies, soccer balls and basketballs when the IED struck their vehicle. This incident earned him a Purple Heart.

“I didn’t get into the Marine Corp for awards,” said Klimtzak. “The group to which I was attached, the 4th Civil Affairs Group, was trained to win the hearts and minds of the local Iraqi’s and to work closely with local Iraqi’s and tribes. I feel that we completed our mission. I was there for the first National election, worked with the water treatment plant, sewage plants and banks to name a few. We had a purpose there and we could go to bed each night knowing that we had made a difference.”

When asked about the impact this experience has had on him and his family, he quoted Robin Williams from the movie Mrs. Doubtfire, “Like air, I can’t live without it and I can’t live without my boys. My boys are everything to me. Having this home helps us to build our future and to grow our relationship stronger each day. I have the chance to be their dad and to instill in them morals and to show them what respect and kindness to others is all about.”

While in Colorado, Klimtzak had the opportunity to be fit for a new set of clubs by PGA Professional Brian Gott, Gott Golf. The Colorado PGA REACH trustees personally presented the clubs to Klimtzak during the pre-event ceremony, filling his new golf bag with a gift he will long remember and definitely use as he played a total of 184 rounds in 2018. He shared that his family was always all about baseball. Yet, growing up, he was the kid in the outfield picking dandelions, so he took up golf, which is a much better fit for him. Golf has taught him discipline and patience and he enjoys those moments when he can take his boys out to the course and share his passion with them.

“It was an honor to be able to gift a golfer like Steven a new set of clubs,” says Eddie Ainsworth, PGA, Colorado PGA Executive Director and CEO. “He served his country honorably by risking his life for our freedom. Being able to give back to him was a real privilege and blessing.”

The success of this program can be attributed to the many organizations that work together toward the common goal of facilitating a smooth and successful transition of our nation’s combat wounded heroes. The Military Warriors Support Foundation evaluates and selects deserving combat-wounded heroes to receive mortgage-free homes. Wells Fargo contributes and remodels homes that it then donates to the program. Colorado PGA REACH Foundation, through its Supporting Our Military Pillar, provides the avenue to donate the home and Southwest Greens, through the profits of its Mile-High Golf Trail Program, provided the funding for the home give-away. These funds will provide family and financial mentoring to assure the hero is given the necessary tools to be successful with this newly attained investment.

Golf In Schools Program Expanding North

Thu, 01 Aug 2019 20:33:59 GMT

Colorado PGA Members continue to do a great job of reaching potential golfers through Golf In Schools Programs. In the spring session alone, nearly 6,800 students are being given an opportunity to swing a golf club through instruction during physical education classes.

In the last six months, Northern Colorado has experienced a large expansion of its Golf In Schools programs with sessions now being held in elementary schools in Johnstown, Berthoud, Fort Collins and Estes Park, to name a few. Between Fall 2018 and the Spring 2019, 11 new schools in Northern Colorado have signed up to participate in this free program.

Golf In Schools participants getting a closer look at the science

golf-course maintenance by watching a cup-cutting demonstration.

Empowering and Fostering the Next Generation of Leaders

Mon, 15 Jul 2019 20:31:30 GMT

How many of you have ever found yourselves saying, or even thinking, “What is up with the younger people today?” And, if you ARE one of the younger people, how many of YOU have ever found yourselves saying or even thinking, “What is up with the older people today?”

This was the keynote-speaker introduction given to the 130 women who attended the 2019 Colorado PGA REACH Women’s Leadership Summit held at Cheyenne Mountain Resort in Colorado Springs on Monday, July 15. As a speaker, author and consultant, Liotta helped attendees understand and optimize each generation’s gifts, talents and time. Being the youngest girl of 19 children, Liotta grew up in the midst of the multi-generational front lines making every family Thanksgiving, graduation or wedding a graduate-level course in generational communication. Whether attendees were a Traditionalist, Baby Boomer, Gen Xer, Millennial or Global, Liotta entertained and educated them with thoughts on how we perceive others and enhance our relationships with everyone we know.

Through laughter and engagement, Liotta’s take-away message was that when we understand a generations (be)cause, it activates their natural gifts, their talents, their spirit and their inspiration. Understanding the generational DNA code of other generations can prove to be fulfilling, rewarding and empowering both personally and professionally.

Following the theme of diversity, The Honorable Sue Payton, President of SCI Aerospace, Inc., moderated a panel of local business women who shared their experiences in the business world. On the panel were:

Maria G. Arias, Principal of Arias Solutions
Kathy Hagan Brown, Co-CEO of Kars Hagan
Jennifer Cassell, Partner Bowditch & Cassell Public Affairs
Susan Bond-Philo, PGA, Member Relationship Manager for PGA of America

“The PGA REACH 2019 Women’s Leadership Summit was a success in so many ways,” comments Payton. “The Summit brought together 130 women with very diverse backgrounds who were amazed and inspired by our keynote speaker, Anna Liotta, as she helped everyone understand how to “effectively communicate and develop meaningful relationships with members of all generations not only in the workplace but in everyday life.” The Summit did more than just admire the problem and barriers to understanding “what makes each generation tick.” The Summit, through audience participation and dialog with Anna and a panel of very successful women leaders, gave women great ideas and tools to use to improve not only their company’s culture, recruitment and retention activities but also to improve their relationships with family and friends.”

New ParagraphAs part of paying it forward, the REACH Foundation awards a scholarship to a deserving young lady. This year, the selection committee deemed the top four scholarship applicants all worthy to receive a scholarship. Each receiving a $1,000 scholarship were Regina Dillon, student at UCCS in Colorado Springs; Marissa Garcia, student at Hastings College; Kate Griffin of Colorado Springs; and Courtney Thompson also of Colorado Springs.

Mark your calendars to attend the Colorado PGA REACH Women’s Leadership Summit in 2020 when it will be held in conjunction with the 72nd U.S. Girls’ Junior Golf Championship hosted on the U.S. Air Force Academy on Friday, July 10, 2020.

The Colorado PGA REACH Women’s Leadership Summit serves as a catalyst to empower women on and off the golf course. The Colorado PGA REACH Foundation is committed to partnering with top women leaders to pay it forward to next-generation women leaders. The Summit is focused on the development, advancement and empowerment of women by providing content, tools, mentoring and networking opportunities to support their career advancement.

Inspiring Greatness ~ Generational Diversity ~ Women’s Leadership Summit

Mon, 01 Jul 2019 20:36:56 GMT

Inspiring Greatness ~ Generational Diversity – That’s the theme of the Colorado PGA REACH Women’s Leadership Summit being held on Monday, July 15, 2019 , at The Country Club of Colorado. Headlining the event is Anna Liotta who engages the hearts, minds and spirits of her audiences as she discusses Generational Diversity.

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 business leaders outside of the golf industry. So, please share this information with your friends and colleages and plan to spend a day with other inspiring and successful women discussing Generational Diversity and hearing from our panel of women business leaders.

Also, this is an additional opportunity for female high-school seniors progressing toward a four-year undergraduate degree or a female college student with at least one full year of school remaining in the 2019-2020 academic year to compete for a $2,500 scholarship. See the additional information below.

Securing Keynote Speaker, Anna Liotta , to present a topic that is so relevant today is very exciting. 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 this short video of Anna’s Generational Keynote. We are sure you will be propelled to join us for this day of enlightenment and education.

CBS Sports to Air PGA Jr. League Special April 27 at Noon MDT

Wed, 24 Apr 2019 20:42:40 GMT

“PGA Jr. League: Join the Team!” will highlight the growing junior golf program and its inspirational stories ~ Including Jason Witczak, PGA, The Club at Pradera

PALM BEACH GARDENS, Fla. (April 24, 2019) – CBS Sports will air an hour-long special Saturday, April 27, at 2 p.m. ET, spotlighting PGA Jr. League and stories of its players and coaches. The team-oriented golf program brings boys and girls together in a fun and inclusive environment, with expert coaching from PGA and LPGA Professionals.

Hosted by CBS Sports’ Amanda Balionis, “PGA Jr. League: Join the Team!” will feature stories ranging from local PGA and LPGA Professional coaches making a difference in their communities…to heartwarming stories of young players…to PGA Tour superstars whose lives have been touched by PGA Jr. League players.

“We’re thrilled to showcase to a national audience how PGA Jr. League is designed for every child, everywhere to fall in love with the game of golf,” said PGA President Suzy Whaley, PGA/LPGA, whose experience as a PGA Jr. League coach will be featured in the special. “I am extremely passionate about PGA Jr. League, as its positive impact transcends the game to benefit families nationwide. PGA Jr. League is opening doors for both girls and boys to play and love the game of golf.”

Alongside Whaley, PGA Professionals Cameron Milton, PGA; Chuck Higgins, PGA; and Jason Witczak, PGA, will also be featured for their inclusive PGA Jr. League programs. Milton, Higgins and Witczak show that coaching in this team-based atmosphere can change lives for the better.

Through PGA Jr. League, kids learn and play golf in a co-ed team environment, wear numbered jerseys, and utilize a scramble format for competition. PGA Jr. League is divided into two age divisions: 13-and-under (13u) and 17-and-under (17u). Last year, a record of more than 50,000 boys and girls played on 4,200 teams nationwide, a nearly 20% increase in participation from 2017.

Rory McIlroy, Michelle Wie, Rickie Fowler, Lexi Thompson—and most recently Stephen Curry and Alex Morgan—are official PGA Jr. League Ambassadors, for their commitment to growing youth golf. Two stories in the broadcast feature McIlroy and Fowler, who have formed friendships with and become role models for Oklahoma-based PGA Jr. League players, Traden Karch and Jhett Skaggs. Both boys have recovered from serious medical issues to return to the game they love. Skaggs was introduced to PGA Jr. League by his coach, Aurora Kirchner-McClain, PGA/LPGA, while living in Houston.

PGA Jr. League is the flagship youth pillar program of PGA REACH, the PGA of America’s 501(c)(3) foundation. Through PGA REACH’s partnership with DICK’S Sporting Goods Sports Matter Foundation, scholarships are available to players of participating facilities who meet financial need requirements or are from an active military family. PGA Professionals Henry Stetina and Daniel Duchene will be spotlighted for their work reaching into the community and bringing kids to the course through these scholarships. To date, nearly 2,200 scholarships have been provided to boys and girls nationwide.

While the emphasis of PGA Jr. League is on its recreational seasons, the PGA Jr. League Postseason presented by National Car Rental provides a fun and aspirational environment for the program’s competitive golfers. PGA Professional John Mason and Jackie DeWald-Mason led their San Diego-based All-Star team to victory at both the 2015 and 2018 PGA Jr. League Championship presented by National Car Rental.

In addition, two PGA Jr. League alumni who have reached great heights in the competitive golf world –– 2017-’18 Boys Junior PGA Champion Akshay Bhatia and 2018 Girls Junior PGA Champion Yealimi Noh –– discuss how PGA Jr. League set them up for success. Bhatia and Noh were members of the victorious 2018 United States Junior Ryder Cup Team in Paris, and they both have a goal of playing professional golf.

Registration for PGA Jr. League is ongoing. For more information and to find a local team, visit pgajrleague.com .

About PGA REACH :

PGA REACH is the 501(c)(3) charitable foundation of the PGA of America. The mission of PGA REACH is to positively impact the lives of youth, military and diverse populations by enabling access to PGA Professionals, PGA Sections and the game of golf. For more information about PGA REACH, please visit PGAREACH.org .

About the PGA of America:

The PGA of America is one of the world’s largest sports organizations, composed of PGA Professionals who daily work to grow interest and participation in the game of golf. For more information about the PGA of America, visit PGA.org , follow @PGA on Twitter and find us on Facebook .

Pillar Grants Will Help 13 Facilities Grow the Game

Mon, 25 Mar 2019 20:44:31 GMT

Recipients of the Colorado PGA REACH Foundation’s Pillar Grants were announced during the 2019 Spring Business Meeting on Monday, March 25. The mission of the Pillar Grant Program is to provide financial assistance to facilities within the geographic boundaries of the Colorado Section to develop and/or significantly enhance growth of the game programs that align with the Three Pillars of our Foundation to attract and retain new golfers.

“Following the direction of our Board of Directors and our Colorado PGA REACH Foundation Trustees, we updated the grant program this year to support programs that directly align with the three Pillars of our Foundation – Youth, Military and Diversity & Inclusion,” comments Ben Welsh, PGA, President of the Colorado Section. “We couldn’t be more proud of the programs that were selected and to support our PGA Members in using the resources raised by our Trustees to further grow the game of golf here in Colorado and make a direct impact on the communities they serve.”

Grant awards and Foundation Pillars align as follows:

Youth Development Programs – Golf in Schools and PGA Junior League;
Supporting Our Military Programs – PGA HOPE; and
Diversity & Inclusion Programs – Specifically reaching, benefits and involving Women and Minorities.

Colorado PGA REACH Trustee Chair, Spencer Zinn, continues by saying, “I believe I speak for the entire Board of Trustees for Colorado PGA REACH when I say that we are very pleased to be able to support all of these programs through our grant program. It’s programs like these, and the many outstanding Colorado PGA Professionals that run and facilitate them, that are the driving force behind the Colorado PGA REACH Foundation being responsible for moving the needle in growing the game of golf in Colorado.”

The Colorado PGA REACH Grant and Scholarship Committee recommended to the Board of Directors the approval of the following Pillar Grants:

Leighton Smith Golf – Leighton Smith – “Swingin’ Teens” High School Mentor Program
Legacy Ridge Golf Course – Joseph Carlton – Golf Westminster Youth Player Development
Flatirons Golf Course – Tom Buzbee – Tuesday Morning Youths
River Valley Ranch/ Youth Golf Colorado – Stephen VanDyke – Golf in the Park
Eagle Vail Golf Club – Ryan Flamm – Ladies on the Links
The Golf Club at Bear Dance – Cyrus Twete – PGA HOPE
Buffalo Run Golf Course – Paul Hebinck – PGA HOPE
Fossil Trace Golf Club – Jim Hajek – PGA HOPE
Plum Creek Golf Course – Bo Heidrick – PGA HOPE
Vail Valley – Ryan Flamm – PGA HOPE
1st Tee Pikes Peak – Maggie Hartman
1st Tee Denver – Scott Rethlake
1st Tee Green Valley Ranch – Matt Byrant

“It has always been the goal of the Foundation and our Trustees to increase the level of financial support we are able to provide to our Colorado PGA Members. Through recent growth of our Colorado PGA REACH Foundation, we’re now able to give back to our Colorado PGA Members and their families more than ever. We couldn’t be more delighted to share this growth and we will continue to look for additional ways to support our membership,” said Jim Hajek, PGA, Vice-President of the Colorado Section and Board Liaison to the Colorado PGA REACH Board.

Colorado PGA Section News

A $51K Milestone Sets 170 Veterans on a Path to HOPE

On behalf of the PGA REACH Colorado Foundation, thank you.

Thank You to All of Our Gala Partners & Supporters!

Robbins Manley Appointed as 29th Trustee of the PGA REACH Colorado Foundation

The PGA REACH Colorado Foundation Proudly Welcomes Back Dominic Karaba and Appoints First-Time Trustee Ron Budacz!

GOLFTEC Partners with PGA of America REACH Foundation Colorado to Expand Access to Golf and Youth Development

PGA HOPE National Golf & Wellness Week Honors Veterans at Congressional Country Club

20 Veterans receive specialized golf and wellness training to become national PGA HOPE Ambassadors

PGA HOPE Colorado Cup Unites Military and Colorado PGA of America Golf Professionals at The Country Club of Colorado

PGA REACH Colorado Foundation Welcomes Jonathan “Jon” Stirling to Trustee Board

Sandoval Among 23 Others Nationwide as a PGA Works Fellow

Bryan is the Fifth PGA Works Fellow Since 2022 In the Colorado PGA

Colorado PGA & Hole Hecklers Team Up to Raise $10,000 for the PGA REACH Colorado Foundation

Colorado PGA Professionals Give Back Through Teach Fore REACH

PGA REACH Colorado Foundation Honors Wounded Hero with its 12th Sponsored Mortgage-Free Home

Golf with a purpose:

$110K Raised for Local Programming, One Hero Honored

New Trustee, Matt Stewart, Welcomed to PGA REACH Colorado

New Trustee, Albert Duncan, Welcomed to PGA REACH Colorado

Welcome, Albert Duncan!

PGA HOPE Colorado Set to Compete in the 2025 Secretary’s Cup

New Trustee, Josh Knipp, Welcomed to PGA REACH Colorado

Welcome, Josh Knipp!

New Trustee, Trevor Miller, Welcomed to PGA REACH Colorado

Welcome, Trevor Miller!

City of Westminster Golf Courses Protecting the Future of the Game

Colorado PGA of America Golf Professionals Joe Carlton and Brian Carlson are driving sustainability and creating an impact on their community through golf

Building a Program That Gives Back

Big Impacts On and Off the Course

A Model for the Future

New Trustee Welcomed to PGA REACH Colorado

Welcome, Matt Hanson!

PGA of America Hosts PGA HOPE National Golf & Wellness Week – Honoring Veterans at Congressional Country Club, Including 4th PGA HOPE Ambassador from the Colorado Section, Zechariah Owens

Zec Recently Returned Home from the PGA HOPE National Golf and Wellness October 10-14 at Congressional Country Club in Bethesda, Maryland

Media Contact

PGA of America REACH Foundation Announces 2024 Class of PGA WORKS Fellows

27 Recent College And University Graduates From Diverse Backgrounds Get Their First Opportunities To Enter The Golf Industry

PGA REACH Colorado Foundation Announces 2024 Scholarship Recipients

Eleven Local Students Receive Funding for Secondary Schooling

REACH Invitational Golf Tournament Raises Over $128,000 to Support Youth, Military, and Inclusion Initiatives

PGA REACH Colorado Foundation Honors Wounded Hero with Mortgage-Free Home

PGA REACH Colorado Foundation To Present 11th Mortgage-Free Home to Purple Heart Recipient Jason Moon at REACH Invitational

PGA REACH Colorado Foundation Awards 2024 Pillar Grant Recipients

Eight programs provided grant dollars to help positively impact the community!

THE COLORADO PGA JUNIOR GOLF TOUR, POWERED BY CITYWIDE BANKS, A DIVISION OF HTLF BANK

Citywide Banks, A Division of HTLF Bank, Signs Three Year Commitment

NEW TRUSTEE JOHN EASTERBROOK, PGA JOINS OUR CAUSE

New Trustee Welcomed to PGA REACH Colorado

Zachary Ledvina and Kari Coover Join PGA REACH Colorado!

Welcome Zachary and Kari!

Veteran to run in NYC marathon as part of PGA REACH team

Colorado PGA Professionals Raise $126K Through 2023 Play Yellow Birdie Bash

Commerce City Takes Home Inaugural UMB Bank PGA HOPE Colorado Cup

PGA REACH Colorado Welcomes New Trustee!

Michael Wamsganz Joins PGA REACH Colorado Foundation Trustee Board

Tai Palacio Joins PGA REACH Colorado as 25th Trustee

New Trustee Welcomed to PGA REACH Colorado

2023 PGA REACH COLORADO INVITATIONAL RAISES RECORD $115K FOR PROGRAMMING!

Tenth Set of Keys Donated to Retired U.S. Air Force Staff Sergeant Zachary Ruttman

PGA REACH Colorado Teams with the Colorado Golf Association, Game For Life event at Hiwan Golf Club, and Wilson Golf to Make Junior Golf Accessible to All

Financial Aid Available for Golf Equipment and Junior Tournament Entry Fees

PGA REACH Colorado Announces 2023 Women's Scholarship Recipients

2023 PGA REACH Colorado Women's Leadership Scholarship

Two UCCS Golf Management Students Sari Schrock and Abbie Nelson Supported

MAKING A POSITIVE DIFFERENCE IN THE LIVES OF OTHERS THROUGH THE GAME OF GOLF

2023 PGA REACH Colorado Pillar Grant Recipients Announced

Pillar Grants have given back over $200,000 to the community since 2017 ﻿

MAKING A POSITIVE DIFFERENCE IN THE LIVES OF OTHERS THROUGH THE GAME OF GOLF

PGA National Day of HOPE

2022 PGA REACH COLORADO INVITATIONAL RAISES RECORD $100K FOR PROGRAMMING!

PGA REACH Colorado Donates 9th Mortgage-Free Home! ﻿

Meet Our 2021 PGA of America and Colorado PGA REACH Scholarship Recipients!

20 Students Awarded Scholarships in Colorado

A New Home is a Game Changer

Eighth Home Presentation at the Colorado PGA REACH Invitational

Fun at Fort Carson Ivy Pro-Am!

Young Female Leader and Caddie is Recipient of Women’s Leadership Scholarship

$2,500 Scholarship Opportunity through Women’s Leadership Summit

‘Epic’ is How Brugeman Defines the Experience of Receiving a Mortgage-Free Home

PGA of America REACH Foundation Announces  2024 Class of PGA WORKS Fellows

Pillar Grants have given back over $200,000 to the community since 2017

PGA REACH Colorado Donates 9th Mortgage-Free Home!