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PGA REACH Colorado Foundation Awards 2024 Pillar Grant Recipients

June 20, 2024

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.

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

By Steven Bartowski • March 20, 2025

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.

New Trustee, Josh Knipp, Welcomed to PGA REACH Colorado

By Steven Bartowski • March 4, 2025

Welcome, Josh Knipp!

New Trustee, Trevor Miller, Welcomed to PGA REACH Colorado

By Steven Bartowski • February 3, 2025

Welcome, Trevor Miller!

City of Westminster Golf Courses Protecting the Future of the Game

By Steven Bartowski • January 13, 2025

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