2022 Colorado PGA Assistant Professional Championship

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Four-Time Champion, Geoff Keffer, Adds a Fifth to His Record

Thorncreek Golf Course in Thornton, Colorado, played host to the 2022 National Car Rental Colorado PGA Assistant Professional Championship on August 15th and 16th. The top three finishers, and three alternates, in this two-day, 36-hole tournament qualified for the 46th National Car Rental PGA Assistant Professional Championship.

On day one of the two-day Championship, 2021 defending Champion Ben Lanting, PGA, Bear Creek Golf Club, continued his dominant play in Section tournaments. With six birdies, Lanting finished the day with a 2-under-par 70. Tied with Lanting was Andrew Connell, Ridge at Castle Pines North. Connell managed only two bogeys in a round with five birdies, earning him 2-under 70. Another notable round came from Camile Enright, The Club at Ravenna, who won the Colorado PGA Women’s Championship just last week at Vail Golf Club, finishing 1-over for the day. Rounding out the day was Robert Grall, Colorado National Golf Club, finishing the day atop the leaderboard. Grall carded an impressive 4-under 68!

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Day two of the Assistant Professional Championship began with a dramatic start. With only two groups having the chance to tee off, a thunderstorm rolled in with heavy rain and lightning in the area. A stoppage of play was called, and we were under a delay for roughly two hours. Once the bulk of the storm passed, a modified shotgun with tee times for the four leading groups went off at 10:30 am, starting on hole 10.

In a very competitive and close round, the winner couldn’t be identified early in the day. Some impressive rounds came from Behrod Keshtavar, Justin Carlock, and Jeff Carter. From Meadow Hills GC, Carter carded a 68 for day two following his T7 day one finish. His two-day score of 143 landed him a playoff spot for the final alternate position along with Lanting and Christopher Hyten, Castle Pines GC. Lanting won the 3-way playoff to earn that final alternate position! Carlock, RainDance National, finished the tournament 2-under solo fifth, earning himself the second alternate spot. Following his day one 71, Keshtavar, Todd Creek GC, stayed competitive in round two. Finishing tied at 3-under with Grall, the two headed to a playoff to battle for the final qualifying spot. Keshtavar pulled ahead, claiming the third and final qualifying spot!

Connell and Geoff Keffer, Lakewood CC, stayed neck and neck for most of the tournament. Keffer’s round one landed him T2 with Connell after 18, both carding 2-under 70’s. Playing similarly to day one, Connell carded five birdies and only two bogeys in search of the Championship title. The two stayed tied at 6-under for most of the round. It wasn’t until the last few holes that Keffer pulled ahead; Connell finished with a 3-under 69, 139 two-day total. Paired with Keffer’s day-one 1-under, his remarkable day-two 5-under 67 earned him his fifth Colorado PGA Assistant Professional Championship title! Reflecting on his fifth Championship win, the current record, Keffer jokes, “Just means I’m old! I’ve been in the same job for a long time. Ben [Lanting] was making a run at my record, so I had to put that a little further out”. Keffer also shared that his putting and “taking care of the par fives' ' made all the difference today; “yesterday, I didn’t make a single putt. So seeing a couple go in early made all the difference today”.

Final Results Photo Gallery

Thank you to the PGA Team at Thorncreek GC, including Head Professional Ryan Bakken, PGA, superintendent Doug Fisher, and their staff. We thank our national presenting partner, National Car Rental, and our supporting partners, the PGA Tour, John Deere, and Srixon/Cleveland/XXIO, for their support and continued partnership with this Championship.

The Top-4 qualifiers from this championship qualified for the 46th National Car Rental Assistant PGA Professional Championship, set to be played on November 17th-20th in PGA Golf Club (Wanamaker Course) in Port St. Lucie, Florida.

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Steve VanDyke, PGA, Elected as President of Colorado PGA’s West Chapter, Alongside Newly Appointed At-Large Directors

By Steven Bartowski • 19 Apr, 2024

Larkspur, CO - The West Chapter of the Colorado Professional Golfers' Association (COPGA) proudly announces the election of Steve VanDyke, PGA, as its newest President, alongside the appointment of esteemed At-Large Directors. PGA of America Golf Professional Steve VanDyke brings a wealth of experience and a profound dedication to the West Chapter PGA of America Golf Professionals and Associates, making him an ideal candidate to lead the West Chapter. With an almost 20-year career as a Class A PGA of America Golf Professional and a passion for the sport that shines through in every endeavor, VanDyke is poised to steer the Colorado PGA West Chapter toward a future marked by excellence. "It is an honor and a privilege to serve as President of the West Chapter PGA," said Steve VanDyke, PGA. "I am deeply committed to advancing the interests of our members, promoting the growth of golf at all levels, and fostering a vibrant and supportive community within the region. Together with my fellow directors and the entire West Chapter membership, I look forward to charting a course that ensures the continued success and vitality of the West Chapter PGA." Joining President VanDyke in this new chapter of leadership is a group of distinguished At-Large Directors whose expertise and vision will play a pivotal role in shaping the future direction of the Colorado PGA West Chapter. These directors bring diverse perspectives, extensive industry knowledge, and a shared commitment to advancing the golf industry and enhancing the professional lives of PGA of America Golf Professionals. The newly appointed At-Large Directors are: Cody Hasten, PGA Head Professional at Haymaker Golf Course Jim Pratt, PGA General Manager at Aspen Glen Golf Club (beginning a new term) Continuing with their At-Large Director roles are: Loren Forney, PGA Member Trey Johnson, PGA Assistant Professional at Vail Golf Club Mark Matz, PGA Head Professional at Beaver Creek Golf Club Tim Tafoya, PGA Director of Golf at Tiarado Golf Course We would like to thank Luke Brosterhous, PGA, who served selflessly as West Chapter President before VanDyke. During his term, Luke was instrumental in raising the standards for education and the West Chapter Cup Matches. Luke will now slide into the Honorary President role on the Board. Their combined talents and dedication to the principles of the Colorado PGA will undoubtedly enrich the West Chapter's initiatives and programs, benefitting both members and the broader golfing community. "We are thrilled to welcome Steve VanDyke as our new West Chapter President and to introduce our esteemed At-Large Directors," said Cathy Matthews-Kane, PGA President of the Colorado PGA Section. "Under their leadership, we are confident that the West Chapter PGA will continue to thrive and uphold its legacy as a beacon of excellence for the members of the chapter. We are also excited to welcome Mr. VanDyke to the Section Board of Directors as West Chapter President." 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 Colorado PGA West Chapter: The West Chapter of the Colorado PGA encompasses those Members and Associates that work west of the Continental Divide in the state of Colorado. The West Chapter is made up of approximately 100 Members and Associates with over 50 facilities being located in the Chapter. The West Chapter is governed by Officers elected by the Chapter Membership. The Core Purpose of the Chapter is to deliver the member programs and services of the Colorado PGA on the Western Slope. The West Chapter provides continuing education, pro-only, and pro-am tournaments.