2023 COLORADO SENIOR PGA PROFESSIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP

Schalk Successfully Defends Senior Section Title

Fort Collins, Colo. - Sunny skies and hot, humid temperatures greeted players as they arrived at Fort Collins Country Club for the final round of the Colorado Senior PGA Professional Championship. Players were fighting for eight qualifying spots and five alternate positions when the day began, and the leaderboard was bunched with many players vying for the chance to head to the Senior PGA Professional Championship.


With a front nine of 3-over-par 38, Matt Schalk, PGA General Manager at Colorado National Golf Club, sat one shot off the lead. “I was upset. The golf course was perfect, the greens were perfect, and I was just not scoring well,” Schalk stated. He woke up on the first six holes of the back nine, birding five of those six to take a three-shot lead with three holes to play. Schalk finished with three closing pars and a back nine 31 to finish at 69 for the day and a 5-under-par total of 137, leading to a 3-shot victory.


When asked about what defending this title meant to him, he stated, “I still think the Colorado Section is one of the strongest playing sections in the country. I want to make myself as known in Colorado golf as possible. To win this tournament twice confirms I am a great player and puts me in the same category as some of the greats to play in this section.”

Joining Schalk at the PGA Golf Club in October are Micah Rudosky, PGA Head Professional at Conquistador Golf Course, Chris Johnson, PGA General Manager at The Country Club at Woodmoor, Doug Rohrbaugh, PGA Instructor at River Valley Ranch, Bill Hancock, PGA Assistant Professional at Meadow Hills Golf Course, David Lopez, PGA Head Professional at Meridian Golf Club, Michael Zaremba, PGA Head Professional at Desert Hawk at Pueblo West, Perry Holmes, PGA Instructor at Colorado National Golf Club, and first-time senior Caine Fitzgerald, PGA Head Professional at Meadow Hills Golf Course. 

The Colorado Section of the PGA would like to thank the national presenting partner Cadillac, local presenting partner Colorado Golf & Turf, Tom Bauerle, Drew Hunter, and their entire team for their fantastic support of the Section. We would also like to thank our supporting partners Sterling Cut Glass, 1st and 10th Tee Bars, and BioSteel, for their support of this event. 

Fort Collins Country Club was in phenomenal shape for both days, even after receiving 1.8 inches of rain overnight on Monday. Golf Course Superintendent Chris Davis and his team did a fantastic job all week, and we could not be more appreciative of their efforts. A big thank you to Head Golf Professional Tristen Fay, PGA, and his phenomenal professional team for all of their hard work and dedication in helping make this tournament a huge success.

Colorado Senior PGA Professional Championship Qualifiers:
*1. Matt Schalk, PGA | Colorado National GC | 68-69—-137 (-5)
T2. Micah Rudosky, PGA | Conquistador GC | 69-71—-140 (-2)
T2. Chris Johnson, PGA | CC at Woodmoor | 68-72—-140 (-2)
4. Doug Rohrbaugh, PGA | River Valley Ranch GC | 69-72—-141 (-1)
5. Bill Hancock, PGA | Meadow Hills GC | 71-72—-143 (+1)
T6. David Lopez, PGA | Meridian GC | 76-70—-146 (+4)
T6. Michael Zaremba, PGA | Desert Hawk at Pueblo West | 72-74—-146 (+4)
8. Perry Holmes, PGA | Colorado National GC | 77-70—-147 (+5)
9. Caine Fitzgerald, PGA | Meadow Hills GC | 77-71—-148 (+6)
*Matt Schalk, PGA is except into the Senior PGA Professional Championship due to his victory in 2022.

Alternates (In Order):
1st: Ron Vlosich, PGA | Life Member | 76-72—-148 (+6)
2nd: Jason Brandt, PGA | The Links GC | 77-72—-149 (+7)
3rd: Grant Jackson, PGA | Murphy Creek GC | 73-76—-149 (+7)
4th: Barry Milstead, PGA | Valley CC | 69-80—-149 (+7)
5th: Paul Lobato, PGA | Castle Pines GC | 78-72—-150 (+8)

Full Results Senior Championship Photo Album
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.
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