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

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.

UMB Bank REACH Invitational Tournament Photos UMB Bank REACH Invitational Welcome Reception

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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.