Celebrating Women's Golf Week with the Colorado PGA

A week-long celebration of women elevating their game, building connections, and paving the way for the future of golf.

Women’s Golf Day began with a simple belief: the game we love should feel welcoming to every woman and girl who wants to step onto the course. What started as a simple initiative has grown into a movement shaped by people who are passionate about creating opportunities, building confidence, and breaking down barriers. It is rooted in the idea that the sport can teach skills that last a lifetime and foster a community where women feel supported at every stage of their journey.


Throughout the week of May 26th - June 2nd, we are taking time to honor the women who have helped shape Colorado’s golf history. Their stories remind us how much the game has evolved and how many barriers have been broken along the way. We are also highlighting the women who continue to pioneer the industry today, carrying that legacy forward and inspiring the next generation with every lesson taught, every event led, and every moment they encourage someone new to pick up a club.

MEET JUDY BELL

The first woman up on the tee is none other than Judy Bell. Judy stood as a true pioneer in golf, opening doors for women and redefining what leadership in the game could look like. She was a two-time Curtis Cup player and later served as a Curtis Cup captain for two years, during which she continued to demonstrate her leadership and competitive edge. Judy really made her mark in 1987, when she became the first woman to be nominated to the USGA’s executive board, and she later became the first woman officer in the USGA. Continuing her excellence, she also became the first woman to ever work as a rules official at the Masters. 


Judy didn’t stop there; in 1995, she helped lead the operations of the U.S. Women’s Open at the Broadmoor GC, where the event made its debut and broke records in both attendance and revenue. Then, in November of 1995, she was nominated to serve as USGA president, a role that solidified her place as a lasting figure in the golf world.


As she continued to break barriers in the sport, her recent death in November 2025 left a huge impact on the golf world. Her leadership and dedication paved the way for so many women, and her legacy will continue to influence the sport for generations.
REMEMBERING JUDY BELL | USGA

MEET ANN FINKE, PGA

Second up on the tee is Ann Finke. Ann’s golf career has several “firsts” attached to her name. It all started at Scottsbluff High School in Nebraska, where she was the first girl to receive an athletic scholarship. Then, she later became the first female member of the Nebraska and Colorado Sections of the PGA. In addition to an amazing career, she was the first female from the Colorado Section to receive a National PGA Award, which was the 2010 National Junior Golf Leader. 


The “first” that she finds most important is being the first in her students’ hearts, having spent over 30 years as the director of instruction at the Country Club of Colorado out in Colorado Springs. Ann has given almost 40,000 lessons, with about 40% of those lessons being with juniors. Continuing her amazing career, she later won the 2010 National Junior Golf Leader Award presented by the PGA of America. She became the first female and thirteenth overall Colorado Section member to win a National PGA award. 
COLORADO GOLF HALL OF FAME CLASS 2016: ANN FINKE

MEET SALLY HARDWICK, PGA

Stepping up to the tee is Sally Hardwick. Her list of accomplishments is impressive, starting with her win at the very first CWGA Junior Match Play Championship in 1953. She later made history again by becoming the tournament’s first three‑time champion, claiming consecutive victories in 1955 and 1956. Sally quickly found success in the women’s division, winning both the 1957 CWGA Match Play and Stroke Play titles. She remained Colorado’s top amateur in the late ’50s, earning Stroke Play wins in 1958 and ’59 and another Match Play title in ’59.


In 1961, Sally broke new ground as Colorado’s first female club professional, beginning her career under Marion Pfluger at Pinehurst Country Club. Her passion for the game carried her into coaching, first with the Arizona State women’s team (1964–1967) and later with the Heritage High School boys’ team (1972–1994). She stepped away from Heritage in 1999 and officially wrapped up her Pinehurst tenure in 2007. 
THE LEGACY OF SALLY HARDWICK | COLORADO GOLF ASSOCIATION

MEET JILL MCGILL

Next up on the tee is Jill McGill, one of the most accomplished golfers ever to come out of Colorado. Her rise began in 1990 when she won the first sanctioned state high school girls’ golf championship in Colorado. Jill’s success only grew from there as she captured the 1993 U.S. Women’s Amateur, the 1994 U.S. Women’s Amateur Publinks, finished runner‑up at the 1994 U.S. Women’s Amateur, and represented the United States on the 1994 Curtis Cup team. During her collegiate career at USC, she earned two All‑American honors and placed fourth at the 1994 NCAA Championships.


Jill never captured a win during her 15 years on the LPGA Tour, but she recorded three runner‑up finishes and two third‑place showings. Her impact on the game was still widely recognized as she earned the 1994 Golf Person of the Year Award and received the honor again in 2023. She also became only the third woman, and fifth player overall, to win three different USGA championships, joining legends such as Joanne Carner, Jack Nicklaus, Arnold Palmer, Carol Semple Thompson, and Tiger Woods. Her distinguished career was further honored with her induction into the Colorado Golf Hall of Fame in 2009.
THE LEGACY OF JILL MCGILL | COLORADO GOLF ASSOCIATION

Meet Christie Austin

Last up on the tee is Christie Allen. Unlike everyone else, she didn’t pick up a club until age 26, but after her first lesson, she was instantly hooked. She quickly dropped her 54 handicap to scratch, won the first of her 11 club championships at Cherry Hills Country Club, and began volunteering on numerous golf boards and committees at Cherry Hills and throughout the Denver community. In 2007, she became only the fifth woman in 114 years to serve on the USGA Executive Committee. Christie also served as a rules official for prestigious tournaments, including the Masters, the U.S. Open, multiple USGA Championships, the 2012 Walker Cup, and the Open Championship.


Her exploits on the course are equally remarkable. Her record includes 15 Colorado Women’s Golf Association titles (among them the Senior Match Play in 2007 and the Senior Stroke Play in 2007 and 2014) and she was twice named the Colorado Women’s Golf Association Senior Player of the Year in 2007 and 2014. Adding to her decorated career, she was inducted into the Colorado Golf Hall of Fame in 2015.
CHRISTIE'S COLORADO GOLF HALL OF FAME INDUCTION

The amazing stories and journeys of these women have shaped Colorado golf in extraordinary ways. From early trailblazers to today’s leaders, each woman featured this week has added her own chapter to Colorado’s golf history. They broke down barriers, redefined what was possible, and built a strong foundation for the generations who will follow. As we begin this week of celebration, we look forward to sharing more stories, moments, and accomplishments from our very own COPGA women who continue to pave the way for future generations. Follow along @ColoradoPGA on Instagram or Facebook for a week of women who continue to shape this game and industry we love. Starting Wednesday, May 27th, we will dive into the stories of Cathy Matthews-Kane, PGA, Stefanie Ferguson, PGA, Terra Shehee, PGA, Katie Milstead, PGA, Kelly Deimund, PGA, and Ashleigh Wilson.

CHECK OUT OTHER COOL WOMEN IN THE COLORADO GOLF HALL OF FAME

Holly Champion, PGA - We Are Golf

By Steven Bartowski • March 26, 2026
Q&A with Holly Champion, PGA

Jordan LeBlanc, PGA - We Are Golf

By Steven Bartowski • February 19, 2026
Q&A with Jordan LeBlanc, PGA

Geoff Keffer, PGA - We Are Golf

By Steven Bartowski • January 19, 2026
Q&A with Geoff Keffer, PGA

David Havens, PGA - We Are Golf

By Steven Bartowski • November 18, 2025
Q&A with David Havens, PGA

Colorado PGA Celebrates Excellence at the 2025 Awards Gala

By Holly Champion • November 6, 2025
Matz of Beaver Creek Golf Club Honored with Golf Professional of the Year; Keffer of Lakewood Country Club Claims 10th Dow Finsterwald Player of the Year Honor of his Career

Tara Morris, PGA of Colorado Golf Academy Goes Wire-to-Wire to Capture Her Third COPGA Women's Championship

By Steven Bartowski • October 13, 2025

Chris Kennedy, of Murphy Creek Golf Course, Captures West Chapter Championship of First Playoff Hole

By Steven Bartowski • October 1, 2025
Vail, Colo. - September 30, 2025 - In a thrilling conclusion to this year's Colorado PGA West Chapter Championship, Chris Kennedy of Murphy Creek Golf Course emerged victorious after a tightly contested battle that needed to be settled via a sudden-death playoff. Kennedy posted rounds of 68 and 71 to finish at 1-under-par (139), securing the win on the first playoff hole over Justin Carlock of Eaton Country Club, who matched the same two-day total after a brilliant second round of 4-under-par 66, the lowest round of the tournament. Carlock’s charge up the leaderboard showcased clutch shot-making and nerves of steel, but Kennedy’s consistent play across both days proved enough to edge out the win. “Today is my Dad’s birthday, and he passed away 2 years ago, so to win this championship today makes it extra special,” Kennedy said. Kennedy’s final round consisted of three birdies and four bogies to finish at 1-under-par for the 36 holes and dead even with Carlock. Finishing in a tie for third were John Gorell, Associate Professional, and Chris Johnson, PGA, General Manager, both from The Country Club of Woodmoor, who both finished at even par for the 36 holes. Johnson was the 2010 West Chapter Champion. Finishing in solo fifth place was 2025 Section Champion, Geoff Keffer, PGA Assistant Professional at Lakewood Country Club, after firing rounds of 71-70 for a two-day total of 1-over-par. Capturing victory in the Senior Division was PGA General Manager Chris Johnson. Johnson fired rounds of 68-72 to post an even par total and a five-shot victory. A huge thanks to all of our partners for the West Chapter Championship. Tom Bauerle, Drew Hunter, and Reed Tomlinson of Colorado Golf & Turf and Club Car, Chris Garton and Jake Coldirons of Creative Travel Brands, Ryan Helin of 2nd Swing Golf, Chase and Derby McGee of Links & Peaks, Kevin Neff of Sterling Cut Glass, Dylan Toups and Jeff Wood of Perry Weather and Lara Burchfield of CMC Designs for their support of this championship and the Colorado PGA West Chapter. Last but certainly not least is our fantastic host facility, Vail Golf Club, and its dedicated staff. PGA Director of Golf, Trey Johnson, PGA Head Golf Professional, Andrew Villescas, Golf Course Superintendents Andy Beske, and Dan McFadden, and their entire grounds staff for having the course in peak championship condition for the entire tournament. Colorado PGA West Chapter Championship Final Leaderboard 1. Chris Kennedy (Murphy Creek Golf Course) —68-71—-139 (-1) 2. Justin Carlock (Lakewood Country Club) —73-66—139 (-1) T3. John Gorell (Country Club at Woodmoor) —71-69—140 (E) T3. Chris Johnson, PGA (Country Club at Woodmoor) —68-72—140 (E) 5. Geoff Keffer, PGA (Lakewood Country Club) —71-70—141 (+1) 6. Ben Lanting, PGA (Bear Creek Golf Club) —70-73—143 (+3) 7. Glen-Michael Mihavetz (Red Sky Golf Club) —72-72—144 (+4) T8. Kirk Trowbridge, PGA (MetaGolf Learning Center) —74-71—145 (+5) T8. Mike Weingartner, PGA (Colorado Golf Academy) —73-72—145 (+5) T8. Shaun Wright, PGA (Red Sky Golf Club) —72-73—145 (+5) T8. Doug Rohrbaugh, PGA (River Valley Ranch Golf Course) —71-74—145 (+5)

Geoff Keffer, PGA, of Lakewood Country Club Fires Final Round 66 to Capture His Third Colorado PGA Professional Championship Title of His Career

By Scott Minta • September 18, 2025
Seven Others Qualify to Join Keffer at Bandon Dunes Next April at the 2026 PGA Professional National Championship Colorado Springs, CO, September 17, 2025 - The final round of the 68th Colorado PGA Professional Championship was pushed back two hours from the scheduled 7:30 am start time due to the second round not being completed the night before. The second round resumed at 7:30 am on Wednesday morning and concluded at 8:35 pm. The cut was made at +9, and final round tee times were off and running at 9:30 am, with the leaders teeing off at 11:00 am. That final group included two-time Colorado PGA Professional Champion Geoff Keffer, PGA Assistant Professional at Lakewood Country Club. Keffer began the day with a one-shot lead and was determined to hoist the Ralph “Rip” Arnold Memorial Award Trophy for a third time. After birdies on one and four and an eagle on five, Keffer had jumped to 11-under-par and held a five-shot lead over his closest competitor. Keffer had seven pars, two birdies, and two bogies over his next 11 holes. “Knowing where I was at, just tried to make low stress pars the whole way,” Keffer said. Then, after low-stress golf over the last 11-hole stretch, Keffer stood on the 17th tee with the golf tournament pretty much won. He could very easily lay up and secure his par, which he did the exact opposite of. Knocking a mini driver on the green to 30 feet and rolling in the eagle putt to jump to 13-under-par. “Getting that one to go in on 17 was just a bonus,” Keffer stated. After a par at the last, Keffer posted a final round 66 and an eight-shot victory in a truly dominant wire-to-wire finish. Keffer captures his first section championship triumph since he won the trophy back in 2020 at Valley Country Club. “We have so many great players in this section that anytime I can be around the top, it is always great,” Keffer said. This win is Keffer’s seventh for the Colorado PGA tournament season, and extends his lead atop the Dow Finsterwald Player of the Year List to 1,548 points with only the Pro-Assistant, Masek Match Play Finals, and the West Chapter Championship left on the 2025 Colorado PGA tournament calendar. Keffer’s win qualifies him for the 2026 PGA Professional Championship, his seventh consecutive PPC. Along with Keffer, seven others will join him at Bandon Dunes Golf Resort on April 26-29, 2026. Finishing in a four-way tie for second place, with a 54-hole total of 211, 5-under-par, were Henry Bernard, PGA Assistant Professional at TPC Colorado; Matt Schalk, PGA General Manager at Colorado National Golf Club; Caine Fitzgerald, PGA Head Professional at Meadow Hills Golf Course, and Ben Lanting, PGA Assistant Professional at Bear Creek Golf Club. Joining those five at Bandon Dunes next April will be solo sixth finisher and four-time section champion, Micah Rudosky, PGA Head Professional at Conquistador Golf Course, who fired rounds of 71-69-72 for a three-day total of 212, 5-under-par. A huge thanks to all of our partners of the Colorado PGA Professional Championship. Tom Bauerle, Drew Hunter, and Reed Tomlinson of Colorado Golf & Turf and Club Car, Chris McCallum of Titleist, and Adam Boland of Footjoy, Steven Vigil of Nike Golf, Shaun Haberstroh, Chris Brown, Sam Marley, and Chris Kurth of Taylormade Golf, and Mike Marsilli and Marcus Gregory of Callaway Golf. To our local partners, Chase & Derby McGee of Links & Peaks, Dr. Little of The Golf Clinic, Erin Bates of Liquid Death, Taylor Erkman of Strackaline, Samantha Masciarelli of 1st and 10th tee bars, Zach Ledvina of Maui Jim, and Kelly Jobe of Sterling Cut Glass, for their support of this championship and the Colorado PGA. Last but certainly not least is our fantastic host facility, Flying Horse North, and its dedicated staff. PGA General Manager, Glenn Wallace, PGA Director of Golf, Jacob O’Dell, PGA Head Golf Professional, Mack Borowicz, and Golf Course Superintendent, John Doncilovich, and his entire grounds staff for having the golf course in peak championship condition for the entire week. In the solo seventh position was Chris Hyten, PGA Assistant Professional at Castle Pines Golf Club. Hyten shot rounds of 71-67-75 for a three-day total of 213, 4-under-par. Hyten qualified for his fourth PGA Professional Championship and first since 2022 at Todd Creek. The eighth and final qualifier for Bandon Dunes is Bill Hancock, PGA Assistant Professional at Meadow Hills Golf Course. Hancock defeated Dan Sniffin in a one-hole playoff after making a birdie on the par-5 5th hole. Hancock fired a final round of 75 after rounds of 71 and 68 on days one and two.

Keffer Chasing His Third Colorado PGA Professional Championship Title; Miller and Hyten Sit One Shot Back Heading Into Final Round at Flying Horse North

By Scott Minta • September 17, 2025
Colorado Springs, CO, September 17, 2025 - Day two of the Colorado PGA Professional Championship was a carbon copy of day one, with cool temperatures and sunny skies greeting the players as they arrived at Flying Horse North for “moving day.” Up for grabs this week is the Ralph “Rip” Arnold Memorial Trophy, eight qualifying spots into the National PGA Professional Championship at Bandon Dunes in 2026, and a $75,000 purse, which is the largest purse in the history of the championship. Among the day one leaders to get an early start on day two was Geoff Keffer, PGA Assistant Professional at Lakewood Country Club. Keffer teed off at 8:00 am and got off to a tough start, bogeying three of his first six holes. “I just got some bad breaks on my opening nine, leading to the three bogies,” Keffer stated. A much-needed birdie on the 18th jump-started Keffer, and he carried that momentum on his closing nine. “I hit a couple close and had a couple of two-putt birdies [on the back nine],” Keffer stated. Keffer carded five birdies with no bogies on his back nine for a closing 31 and second round 69 to sit at seven-under-par for the Championship. Three back of Keffer’s lead is Ben Lanting, PGA Assistant Professional at Bear Creek Golf Club. “I feel very tired, rollercoaster is the only way to describe it,” Lanting said, after having another up-and-down day at Flying Horse North. Lanting carded an eagle, five birdies, two bogies, and two double bogies to card a one-under-par 71 for his second round and sit at four-under-par for the Championship and in the running to capture his first Colorado PGA Professional Championship title. “This one means the most to me out of anything I play in,” Lanting said, “I had a stretch of three seconds in a row [2021, 2022, 2023], and fifth last year, this is why I practice, this is why I work hard, to win the Section Championship would mean so much.” Then, as the afternoon wave had begun play, the storms rolled in and play was suspended at 2:45 pm. The delay would last two hours and eight minutes before play would ultimately resume at 4:53 pm. After the delay, temperatures had dropped a few degrees, and the sun began to poke its way through the clouds from time to time, but a soft golf course meant birdies were there for the taking. Players took advantage of the soft conditions with Dustin Miller, PGA Director of Instruction at The Swing Bays, Bill Hancock, PGA Assistant Professional at Meadow Hills Golf Course, Micah Rudosky, PGA Head Professional at Conquistador Golf Course, and Chris Hyten, PGA Assistant Professional at Castle Pines Golf Club all firing rounds under par to jump up multipe spots and into the Top 5 heading into the final round. Miller and Hyten finished at three and five under par, respectively, for the second round, putting them in a tie for second place at six-under-par and one shot behind Keffer. Miller’s round consisted of five birdies and two bogies. “I stayed patient throughout the round and didn’t try to force anything,” Miller said. “I knew when I could be aggressive and when I needed to stay with planned shots.”

Carlton (Legacy Ridge GC) & Keffer (Lakewood CC) Tied for the Lead After Day One

By Scott Minta • September 16, 2025
Colorado Springs, CO, September 15, 2025 - The 2025 Colorado PGA Professional Championship, hosted by Flying Horse North, kicked off on Monday, September 15th. This 54-hole tournament is the most prestigious championship for the PGA of America Golf Professionals of the Colorado PGA Section, dating back to 1958, with J.D. Taylor hoisting the trophy. This year’s championship includes 110 Professionals in the field representing golf facilities from across Colorado and Wyoming. Up for grabs this week is the Ralph “Rip” Arnold Memorial Trophy, eight qualifying spots into the National PGA Professional Championship at Bandon Dunes in 2026, and an over $75,000 purse, which is the largest purse in the history of the championship. The co-leaders after the opening 18 holes were Joe Carlton, PGA Head Professional at Legacy Ridge Golf Course, and two-time section champion, Geoff Keffer, PGA Assistant Professional at Lakewood Country Club, after two brilliant rounds of four-under-par 68.