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

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)

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