Colorado PGA Announces Next Executive Director / CEO: Steven Bartkowski

Welcome to the Colorado Section, Steven!

The Colorado Section of the PGA of America welcomes their sixth CEO/Executive Director: Steven Bartkowski.

A proven industry leader with over 14 years of experience in golf administration and not-for-profit businesses, Bartkowski joins the Colorado Section after five successful years at the helm of the Western New York Section.

Bartkowski remarks, "It is an honor and a privilege to join the Colorado PGA team and lead such a remarkable PGA of America Section. Like many, I share a passion for the game of golf that has given so much back to me in both my personal and professional life. The opportunity to serve the PGA Professionals and work with the many partners of the Section to give back and continue to enhance our sport is humbling, to say the least."

Bartkowski got his start in the industry from the prestigious USGA Boatwright Internship program working with the Buffalo District Golf Association. A Bachelor of Science in Sport Management graduate of SUNY Cortland in New York, Bartkowski served as the Tournament Director of the Western New York Section. During his three years in the role, he initiated and taught the first PGA H.O.P.E. (Helping Our Patriots Everywhere) program in the section and created a new event, the Children’s Hospital Pro-Am, which had the largest individual professional purse for a Pro-Am to date. Subsequently, Bartkowski represented the New Jersey Section as the Director of Tournaments and Championships, managing a $800,000 budget and maintaining a strong relationship with the NJ State Golf Association through the co-conducted NJ Senior Open. In 2017, Bartkowski relocated back to his home in Western New York to continue his tenure with the section. As the current Executive Director of the Western New York Section and PGA REACH WNY Foundation, Bartkowski increased section event participation by 13% and increased the total purse amount by 24%. Among many other standout accomplishments, Bartkowski created the PGA Member Growth of the Game Grant Program in collaboration with Allied Golf Associations in 2019 that distributes close to $13,000 annually to PGA Pros serving youth, military and diverse populations.

"Over the last 12 years of my career I have been entrusted with serving PGA Professionals in different capacities in both the New Jersey and Western New York Sections of the PGA of America, respectively,” Bartkowski illustrates. “I cherish the times I had in these regions building lifelong relationships. I look forward to bringing the same passion and experience that I have learned throughout my career to continue to build on the successes of the Colorado PGA well into the future."

Bartkowski is committed to serving the PGA Member, developing sponsor relations, and community outreach to help execute our mission and vision of serving the member and growing the game while making a difference in the lives of others through the game of golf.

< Older Post Newer Post >

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.