Colorado PGA Elects Mark Bachelor, PGA, as its 50th President | Announces Board of Director Changes at 2026 Fall Membership Meeting

ENGLEWOOD, Colo. (October 30, 2026) — The Colorado PGA announced leadership changes at its 2026 Fall Membership Meeting on Monday, October 26, at The Golf Club at Inverness. Highlighting the meeting was the election of Mark Bacheldor, PGA, who will serve a two-year term as the 50th President of the Colorado PGA Section.

Bacheldor, the Program Director of PGA Golf Management at UCCS, leads an executive committee alongside newly appointed board members committed to the organization’s mission of serving the Section's PGA of America Golf Professionals and driving the growth of the game across Colorado, Eastern Wyoming, and Western South Dakota.

“It’s an honor to serve as President of the Colorado PGA, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to work alongside so many talented and dedicated PGA of America Golf Professionals,” said Bacheldor. “Our Section has a proud history and an incredible membership, and my goal over the next two years is to build on that foundation by listening to our Members, investing in their success, and ensuring they have the support and opportunities they need to grow in their careers and make a difference in their communities.”

Bacheldor added: “Ultimately, the strength of our Section comes from the people who serve this profession every day. If we take care of our Members, invest in the next generation of PGA of America Golf Professionals, and remain thoughtful stewards of our organization, we can continue to grow the game and strengthen the Colorado PGA Section for years to come.”

Joining Bacheldor on the Executive Committee:

Vice President / Treasurer & PGA REACH Colorado Foundation Chair: CJ Perry, PGA, of GOLFTEC, transitions into the role of Section Vice President/Treasurer and will also serve as Board Chair of the PGA REACH Colorado Foundation, spearheading the Section’s charitable and community outreach efforts. CJ most recently served a two-year term as the Section’s Secretary.
Secretary: Ben Pennymon, PGA, of Commonground GC, was elected to serve as Section Secretary. Ben previously served on the Board as an At-Large Director for the last three years.
CEO/Executive Director: Steven Bartkowski was appointed as the CEO/Executive Director of the Colorado PGA Section in March of 2022.

CJ Perry, PGA

Vice President / Treasurer & PGA REACH Colorado Foundation Chair

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Ben Pennymon, PGA

Secretary

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The Colorado PGA also welcomed four new members to its Board of Directors:

Mike Melena, PGA (Director at Large): PGA Professional with the City of Lakewood (Fox Hollow and Homestead Golf Courses). A PGA Member since 2007 with a certification in Golf Operations, Melena brings over two decades of diverse golf operations, instruction, and facility management experience, along with prior service on the Colorado PGA Membership Engagement Committee.
Troy Persson, PGA (Director at Large): Director of Golf at Hiwan Golf Club. Persson, a PGA Certified Professional in Executive Management currently enrolled in the PGA Master Professional Program, brings a wealth of club leadership and general management experience, having previously served on the Section’s Board of Inquiry, Apprentice, and Membership committees.
Ty Thompson, PGA (Appointed Director at Large): Elected as the Appointed Director at Large, adding valuable historical expertise to the board. Ty served as President of the Association from 2016-2018
K. Thor Lundgren (Independent Director): Counsel at Michael Best & Friedrich LLP, Lundgren brings extensive legal, corporate governance, and executive advisory experience to the board. A veteran corporate attorney admitted to the Colorado and Wisconsin Bars, Lundgren has advised public and private company boards globally, previously served as President and Director of The Tryall Club in Jamaica, and is an Honorary Member of the Wisconsin PGA Section.

Mike Melena, PGA

Director at Large

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Troy Persson, PGA

Director at Large

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Ty Thompson, PGA

Appointed Director at Large

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Thor Lundgren

Independent Director

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The newly formed board will officially assume duties immediately, guiding the Colorado PGA's strategic vision. For a list of the Board of Directors, visit https://www.coloradopga.com/board-of-directors .

About the Colorado PGA
The Colorado PGA represents over 900 PGA of America Golf Professionals and Associates across Colorado, Eastern Wyoming, and Western South Dakota. Dedicated to promoting the enjoyment and involvement in the game of golf, the Section delivers premier tournaments, educational programs, and community initiatives that expand the reach of the sport and support golf professionals throughout the Rocky Mountain region. For more information, visit https://www.coloradopga.com/.

About the PGA REACH Colorado Foundation
The PGA REACH Colorado Foundation is the 501c3 charitable arm of the Colorado PGA and exists to positively impact lives through the game of golf. By creating access to the game and industry, it is developing lifelong players, future leaders, and creating lasting communities for today, tomorrow, and generations to come. It’s about creating invitation and access to the game — we do this in three ways through military, youth, and inclusive initiatives.

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