Colorado PGA Announces 2023 Award Winners!

Doyle, Oldham Highlight Winners of Colorado PGA Recognition

August 28, 2023

(Larkspur, CO) - Bob Doyle, two-time President of the Colorado PGA and former District Nine Director, has been named the 2023 Colorado PGA Golf Professional of the Year. In winning the highest annual honor given to a PGA Golf Professional, Doyle heads the 2023 Colorado PGA Special Awards class for “qualities of leadership, strong moral character, and a substantial record of service” to the PGA and the game of golf.

Doyle is the 60th member of the Colorado PGA to be named the Golf Professional of the Year. He began his career as a Golf Professional in 1981 when he was elected to membership. He started at Paradise Valley Country Club shagging balls because the facility did not have a range picker. He would later spend the longest stretch of his career as the General Manager at Riverdale Golf Courses for 22 years. Before retiring, Doyle also served as a Player Development Regional Manager with the PGA of America for 5 years.

This is Doyle’s third time being recognized as the Golf Professional of the Year. He has also been in the special awards lineup three other times during his career and time within the Colorado PGA Section. When asked what his first thoughts were after learning of his recognition, Doyle said he was “Overwhelmed. To be able to contribute now at this stage of my career means a lot to me, and to be recognized for that is pretty special.”

Ed Oldham, a 40-year Member of the Section and PGA Master Professional is the recipient of the 2023 Colorado PGA Teacher of the Year Award. Oldham serves as the Director of Instruction at The Ranch Country Club in Westminster, Colorado. His 40 years of teaching and coaching experience have led to success with players at every level, from beginners to tour players. 2023 has been a special year for Oldham thus far. He learned about his Colorado PGA award in the same week that he was recognized on the GOLF Magazine’s Top 100 Teachers list. “That was quite a week,” he said while recalling his notification of both accomplishments.

“These amazing men and women have separated themselves as this year's top professionals in our esteemed Section, given their dedication to the game, the players, service to their community, and fellow PGA Professional,” comments Jim Hajek, PGA Head Professional at Fossil Trace Golf Club. “These individuals were nominated by their peers to be considered, and after careful deliberation and much discussion, the Awards Committee selected this slate of 2023 award winners.”

Doyle and Oldham lead a group of 14 PGA Professionals and two other industry leaders in winning the Colorado PGA’s 2023 Special Awards. These awards will be presented on October 27th during the 2023 Colorado PGA Special Awards Gala at Cherry Hills Country Club in Cherry Hills Village, Colorado.

Recipients of the 2023 Colorado PGA Special Awards include:

Golf Professional of the Year: Bob Doyle, PGA | PGA Life Member

Teacher of the Year: Ed Oldham, PGA | The Ranch Country Club

Assistant Professional of the Year: Marcus Gillmor, PGA | Fort Collins Country Club

Presidents Award: Stuart Bruening, PGA | Southwest Greens LLC

Bill Strausbaugh Award: Jeff Ulvedal PGA | Ptarmigan Country Club

Ed Kelbel Award (Former Professional Development): Bryan Collins, PGA | GOLFTEC Headquarters

Warren Smith: Alice Plain, PGA | Vail Golf Club

Patriot Award: Bill Hughes, PGA | Country Club of The Rockies

Player Development: Randy Meyers, PGA | Foothills Parks and Recreation District

Youth Player Development: Trent Wearner, PGA - Trent Wearner Golf Academy

Public Merchandiser of the Year: Tyler Lowry, PGA - Cheyenne Shadows Golf Club at Fort Carson

Private Merchandiser of the Year: Greg Bryan, PGA - Roaring Fork Club
Noble Chalfant Award: Tom Connell, PGA - Life Member & Ralph "Rip" Arnold, PGA - Deceased

Salesperson of the Year: Kelly Jo Wykes - Travis Mathew

Superintendent of the Year: Pamela Smith - Denver 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.