David Havens, PGA - We Are Golf

Q&A with David Havens, PGA

Why did you become a PGA Professional? 

"When I first picked up a golf club, I couldn’t hit the ball to save my life. For those first two years, my uncles never let me forget it—teasing me every chance they got. Spite became my fuel, and the drive to prove them wrong became stronger than anything else. By 13, no one in our Virginia County could beat me. Looking back, I’m immensely grateful for those moments. They lit a fire in me that shaped not only my game but the fighter I also became."

Why did you launch Spare for Change?

"I’m a firm believer in giving back, and for me, that means making the game of golf better and more accessible. I do this by sharing my knowledge and experiences with anyone eager to learn, and by removing barriers that often hold new players back. Equipment costs can be a major hurdle, but I make sure no one around me has an excuse not to play simply because they can’t afford clubs."


Spare for Change is a 501 (c) 3 that recycles clubs for kids and adults interested in playing golf. That's it. Our nonprofit has given out over 46,000 clubs in the past 15 years to new players, kids and adults. Spare for Change was started as a need-based nonprofit that gives options to those who want to learn the game of golf. 


What is your single best memory/moment running Spare for Change?

"We've been doing Spare for Change for 15 years. During that time, seeing the kids we've given clubs to that have grown and gone on to do amazing things has been so rewarding. There have been lots of times I have just stood back and watched the greatness that goes on at events. It ranges from teaching fellow PGA Members how to do what I'm doing to grow the game to the moment a kid in Nepal I taught the day before helped me coach his friends the next day. It was one of the biggest reasons for me to start Spare for Change in 2010."


What is your single best memory of being a coach?

"One of the most rewarding experiences of my career has been watching Brendon de Jonge’s journey. I first met him in Zimbabwe, where he once had to borrow my shoes just to compete in the Zimbabwe Open. From those humble beginnings, he became one of my students, spending summers in Virginia with me to play top amateur events. I later coached him on the Nationwide Tour and eventually on the PGA Tour in 2007. Having a front-row seat to his rise—from Harare, Zimbabwe, to the world stage—was an absolute joy, and a reminder of how far talent, hard work, and perseverance can take someone."



Why do you love golf?

"Golf has taken me further than I ever dreamed it could—literally around the world five times. It gave me the chance to earn a degree at Virginia Tech, but the real education came from life on tour, learning from the people, places, and cultures I encountered along the way. Those experiences are truly priceless, and I owe them all to this game."


What is your coaching philosophy?

"Fundamentals and enjoyment by way of vanilla ice cream teaching. The goal is to make sure the setup is sound, posture is correct, stance is stable; while using the skills they bring to the lesson. Everyone is different in mind and body size. Embrace it instead of changing it."


If you didn't become a PGA Professional, what would you have done professionally?

"I love the turfgrass side of the business and the building of golf holes. One of the best jobs I have ever had was teaching golf in Thimphu, Bhutan, which turned into rebuilding their main golf course in 2008. I went there to help start their junior golf program, but fell in love with building bunkers and tee boxes, which the R&A helped fund to bring the course to an international standard. It was a dream to be a part of that!"


How does golf impact your life?

"I ask all the time the people I meet how they ended up in front of me today? What decisions, good or bad, did they make to be at this table right now? Golf has broken my heart on more than one occasion, but also led me to Maui, where I met my wife and got us started raising kids. I will be forever grateful that I learned how to hit that 1-iron when I was a kid. Now it is my job to pass it on to the next in line."


Testimonials from Players & Spare for Change Program Gift Recipients

“David’s knowledge, dedication, and pure passion for helping people get better at this very difficult game sets him apart. He definitely made a difference in my life.”
~ Brandon De Jonge (PGA Tour)


Testimonials from Peers

“An accomplished golfer, a genuine golf professional, and an amazing father are the very least of the accomplishments of my friend, David. He has brought joy, passion, enthusiasm, and commitment to improving the game in a way others simply cannot. Golf is a better game with David’s attention to its youth and guidance towards the future. Spare for change started as a mission and has grown into a philosophy. I am proud to have worked alongside David, and will continue to support his journey to truly make a better game.”
~ Patrick Clary, PGA


"It is with great admiration and gratitude that I express my sincere appreciation for Mr. David Havens and his wonderful organization, Spare for Change. Mr. Havens’s dedication to our nation's service members has made a profound impact on the lives of combat veterans currently serving at the High-Altitude ARNG Aviation Training Site (HAATS) located in Gypsum, Colorado.

Through his generosity and commitment, Mr. Havens has provided free golf club sets to combat veterans, offering them not just equipment but an opportunity to engage in a sport that fosters camaraderie, relaxation, and mental well-being. Golf has long been known as a therapeutic outlet, providing a means for veterans to decompress from the demands of military service, and his initiative embodies the very spirit of giving back to those who have sacrificed so much for our country.

The impact of his efforts extends far beyond the fairways. By facilitating access to the game, Mr. Havens has strengthened the sense of community among our servicemen and women, encouraging them to find peace, focus, and enjoyment in a sport that continues to support their mental and physical well-being. His generosity is a testament to the power of kindness and the difference that one person can make in the lives of many.


On behalf of those who have had the privilege of benefiting from his selfless contributions, I extend heartfelt thanks to Mr. David Havens and Spare for Change. Your unwavering support for our veterans is truly inspiring, and your actions serve as a shining example of how generosity and compassion can positively impact the lives of those who serve our nation."

~ CW4 Darren E. Freyer, Standardization Instructor Pilot, HAATS


“David Havens is one of the most dedicated and passionate PGA Professionals I’ve ever been around. The time he puts into his non-profit Spare for Change is truly remarkable. And he does it because he loves the game of golf and wants to see everyone have an opportunity to have a club so they can learn the game. David is growing the game and his infectious personality has led to the incredible success of his non-profit."

~ Scott Ashworth, PGA (Aloha Section)



Articles of David Havens & Spare for Change

Spare the Change Donates Golf Clubs to Youth

Vail Daily

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Frost Creek Provides a Warm Reception for Hawaiian Transplant—and His Charity

Colorado AvidGolfer

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Eagle-based nonprofit Spare For Change Colorado distributes 165 recycled golf clubs to families

Summit Daily

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Playing it Forward

Golfgal: Golf News & Commentary fro a Business Woman's Perspective

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Spare for Change Donates $2,500 to Two College Bound Golfers

Spare for Change

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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.

Maggie Hartman, PGA - We Are Golf

By Steven Bartowski • September 3, 2025
Q&A with Maggie Hartman, PGA

Colorado PGA of America Golf Professionals Mark Matz & Dustin Miller Headline 2025 Section Awards Class

By Steven Bartowski • August 12, 2025
29th Annual Colorado Section Awards Gala to be Held at Cherry Hills Country Club on October 24th

Carlock Captures His First Colorado PGA Major Championship

By Scott Minta • August 5, 2025
Keffer and Hardman to Join Carlock in the National PGA Assistant Professional Championship

Fitzgerald Goes Wire-to-Wire to Capture Senior Crown

By Scott Minta • July 30, 2025
Longmont, Colo . - What a difference a day makes as cloudy skies and cool temperatures greeted the players on day two of the Colorado Senior PGA Professional Championship, compared to hot and sunny temperatures during the opening round. Caine Fitzgerald, PGA Head Professional at Meadow Hills Golf Course, took a 3-shot lead into the final round after a 3-under-par 67 on day one. “The 3-under on day one was fortunate, the golf course is very difficult and is tough to make putts, Fitzgerald said.” Three back of Fitzgerald to start the day was the 2012 and 2013 senior champion, Doug Rohrbaugh, PGA Instructor at River Valley Ranch Golf Course, and four back was the 2022 and 2023 champion Matt Schalk, PGA General Manager at Colorado National Golf Club.