April 12, 2024

Contact

Steven Bartkowski

Executive Director/CEO

Colorado PGA

PGA REACH Colorado Foundation

sbartkowski@pgahq.com

Photo Album from the West Chapter Spring Meeting

Video of West Chapter Award Winners

Larkspur, CO - Each year, PGA of America Golf Professionals throughout the Colorado PGA West Chapter are chosen based on their exemplary performance within individual awarded categories. Nominated and selected by their peers, these individuals are shining examples of how PGA of America Members can grow the game of golf and positively impact their communities. In recognition of their accomplishments, each person received a memento at the West Chapter Spring Meeting, which was held on April 11, 2024, at Bookcliff Country Club in Grand Junction, CO. 

Highlighting the impressive roster is PGA of America Golf Professional Howard Glasser, Head Golf Professional at Eagle Springs Golf Club. When asked what it meant to be recognized by his West Chapter peers and join this elite group, Glasser answered, "Being recognized as the Golf Professional of the Year by the West Chapter Board of Directors is very humbling. 2023 was a challenging year with the loss of my long-time mentor Mike Steiner, PGA. His mentorship and leadership over the years prepared me to lead our golf operation and members at Eagle Springs Golf Club to an incredible summer in his honor. I look forward to taking this momentum into the 2024 golf season."

Congratulations to all award winners!

2023 West Chapter Award Winners:

Golf Professional of the Year (pictured above)

Howard Glasser, PGA - Eagle Springs Golf Club

The Colorado PGA West Chapter Golf Professional of the Year is awarded to a PGA Professional for overall performance, including leadership and service, and promotion of the game of golf. Overall performance at the member’s facility, level of service to the PGA Section and to the Association, and image as a golf professional are some of the criteria considered for this award. 

Assistant Golf Professional of the Year

Mitch Murray - Maroon Creek Club

The Colorado PGA West Chapter Assistant Golf Professional of the Year is awarded to a PGA Member or Associate for overall performance, including leadership, service, and promotion of the game of golf. Overall performance at the member’s facility, level of service to the PGA Section and to the Association, Colorado PGA Assistant Professional Association, and image as a golf professional are some of the criteria considered for this award. Finally, active participation in programs such as tournaments, education, and volunteer service to the Section is considered.

Merchandiser of the Year - Private 

Darren Szot, PGA - The Club at Cordillera

Merchandiser of the Year - Public 

Trey Johnson, PGA - Vail Golf Club

The Colorado PGA West Chapter Merchandiser of the Year awards recognize Colorado PGA West Chapter Professionals who have demonstrated superior skills as merchandisers in promoting golf. Awarded in three categories (Private, Resort, and Public/Municipal/Military/Semi-Private), credit rating, community involvement, staffing, inventory, displays, and merchandising techniques are some of the criteria considered for this award. Only two categories received award nominations.

Patriot Award 

Ryan Flamm, PGA - EagleVail Golf Club

The Patriot Award is presented to a Colorado PGA West Chapter Professional who personifies patriotism through the game of golf and demonstrates unwavering commitment and dedication to the men and women who have valiantly served and protected the United States of America. The following guidelines are used to determine nominees for this prestigious award:

• Contributions and support to the United States Armed Forces and its Activity-Duty personnel and Veterans.
• Proven interest, concern, and ability to provide opportunities and experience for Active-Duty personnel and Veterans to learn and play golf.
• Demonstration and acknowledgment as an individual of outstanding leadership and strong moral character.

Salesperson of the Year

Jamie Zabolio - Imperial Headwear

The Sales Representative of the Year Award was established to honor a Sales Representative who partners with the professionals of the Colorado Section in order to enhance the golf professional's business.

Superintendent of the Year (Inaugural Award Winner)

Jacob Tilmann - Vail Golf Club

The Superintendent of the Year recognizes golf course superintendents who have demonstrated professional skills and knowledge in the maintenance and development of their facilities.

Youth Player Development

Andrew Villescas, PGA - Vail Golf Club

This award is designed to recognize a Colorado PGA West Chapter Professional who is a leader in junior golf, reflects the image and qualities that juniors can emulate, and provides opportunities and experiences for juniors to learn and play golf. A member’s contributions to Sectional and National junior programs and involvement in the promotion and development of junior golf at the facility and community levels are some of the criteria considered for this award.

Player Development

Chad Rush, PGA - EagleVail Golf Club 

This award recognizes a Colorado PGA Professional who has displayed extraordinary and exemplary contribution and achievement in player development.

2023 West Chapter Players of the Year:

Player of the Year honors are awarded based on performance at any Colorado PGA West Chapter event. All COPGA events played west of the Continental Divide are considered part of the West Chapter.

Associate Player of the Year

Andy Connell - The Ridge at Castle Pines North

Senior Player of the Year

Doug Rohrbaugh, PGA - River Valley Ranch Golf Course

Player of the Year

Doug Rohrbaugh, PGA - River Valley Ranch Golf Course

About the Colorado PGA:

The Colorado Section of the PGA promotes the game of golf for the golfers of Colorado, Eastern Wyoming, and a small part of South Dakota. The Section aims to promote enjoyment and involvement in the game of golf and contribute to its growth by providing services to golf professionals and the industry within the Section.

The Section accomplishes this purpose by enhancing the skills of its professionals and the opportunities for amateurs, employers, manufacturers, employees, and the general public within the Section. The Colorado PGA has more than 900 members and associates.

The main purpose of the PGA of America is to guide, train, and educate qualified individuals to become PGA members who serve the golf industry in various capacities.

About the Colorado PGA’s West Chapter:

The West Chapter of the Colorado PGA encompasses those members and associates who 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.