Q&A with Maggie Hartman, PGA

What is your first memory of playing golf?

"I was at the golf course since before I can remember, but my first memory was at City Park in Denver as a toddler on the driving range with my family. I would go with my brother and sister, who are 5 & 6 years older than me, for their classes with Denver Junior Golf. The coaches were kind enough to invite me to the course with them, which mostly included riding along in the cart. From there, I remember asking to go to the course every chance we got until I could eventually ride my bike over on my own to play and practice."

Why did you become a PGA Professional? 

"My first jobs were at the golf course, and as I was graduating high school, I contemplated different majors and career routes, along with playing college golf. However, the opportunity to blend my passion for golf and career right away wasn't something I was willing to pass up. I chose to attend the PGA Golf Management Program at UCCS. So many of my favorite people were always at the golf course, and I had so much fun at work that I knew I would be happy if I got to spend every day at a golf course. The Head Professional at the time, Keith Soriano, mentioned in a staff meeting when I was in high school that “we get to work where everyone else wants to be while they’re at work,” and that stuck with me ever since. As I got into instruction, I realized I could also add problem-solving and helping others to that equation, which made it the perfect fit for me."

What joy do you get out of coaching junior golfers?

"It is incredibly fulfilling and joyful for me to be able to introduce young people to the game I love and have loved for as long as I can remember. A lot of kids have a difficult time finding a sport or activity that really clicks for them, and when I can help them get really good at golf and see the happiness and pride they experience, it is one of the best feelings for me. I have the opportunity to coach so many incredible young athletes who could excel in any activity of their choosing, but I know golf to be the one to also help them become the best people."

What is your fondest memory of coaching Juniors?

"During the pandemic, I recruited a team of coaches to teach with. I brought on a few fantastic coaches to work with. When social and athletic options were limited, we provided summer camps, Operation36, PGA Junior League & Adult Welcome2Golf. We delivered player development to players of all ages, abilities, and socioeconomic backgrounds. Our passion for golf and sharing it with others quickly spread through the facility, community, and beyond. We were able to share the game in an extremely high-quality way, with so many people who continue to play and share gratitude for the coaching culture we brought them. Our excitement for golf, sharing it with others, and the fun to be had by our students was noticeably contagious. That time in my coaching history has assured me that the work we do as golf professionals benefits the greater good of those around us in a positive way."

Why do you love golf?

"I love golf for so many reasons, and I gain new reasons to love it as the years go by. When I look back, I grew up loving golf because time at the golf course has always equated to time spent with my favorite people. Golf has always been my connector. One of the things I value most about golf is not only its ability to connect people from different backgrounds but its ability to level the playing field regardless of where you come from. I love that a grandparent, parent, and child could all three go play golf, spanning three generations, and any one of them could win on any given day. Golf is an equalizer and doesn't discriminate. Anyone can learn to play golf. It has the ability to bring entire communities together.
As I got older, my love for the game grew because it was the most challenging sport I played and incredibly rewarding to improve from hard work and dedication. Contrary to other sports, good games and bad games are all on you with the constant pursuit of excellence. I loved the chase of becoming better than I was the day before."

How did your coaches impact your playing and/or coaching career?

"Getting my start at a public course in the middle of downtown Denver, I was lucky enough to consider the professional staff at City Park my community of coaches who taught me the impact a PGA Professional can have on the life of a child. I learned the value of having the village to support myself and other young golfers like me. The PGA Professionals I was surrounded by on a daily basis taught me to believe in my abilities and that hard work pays off. I am the coach and golf professional I am today, largely in part to those individuals."

Do you emulate your coaching style after any of your coaches? Who and how?

"A very important part of my coaching is making sure my students understand that while I care greatly about their golf game, I care more about them as people. This priority stems from the belief my coaches had in me. I grew up playing every sport in the book, with many coaches, and I believe that, whether I realized it or not, I acquired small attributes from each of them. The most valuable trait I had in a coach was to coach the whole person, not just their skills, and that is what I try to carry on in my coaching. I find it so fun to learn how each student's needs differ from the others and cater to that in order to create a learning environment where they thrive."

What is your single best memory as a coach?

"There is a very special moment that happens in coaching where your student is working hard to execute a golf shot, and they figure it out and look back at you with a big smile. That is the greatest moment, and I have the honor of having that moment every day. What has created a few special memories for me is when a student has suffered a hardship in their life and comes back to the course, I have been able to provide the space for them to have fun and enjoy golf despite the difficulties of life."

What is your coaching philosophy?

"My coaching philosophy supports golfers to play without fear, but rather with trust and self-belief in effectively executing their technique and mental plan on the course. My role is to help golfers discover what their mind and body can achieve in order to play their best golf and reach their goals. It is in our human nature as golfers to have the desire to be good at the things we do, and we have the most fun when we are doing the things we are good at. It is my philosophy that all golfers, regardless of skill or age, play golf because it’s fun and they come to us as coaches to improve in order to reach their goals and have more fun, more often."

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

"I would have either been a teacher or a psychologist. So, likely a school psychologist."

How does golf impact your life?

"Golf has always been one of my favorite ways to spend time. It has been therapeutic, a reason for celebration, the greatest gift, and the greatest test of patience. Golf has been my medium to serve my community & give the game back to kids like me. While I have worked to inspire my students, it’s my students who have multiplied the inspiration in me. The greatest impact on me has been my students; I’ve just been very lucky that we happened to have a golf club in our hands."

Testimonials from Current or Past Junior Students and Program Participants

“Maggie Hartman is a standout example of the positive influence a coach can have on a student. I had the privilege of being coached by Maggie during my junior golf years, and I’m deeply grateful for the lessons she taught and the supportive, encouraging environment she created. Her impact on my life has been profound—so much so that her leadership and teaching style inspired me to join the UCCS PGM Program. I hope to one day lead with the same passion and integrity she demonstrates every day. Beyond being an incredible mentor, Maggie has become a lifelong friend. Even after I aged out of junior golf, she continued to stay connected and supportive—something I’ll always value.”
~ Madison Brown, PGA Student

“For anyone looking for a coach who truly goes above and beyond, I cannot recommend Maggie enough. From 2020 to 2023, I had the privilege of playing for her as a college athlete, and her impact on me extends far beyond the golf course. She possesses an incredible depth of golf knowledge, but what truly sets her apart is the exceptional person she is. Her guidance wasn't just about improving my swing; It was about building me up as a person. Maggie played a pivotal role in boosting my confidence, a quality that has served me well both in golf and in life. She remains one of the most significant role models, not only for her professional expertise but for her unwavering support and genuine care. Her influence during those crucial years helped shape me into the person I am today, and I am incredibly grateful for everything she did for me.”
~ Isabel Botero Molina, Alumni MSU Denver Women’s Golf

“Both my boys were so lucky to learn how to play golf with Maggie. She taught them the basics in a way that kept that engaged and having fun when they were young and starting out. She ushered them from the beginning stages all the way to playing 18 on their own. Their eyes light up when we tell them they have a lesson with Maggie. Her advice is simple and thoughtful and they always improve after working with her. She can simplify very complex swing changes in a way that my boys can understand and adopt immediately. The drills she gives them are productive and fun. We’re so lucky that we found Maggie and are so grateful for her teaching, kindness, and fun demeanor. She’s the best.”
~ Adrian Sak, Father of Junior Participants

"We are so grateful to have had her as a coach and role model. She exemplifies what it means to grow the game of golf from the ground up, and I can’t think of anyone more deserving of recognition from the PGA.”
~ Elizabeth Laird, Mother of Junior Participants

“Maggie Hartman has been coaching my two sons, now ages 9 and 7, for the past four years, and I cannot overstate the impact she has had, not just on their golf skills, but on their personal development and love for the game.

From the beginning, Maggie created a positive, encouraging environment that made golf both fun and approachable. Thanks to her patient and thoughtful coaching, my boys have made incredible strides in their technique and understanding of the sport. More importantly, they’ve developed a deep passion for golf, something I attribute entirely to Maggie’s influence.

She has a unique ability to meet kids where they are, building their confidence through consistent encouragement and celebrating their progress at every stage. Maggie doesn’t just teach the game; she nurtures a lifelong love for it.

Inspired by my sons’ love of golf, I joined Maggie’s women’s clinic so I could participate in the sport with my family. As someone new to the game, I was nervous, but Maggie went out of her way to create a welcoming and supportive space. Her clinic not only taught me the fundamentals of golf, but also made me feel accepted and encouraged as a woman in what can often feel like an intimidating environment. Because of her, I’ve come to genuinely enjoy the sport and feel proud to share it with my children.

Maggie exemplifies everything the PGA should celebrate: she grows the game through skilled instruction, inclusive community-building, and an authentic love for golf that’s truly contagious.



Testimonials from Peers

“Maggie is the kind of coach every golfer hopes to have. Her deep knowledge of the game is matched by a calm, thoughtful approach that truly sets her apart. She meets each player where they are, listens attentively, and creates personalized plans tailored to their unique needs and goals. Whether she's coaching veterans through PGA HOPE, supporting young players in the ARCH program at Children’s Hospital Colorado, or working with elite athletes, Maggie brings the same dedication and joy to every session. She keeps the game fun, creates confidence, and is the type of coach anyone would benefit from working alongside.”
~ Cayla Regnery, Programs Manager, CGA

“ARCH has been so fortunate to work qith Maggie. Her passion for the game is matched only by her commitment to making it accessible to every child, regardless of ability. Through her work with ARCH and Children's Hospital, Maggie has opened doors for kids who may have never imagined themselves on the green. Her coaching style is compassionate, creative, and deeply inclusive. Maggie meets each young golfer where they are, helping them build confidence, develop skills, and discover the joy of the game in a way that feels empowering and fun. Thanks to Maggie’s dedication, golf is becoming a game for everyone. Her work is not only growing the sport, it’s changing lives.”
~ Hayley Bevan, Operations Coordinator, ARCH - Adaptive Recreation for Childhood Health, Children's Hospital

“Maggie is by far one of the best instructors and people I’ve ever had the privilege of working with for so many reasons. Not only is she incredibly professional, she also creates the best learning environment for her students no matter the level. She makes golf approachable and fun for beginners and kids and also knows how to take more advanced golfers to the next level. I’ve witnessed her students true improvement and enjoyment with Maggie as their teacher. I also really admire how she’s constantly trying to learn more and pursues further education to continue to elevate her teaching. I can’t think of anyone better to have as a coworker or instructor - she’s the best!”
~ Jamie Michas, PGA

“Maggie is the model coach who volunteers her time in various ways and is always giving back to the community. Her impact as a PGA Coach is widespread and that was evident to me when she was a PGM student at the University of Colorado – Colorado Springs. She has quickly elevated herself in our section who inspires other coaches and the people she comes in contact with. Maggie regularly takes part in outreach programs like PGA HOPE and other community programs such as Children’s Hospital ARCH, Special Olympics, Boys & Girls Club, Big Brothers Big Sisters, and Golf In Schools. She plays a huge role at our academy, Trent Wearner Golf Academy, by introducing people to the game through our Welcome2Golf program and other junior and adult programs. Maggie has been with our academy for two years but I’ve known her since her college days at UCCS PGM Program where she was a standout student and where she received the Excellence in Community Service Award and several other nominations and scholarships. She was recently named the 2024 Colorado PGA Youth Development Award winner for the work she’s done through the many years of dedication to the section, the community and the golfers in Colorado. Having grown up in Denver at City Park Golf Course, she has seen and experienced diversity in golf and lives her life to bring more people to the game. I am sure her time spent at City Park is a huge reason for the wonderful things she is passing along and I’m confident Maggie’s work is inspiring several generations of youngsters. And like so many PGA Professionals, she will be the reason some juniors decide to pursue a career in the game of golf.”
~ Trent Wearner, PGA - Owner and Director of Instructin at Trent Wearner Golf Academy

“When Maggie was in college at UCCS I was her PGM mentor. The young women I met through that program were capable, kind and dedicated to family, education and golf. I got to know Maggie the most as our paths have crossed now for many years. Maggie is so good at teaching the games many lessons because she truly loves children. She knows golf gives them so many rewards regardless of skill level. Her enthusiasm is endless and shows in her students love for her. Maggie has always had a smile that lights up the room, her students are immediately drawn to her through her warmth and calm personality. Our world of PGA golf instruction is a cause, not a job. It encompasses much more than striking a ball into a hole. It builds trust in oneself, it spills over to our conduct in all walks of life. Maggie continues to build lives through golf. I am so proud of her accomplishments and the capable young woman she has become.“
~ Ann Finke, PGA

“I’ve had the privilege of knowing Maggie Hartman for over a decade—as a friend, a mentee, and a fellow coach—and my respect for her has only grown over the years. Maggie is an incredible golf coach with a natural ability to connect with players and help them truly love and improve at the game. She’s an active and valued member of the Colorado PGA, always looking for ways to grow, serve, and take on leadership roles. Maggie has a genuine passion for golf that’s contagious, and she brings energy, care, and deep knowledge to everything she does. What really stands out about Maggie is how much she pours into others. Whether it’s her students, colleagues, or the larger golf community, she’s committed to making a positive impact. Beyond her coaching talent, Maggie is someone of great integrity, reliability, and kindness—qualities that make her a true asset to everyone around her. I’m proud to call her a friend and colleague, and I couldn’t recommend her more highly.”
~ Leighton Smith, PGA