Meet Your PGA Mountain & Midwest Region Team

Members First: Meet your PGA Mountain & Midwest Region Team

PGA of America hires 3 new consultants to complete a team of 6 industry experts to support the professional development, operational excellence, and future success of the Colorado, Iowa, Minnesota, Nebraska, Rocky Mountain, and Utah PGA Sections

The Mountain & Midwest Region covers 6 PGA Sections and all or part of 14 different states. The Regional Model was designed to ensure that resources, conversations, and collaboration are happening at the grassroots level where Sections, PGA Members, and Associates live and work. Through intentional collaboration in critical member-centric services, the Member & Section Operations Department will deliver on the PGA’s mission to “Serve the Member, and Grow the Game” In support of that initiative, the PGA of America’s Member & Section Operations department announces the addition of 3 new Career Consultants in the Minnesota, Rocky Mountain/Utah, and Nebraska/Iowa Sections of the Mountain & Midwest Region to augment the Regional Director, Recruiting Specialist, and Player Engagement Consultant already serving the region. 

Keith Soriano, PGA | Regional Director | Mountain & Midwest Region


Following 5 years as the Career Consultant for the Colorado and Utah PGA Sections, Keith has assumed the role of Regional Director for the Mountain & Midwest Region.  In this new role, he will lead the team of consultants who serve the M&M Region as well as serve as the career consultant for the Colorado Section. An Army Brat, Keith had 11 home addresses before the age of 18.  Following graduation from the University of Colorado, Keith has spent the last 22 years in the golf industry in Colorado, which makes Colorado home now.  He has served in multiple roles including Assistant Executive Director, Director of Golf, Head Golf Professional, Assistant Professional, Tournament Director, Sales & Marketing Director and High School Coach.  Keith is also a 3-time Section award winner and previous board member.  He believes strongly that golf can be used to have a positive impact in people’s lives and communities around the world, and that PGA Professionals are the most critical element in that ecosystem.


An advocate for continuous personal and professional development, Keith recently earned his MBA from Louisiana State University and was the first PGA Member in the Association to become a Certified Professional in all 7 career paths through the PGA’s Lifelong Learning program.  Keith and his wife of 15 years, Holli, live in the northern suburbs of Denver with their daughters Delaney and Ellie.  When not working, Keith enjoys fly fishing, pheasant hunting, and cheering on the Colorado Avalanche and his beloved, albeit underachieving, Colorado Buffaloes.

Mike Aldrich, PGA | Player Engagement Consultant | Mountain & Midwest Region


Mike is proud to be a member of the Mountains & Midwest Region as the Player Engagement Consultant, with a varied background in multiple Sections over his 28 years as a Golf Professional. Most recently, he was the Director of Player Development at Bluegrass Yacht & Country Club just outside of Nashville, Tennessee, where he increased the instruction revenue from $8000 to $104,000 in three years, and is proud to have less than a 3% resignation from his students against the 17% attrition rate of the entire membership. Before that, Mike was a Player Development Regional Manager serving the Middle Atlantic Region.


Mike just celebrated his 30th Wedding Anniversary with his wife Laura, who runs Licensing for the Property Brothers, and has two grown daughters, Emily, who is a Quality Engineer and Molly, who is a litigation assistant. Mike spends his spare time learning about human behavior and the golf swing, and tries to put a fly in the water whenever a moment presents itself. If you’d like to hear about his decade in endurance sports, just mention cycling, swimming or running and he’d be happy to regale you his 2011 Ironman Finish in Coeur d’Alene.  Mike wakes up every morning excited to help his fellow professionals create lives that are personally and financially rewarding.

Kate Drimel, PGA | Recruiting Specialist | Mountain & Midwest Region


PGA Professional Kate Drimel serves as a PGA Career Services Recruiting Specialist, proudly serving the Mountain region. Born and raised in Minnesota, she was exposed to the game and business of golf as a second generation PGA Member.  She has worked across many sectors within the golf industry, from private and public green grass facilities to digital marketing companies and the Minnesota PGA Section. Kate holds a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration Marketing Management from the University of St. Thomas, where she played for the golf team. She has earned several golf scholarships, including the Minnesota PGA Assistants Chapter Associates Scholarship, an Academic Scholarship from the PGA of America and was named an All-American Scholar by the Women’s Golf Coaches Association.

Andrea Kloppman-Heit, PGA | Career Consultant | Minnesota Section


Andrea joins the Career Services team as a Career Consultant in Minnesota Section after a 17 year career that includes positions as a PGA Head Golf Professional, Assistant Golf Professional, Golf Coach, Independent Instructor, Merchandiser/Buyer, and Sales Representative.  A native of Eau Clair, WI, Andrea graduated from the University of Wisconsin, Eau Claire with a Bachelor's degree in Marketing. An instrumental player for the UWEC women’s golf team that finished in 3rd Place in the NCAA DIII National Championship, Andrea was the 36th ranked player in the nation.  Following graduation, Andrea began her professional career as an Assistant Professional at Hillcrest Golf Club of St. Paul.  Following Hillcrest, Andrea moved on to Southview Country Club in West St. Paul where she served as an Assistant and later promoted to the Head Golf Professional position. Her extensive experience will be a tremendous asset as she serves the PGA Members, Associates, and Industry Partners in the Minnesota Section.  Andrea and her husband, PGA Professional Brent Heit, reside in Hudson, WI with their son Hogan and dog Snoopy.

Lucas Brick, PGA | Career Consultant | Rocky Mountain & Utah Sections


Lucas joins the Career Services team after 12 years as a PGA Professional in the Rocky Mountain Section, most recently serving as the Head Golf Professional at the Valley Club in Sun Valley, Idaho. During his time in the Rocky Mountain Section, Lucas served in various leadership roles, including Secretary, Vice President, and President of the Snake River Chapter. He also served six years as a Board Member of the Rocky Mountain Section, as well as on several committees. Lucas is a two time Section award winner, including the 2018 Player Development Award and the 2021 Professional Development Award. Lucas resides in Hailey, Idaho with his wife Lindsay and children Xander (3) and Pippa (1). When away from the course, Lucas enjoys spending time with his family outdoors, hiking, fishing and skiing.

Kevin Drew, PGA | Career Consultant | Iowa & Nebraska Sections


A native of Omaha, Nebraska, Kevin joins the Career Services team on the heels of a 11 year career at green grass, most recently spending 8 years as the PGA Head Golf Professional at the Field Club of Omaha.  As a graduate of the PGA Golf Management Program at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Kevin spent a year in the Colorado Section before returning home to the Nebraska Section to take on the first of his two head professional positions he’s held.  In addition to his responsibilities at the club, Kevin has served the Nebraska Section as Secretary and spent two terms on the Nebraska PGA Tournament Committee.  Kevin is passionate about building relationships with fellow professionals and assisting PGA Professionals and Associates in the Iowa and Nebraska Sections with their employment and career development for many years to come.  When not on the golf course, Kevin enjoys riding his Peloton bike and cheering on the Cornhuskers with his wife Lisa, daughter Baylor, (with another on the way!), and two dogs.

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.

PGA REACH Colorado Foundation Honors Wounded Hero with its 12th Sponsored Mortgage-Free Home

By Steven Bartowski • July 30, 2025
Golf with a purpose: $110K Raised for Local Programming, One Hero Honored