Rudosky Successfully Defends Section Championship Title

Thornton, Colorado, September 21, 2022 - In true Colorado fashion, weather for day three of the 2022 Colorado PGA Professional Championship was nothing short of interesting. With a 30 degree drop in temperatures on the range this morning, and intermittent rain throughout the round, a 2022 Champion was crowned: Mr. Micah Rudosky, PGA of Conquistador Golf Course!

Firing rounds of 69-70-69, for an 8-under-par total, Rudosky's win today marks the third of his career. "10 years ago, this course (Todd Creek Golf Club) ate me up - to be able to come out here this week and put together three great rounds was great!" said Rudosky on his victory. "To be apart of the small group of players who have won 3 or more times, is special. It feels really good." Having taken home his first Colorado PGA Championship title back in 2001, "Ha, I mean, why is it that it's taken 20 years to figure it out? I'm hitting longer off the tee than I've ever been." It's evident his longer tee shots certainly paid off. The other pay off? The purse. "I can't believe to see the money we played for this week, and what Club Car, and all of our Championship partners have done to help. They stepped up big for us, and 'wow' is truly the only thing that came to my mind."

Rudosky's final round consisted of four birdies and only one bogey, allowing him a comfortable stroll down 18 and ultimately a 3-shot victory. He will head back to Cortez, Colorado with the $12,000 winners check and the Ralph "RIP" Arnold Memorial Trophy given out to the Section Champion each year.

Multiple players qualified for the 2023 PGA Professional Championship for the second year in a row, including, Rudosky, Ben Lanting, PGA Assistant Professional at Bear Creek Golf Club, Chris Hyten, PGA Assistant Professional at Castle Pines Golf Club, Doug Rohrbaugh, PGA Instructor at River Valley Ranch Golf Course, Matt Schalk, PGA Director of Golf at Colorado National Golf Club, and Geoff Keffer, PGA Assistant Professional at Lakewood Country Club.

Rohrbaugh stated, "I have only missed one PGA Professional Championship since 2007." Playing at the level needed to qualify for the National Club Pro for 15 years running is a significant accomplishment. Rohrbaugh showed that strong play again this week with rounds of 70-72-71 for a tied-for-fourth finish at 3-under-par.

Qualifying along with Rohrbaugh was Bobby Quarantino, PGA Head Professional at West Woods Golf Club. Quarantino qualified for the first time since 2015 and only the second time ever. "I had just played in another event at Old Baldy, which was a nice little warm up for it and I had a little better feel for what I was doing." Quarantino stated. He definitely had a good feel for his game this week as rounds of 75-70-71 led to an even par finish and a tie for the 9th. Quarantino secured the final qualifying spot after a two hole playoff with Bill Hancock, PGA Assistant Professional at Meadow Hills Golf Course.

Qualifying for the first time in 11 years was Jason Witczak, PGA Instructor at The Club at Pradera. Witczak mentioned, "The strongest thing working today, (and all week), was my mind, my mind was different than it has been in years past." Witczak posted rounds of 74-70-71 for a 1-under-par total and an eighth place finish.

Another player who qualified for the first time was Grant Jackson, PGA Assistant Professional at Saddle Rock Golf Course. Jackson said, "I drove it pretty well and a lot of times it left me with a wedge in my hands." Jackson took advantage of all the wedges into the greens, carding 11 birdies for the week and posting rounds of 71-70-72 for a 3-under-par total and a tie for fourth.

The field was competing for a total of nine qualifying spots into the 2023 PGA Professional Championship set to take place April 30 - May 3, 2023 in Santa Ana Pueblo, New Mexico. The full list of qualifiers (along with the five alternates) is listed below.

Qualifiers:

Micah Rudosky, PGA | Conquistador Golf Course
Ben Lanting, PGA | Bear Creek Golf Club
Chris Hyten, PGA | Castle Pines Golf Club
Doug Rohrbaugh, PGA | River Valley Ranch Golf Course
Matt Schalk, PGA | Colorado National Golf Club
Grant Jackson, PGA | Saddle Rock Golf Course
Geoff Keffer, PGA | Lakewood Country Club
Jason Witczak, PGA | The Club at Pradera
Bobby Quaratino, PGA | West Woods Golf Club

Alternatives:

Bill Hancock, PGA | Meadow Hills Golf Course
Ben Honaman, PGA | Lakewood Country Club
Dan O'Shaughnessy, PGA | Springhill Golf Course
Jeramy Curry, PGA | The Links Golf Course
Bryan Winkel, PGA | Colorado National Golf Club

Those nine will also be joined by one other Colorado PGA professional who was previously exempt, Sherry Andonian, PGA of Valley Country Club.

The Colorado PGA Professional Championship featured nearly a $70,000 purse, with $12,000 first place prize. The Championship is presented by Cadillac, Club Car (Colorado Golf and Turf), and Rolex, and is supported by Titleist/FootJoy, Callaway Golf, Nike, and TaylorMade. Supporting partners are the Golf Channel and PGA TOUR.

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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.