Stefanie Ferguson Accepts the Player Development Award

The Player Development Award recognizes a PGA Member who has made extraordinary contributions and achievements in the area of player development. Congratulations to PGA Professional, Stefanie Ferguson, Lead Instructor at ExperienceGolf for being the 2021 Player Development Award winner!

As a Colorado Native, Ferguson started playing golf in high school which led to her playing collegiately for Colorado State University. Following graduation, Stefanie wanted to take a stab at playing professionally. While working on her LPGA teaching card, she discovered her passion for teaching, so she joined the PGA in order to continue on the coaching path. “Growing up, I played everything but golf and wasn’t really even interested in it. It turns out I really learned to love it.”Ferguson had 1,018 students last year through lessons, camps, Junior programs, adult programs, season-long programs, and others; totaling roughly 5,000 individual visits. ExperienceGolf and Ferguson have programming for every type of golfer and time availability. She is committed to growing the game of golf through the Committed Player Program, Welcome2Golf, Adult and Youth Operation36, the Hale Irwin Junior Program targeting juniors looking to play at the collegiate level, Colorado Golf Association Outreach programs, Big Brothers Big Sisters programs, helping Special Olympics and Girl Scouts, and others! She was named to Golf Digest’s Best Young Teachers 2021-2022 list and won the 2021 Colorado Avid Golfer CAGGY Award for Best Instructor for Women – Staff Pick.

What does winning this award mean to you?
It’s a great honor, I see it as an award for our whole team, (ExperienceGolf) – our whole team works really hard, and this award just shows that we’re moving forward in the right direction. I was the first one to hop on with Elena King, LPGA, when she founded ExperienceGolf, and to see that we’ve been able to get people to actually play golf, and not just hit balls on the range is such a great feeling.

What are the qualities that you possess that you believe supported you in winning this award?
I think having the ability to listen to people, and figure out what their goals are is so important. What are they really looking to get out of their instruction – listening and asking more questions. To make it about the student, and not about what we’re trying to do, personally. I think more people are trying to have more fun with the game, so being able to not make things so technical, so there’s a lot of ways we can do that!

We try to find other ways for people to get out on the course and enjoy the game instead of stressing over the small things in their swing. We utilize the Vision54 method a lot in what we do; how to stay present regardless of their skill level, finding your ideal state, regardless of what your swing is doing. It’s something you can sense or feel, vs your technique. The more we can be in the right mindset over the ball, the better. It’s a different approach, and I believe that’s the reasoning behind our success. A lot of our clients have used this “being present” mindset is also something they can take out with them for the rest of their lives, not just their golf game.

As it relates to golf, what is the best piece of advice would you give to others?
Listen; it’s so easy to get distracted, so being present with who is in front of you, is so so important. It’s easy to get caught up on the range, so I try and find ways for more people to get out on the course. You can learn so much more about people on the course, so I know it’s going to make a huge difference. I would also say that doing things with a purpose is also incredibly important. To actually learn from the practice swing, not just doing things to say you did it.

What’s your proudest moment of being a golf professional?
The amount of “personal best” stories we’ve received over the years has been incredibly rewarding, it’s why I do what I do. We’ve impacted something that they love to do, so to be a part of that is huge.

What’s something that others might not know about you?
I love to travel -I spent a month in Southeast Asia, the food was so so good. I’ve also seen most of Europe! Over COVID, Maggie Hartman, PGA, and I were doing trick shots, and we got posted to ESPN! We didn’t know our friend was sending these videos to ESPN’s Instagram; so they posted it to their app and Website. It was pretty wild to see that notification come through on my phone.

Click Here To Watch ESPN Video.

< Older Post Newer Post >

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.