The Pro-Official Championship is Back and Returns to TPC Colorado for a Day of Education and Golf

Berthoud, Colo. - The Colorado PGA Section (COPGA) partnered with TPC Colorado on Tuesday, May 30th to bring back the Pro-Official Championship. This event brought together all the leading associations and golf constituents for a day of golf, education, and networking. The host - the Colorado PGA Section was in attendance along with the Colorado Golf Association, the Mile High Chapter of the CMAA, the Rocky Mountain Golf Course Superintendents Association, and the National Golf Course Owners Association were included in the crowd. The panel was led by PGA of America Regional Director Keith Soriano, PGA. The panel included Cathy Matthews-Kane, PGA Colorado Section President, Kate Drimel, PGA of America Recruiter, Jason Murphy, PGA Club Manager at Columbine Country Club, and Rachel Carter, Membership Director of the National Golf Course Owners Association.

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The panel discussion was based on the “Club Pro Crisis” article that came out from Golf Digest this past year. During the panel discussion, Keith Soriano mentioned that a General Manager in Colorado read the article and referring to his club called him asking, “Is this us?’ Keith’s response was, “If you are not careful, it could be.” This led the panel to the discussion on topics such as making sure you have good management tactics, setting clear objectives, offering incentives, creating referral programs for staff, and building a sought-after culture. It was a positive discussion around an article that may have come off shining a negative light on the golf industry.

Following the education session in the morning came an afternoon full of golf at a venue unlike any other. A championship course worthy of the TPC name mostly due to the leadership of incredible Colorado PGA Professionals General Manager John Buser, PGA, and Head Professional Stephen Arendt, PGA. Without those two along with their dedicated maintenance staff, the course would not have been in such pristine condition allowing for such a successful tournament.

As the day grew older and the light on the mountains in the distance slowly changed shades, it was the perfect backdrop for a dramatic photo finish to the championship with six groups tying for second place. Playing an 18-hole four-person scramble format, the scores were low and with the number to beat at 16-under-par (56). That’s just what the team led by COPGA Professional and Director of Golf of Lakewood Country Club, Ben Honaman, PGA, did. Honaman along with his team of Jon Clay, Joe Kunzie, and Brandon Ideker, carded 13 birdies and two eagles on the round for a total score of 17-under-par (55) narrowly beating out the large pack tied for second.

Of course, a newly rejuvenated tournament like the Pro-Official only deserves to have some of our best partners on site! Set-up throughout the course, we were so thankful to have UnderArmour, Tagmarshal, and Membersports on board and getting to know our members as they navigated TPC Colorado. The Pro-Official Championship was also supported by some of our other fantastic partners including Colorado Golf and Turf, Strackaline, VIBE Tumblers, and PGA Career Services.

The next event held by the Colorado PGA will be the fourth Corona Premier Pro-Am Series event taking place June 5th at Fort Collins Country Club.

To view full photo album, CLICK HERE

To view final leaderboard, CLICK HERE

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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.