Braga Wins 2021 Colorado PGA Women’s Championship

Thornton, Colo – The final round of the Colorado PGA Women’s Championship was nothing short of a nail biter. Heading into the final 9-holes, it was a tight race between the two-time champion, Alexandra Braga, PGA Instructor at Denver Country Club (2016 & 2017), and past Champion, Tara Morris, PGA Assistant Professional at Country Club at Castle Pines (2018 & 2020) and the 2019 Champion, Sherry Andonian, PGA Instructor at Valley Country Club. Braga had a two-shot lead heading to her tenth hole after carding one-under at the turn, but ultimately was able to cruise home after 3 birdies in a row on 11 through 13. Firing a final round 69 led to Braga’s third Championship win in the last 6 years!

“Sherry came in on that back nine and was definitely putting pressure on me. Tara too – she came in hot on the back as well, which made things fun,” Braga stated when asking how the round wrapped up. While she’ll tell you that yesterday’s round was certainly easier for her than today, she was able to learn from her mistakes. “I took a bogey on 11 on Monday, but today I was able to come back and make a birdie.” And that’s where the momentum started for Braga. Birdies followed her on 12 and 13. Braga is eager to take this win home to her two-year old daughter, Charlie. “She’s starting to putt, she’s starting to understand what I do, and it makes things like today mean more to me.” Being a new mom has definitely made a difference in her game, as she finds herself more eager to get home to baby Charlie, opposed to hitting golf balls after her last lesson these days. But after posting red numbers both days, you would never know she’s spending less time on the course. “We’re in a different place in our lives now, so it feels good to come out and play good golf,” Braga mentioned as she wrapped up her day.

Reigning Champion, Tara Morris, PGA, kept up with Braga and Andonian, posting her own 69 for the day, but also being a new mother herself commented, “Today was hard. It was my son’s first day of daycare today, and I was sad to miss that. Thankfully, I was able to play with two other great women. My goal today was to just make some good swings.” She too admits that she doesn’t find herself having time to practice as much with her now 5-month-old son waiting for her back at home, but “being able to go and compete and see some birdies – that’s great for us new moms,” Morris commented.

Finishing third, Sherry Andonian, PGA, admits that she played “too aggressive. I knew I was within 2 at the turn, and I just started hitting not great shots.” Andonian posted rounds of 69-71 for the 36-hole stroke play championship.

We’d like to thank PGA Head Professional Ryan Bakken and course Superintendent, Doug Fisher at Thorncreek Golf Course, and their staff for hosting, as well as a big thank you to all the LPGA and PGA Professionals and Associates who came out to play this year!

To see the full results from the 2021 Colorado PGA Women’s Championship, 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.