The Colorado Section of the PGA of America welcomes their sixth CEO/Executive Director: Steven Bartkowski.
A proven industry leader with over 14 years of experience in golf administration and not-for-profit businesses, Bartkowski joins the Colorado Section after five successful years at the helm of the Western New York Section.
Bartkowski remarks, "It is an honor and a privilege to join the Colorado PGA team and lead such a remarkable PGA of America Section. Like many, I share a passion for the game of golf that has given so much back to me in both my personal and professional life. The opportunity to serve the PGA Professionals and work with the many partners of the Section to give back and continue to enhance our sport is humbling, to say the least."
Bartkowski got his start in the industry from the prestigious USGA Boatwright Internship program working with the Buffalo District Golf Association. A Bachelor of Science in Sport Management graduate of SUNY Cortland in New York, Bartkowski served as the Tournament Director of the Western New York Section. During his three years in the role, he initiated and taught the first PGA H.O.P.E. (Helping Our Patriots Everywhere) program in the section and created a new event, the Children’s Hospital Pro-Am, which had the largest individual professional purse for a Pro-Am to date. Subsequently, Bartkowski represented the New Jersey Section as the Director of Tournaments and Championships, managing a $800,000 budget and maintaining a strong relationship with the NJ State Golf Association through the co-conducted NJ Senior Open. In 2017, Bartkowski relocated back to his home in Western New York to continue his tenure with the section. As the current Executive Director of the Western New York Section and PGA REACH WNY Foundation, Bartkowski increased section event participation by 13% and increased the total purse amount by 24%. Among many other standout accomplishments, Bartkowski created the PGA Member Growth of the Game Grant Program in collaboration with Allied Golf Associations in 2019 that distributes close to $13,000 annually to PGA Pros serving youth, military and diverse populations.
