Colorado PGA Professionals Raise $126K Through 2023 Play Yellow Birdie Bash

Proceeds Benefiting PGA REACH Colorado & Children's Hospital Colorado

Westminster, CO, The Ranch Country Club – The Colorado PGA, through its charitable arm PGA REACH Colorado Foundation, is excited to announce the inaugural Play Yellow Birdie Bash raised over $126,000 in support of Play Yellow, a program benefiting Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals (CMN Hospitals). The funds raised specifically benefit CMN Hospitals in Denver, Colorado Springs, Fort Collins, and the surrounding areas as well as PGA REACH Colorado.

“The Play Yellow Birdie Bash is all about community,” noted Colorado PGA CEO/Executive Director Steven Bartkowski “The goal of the Play Yellow Birdie Bash is to support our community through the game of golf. We made huge strides this year by uniting 500 individual donors behind our campaign. All of those people believe in the game and believe in our PGA of America Golf Professionals. Our PGA of America Golf Professionals excelled on the golf course to benefit the community; our three hospitals and our PGA REACH Colorado Foundation.”

34 PGA of America Golf Professionals from Colorado gathered to play at The Ranch Country Club to raise money by making as many birdies as possible throughout 72 holes of golf, playing the Doubles Golf format (two-person scramble). Over the past thirty days, players recruited pledges from donors to contribute money for each birdie their team made in the Play Yellow Birdie Bash. Over 500 donors pledged anywhere from $2 to $50 per birdie in the inaugural event.

The Play Yellow Birdie Bash is all about utilizing the game of golf to impact the community. Children’s Hospital Colorado Champion, Porter, kicked off the 2023 event by hitting a ceremonial tee shot to begin play. Porter and his family cheered players on throughout the day while also reading putts on the greens to help teams make birdies and raise more funds.

2023 Play Yellow Birdie Bash Team Results

64 – Andy Connell (The Ridge at Castle Pines) & Blake Kuzava (Bear Creek Golf Club)

61 – Ben Honaman & Geoff Keffer (Lakewood Country Club)

61 – Mark Avery (The Ranch Country Club) & Jason Witczak (The Club at Pradera)

58 – Will Veith (The Golf Club at Bear Dance) & Keith Stilwell (Perry Park Country Club)

56 – Visanu Tongwarin (Legacy Ridge Golf Club) & Rob Grall (Colorado National Golf Club)

55 – Chris Hyten & Drew Parr (Castle Pines Golf Club)

53 – Joe Carlton (Legacy Ridge Golf Club) & Brian Carlson (Walnut Creek Golf Preserve)

52 – Zach Peck (TPC Colorado) & Adam Johnson (GOLFTEC - Highlands Ranch)

50 – Mike Fengler (The Pinery Country Club) & Cary Callihan (Aurora Hills Golf Course)

45 – Brian Gott & Sean Knights (The Club at Rolling Hills)

44 – Jeramy Curry (Pinehurst Country Club) & Ben Tremayne (Willis Case Golf Course)

42 – Samantha Crawford (Colorado PGA) & Blair Sirene Blair (PGA of America)

41 – Justin Limon & Peter Weisel (Colorado PGA)

40 – Ryan Bakken (Thorncreek Golf Course) & Chris Bowry (Ptarmigan Country Club)

33 – Maggie Hartman (Experience Golf) & Ben Pennymon (CommonGround Golf Course)

27 – Jim Miller & Killian Simpson (Sonnenalp Golf Club)

Funds generated from the event will go to support the greatest needs at Children’s Hospital Colorado - by way of the Children’s Miracle Network as well as PGA REACH Colorado programs that support military, youth, and inclusive programming throughout the Colorado Section.

About the Colorado PGA:
The Colorado Section of the PGA promotes the game of golf for the golfers of Colorado, Eastern Wyoming, and a small part of South Dakota. The purpose of the Section is to promote enjoyment and involvement in the game of golf and to contribute to its growth by providing services to golf professionals and the golf industry within the Section.

The Section accomplishes this purpose by enhancing the skills of its professionals and the opportunities for amateurs, employers, manufacturers, employees, and the general public within the Section. The Colorado PGA has more than 850 members and associates.

About PGA REACH Colorado:
The PGA REACH Colorado Foundation works daily to support our over 850 Colorado PGA Professionals to make a difference in our local communities. Programming tries to ensure that regardless of your age or background, cost will never inhibit one’s involvement and enjoyment of the game of golf. The mission of the PGA REACH Colorado Foundation is to positively impact the lives of youth, military, and diverse populations by enabling access to PGA Professionals, PGA Sections, and the game of golf

Full Leaderboard Here PYBB Photo Album

< 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.