Jeremy Beck Accepts the Bill Strausbaugh Award

The Bill Strausbaugh Award is presented to a Colorado PGA Member who has shown outstanding integrity, commitment to mentoring PGA Professionals and has made a significant impact on the careers of PGA Professionals. This year’s recipient of the award has recently celebrated twenty years in the industry with GOLFTEC. Congratulations to Mr. Jeremy Beck, PGA, GOLFTEC for being the recipient of the 2021 Bill Strausbaugh Award.

As a 20-year PGA Member and having spent his last 22 years with GOLFTEC, Jeremy Beck is all too familiar with what it means to be a mentor, coach, and colleague. Beck has made his way through the industry, specifically around instruction and operations. As he now acts as the Chief Operations Officer for GOLFTEC, Jeremy focuses on mentoring and developing former coaches into executives with skills to be award winning leaders in the industry.

“I have a passion for improvement whether it’s my own golf game, or life in general, it comes into play with everything I do including my work.” A frequent keynote speaker at various PGA events, Beck has also been recognized as the 2001 GOLFTEC Coach of the Year and 2005 GOLFTEC Manager of the Year. This is Jeremy’s first award from the Colorado Section.

What does this award mean to you?

This is an incredibly huge honor. I have the utmost respect for the Colorado Section, and everyone involved, so to be chosen as the recipient is a humbling honor, because I know there are many deserving candidates. Growing up, I was always encouraged to follow and do what I love as a profession. I got into the game with my mother and grandpa when I was in the 3rd grade, playing a 9-hole public course in eastern Iowa. I used to just walk and putt, but quickly fell in love with the game, and spending time with my family. I started making friends on the course, and it turned into a social outlet for me to also be competitive, so to be able to turn that into a career has been rewarding in itself.

What are the qualities that you possess that you believe supported you in winning this award?

Authenticity. My work ethic and genuine passion for caring about those that I work with is something that has always been a part of me. Growing up in a small farm town, my parents started a construction business, so between working on the farm or alongside the family business, work ethic was always part of it – which continued in life. Joe Assell, PGA, and Mike Clinton, PGA, have been my mentors over the years, and I saw their work ethic, and passion for the work that they do. It culminates together – seeing that pay off has been really rewarding.

As it relates to golf, what is the best piece of advice would you give to others?

Change is a skill. Whether that’s improving your game, or learning any new skill, there’s a process to go about that, it’s thoughtful, it’s not just luck. Once you’re good at change, you can apply it to golf, and the rest of your life. Ideas are easy, execution is everything. Practice the art of skill acquisition and your ideas will come to life.

What’s your proudest moment of being a golf professional?

In 2016, I spearheaded the creation of GOLFTEC’s company values. When COVID hit, we had to close 180 facilities in the United States for two months, and during that time, it was evident how important our values and culture here at GOLFTEC are. To see our hard work over the years of building our values (team, passion, innovation, integrity, improvement, and fun) really shine and present themselves during these difficult times was very rewarding. The effort to focus on improvement while our centers were closed, but still find the ability to have fun through these tough times; witnessing this come together was just something I was incredibly proud of. We cultivated innovative ways for everyone to work from home, witnessing this come together was just something I was incredibly proud of. We cultivated innovative ways for everyone to work from home, focus on training, engage students remotely and come out of this pandemic stronger than ever.

What’s something that others might not know about you?

I’m a big bike guy! Mountain biking, road bikes, all of it. I clock about 2,000 miles a year! My wife and I use it as a way to explore when we’re traveling, and I personally think it’s the best way to see new cities. Whether we’re just in the neighborhood or across the world (Spain) it’s so much fun. You can’t make the quick pitstops in a car like you can on a bike. We’ve biked around wineries in Napa, on a tandem bike mind you, New York, Vail, San Francisco, all over!

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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.