2020 Colorado PGA President’s Award Goes to Bob Longmire

The President’s Award is given annually to an individual who, through their efforts and contributions, has promoted and enhanced the PGA Professional, the Section and the game of golf and contributed to the betterment of the golf professional vocation. The recipient of the 2020 Colorado PGA President’s Award is Bob Longmire, originator of PGA Jr. League and Co-Founder of Doubles Golf.

A long-time friend of the Section, Longmire has participated in many Colorado PGA events over the years, consulted for the PGA REACH Trustees Board, and with his wife, has donated funds for two homes to be given to military families through Colorado PGA REACH. Escaping the heat of the South, Longmire and his wife spend time in Colorado for a couple months each year. They enjoy doing what they can to support the Section, the REACH Foundation and the game of golf in Colorado.

When asked how it feels to receive The President’s Award, Longmire replied, “I have worked for 46 years in the Sports and Entertainment industry. I work hard and feel as though I have accomplished a lot. This is the most gratifying award I have ever received. It is the first award of any kind that I have received in the world of golf … golf is my true love. To have, in some way, participated in developing programs that have helped the game grow and help the Colorado Section specifically, to receive the President’s Award, is a terrific honor. I feel humbled by it.”

The career Longmire referenced began after his graduation from LSU. He started in the industry as a marketing executive and an announcer for the NBA team that before transferring to Utah had its start in New Orleans; the New Orleans Jazz.

After the Jazz moved, Longmire moved to Atlanta to head up marketing for the Atlanta Hawks Basketball Team. He then spent time leading the marketing for the Omni Coliseum and was enamored with concerts. Longmire developed an agency, which for 11 years represented major concert artists all over the world.

Longmire remarried and had a child in 1990, which prompted him to stop touring and get back into the sports industry. He became the Executive V.P. of a sports marketing agency in Atlanta, and then in 2000, he started his own agency, the LEJ Sports Group of which he is the Senior Partner. It is this agency that worked with organizations such as the NFL, MLB, NBA and more, in the development of youth programs. About 10 years into the LEJ business, Longmire started the concept of a youth program for golf, the Jr. League program, which was later purchased by the PGA of America.

In launching the PGA Jr. League, Longmire met Eddie Ainsworth, PGA, CEO and Executive Director of the Colorado Section, at a PGA show. The two discussed meeting again in person. Longmire’s son lives in Parker, Colorado, and so he decided to visit the Colorado Section and has since fallen in love with the area. That was the beginning of the relationship with the Colorado PGA.

Longmire serves as Chief Executive Officer of League Golf, which was the founder of Jr. League, and co-founder of Doubles Golf with Tour Player, Jack Nicklaus. This new entity, Doubles Golf/2PG, means two-player golf, which is Doubles Golf. The 2PG is the name of the rating and ranking system used to rank and rate doubles teams.

“Doubles Golf is what we bequeath to the Sections. We are hoping to help them in the future. We believe that Doubles Golf is not only a phenomenal way for PGA Members to generate revenue for themselves and their Assistants at their Clubs, but it is also a revenue generator for the Sections,” states Longmire. “So, it becomes a business unit. We don’t charge them anything for it. We license the rights to the Section. All we do is manage the United States Doubles Golf Committee and we host the United States Doubles Golf Am Championship.”

Colorado PGA Honorary President, Ben Welsh, says of Longmire, “He has been a great partner in helping our Colorado PGA REACH Foundation accomplish some of our goals. His efforts to grow the game nationally are wonderful and the fact that he lives here locally in Colorado Springs (for a couple months of the year) has made the relationship here closer.”

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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.