An Award to Cherish – Cole Accepts the Warren Smith Award

The Warren Smith Award is presented to a PGA Professional for special contributions to the game of golf, the Colorado Section, junior golf, and their facility. The 2021 Warren Smith Award recipient is Life Member, Rick Cole, PGA.

Cole was born in Denver, and at age one, his family moved to Nebraska for nine years. When he was 10, they returned to Colorado and lived in Littleton next to a 9-hole par-3 golf course. At age 11, he began working at that very course, Southglenn Country Club. When he was 17, he became the Club’s Superintendent. His mentor, at the time, was Lou Haines, superintendent of Denver Country Club.

Upon receiving a golf scholarship, Cole attended Point Loma Nazarene University in San Diego. He continued to work at Southglenn CC during the summer months and after graduation (1976), he married and accepted an assistant professional position at Balboa Park Golf Course in San Diego.

Two Christmases later, Cole and his wife, Jan, traveled to Colorado to visit family and decided to look for jobs, to relocate to Cole’s home state. Jan found work immediately and after Rick found a position at Columbine Country Club, they moved and have been in Colorado ever since. In between his jobs, until he began with Eaton Country Club (1985), Cole went to seven Qualifying schools. Realizing he didn’t have the ability to play with the best in the world, but having a love of the game, he decided to become a PGA Professional.

At Eaton CC, Cole was known as a “Golfing Machine” instructor, giving over 9,000 lessons! A great number of his students have gone on to become outstanding instructors in the PGA, some attaining “Top 50” status. He also established a tradition of taking organized golf trips with members and other golfers in the community. Through the years, he traveled with over 1,000 golfers and believes this added to the camaraderie and closeness of the community.

Cole recently retired in November of 2020 after 35 years at Eaton CC. He is currently enjoying retirement with his wife of 45 years and is still giving lessons part-time.

What does it mean to you to receive the Warren Smith Award?

It is very, very honoring – one that I will always cherish, for sure!

I was very fortunate to know Mr. Smith. In the late 70’s and early 80’s, I worked at Columbine Country Club as an assistant golf professional for my mentor and employer, Tony Novitsky, PGA. Tony and Mr. Smith [PGA Head Professional at Cherry Hills Country Club] were the best of friends. Many times, they would get together and play each other’s golf courses and the assistants were invited to play. Knowing Mr. Smith personally, means even more. It is very seldom you are able to win an award that is named after someone you knew personally. He left such a legacy for all of us. Receiving the award confirms that all the sacrifice, long hours and continuing education has paid off in making an impact on those around me.

What are the qualities you possess that you believe supported you receiving the Warren Smith Award?

One quality, I think, is caring for people. Compassion and a desire to get to know all my acquaintances, particularly the people I spend time with on the job, getting to know and caring about them is very important to me. Another quality is the commitment and loyalty that I have to friends and to the PGA of America.

What are two tools you use in your profession that help you with your success?

The ability to listen is something that I have learned and am still learning. It’s a process. Most men aren’t good at listening, let’s face it. It’s an important tool, particularly now that I am teaching more and spending more time with family.
The ability to hire quality individuals that helped formulate success in the golf club environment. Surrounding myself with successful people, successful friends, and quality individuals was part of the equation for me.

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

One of the best pieces of advice I received in the early ‘90s from a board member at Eaton CC was the fact that golf is a recreation. People come out to the golf course to enjoy their experience. There can be a tendency of anyone who oversees a golf course to take things a little bit too seriously. If you realize that people are out there to have a good time, it is a lot easier to lead those people to enjoy the experience. Whether it’s a family, an individual, or a junior golf program, they are all out there to have a good time.

The piece of advice I would give to someone else is that it’s always easy to give an answer and anyone can give an answer, but it’s sometimes more difficult to give the right answer. If you don’t know, research it and be conscientious to follow up.

What is your proudest moment as a golf professional?

I have been fortunate to experience a lot of successful situations, but I think that this award is at the top of the list! I have been the Colorado PGA Senior Player of the Year (2017), played in the U.S. Senior Open (2006), received the Bill Strausbaugh Award (2019), and been inducted into the hall of fame at my university, but this one tops them all!

Share something about yourself that others may not know:

I gave my wife’s engagement ring to her on the 18th green at Torrey Pines Golf Course in San Diego. It was her birthday, and I hadn’t shown up for our dinner date. She learned that I was complaining of chest problems earlier in the day. It was late at night and my roommate brought her out to the course where I routinely practice. I was laying on the 18th green, playing the part. After they “revived me”, she went to stick the flagstick in the hole and I said, “wait a minute, I think there are some golf balls in there.” She reached down and discovered the ring box.

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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.