The Colorado PGA Assistant Golf Professional of the Year is awarded annually to a Colorado PGA member or associate for overall performance including leadership, service and promotion of the game of golf.
Through his love and dedication to the game of golf, congratulations to the 2021 Colorado PGA Assistant Golf Professional of the Year: Ethan Malzahn, PGA, Senior Assistant Professional at Denver Country Club! Ethan started with the Club in 2017 and was tasked with growing the junior program: managing four PGA Jr. League Teams, seeing an increase in participation from 18 to over 60 juniors this past year, an Operation36 program, and is responsible for an overall junior participation increase by over 125 children – total program consists of over 275 children. With his help, the DCC’s PGA Jr. League is one of the fastest-growing junior programs at the Club! With a dedicated, passionate, and positive energy, Ethan manages his time effectively operating a first-class junior golf program, club fittings, tournament operations, retail management, membership relations, and teaching about 400 lessons a year. Ethan is an ambassador for and committed to the Colorado PGA Section.
Ethan was raised in small-town Sidney, Nebraska, where his love of golf started around age 10. He worked his first golf job was at his local home course when he was 14! Picking the range, working in the Golf Shop, and helping the grounds crew inspired him to pursue a career in golf. He learned about the PGM programs while on his high school golf team. Ethan then pursued PGA Golf Management and Business Administration degrees at the University of Nebraska – Lincoln. After graduation, Ethan accepted an Assistant Golf Professional position at Vail Golf Club, where he had also completed two internships during college. Following his three years at Vail GC, he moved on to Lakewood Country Club and then to his current position at Denver Country Club.
What does this award mean to you?
Winning this award means a lot, I’m humbled and honored to receive it. It’s nice to be recognized for hard work but more importantly, shows I’ve made an impact. Looking at the previous award winners I’d say I’m in good company.
What are the qualities that you possess that you believe supported you in winning this award?
Passion, commitment and serving others are all qualities that have helped me to receive this award. I enjoy what I do and I think that shows in my work and the enthusiasm I bring each day. I’m committed to being a well-rounded Golf Professional. I’m always looking to learn and grow. Lastly, my attitude towards serving others. I try to have a servant attitude in work and life. Whether with membership, co-workers or friends, I try to offer up any help I can. In this business, we’re all about helping others, and the more we can do that the better we can be as Golf Professionals.
What are the tools that you use in your professional career that have helped you with your success?
Mentorship: Over the years I’ve surrounded myself with great mentors that have helped me along the way. I’ve been lucky to work under some really strong Golf Professionals who have shown me what it looks like to be successful in this career. Including Alice Plain, PGA, Golf Professional of the Year! Her passion, leadership, and commitment to golf taught me a lot and inspired me to reach that level someday.
Leadership: I try to lead by example for the staff and my co-workers. I’m always willing to do any job or task that needs to get done. I’ll come in early or stay late, whatever it takes. Integrity and empathy are important to me as a leader. Doing what you say you’re going to do and having compassion for those around you are critical to me.
As it relates to golf, what is the best piece of advice would you give to others?
Follow up and follow through. Such a simple concept yet one that gets often overlooked. We might not think it’s a big deal to make that phone call or send that email but to the other person, it can make or break interactions. Do what you say you are going to do. Also, I’d say serve others. We often hear we are in the “people business”. To be in that business means you have to be willing to serve other people and put their needs first.
What’s your proudest moment of being a golf professional?
Getting the job at Denver Country Club in 2017! Steve David approached me with the opportunity and it didn’t take long for me to decide that this would be a great next step in my career. I’m grateful for the opportunity and proud to be a part of a wonderful club.
Share something about yourself others may not know:
I wouldn’t call it a hobby but I’ve now officiated four weddings. Starting with my sister’s about a year ago and also including Jeff Corona, PGA, Head Golf Professional at Lakewood CC, this summer. My wife, Lauren, and I enjoy all the things living in Colorado has to offer, including fly fishing together! Also, I got my second hole-in-one this summer here at DCC. Hole #12 from 190 yards. My first was at Vail Golf Club back in 2012 when I was working there.