Colorado PGA HOPE Ambassador

United States Army Retired Sergeant First Class Joseph Robinson is the Colorado PGA HOPE Ambassador and is excited for his role as an Ambassador. Robinson, a resident of Centennial, Colorado, completed a four-day PGA HOPE Ambassador program during the inaugural PGA HOPE National Golf and Wellness Week in late 2019, just before COVID derailed the golf plans of 2020.

Robinson has been a participant in the Colorado PGA HOPE Programs since they started at Wellshire Golf Course by Kirk Mease, PGA. He completed the developmental six-week clinic offered to Veterans where he not only learned golf but also made new friends. Mease then nominated him for the Ambassador program, to which he had to apply and attend training upon acceptance. PGA HOPE Ambassadors received golf instruction at Congressional Country Club in Bethesda, Maryland, October 25-28, 2019.

The Ambassador role is to be a liaison between the Section and serve to connect Veterans with the golf courses that host Colorado PGA HOPE clinics for them. The purpose of programming is to promote golf and overall wellness such as physical, mental, social and emotional well-being. Veterans who go through these clinics can meet other Veterans and develop friendships over the course of several weeks.

The friendships Robinson made with other Veterans, through Colorado PGA HOPE Programming, became some of his teammates in the Golden Age Games offered through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. He wants to reiterate to Veterans that the HOPE programming clinics are a safe place and an opportunity to improve their golf game without ridicule or judgment. Everyone is learning. Come out and think of the positives – what you can get out of the game and what you can give someone else.”

Regarding the Colorado PGA HOPE Clinics offered to Veterans, Robinson commented on what helped him and may in turn help others. “I was able to listen and able to leave my troubles behind for that moment. To learn to have fun and not think of my problems. I saw there were others with problems, and it made me think, I want to do everything I can to help them overcome their problem. The opportunity to play golf, to get out and feel the breeze on your face, to hear the birds sing, to enjoy yourself and leave your troubles behind. That’s what got me through.”

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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.