Colorado PGA Welcomes First Ever PGA WORKS Fellow, Elizabeth Whan

The Colorado PGA REACH Foundation, the 501(c)(3) charitable foundation of the Colorado PGA has named Elizabeth Whan the Foundation’s First PGA WORKS Fellow.

The PGA WORKS Program provides a 12-month paid Fellowship at the Colorado Section headquarters in Larkspur, Colorado. Whan will be a support to Colorado PGA REACH charitable golf programs in the Youth, Military, and Inclusion Pillars. These programs include PGA Jr. League and Junior Golf programming such as Drive, Chip & Putt, Colorado PGA Golf in Schools and Youth on Course, as well as PGA HOPE (Helping Our Patriots Everywhere).

Leading up to her fellowship role, Whan has gained intern experience working for several sports organizations, including the Dallas Stars, Dallas Cowboys, Learfield IMG College, Chicago Blackhawks, and most recently, the Green Bay Packers. She graduated cum laude from Southern Methodist University with a Bachelor of Science in Sport Management, departmental distinction, and minors in Advertising and Sport Performance Leadership.

“Colorado PGA REACH is being very intentional in diversifying the golf industry’s workforce, so it becomes more reflective of the consumers the golf industry collectively aspires to attract,” comments the Colorado PGA CEO and Executive Director Eddie Ainsworth, PGA. “We are extremely excited to have Elizabeth join our team as we continue to make strides in golf becoming a more inclusive sport and career.”

The PGA WORKS Program aspires to be the most valuable entry-level opportunity for individuals to gain experience in all facets of the golf industry. As part of the mission of PGA WORKS, fellows are encouraged to continue their journey into a career of golf following their fellowship and the program has an 85% placement rating post fellowship. The Colorado PGA REACH Foundation is fully funding the fellowship for Whan – the first of its kind in Colorado.

About The Colorado PGA
The Colorado Section of the PGA was founded in 1957 as the 31st Section of the Professional Golfers’ Association of America. Today, more than 830 PGA Members and Associates work at over 250 golf courses and facilities in the Section. For more information, visit coloradopga.org.

About Colorado PGA REACH
Colorado PGA REACH is the 501(c)(3) charitable foundation of the Colorado PGA. PGA REACH programming ensures that regardless of age or background, cost will not inhibit one’s involvement and enjoyment of golf. 92 cents of every dollar raised for the Foundation goes back to the programming.

About PGA WORKS
PGA WORKS is a strategic initiative designed to diversify the golf industry’s workforce. Funded as one of the pillars of PGA REACH, the 501(c)(3) charitable foundation of the PGA of America, PGA WORKS leverages fellowships, scholarships, career exploration events, and the PGA WORKS Collegiate Championship to inspire and engage talent from all backgrounds to pursue key employment positions across the golf industry. For more information, visit PGAREACH.org.

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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.