Lanting Claims Third Title in Four Years

Lanting Claims Third Title in Four Years at Colorado Assistant PGA Professional Championship

Windsor, Colo. – The National Car Rental Colorado Assistant PGA Professional Championship concluded this afternoon [August 17, 2021] with an exciting final round at Highland Meadows Golf Course. Ben Lanting, PGA Assistant Golf Professional at Bear Creek Golf Club, claimed his third Colorado Assistant PGA Professional Championship title! Lanting started the final round trailing leader Andrew Connell, PGA Assistant Golf Professional at The Ridge at Castle Pines North, by four strokes and two behind Mike Weingartner, PGA Assistant Golf Professional at Walnut Creek Golf Preserve, which led to a strong battle to claim victory.

Knowing he had to play well with strokes to gain, Lanting was able to keep a level head and a “keep doing what I’ve been doing” attitude. He shared, “I’m playing well enough to shoot a low number today. The putts weren’t going in yesterday so I needed to stay patient and read the greens well and in-depth.” Lanting played a “zoned in, free-flowing” final round en route to hoisting his third trophy. Despite the overall performance, Lanting carded a bogey on hole one. “I chunked the second shot into the water and had to make a 15 footer for bogey which felt like a birdie.” Ironically, when Lanting won his second Championship at Walnut Creek Golf Preserve in 2019, he double-bogeyed the first hole, stating, “It refocuses me.” This setback lit a fire in him for the final 17 holes; he bounced right back with a birdie on hole two and didn’t drop a shot the rest of the round. Birdies on 5, 7, and 9 closed out his front nine in style, turning at 6-under-par for the tournament. Four more birdies followed on the back nine leading to a 10-under-par total of 132.

Now three-time Champion, Lanting credits his caddie, Kirk Rider, PGA Head Professional at Bear Creek Golf Club, for helping him keep perspective on his game: “We have a special dynamic. He’s my mentor and one of my best friends.” Lanting caddied for Rider a few weeks ago in the Colorado Senior PGA Professional Championship, helping him qualify for the Senior PGA Professional Championship in Florida, commenting “I got you, now you gotta get me.” Lanting and Rider both expressed how excited they are to caddie for each other again in Florida! Along with Rider, Lanting thanked his new wife, Aimee, for her endless support. Lanting also shared, “Faith plays a really big role… God, family, friends put me into a mindset to play at my best.”

Day 1 Leader, Connell, never could get on a run throughout the day. One bogey and one birdie on the front nine lead to an even-par 36. He continued his up and down round on his final nine holes posting three birdies and two bogeys for a 36-hole total of 8-under-par 134.

Weingartner had a great run on Day 2, ultimately falling just short, finishing in a tie for second with Connell. Weingartner had the lead after a front nine 33 put him at 8-under for the championship, leading Lanting by 2. Weingartner birdied 11 and 12 to get to 10-under and keep his 2 shot lead, but bogeys on 13, 14, and 4 straight pars to finish landed him at 8-under-par for the 36-hole tournament.

With the conclusion of the tournament this afternoon, congratulations are in order to the following players who qualified for the 45th National Car Rental Assistant PGA Professional Championship, scheduled for November 11-14, 2021, at PGA Golf Club in Port St. Lucie, Florida.

The Colorado Section and the 40 participants of the Colorado Assistant PGA Professional Championship would like to thank Mr. Chad Poirot, PGA Facilities Manager, and Mr. Griff Rainford, Golf Course Superintendent, at Highland Meadows Golf Course and their staff for providing excellent course conditions and welcoming us this week! The Section would also like to thank the presenting sponsor, National Car Rental, for their help in making this event successful.To see the full results of the 2021 Colorado Assistant PGA Professional Championship, click here.

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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.