December 7, 2017
Colorado PGA Chip Shots
Colorado PGA News
Colorado Gives Day Donations Continue to Grow the Game


Although this was only the second time that the Colorado PGA REACH Foundation was an eligible charity in the 24-hour donation appeal, PGA Professionals and foundation supporters can be proud of the results. Colorado PGA REACH boasted an increase in both the number of donors who gave to the foundation and an increase in the total dollars contributed.
 
"I want to personally thank each of you who took the time to participate in Colorado Gives Day and supported our Colorado PGA Foundation," says Eddie Ainsworth, PGA, Colorado PGA Executive Director/CEO. "We all know first-hand how the Game of Golf can make a positive impact in the lives of others. Your contributions will go a long way in implementing the three pillars of the Foundation."
 
The Foundation's mission and focus are Youth Development and Supporting Our Military, while making the Game of Golf more Diverse and Inclusive. Eighty-one cents of every dollar donated goes directly into these programs.
 
While Colorado Gives Day is over, ColoradoGives.org operates year-around, accepting donations on behalf of 2,300 charities.
Colorado PGA Nominations Now Open for 2018 Awards!

Nominations for the 2018 Colorado PGA Special Awards are now being accepted. Take a moment to nominate a deserving Colorado PGA Member by clicking the link below. The deadline to submit nominations is February 16, 2018.
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Upcoming events to place on your calendar.
West Chapter News
One Week Left to Submit Nominations for West Chapter Awards

It is time to make the nominations for those you would like to see receive one of the West Chapter Awards. There are many great professionals in the West Chapter who are worthy of these awards. Nominations end Saturday, Dec. 16.

Junior Golf News
Colorado PGA has a 3- and a 7-Month Internship Available

The Colorado PGA and the Junior Golf Alliance of Colorado couldn't operate the 80+ junior golf events they do each year without the help of their interns. The Colorado PGA is looking for two young people to fill these junior golf internship roles for the 2018 season. If you know of anyone looking for internship experience and feel that they would be a good fit, please share this information with them!

Click here to access information about the 3-month internship.

National Car Rental Expands PGA Jr. League Sponsorship

A new two-year sponsorship agreement designates National Car Rental as a "Proud Partner of PGA Jr. League" and represents the latest evolution in the car rental brand's ongoing partnership with the PGA of America. In addition, National will extend its Presenting Sponsorship of the PGA Jr. League Championship and the post-season through 2019.

Click here to read the full article.
Don't Miss Out on PGA Junior League Workshops!

The Colorado PGA is offering three more PGA Junior League Workshops for Professionals to learn more about starting a new Junior League team or to help a current program flourish. All workshops run from 8 a.m. to noon.
  • January 9 - South Suburban Golf Course
  • January 11 - Fort Collins Country Club
  • January 18 - The Country Club of Colorado
Each workshop will be divided into two parts. The first two hours will be geared toward starting a new team with discussions on taking the first step, recruiting players, scheduling matches and many other useful aspects of PGA Junior League team operations. The second half of the workshop will be diving deeper into operations and sharing best practices with the group. 

PGA Jr. League Captain Registration Open

If you are planning to host a Jr. League golf team in 2018, the Captain Registration is officially open. Registering now will allow ample time to recruit players and form leagues. There are several exciting updates and enhancements coming in 2018 so take this step to be a part of enriching lives through experiences that transcend golf.

Click here to register.
State and Regional News
Thornton Topgolf Project Moves a Step Closer to Development at Larkridge Retail Center 
Plan Nixed at I-25 and 136th Avenue, Gains Steam at 160th Avenue

A planned Topgolf complex in Thornton took a step forward Tuesday night with City Council approval of a resolution looking at a new location in the Larkridge Retail Center.  After passing on a proposed location at Interstate 25 and 136th Avenue, the golf-focused outfit is aiming a bit farther north up I-25, but still in Thornton, near 160th Avenue, according to Topgolf and city officials.

Click here to read the full article.
Tournament News
Rohrbaugh Finished 57th at Champions Tour Q-School

Coloradan Doug Rohrbaugh, Director of Golf at Ironbridge Golf Club, tied for 57th place on Friday as the final stage of PGA Tour Champions Q-school concluded in Scottsdale, Ariz.  Rohrbaugh closed with a 1-under-par 70 on Friday, giving him an even-par 284 total. He carded four birdies in the final round.

With just five players earning fully-exempt status on the 2018 tour through Q-school -- and the sixth through 30th-place finishers receiving the right to compete in open qualifiers at all PGA Tour Champions co-sponsored events next year -- unfortunately, Rohrbaugh was unable to qualify this week at TPC Scottsdale.

PGA of America News
MSR Availability During 2018 PGA Merchandise Show

Join thousands of PGA Professionals at the 2018 PGA Merchandise Show in Orlando, Fla. Multiple options to earn MSR credits are available. A couple recently announced events are listed below.
  1. The Association of Golf Merchandisers is extending an invitation to all PGA Professionals to attend its AGM Annual Retail Conference on Tuesday, Jan. 23. This event has been approved by PGA Education to fulfill eight (8) REQUIRED MSRs. Participants do not need to be AGM members to take advantage of this opportunity. Click here to access the AGM website.
  2. Complimentary Member Business Center Seminars final approval has been received for the complimentary seminars that will be conducted in the Member Business Center during the Merchandise Show. There will be ten seminars each worth 2 MSR REQUIRED credits conducted Wednesday, Jan. 24, through Friday, Jan. 26. Click here to see the full schedule.

Overall, there will be 40+ MSR credits available during the 2018 PGA Merchandise Show, which will benefit Members who still need to earn MSR credits by the cycle end date of June 15, 2018.
PGA Financial Assistance Fund Scholarship Link Live

The PGA Financial Assistance Fund Scholarship application is available on PGA.org. Established in 1986, the program provides college scholarships for children and grandchildren of PGA Members.
 
There is a  new feature this year. A toll free number - (888) 713-9098 - will be able to provide information about the scholarship, dates, etc.

Important dates to remember:
  • November 16, 2017 - Scholarship application live on pga.org.
  • March 1, 2018 - Deadline to submit the application.
  • March 19, 2018 - Deadline to have all supporting documents submitted, provided applicant is eligible. 
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