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Colorado Springs, CO — October 7, 2025 — The 3rd Annual PGA HOPE Colorado Cup was hosted today at the scenic Country Club of Colorado, bringing together 11 teams of Colorado PGA of America Golf Professionals, military Veterans, and Active-Duty Service Members from across the Colorado PGA Section for a day of spirited competition, connection, and community.
The Colorado Cup serves as a premier qualifier event among PGA HOPE Programs throughout the Colorado PGA Section, showcasing the competitive golf journey undertaken by PGA HOPE Colorado Graduates. PGA HOPE (Helping Our Patriots Everywhere) is the flagship military program of the PGA REACH Colorado Foundation. PGA HOPE introduces golf to Veterans and Active-Duty Service Members to enhance their physical, mental, social, and emotional well-being through a developmental six-to-eight-week curriculum taught by PGA HOPE Certified Professionals trained in adaptive golf and military cultural competency.
The team from the PGA HOPE Erie Program — consisting of Rob Grall, PGA Head Professional at Colorado National GC; Leo Markworth (Marines); Jordan Daniels (Navy); Mark Staroscik (Marines); and Tyler Mayhew (Air Force) — claimed the title of 2025 PGA HOPE Colorado Cup Champion, earning the opportunity to apply to represent the Colorado Section at the 2026 PGA HOPE Secretary’s Cup. The team fired an impressive 11-under-par 60 in the scramble format.
The Secretary’s Cup is an annual event held in conjunction with the PGA of America at the PGA Championship, where PGA HOPE teams from across the country represent their respective Sections. The Colorado Section was represented for the first time in the 2025 Secretary’s Cup by a team including Jeremiah James (Army), Joshua Lee (Navy), Paul Garcia (Air Force), and Erich Posdzich (Marines). Jordan LeBlanc, who served in the Army from 2010–2015, was the PGA team leader and helped run the PGA HOPE program annually at Buffalo Run Golf Course in Commerce City.
When asked what the win meant to the PGA HOPE Erie Team, a representative shared, “It was a humbling, exciting team effort — an absolutely positive experience. As the day progressed, it kept coming together as a team. One of us would hit an errant shot, and another member would step up and make the big shot needed.”
Tyler Mayhew, one of the Veterans on the winning team, added, “The PGA HOPE Program is the best Veterans program I have ever been a part of, hands down. The selflessness of the PGA HOPE Certified Instructors across the Colorado PGA Section is truly inspiring.”
Team Erie’s captain, Rob Grall, PGA, has also been awarded the Colorado PGA Section’s Patriot Award. He was chosen by his peers for personifying patriotism through the game of golf and demonstrating unwavering commitment and dedication to the men and women who have valiantly served and protected the United States of America.
A huge thank-you goes out to the host venue, The Country Club of Colorado, led by PGA General Manager and Section Honorary President Cathy Matthews-Kane, PGA. Also, we are so grateful to Wilson Golf and Darren Schaub for providing PGA HOPE Logoed golf balls to all the participants.
About PGA HOPE Colorado
PGA HOPE (Helping Our Patriots Everywhere) is the flagship military program of PGA REACH, the charitable foundation of the PGA of America. PGA HOPE introduces golf to Veterans and Active-Duty Military to enhance their well-being and connection to the community through the game. Through partnerships with VA hospitals, rehabilitation centers, and local PGA Professionals, PGA HOPE Colorado has served thousands of Veterans and Active-Duty Service Members, helping them experience the camaraderie, challenge, and healing power of golf.
Media Contact:
Steven Bartkowski
CEO/Executive Director
Colorado PGA Section
PGA REACH Colorado Foundation
sbartowski@pgahq.com
Broomfield, Colo. - October 13, 2025 - In a thrilling conclusion to this year's Colorado PGA Women’s Championship, Tara Morris, PGA Instructor at Colorado Golf Academy, emerged victorious after a brilliant final round. Morris posted rounds of 71 and 68 to finish at 5-under-par (139), securing the win over Jaylee Tait of Lone Tree Golf Club and Kelli McKandless, PGA Instructor at Murphy Creek Golf Course, who matched the same two-day total of 1-over-par, six shots behind Morris.
Morris delivered a tale of two nines. After a steady front nine of 37, she turned on the jets on the back nine, firing an incredible 31, highlighted by birdies on 10 and 11, and a trio of birdies to finish on 16, 17 and 18. Her consistency and calm under pressure set her apart, especially on the closing stretch, to run away with the victory.
Finishing in a tie for second was Kelli McKandless, who fired rounds of 74, 71 over the two days to finish at 1-over-par. A highlight of her round came at hole 11, where she carded a birdie 2, followed by another birdie on 14. Even though she couldn't quite catch Morris, McKandless did capture the LPGA Central Section Championship, which was a separate championship contested over the last two days.
Finishing in the tie for second with McKandless was Jaylee Tait, who carded rounds of 71, 74. Tait displayed consistency across both rounds, she just lacked the birdie spark to keep pace with the leaders. Her round included pars on 12 of 18 holes, showcasing her steady play. A late birdie on 17 helped her finish on a high note.
Finishing in solo fourth place was Ashley Tait-Wengert, PGA Instructor at Turkey Creek Golf. Tait-Wengert fired rounds of 76-74 to finish at 6-over-par for the two days. Tait-Wengert started out her round on a good note, with a 2-under-par 34 front nine, but could not keep the momentum going on the back nine, finishing with four bogies for a 2-over-par 74.
A huge thanks to all of our partners for the Women’s Championship. Tom Bauerle, Drew Hunter, and Reed Tomlinson of Colorado Golf & Turf and Club Car, Matthew Gutowski of Adidas, Chase and Derby McGee of Links & Peaks, Kevin Neff of Sterling Cut Glass, Natalie West of Ellie Arbee, and Zach Ledvina of Maui Jim for their support of this championship and the Colorado PGA.
Last but certainly not least is our fantastic host facility, Omni Interlocken Golf Club, and its dedicated staff. Head Golf Professionals, Chris Woods and Brandon Dvorak, Food & Beverage Manger, Alex Boyce and Golf Course Superintendent Jake Large, and his entire grounds staff for having the course in peak championship condition for the entire tournament.
Colorado PGA Women’s Championship Final Leaderboard
1. Tara Morris, PGA (Colorado Golf Academy) —71-68—-139 (-5)
T2. Jaylee Tait (Lone Tree Golf Club) —71-74—145 (+1)
T2. Kelli McKandless, PGA (Murphy Creek Golf Course) —74-71—145 (+1)
4. Ashley Tait-Wengert, PGA (Turkey Creek Golf) —76-74—150 (+6)
T5. Regina Dillon, PGA (The Glacier Club) —80-80—160 (+16)
T5. Alicia Bakken (Omni Interlocken Golf Club) —82-78—160 (+16)
7. Sam Crawford (Colorado PGA) —84-80—164 (+20)
T8. Terra Shehee, PGA (Boulder Country Club) —84-84—168 (+24)T8. Rylie Tanoura (Thorncreek Golf Course) —87-81—168 (+24)
10. Rachel Roter (Fort Collins Country Club) —90-82—172 (+28)
Full Leaderboard
Tournament Photos
