Golf with a purpose: $110K Raised for Local Programming, One Hero Honored
 The 2025 REACH Invitational Fundraiser Golf Tournament concluded with resounding success, raising more than $110,000 to support the PGA REACH Colorado Foundation’s mission of positively impacting lives through youth development, military support, and inclusion programs across the Colorado PGA Section. Held over two days at Lakewood Country Club in Lakewood, Colorado, and The Golf Club at Bear Dance in Larkspur, Colorado, this year’s event was a testament to the power of community, commitment, and compassion. The tournament brought together the PGA REACH Colorado Foundation Trustees, their guest, Colorado PGA of America Golf Professionals, and corporate partners from across the Colorado PGA Section, all united by a shared purpose to grow the game of golf and provide the opportunity to all to enjoy it.
A defining highlight of the event was the presentation of a mortgage-free home to former U.S. Army Specialist Daniel Scipioni, made possible through the PGA REACH Colorado Foundation’s partnership with Ken Eakes and the Military Warriors Support Foundation. This marks the twelfth home awarded by the foundation—a milestone that underscores the lasting impact of its ongoing military initiatives.
In a heartfelt addition, Impact Sports and Tuff Shed donated a custom-built golf simulator shed to accompany Daniel’s new home. Unveiled during the welcome reception at Lakewood Country Club on Tuesday, July 15th, the simulator serves as both a gift of gratitude and a therapeutic resource to help Daniel reintegrate into civilian life through the game of golf.
On Wednesday, July 16th, 30 teams of Colorado PGA of America Golf Professionals, Trustees and Amateur Golfers teed off in spirited competition at The Golf Club at Bear Dance, in a 3-2-1 Net Shamble event. The guests were greeted by numerous tee gifts, beverages from Tito’s and Jack Daniels, a special opening ceremony for Army Specialist Daniel Scipioni, breakfast, lunch and the beautiful grounds of The Golf Club at Bear Dance. “We are deeply grateful to our Colorado PGA Golf Professionals, Foundation Trustees, Corporate Partners, and all participating players,” said the PGA REACH Colorado Foundation’s CEO/Executive Director Steven Bartkowski. “The support and dedication displayed throughout the REACH Invitational make our mission possible. These funds will allow us to continue delivering impactful programming and ensure that golf remains open, inclusive, and accessible to all.”
The PGA REACH Colorado Foundation remains committed to using the game of golf as a vehicle for positive change—and thanks to the generosity on display at the 2025 REACH Invitational, that mission is stronger than ever. •••••• Carlock and Fitzgerald Capture Colorado PGA Titles, Punch Tickets to Nationals It was a month of thrilling finishes in the Colorado PGA, with Justin Carlock and Caine Fitzgerald, PGA, each capturing major victories and earning the chance to compete on the national stage. At Saddle Rock Golf Course, sunny skies and warm conditions set the stage for the Colorado Assistant PGA Professional Championship, where Carlock, Assistant Professional at Eaton Country Club, staged a determined comeback. Trailing first-round leader Geoff Keffer, PGA, by three shots, Carlock came out firing in the final round with birdies on holes two, three, and seven to pull even by the turn. The two battled shot-for-shot until the closing stretch, when a double bogey on 16 halted Keffer’s momentum. Carlock’s birdie on 17 proved decisive, as Keffer’s 12-foot birdie putt on the final hole to force a playoff lipped out. Carlock claimed his first Colorado PGA Major Championship and will head to the National Assistant PGA Professional Championship in Port St. Lucie, Fla., this November, joined by Keffer, PGA Assistant Professional at Lakewood Country Club, and Matt Hardman, Assistant Professional at Eagle Springs Golf Club. Up north at Fox Hill Club, the Colorado Senior PGA Professional Championship brought its own excitement. Caine Fitzgerald, PGA Head Professional at Meadow Hills Golf Course, held a three-shot lead after a stellar 3-under-par 67 in round one. The final round proved far from smooth sailing. After a stretch of bogeys on holes 10–12, Fitzgerald found himself tied with past champions, Matt Schalk, PGA, and Micah Rudosky, PGA. A clutch birdie on 14 helped him edge back into the lead, while steady pars over the next three holes preserved his position. On the 36th hole, Fitzgerald calmly two-putted from 20 feet to seal the victory — his first Colorado PGA Senior Championship title. He will represent the Colorado Section at the Senior PGA Professional Championship in Florida this October alongside eight other qualifiers, including Micah Rudosky, PGA Head Golf Professional at Conquistador Golf Course, Matt Schalk, PGA General Manager at Colorado National Golf Club, Doug Rohrbaugh, PGA Lead Instructor at River Valley Ranch Golf Course, Michael Zaremba, PGA Director of Golf at Desert hawk at Pueblo West, Ron Vlosich, PGA Life Member, Bobby Quaratino, PGA Head Golf Professional at West Woods Golf Club, Scott Sommers, PGA Teaching Professional at Optimum Golf - Thornton, and Chris Johnson, PGA General Manager, at Country Club at Woodmoor.. Both events not only crowned deserving champions, but also highlighted the depth of talent and camaraderie across the Colorado PGA Section — with players now set to showcase their skills on a national stage at PGA Golf Club. |