CWGA Members ExperienceGolf at CommonGround
Participants in the annual CWGA Experience at CommonGround enjoyed golf instruction from some of the best Colorado has to offer this past weekend. From learning putting techniques with Lana Ortega and Josh Troyer, better short game fundamentals with Elena King and Dr. Denise McGuire, and full swing help with Sherry Smith and Dawne Kortgaard, the women in attendance are ready to start off the 2012 golf season on the right foot!
Rick Jensen Session a Success
Dr. Rick Jensen showed Colorado golfers how to "Take Their Game to the Next Level" this past Sunday. Dr. Jensen offered ideas on the proper way to practice as well as various methods for achieving your goals in the game of golf. The experience was truly rewarding for all those in attendence.
ExperienceGolf Student Named Freshman of the Year
Maressa McClintock was named the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference's Freshman of the Year. Click here to read more about Maressa's accomplishment!
Brown Bears Place 11th at Princeton Invite
With a 54-hole score of 905, the Bears placed 11th on a course where scoring conditions were at their peak. Click here to read more.
CSU Women Finish Second
The CSU women's golf team finished 2nd this past Wednesday at the Wyoming Cowgirl Classic. Click here to read more.
Elena King receives Colorado Sportswomen of the Year Award
Photo Courtesy of Karen Wilson
Elena was one of 45 female athletes, coaches and mentors honored by Sportswomen of Colorado for her accomplishments in 2011. The Sportswomen of Colorado recognized each winner at its 38th annual banquet on Sunday, March 11, 2012. Winners were chosen by a panel of Colorado media personalities from nominations submitted by the public. "I am so proud to receive this recognition. However, all that we do at CommonGround is a team effort. This would not be possible without support of the CGA, CWGA and CommonGround staffs and boards" said Elena when she received this prestigious honor.
CommonGround & Can't Beat Golf
Click Here to watch the Fox 31 Coverage at CommonGround.
Colorado Golf Fundraiser set
The 2012 Colorado Golf Fundraiser will be held on Monday, May 21st (1:30 p.m. shotgun) at CommonGround Golf Course. All proceeds from the event will benefit programs at CommonGround to bring the game to kids who would not otherwise have that opportunity.
We are looking to fill the tournament with 32 foursomes and 18 hole sponsors and we need your help! The cost for a foursome is $600 ($150 per player) or $1,000 (with hole sponsorship). We currently have 9 verbal commitments for foursomes so we have a long way to go. If you are unable to attend the event in person, we are looking for individual and foursome sponsors for some of our community partner groups (Big Brothers-Big Sisters, Special Olympics, Challenge Foundation, Goodwill Industries, and others). We would like to have representatives from these groups in attendance to help celebrate this great game and our shared mission of positively impacting children through golf.
A special thank you goes out to the tournament sponsor Citywide Banks. Thank you in advance for helping us to keep the game you love the game you love, and using CommonGround as a place for all and all the game teaches.
Click here for more information.
Look who's coming to Colorado with a unique learning opportunity...
Dr. Rick Jensen, world class coach, author and presenter
He has coached 50 PGA, LPGA and Champions Tour players. Those players account for a total of 199 victories and fourteen of those players have at least one major championship to their name for a total of thirty-three majors total. He has been a huge influence on my career and my coaching. While it costs loads of money to see him at his PGA National based Performance Center in Florida, you can take advantage of this opportunity to see him right here in Denver! Click here for more information.
CGA / CWGA Used Club Sale Sets Record
The CGA / CGWA raised $16,000 for junior programs. Click here to read more.
Josh Troyer Joins the ExperienceGolf Team
Josh (no relation to CommonGround's Dave Troyer) is a student at the University of Colorado, Colorado Springs. He is fulfilling his final requirements by completing his intership with us for the PGA Professional Golf Management Program (PGM). We are very excited to have Josh on board as he brings a great deal of enthusiam and experience to our junior program.
ExperienceGolf student Maressa McClintock leads Adams State College to the overnight lead
SCOTTSBLUFF, Neb.— For the first time in program history, the Adams State College women’s golf team holds the overnight lead of a Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference tournament, as the Grizzlies posted a team score of 319 to take a 4-shot lead after Monday’s first round of the second RMAC event of the 2011-12 season, being played here at Scottsbluff Country Club. Click here to read the rest of the article.
ExperienceGolf's Elena King named LPGA Central Section Teacher of the Year
Congratulations to our own Elena King who has received the Central Section LPGA Teacher of the Year Award! The LPGA annually selects a Teacher, Coach and Professional of the Year from each of it's five Sections. The Central Section of the LPGA encompasses the states of Colorado, Arizona, Montana, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Texas, Utah and Wyoming. The LPGA Executive Committee will select the overall National Award winner in each category from among the Section Award winners. National winners will be announced in the coming weeks.
Click here to read more.
ExperienceGolf student Kasha Scott leads the Bucknell Bison to victory
Bucknell Sophmore Kasha Scott birdied the 17th hole in route to a final round 70 to lead the Bison's to a one stroke team victory over Rutgers in the Bison Invitational. Click here to read more.
Thanks to her stellar performance Kasha was also named Bison Athelete of the Week. Click here to read more.
McVay & Van Zee win the CWGA Chapman Championship
ExperienceGolf student Jessi McVay and her partner Ruth Van Zee won the 2011 CWGA Chapman Championship September 10th - 11th at Grand Lake Golf Course. Congratulations ladies!
Team USA Brings Home The Bronze At The World University Games
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Team USA L - R Head Coach Diane Thomason, Asst Coach Elena King, Brooke Beeler, Emily Talley, Catherine O'Donnell, Caroline Powers, Tessa Teachman |
Elena just returned from Shenzhen, China at the 26th Summer Universiade, (World University Games) as assistant coach to the USA's Women's Golf Team. After four days of high heat and humidity, the team of Brooke Beeler (TCU), Catherine O'Donnell (UNC) and Caroline Powers (MSU), finished in third behind first place Chinese Taipei and second place China.
Caroline finished in 6th place as the top USA individual. Emily Talley of (CU) and Tessa Teachman (LSU) played as individuals rounding out team USA. We are so proud of the girls accomplishments!
"This was the most unique and incredible event that I have ever experienced." Said Elena. "To be able to represent the USA and be associated with such fine young men and women was a real privilege."
"China put on quite the show for over 13,000 athletes and participants. It was said, the Chinese spent more in Shenzhen for these games than they did for the Beijing Olympics, the opening ceremonies were over the top. Everything was built brand new for the games, including the dorms, venues, subway and buses. We were treated like royalty everywhere we went and if you were a sports fan of any kind, you were enjoying being surrounded daily by 8,000 world class athletes!"
Click Here to check out more pictures on the ExperienceGolf Facebook page.
Click Here to read more about Elena's trip in the Colorado Golf Journal.
ExperienceGolf Students Fair Well At The CWGA Match Play Championship
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Mikayla Tatman and Christina Spinzig |
Two ExperienceGolf students finished strong in the 2011 CWGA Women's Match Play Championship. Mikayla Tatman was the winner of the Open Division 1st Flight and Christina Spinzig was the winner of the Open Division Championship Consolation Flight. Both ladies are currently competing for Colorado State University womens golf team.
Congratulations ladies and keep up the good work!
Colorado Juniors Take 3rd Place At The Mary Cave Cup
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Dr. Denise McGuire, Allie Johnston & Shinwoo Lee |
Seniors Allie Johnston and Shinwoo Lee along with Team Captain Dr. Denise McGuire represented Colorado in the 2011 Mary Cave Cup in San Diego August 16 - 17. Allie and Shinwoo placed 3rd in the team competition amongst a strong field of 15 teams from the western United States.
Allie's 75 - 73 effort earned her a second place finish in the individual standings. Both Allie and Shinwoo turned in strong perfromances and were proud to represent Colorado at this prestigous event. Way to go girls!
For more on the Mary Cave Cup click here.
ExperienceGolf Does Clinic For The PGA Professional Golf Management Program at UCCS
Elena and Denise provided a clinic for the students in the PGM program at the University of Colorado at Colorado Spings. It was a great group and a wonderful opportunity to share ideas with the next generation of golf professionals.
Choi continues Her Hot Streak
SeungHa Choi continued her stellar play defeating fellow ExperienceGolf student Mikayla Tatman in the finals of the CWGA Junior Match Play Championship 2 and 1. Click here to read more.
Girls Golfer of the Year: Skyline's Mikayla Tatman
Click here to read more about ExperienceGolf student Mikayla Tatman.
Tatman's Mental Focus Pays Off
Click here to read more.
ExperienceGolf Student Takes The 5A Girls Golf Championship
SeungHa Choi of Overland High School fires a final round 73 to claim the crown. Mikayla Tatman finishes 7th.
Click here to read more.
Girls State High School Golf Tournament Right Around The Corner
Click here to read more.
ExperienceGolf Student Off To a Strong Start at Brown University
Click here to read more about Peter Callas making the transition from High School to College golf.
ExperienceGolf Student Signs Letter of Intent
Click here to read more about Maressa McClintock joining the Adams State Women's Golf Program.
Course Technician
Click here to read a feature article about ExperienceGolf student Mikayla Tatman from the Longmont Times-Call.
Spring Trip to Redstone in Houston, Texas
Elena and Dr. Denise took six of the state's best High School golfers to Redstone Golf Club in Houston, Texas over Presidents Day weekend to prepare for the 2011 High School Girls golf season. Good luck ladies!
CommonGround's King will coach in World University Games
By Gary Baines
Elena King, one of the directors of instruction at CommonGround Golf Course in Aurora, has been named an assistant coach for the U.S. women's golf team that will compete this summer in the World University Games in Shenzhen, China.
King, a former University of Iowa women's golfer, will assist head coach Diane Thomason, who coached at Iowa for 27 years. This will be just the second year golf has been part of the World University Games, which will be held Aug. 12-23 this year. The WUG golf tournament is a 72-hole stroke-play event.
Overall, the WUG will feature athletes from all over the world competing in 24 sports. The Games take place every four years. One of the five U.S. players King and Thomason will be coaching in China will be University of Colorado junior Emily Talley.
Golf In Schools Program
We are proud to be working with the allied Golf Associations in the state of Colorado to take golf to kids in schools. This spring and fall we will be working with PE teachers in seven area elementary and junior high schools to introduce the game to kids through their PE curriculum. A key component of this program is helping those kids who are interested in learning more about the game make the transition to the golf course.
As a result each student that completes the program through ExperienceGolf at CommonGround Learning Center will receive a FREE Kids Course membership through 2011 allowing them to play the Par 3 Kids Course at no charge for the remainder of the year. We will also be creating opportunities for "field trips" for participants as the weather warms up. Our goal is to introduce the game to 3,000 kids in 2011 through this program.
CWGA Most Improved Junior
Congratulations to ExperienceGolf Student Emma Johnson
Colorado Academy Freshman Emma Johnson has been recognized by the CWGA as their most improved Junior Golfer for 2010! Emma has worked with Elena since June of 2009 and thanks to her dedication, hard work and great awareness she has become a quick study.
In addition to Emma's accomplishments in golf she is also an honor student and accomplished pianist. She is now studying vocal music and also has a passion for the backstage work of technical theater. Emma's also learning to play bridge, usually being the youngest player at the tables. She is obviously a young lady with a lot on her plate, but is very much looking forward to the upcoming girls high school golf season next spring. Congratulations Emma and keep up the great work!
ExperienceGolf Student Mikayla Tatman Signs Letter of Intent to Play College Golf at CSU
CSU women add LaBarbera, King, Tatman
Trio to join Hopkins' squad next season
By Cydnee Black
Athletic Media Relations
November 11, 2010
FORT COLLINS, Colo. – Colorado State women’s golf Head Coach Angie Hopkins added three new athletes Wednesday, Jessa LaBarbera, Haley King and Mikayla Tatman.
Tatman is a starter on the girl’s golf team at Silvercreek High School in Longmont, Colo.
“Mikayla is a gifted athlete with lots of potential,” added Hopkins. “She has the work ethic and personal drive to be a strong collegiate golfer.”
Tatman won the 5A Colorado high school state championship in 2009, as well as all-region high school honors in 2009 and 2010. She also was the Colorado Junior Golf Association academic all-star in 2010. Tatman is also a member of the National Honor Society and a second-degree black belt in Tae Kwon Do.
The three new Rams will be joining the women’s golf team in the fall of 2011.
Tatman and Reisch Notch Their First Wins on the Golfweek Junior Tour
Mikayla Tatman and Nick Reisch recently broke through for their first wins on the Golfweek Junior Tour. Click here to read more.
Congrats to Kasha Scott and The Bucknell Women's Golf Team
ExpereinceGolf student Kasha Scott has made the transition to college golf look easy! Finishing second individually in the Bison's final event of their most successful fall season ever. Bucknell took the team title as well. Congratulations Kasha! We are proud of you! Click here to read more.
Boys Colorado High School State Golf Results
The ExperienceGolf coaching team is proud to announce that 12 of our students qualified for the 2010 Boys High School Golf Tournament. Of the 12 qualifiers, 7 finished in the top 20 and one student was the 4A State Champion. John Ahern, a senior at D’Evelyn High School shot an opening round 64 which tied the course record at the Club at Flying Horse. John followed that up with a 73 the second day to defeat the defending state champion Wyndham Clark of Valor High School by 1 stroke. John topped off his week by winning the CJGA Tournament of Champions. Congratulations as well to the Highlands Ranch High School Boys team for finishing second in the 5A division. 
2010 State Champion John Ahern
and Dr. Denise McGuire
Golfweek Junior Tour Results
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Alex Trask wins the Experience at Murphy Creek!.png)
And finishes second at the University of New Mexico!.png)
Mikayla Tatman finishes second at the Experience at The Broadmoor!
Congratulations ladies! Keep up the good work!
CommonGround Receives Golf Digest's Annual Junior-Development Award!
Accessibility and affordability, perennial watchwords of junior golf, have never been more relevant. Since 1984, Golf Digest has been recognizing innovative programs for children with our Junior Development Awards. This year's honorees are bringing kids into the game and, more important, finding ways to keep them playing. Awards went to an association, a club, an individual, a municipality and a corporation. The Colorado Golf Association was recognized for CommonGround's Junior Programs and the commitment to introduce them to the game of golf! Click Here to read the article from Golf Digest.
CWGA Match Play Results
CommonGround had the pleasure to host the 2010 CWGA Match Play August 2 - August 5. Everyone out here was in awe to watch these athletic women play some spectacular golf. The golf course was in marvelous condition with greens rolling so superbly that it challenged the way these women approached the course. The Learning Center was very proud to have many of our own compete and finish elevated in the standings. Click here to see the Match Play brackets.
Mary Deming was the Runner-up of Sr. Div. 1st Flight Consolation
Gina Larson was the Winner of the 1st Flight
Elizabeth Kresock was the Runner-up of 1st Flight Consolation
Andrea McCarty was the Runner-up of the 2nd Flight
Maressa McClintock was the Winner of 2nd Flight Consolation
Lauren Harmon was the Runner-up of the 3rd Flight
Alexandria Trask Keeps on Winning!
Alex took first place in the CJGA 11-13 tournament at The Links GC on August 3, 2010. Alex shot an impressive score of 70 only five over par at the Links. She easily captured first place with a seven stroke margin of victory over her nearest competitior. Alex also won the Golfweek Junior Tour event at Murphy Creek and finished second in the event at the University of New Mexico. Alex has put in some great effort to improve her game, which is obviously paying off! Great work Alex, keep filling up that trophy case!
Dodge City's Newest Member
Bobby Taggart has signed a letter of intent to play golf for Dodge City Community College. Taggart played for Grandview High School, class of 2010. Kansas is truly lucky to have Bobby playing for the Conquistadors! Congratulations to you Bobby, and good luck in your bright future.
The Hole Package
The Skyline golfer Gina Larson is savoring a top-five finish at state, eyeing a college career and prepping for one of the most prestigious ameteur tournaments this country has to offer. The Longmont Times-Call is naming her the Golfer of the year! The summer tournaments are just gearing up for Gina, she will be playing in the Western Amateur Championship in Rochester, Minn, which happens to be her home town. Everyone at the CommonGround Learning Center wish you the best of luck Gina and cannot wait to see what your future holds. Click Here to read the story.
Swinging their way to College!
The Learning Center has had the privilege of working with some pretty amazing golfers. These bright and talented students are golfing their way into some very impressive schools. Our students are attending or will be attending the following schools.Boston College Portland State University
Brown University Princeton University
Bucknell University Regis University
Colorado School of Mines Southern Methodist University
Colorado State University University of Colorado
Dodge City Community College University of Denver
Georgetown University University of Kansas
Hope College University of Northern Colorado
Loyola Marymount University of South Dakota
Oakland University University of Wyoming
Penn: Univeristy of Pennsylvania Williams College
Adams State College
Brown University Princeton University
Bucknell University Regis University
Colorado School of Mines Southern Methodist University
Colorado State University University of Colorado
Dodge City Community College University of Denver
Georgetown University University of Kansas
Hope College University of Northern Colorado
Loyola Marymount University of South Dakota
Oakland University University of Wyoming
Penn: Univeristy of Pennsylvania Williams College
Adams State College
Local Stories on Spectacular Performances
Skyline’s Gina Larson overcame a mental battle to qualify for state leading her team to a second place win. Gina's strong resolve helped her to clench that seat to play in the state tournament. “I was about to lose it (mentally), but you can’t get anywhere if you lose control on the course,” she said. Click Here to read more.
Loren Forney won her second regional crown with little difficulty. Going into the qualifying round with a good mind set helped Forney easily nab the 4A regional title by three shots. Without the expectation to win, Loren went out on the course with confidence and had fun. “I just looked at it as another qualifier, so I just went and had fun. I was confident. You always have to be confident." This confidence gracefully helped her shoot to the top. Click Here to read more.
A nervous Mikayla Tatman stood on the first tee at regionals with what felt like the weight of the world on her shoulders. After winning the state title the year before, there was a pressure to perform well to qualify as well as to represent her coach who was deciding to step down from the position. Even with the pressure to do well, the Falcons persevered and qualified three girls for the 5A state tournament. Click Here to read more.
5A Girls State Results
Twelve ExperienceGolf students battled formidable winds in the CHASA 5A Girls State Golf Championship on May 24th and 25th. Even in the face of a challenge, the girls still managed to succeed. The girls from Cherry Creek claimed second place in the team division with Skyline capturing third. Congratulations to all participants.Gina Larson Tied for 5th
Loren Forney 7th
Jessie Joachim Tied for 8thMikayla Tatman Tied for 16th
Kasha Scott 12th
Marlie Fisher
Mackenzie Cohen
Maressa McClintock
Annie Rchardson
Meghann Forey
Alex O'Laughlin
Charese Ravarino
Kasha Scott signs letter of intent to
play golf at Bucknell
Congratulations to Cherry Creek High School Senior and ExperienceGolf student Kasha Scott who has signed a letter of intent to continue her education and golf career at Bucknell. Great work Kasha!
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