Legends Convene to Kick Off “Century of Golf”

After qualifying for USGA Championships on consecutive days, Kent and Janet Moore host “Century of Golf” Brunch

Jon Rizzi

On Saturday, August 22, Colorado Golf Association Executive Director Ed Mate called Janet and Kent Moore the “First Family of Colorado Golf.” 

Not only were the Moores hosting a brunch honoring Colorado's Golf People of the Century (Judy Bell, Will Nicholson Jr., Hale Irwin, Barbara McIntire, Vic Kline and Dennis Lyon) at their beautiful Cherry Hills Village home…

And not only were they named the honorary chairpeople of the Century of Golf Gala (featuring Jack Nicklaus as the special guest) at The Broadmoor on November 14…

The Moores, both Colorado Golf Hall of Fame members, had, characteristically and appropriately enough, on the previous two days, qualified for the respective U.S. Senior Amateur championships.

On Thursday, Kent shot a 1-under-par 69 at Boulder's Flatirons Golf Course, tying Thomas Roos to earn co-medalist honors in the qualifier for the U.S. Senior Amateur Championship, to be held at Hidden Creek Golf Club September 26-Oct. 1 in Egg Harbor Township, N.J. The 59-year old Cherry Hills Village resident, who has won CGA championships in five different decades and has qualified for nine other USGA Championships, will be making his first appearance in the U.S. Senior Amateur.

The following day, Janet soldiered through fierce winds to claim medalist honors in the U.S. Senior Women's Amateur qualifier at The Club at Cordillera's Valley Course in Edwards. Her 8-over-par 80 was one better than Kelly Loeb and Kathy Malpass, both of whom qualified for the national championship, along with seven other finishers. The U.S. Senior Women's Amateur will take place the same weekend as the men's event, September 26-October 1, at Hillwood Country Club in Nashville, Tenn.

It will mark Janet's 19th USGA championship and second U.S.Senior Women's Amateur.

The celebration at their home roughly coincided with the date of the 100th anniversary of the Colorado Golf Association's founding on August 20, 1915. Of the aforementioned Golf People of the Century, only Irwin, who at 70 remains active on the Champions Tour, was unable to attend.

“This is one of those moments where you need to take it all in—to be able to say, 'I was in the room when these people were honored.'” Mate said. “Of all the things we could have done to celebrate 100 years, I think this may be the most important, honoring these six people.”

In addition to the Moores and the aforementioned honorees, in the room were a number of their fellow Colorado Golf Hall of Fame members: Christie Austin, Joanie Birkland, Paul Brown, Clayton Cole, Tom Connell, Jim English, John Gardner, Maggie Giesenhagen, Dan Hogan, Jim Johnson,  Kaye Kessler, Bill Loeffler, Larry McAtee, Gary Potter and Tish Preuss.

Also present were Russ Miller and Mark Kelbel, Director of Golf and Head PGA Professional at The Broadmoor, which is hosting the Century of Golf Gala on November 14.

Another highlight was the unveiling of “A Century of Golf in Colorado,” a piece of centennial artwork commissioned by the CGA from artist Lee Wybranski, who has done numerous posters for the U.S. Open and other major championships.

The poster (pictured above) features a mountain backdrop images of World Golf Hall of Famers Babe Zaharias, Jack Nicklaus, Arnold Palmer and Annika Sorenstam—each of whom had a landmark victory in Colorado. A timeline of important Colorado golf events borders the image.

An exclusive gift for major donors to the Century of Golf Gala, the poster will grace the event program. All net proceeds from the Gala—and related activities—benefit the Colorado Golf Foundation.

With little publicity, 71 of the 100 tables to the Gala have been sold. The event takes place November 14th, and like the one at the Moores' home, will be a “must attend” for any Coloradan who loves golf.

For more information on buying tickets, visit the CGA here or contact CGA director of development Ryan Smith ([email protected]; 303-974-2108).

RELATED LINKS

Living Legends to Be Honored at Century of Golf Gala

Broadmoor to Host Century of Golf Gala

Nicklaus to Appear at Century of Golf Gala