Colorado Open Series heads into new era

The popular tournament series is working to keep a good thing going with new sponsorship partners

By Jim Bebbington

The Inspirato Colorado Senior Open last weekend was the final event that will be held under the Inspirato brand and the series organizers are working to land a new presenting sponsor.

Kevin Laura, the CEO of the Colorado Open Golf Foundation which runs the Colorado Open series, said they had hoped to have the new sponsor named by this tournament but need a little more time before announcing a new partnership. Inspirato, the Denver-based travel company, told the Colorado Open Golf Foundation earlier this year that it would not be renewing its sponsorship.

The decision led to the Open Foundation to reduce the prize money that was paid out for this years events. Since 2016 for the men and 2022 for the women the men’s and women’s championships paid $100,000 to the winners. The senior open champion received $20,000. This year the men’s and women’s champions received $50,000 and the senior champion received $15,000.

Those prizes were still more than sufficient to make the tournaments must-visits for top golfers from around the country.

The Colorado Open series has enjoyed a two-decade run as a stable and popular competition. Since 2003, when the previous organizers did not hold the tournament, the series came under the leadership of Pat Hamill, founder of Oakwood Homes, and the Colorado Open Golf Foundation. The tournaments were moved to Green Valley Ranch Golf Course in Denver, and the combination of strong purses, excellent course conditions and well-organized events has made the tournaments popular stops for Colorado, national and international pros.

Last week’s Senior Open winner Jason Schultz of Texas was among several players who praised the greens and fairway conditions, despite several rains during the tournament. Schultz has now won the Senior Open twice and said he will be back.

“The course is in good condition and this is the kind of grass I’m used to playing on and it just feels more like home,” Schultz said.

Laura said last week they hope to have a new sponsor finalized soon well in time for the 2026 series.

Jim Bebbington is the Director of Content at Colorado AvidGolfer and can be reached at [email protected]

Colorado AvidGolfer Magazine is the state’s leading resource for golf and the lifestyle that surrounds it, publishing eight issues annually and proudly delivering daily content via coloradoavidgolfer.com.

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