By Jim Bebbington
Two years ago Steve Holmes, a teaching pro from Simi California, finished second in the Inspirato Colorado Senior Open, running out of gas right at the end as Boulder-native Jonathan Kaye took the title that year.
Holmes said he left grumpy, knowing he had let a good opportunity slip through his grasp. This year he returned committed on winning.
View this post on Instagram
“To be honest it left a bitter taste in my mouth,” he said. “So I think just like everybody I’ve been kind of gearing up for this tournament for a couple of months.”
This year he came through.
Holmes shot a final round 66 at Green Valley Ranch Golf Club on Friday to win the three-day tournament at 11-under par. He roared into the lead with four straight birdies to begin the front nine, then added four more in a row on the back to salt away the victory.
Winning as a senior, Holmes said, was all the sweeter.
“Probably better (than winning as a younger player),” he said. “I don’t know why but you never know when you’re going to get your next win.”
“I think this is actually, for seniors that aren’t on the Champions Tour, there’s just not a whole lot to play in,” he said. “So I always consider this our major.”
The final day top of the leaderboard was crowded, with several veteran touring and teaching professionals climbing up to around 8-under par. Parker native Shane Bertsch finished second, falling just short of his goal during a break in his day job – competing on the Champions Tour. Bertsch finished at 8-under par.
Matt Schalk, the director of golf at Colorado National Golf Course in Erie, tied for third at 5-under with Chris Dompier of Tuscon.
Holmes took home $15,000 for the win. The top amateur was Mark Hammond of Highlands Ranch.
Other than the U.S. Senior Open, this tournament is the best run, has a decent purse, and provides a top-level experience, Holmes said.
“I know everyone’s always smoked to be here,” he said. “For me I look forward to this tournament every year.”
One of the things that the tournament does well is produce huge banners and signs that adorn the practice grounds all year long at Green Valley Ranch Golf Club, touting past winners. Holmes said that was motivation for him.
“I want to have my name on that board over there,” he said.
In the end, Holmes headed directly back home Friday and expected to be on the driving range teaching by Saturday morning. But, this year, it was after a job well done.
“It’s like I said, it’s a major for us,” he said.
Go here for the final scores.
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.
Steve Holmes of California wins 2026 Inspirato Colorado Senior Open By Jim Bebbington Two years ago Steve Holmes, a teaching pro from Simi California, finished second in the Inspirato Colorado Senior Open, running out of gas right at the end as Boulder-native Jonathan Kaye took the title that year. Holmes said he left grumpy, knowing
Leaders for the Inspirato Colorado Senior Open come from the PGA Tour senior circuit
The CGA and its foundation put money largely into youth play and caddy training
Many players say annual competition is among the best they’ve ever played
