TPC Colorado gears up for the Ascendant Korn Ferry stop

“Tournament of the Year” gets ready to defend its title

By Jim Bebbington

A month from now the Korn Ferry Tour will arrive in northern Colorado for its annual test of mountain air, slick greens and large crowds.

The Ascendant Presented by Blue tournament at TPC Colorado in Berthoud has become a familiar and popular stop for the PGA Tour’s development league. The winner receives $180,000 and the Art Schaupeter-designed course provides a challenge that lets the Korn Ferry’s best shine.

The tournament has twice won the Korn Ferry Tour’s ‘tournament of the year’ award and ‘product of the year’ once. Organizers are committed to making a strong run at the title again. Deep volunteer help offer everything from extra bedrooms for players to on-course assistance during the tournament, the Ascendant presented by Blue organizers want to keep the Colorado stop popular with players as well as fans.

“There are so many moving pieces to making a tournament like this so great,” Jon Squeri, senior manager of the Korn Ferry Tour, said during the event’s media day Tuesday, June 18. “This is truly a premium stop for our membership.”

This year’s tournament has added a wrinkle to its way of deciding the four sponsor exemptions. The tournament is hosting a qualifier July 6 at TPC Colorado with one tournament entry going to the low junior golfer, age 18 or under. Tournament Director Drew Blass said they have entries for the qualifier from elite high school and college-age players from around the country eager for the rare chance to test their skills against the best.

“We want to see who can play the best and wants to get in the tournament,” Blass said.

Tyler McCumber, a PGA professional who is rehabbing from shoulder and hip injuries in Vail, touted the tournament and the course during Tuesday’s media day. He said TPC Colorado brings unique challenges to the players. “The course is awesome,” he said. “It’s long, demanding. The native grass is rough. There’s wind and the Colorado elements. It’s a beautiful test of golf in a beautiful place.”

Last year’s winner, Nick Lindheim, shot 20-under par over the four-day tournament, a tournament record.

 

For tickets or more information go to TheAscendant.Com.