The Colorado Golf Association is pleased to share this photo essay of Saddle Rock Golf Course and volunteer staff member Roger Harowik from local photographer E.J. Carr. Opened in 1997, Saddle Rock is owned and operated by the City of Aurora and overseen by Doug McNeil, PGA, GM/Director of Golf and Head Professional, Mickey Byrne, PGA.
On September 23-25, Saddle Rock will test the best mid-amateur golfers in the state as it plays host to the 30th Annual CGA Mid-Amateur Championship. T
o find special fall discounts and book a tee time to experience Saddle Rock, CLICK HERE.
19-year Saddle Rock volunteer, Roger Harowik, refers to himself as soft-spoken, a good organizer and a team player. And after spending time with him and the staff at this challenging course owned and operated by the city of Aurora, I have to agree these traits are more than accurate.
As an avid golfer, Roger plays with a group of friends weekly at Saddle Rock. He began volunteering with the course within the first month of its opening in 1997, after retiring from a career at AT&T in a high-level management position. His responsibilities at AT&T required him to be a self-starter and autonomous, both of which are demonstrated in his volunteer service to the daily operations at the golf course.
Initially he volunteered as a marshal on the course, keeping players on schedule and also working in the barn, cleaning and maintaining golf carts. After a bit of self-promotion, he moved into a new position of preparing the course for golf outings and tournaments. His duties in that capacity are a matter of staging carts with the groupings, supplying gift bags, placing sponsorships banners on specific tee boxes and greeting and assisting players get set for the day of golf. He is usually the first person the participants meet on the day of the tournament, and has a great smile and an inviting demeanor I might add!
Roger attributes his longevity in volunteering to the expert staff that he works with, Head Professional, Mickey Byrne, PGA and Assistant Pro, Mike Fengler. “I’ll be here as long as Mickey and Mike are here, or as long as they will let me stay.” When asked what sets Saddle Rock Golf Course apart from the rest, Roger felt it was the professional staff and the working culture.
When posed to Mike Fengler, he concurred. “The course is challenging and has stood the test of time. Our men’s club and junior program also contribute to Saddle Rock’s appeal.” The men’s club is vibrant, consisting of players with handicaps from +3 to a 36. The junior program had two camps this past summer with 120 participants in each camp, both headed up by Fengler.
When asked for his thoughts about Roger, and the value he brings to the course and the staff, Mike was quick to share; “Roger is our saving grace. I wouldn’t think of changing a thing he does in his preparation for our tournaments.” Aurora golf clubs operate with a philosophy of “P.R.I.C.”– Professionalism, Respect, Integrity, and Customer service. Roger demonstrates these qualities each and every day. He is a valuable asset to the course and the city and one more shining example of members making a positive impact at golf courses across the State of Colorado.
Check out the course and 84 of the best golfers in Colorado during the CGA Mid-Am Championship, Friday, September 23rd through Sunday, September 25th, located at 21705 E. Arapahoe Road Aurora, CO 80016. For more information about the tournament or membership at Saddle Rock visit www.coloradogolf.org
MORE ABOUT E.J. CARR
