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The Ridge at Castle Pines North hosts celebrity line up

Coach Dennis Murray with Peter Forsberg

Director of Instruction for The Ridge, Dennis Murray shares a smile with old friend, Peter Forsberg during a lesson on October 7. The pair have been golf buddies for more than 16 years. (photo courtesy of Russ Wiley)

By Elean Gersack with photos provided by Michael Martin Photography

October was a celebratory month for hockey fans in Colorado as it capped off the remarkable career of Avalanche center, Peter Forsberg. His famous #21 jersey was retired during the team’s season opener against the Detroit Red Wings on Saturday, October 8, at the Pepsi Center.

In the week prior to this memorable event, the Avalanche brought its entourage to play the Colorado Avalanche Charity Golf Classic (Golf Classic) at The Ridge at Castle Pines North (The Ridge) on October 3. As the official golf course of the Colorado Avalanche, this marked the tenth season the event was held at the esteemed south metro golf club.

The Golf Classic brings fans, sponsors and players together to enjoy a great game while raising funds for children and families in need – including support with youth recreation, health and educational programs. Since its inception fifteen years ago, the event has raised more than $1M, with $80,000 being raised this year. Gabriel Landeskog, Joe Sakic, Milan Hejduk, Matt Duchene and Erik Johnson are just a few of the famous personalities who participated at this year’s event.

According to Deb Dowling-Canino, vice president of community relations and fan development for Kroenke Sports & Entertainment, the Golf Classic was a wonderful event, thanks to all of the participants, sponsors and fans. “Everyone had a great time and more importantly supported a terrific cause,” said Dowling-Canino. “The Ridge at Castle Pines North is such a great partner for the Avalanche Charity Golf Classic. It’s a great setting and the staff of The Ridge truly make this event a success – they are true partners,” she added.

With special ties to The Ridge’s Director of Golf Instruction, Dennis Murray, the team undoubtedly calls The Ridge home when it comes to golf.

A day shy of his retirement celebration, Forsberg brought friends to The Ridge for some lessons and friendly play. Murray gave lessons to Forsberg (who now owns a golf course in Sweden), Joe Sakic, Claude Lemieux and Adam Foote, before joining them for a few holes.

“We have all been friends through the game of golf since the mid-90’s, when my job was managing golf operations and the membership department at Bear Creek Golf Club in Denver,” shares Murray. In 1996, Murray recalls the site of playing golf with the “Cup” strapped onto the back of a golf cart driven by a security agent for the NHL after the team’s first Stanley Cup Title.

Friendships run deep. “Those friendships that began sixteen years ago with the Colorado Avalanche are still flourishing here at The Ridge,” shares Murray. When Murray left Bear Creek in 2000 to work for TROON Golf at The Ridge, Avalanche players followed. In 2001, the team won their second Stanley Cup Title. “This time the players brought the ‘Cup’ and the party to The Ridge!” he boasted.

Logo pained on green with Joe Sakic

The Ridge at Castle Pines North hosted the annual Colorado Avalanche Charity Golf Classic on Monday, October 3. In its tenth year at The Ridge, hockey celebrities play 18-holes with fans and sponsors to raise money for children in need. The event raised more than $80,000, bringing the total amount raised since its inception to more than $1 million dollars.

For more information about Kroenke Sports & Entertainment and The Colorado Avalanche, including the 2011-2012 season schedule, visit http://avalanche.nhl.com. For more information about The Ridge at Castle Pines North, visit www.playtheridge.com.

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