2026 DEN Pioneer Classic at University of Denver

The Denver Amateur Players Tour returned to one of the Front Range’s memorable championship layouts on Monday, August 17, for the Pioneer Classic at the University of Denver Golf Club at Highlands Ranch.  The Hale Irwin-designed course provided a terrific test for the field, with its rolling terrain, large bentgrass greens and plenty of opportunities for scores to change quickly. By the end of the day, five division champions had been crowned, along with our Mid-Am Net and Senior Net leaders.

NOTABLES WERE PLENTIFUL: Fantastic accomplishments were achieved at the tournament. The long, continuous string of Eagles at Denver’s Chapter of the APT was extended by D2 player Brett Miller, when his tee shot on the uphill hole #13 found the bottom of the cup for a Hole in One! Miller, as a member of the APT Hole in One Club, won $500 for his first career HIO and used his 9-iron on the 139 yard hole. CONGRATULATIONS! He put a large exclamation point on his back nine score of 32 (-4) by making a putt on hole #18 for his second EAGLE on the back nine, that also included 2 birdies.

Addie Berube scored her career best score of 75 (+3) in Division 4. In addition, Addie not only broke 80 for the first time ever, but she also shattered 80! Also, in the same group as Berube, Albert Amaya had a career best score by scoring an 88. Congratulations to everyone as the tournament also provided a couple other exceptional scores! This included Evan Wilking shooting 79.

Division 1 — Rizzul Karki

Rizzul Karki put together the round of the day, firing a 3-under-par 69 to capture Division 1.Karki was remarkably steady, posting a 34 on the front nine and a 35 coming home. Lev Abramson kept the pressure on with a 2-under 70, including an impressive 32 on the back nine, but Karki’s 69 was enough to secure the one-shot victory.

Division 2 — Brett Miller

Brett Miller made his move when it mattered.After an opening-nine 41, Miller caught fire on the back, closing with a 32 (-4) for a round of 73 (+1) and the Division 2 championship. In addition to his Hole in One, Brett also scored an Eagle on #18. His remarkable back nine score also included 2 birdies.Kevin Moore finished two shots back at 75, while Jason Burroughs was another stroke behind at 76.

Division 3 — Evan Wilking

Consistency was the key for Evan Wilking, who posted rounds of 40 and 39 for a 79 (+7) and a three-shot Division 3 victory. Evan’s round did not include a single birdie but his steadiness for 18 holes led him to victory. Tim Elder and Mark Cortese finished at 82 to share second place.

Division 4 — Addie Berube

One of the biggest performances of the Pioneer Classic belonged to Addie Berube.Addie opened with an outstanding 35 and finished with a 75 (+3) to claim Division 4 by seven shots. Berube’s fantastic round widened her lead for the Denver Player of the Year, but this is still a very exciting race for D4 POY with only 3 tournaments remaining. The leader can still change with 2 of the 3 remaining events being Elevated with double points and prize money.Braedyn Davis, Clint McCarver and Richard McCoy all finished at 82, but no one was able to catch Berube.And Addie wasn’t finished.

Mid-Am Net — Addie Berube

Berube completed a terrific day by also winning the Mid-Am Net Championship.Her net score of 64 (-8) gave her a three-shot victory over Division 3 champion Evan Wilking, who finished at 67. Division 2 champion Brett Miller placed third at 68. Winning both her division and Mid-Am Net made Berube’s performance one of the highlights of the Pioneer Classic.

Division 5 — Michael Elder

Michael Elder captured Division 5 with rounds of 48 and 45 for a 93.Elder finished seven shots clear of Cody Canzona, with Joe Welch taking third.

Senior Net — McCoy and Rubick Share the Top Spot

The Senior Net competition couldn’t have been much closer.Richard McCoy and Van Rubick each finished with a net 69 (-3) to share the top position. Rich won the scorecard playoff utilizing the 3rd tie breaker to take home the trophy. The 1st place money and points were split evenly between Van and Rich. Eric Drucker, Vern Rubick, Jeff Fulkerson and William Boortz were all just three shots behind at even par.

The Road to the Denver Finals Continues

With the Pioneer Classic complete, the 2026 Denver Amateur Players Tour season is heading into its final stretch.

Next up is The Case Classic at Willis Case Golf Course on Saturday, August 22, an Elevated Event featuring double points and double prize money.That will be followed by The Pine Classic at Pinehurst Country Club on Thursday, August 27, before everything culminates with the Denver Finals at Fox Hollow Golf Club on Sunday, September 13 and the crowning of our 2026 Denver Local Players of the Year in all seven Divisions.

To Register: www.aptgolf.org