The 19th Hole: Zach Bauer

Zach Bauer
Superintendent // The Broadmoor (West Course), Colorado Springs, Colo.

Once we’re done out here, where’s the best spot for a beer? We’ll go to Fossil Craft Brewing, I’m a member there. I’ve got my own mug there. You’ve got to try their Smash IPA or their Oreo Cookie Stout. They don’t bottle it, they don’t can it, the only place you can get it is here in the Springs.

How did you and Karen meet? We met here at the Broadmoor. My former superintendent was dating her boss. They ended up getting married, and we ended up getting married, too.

I usually like to ask about sports teams, but I know you’re a Boston sports nut. It’s Patriots everything in my house. Both my parents were in the Air Force, and I grew up in Atlanta, but they were both from New England. So, I’m Boston everything, and the Braves.

How often do you get out skiing? About 30 to 40 times a year. I’m 50/50 — 50 percent resorts, 50 percent back country. I’ve got the Epic Pass, so places like Breckenridge and Vail? I know them like the back of my hand. It’s a fun hobby. It’s an expensive hobby.

So, what do you recommend visitors do when they’re in Colorado Springs? Visit Garden of the Gods in the morning, at sunrise. It gets crowded, but it’s worth it to see the red rocks at sunrise. If you’re not from Colorado, visit Pike’s Peak and experience 14,000 feet. And check out our craft beer scene, check out our food scene.

What’s your favorite tool in the shop? The chainsaw. I like cutting down trees. When the course was built, there were no trees out here. In the ’40s and ’50s they planted a bunch and took out the sightlines. And I also like the Hula-Ho in the bunkers, it makes edging so much easier.

You’ve got a great Instagram page featuring your photos. What do you shoot with? A Nikon. I like shooting landscape photography. I like to show the size of things. And I like shooting old things — old houses, farm equipment, old buildings, old cemeteries. And it’s all black and white, no color.

What will you and Karen do for Valentine’s Day? Absolutely nothing. My wife’s birthday is Feb. 23rd, so we don’t do anything for Valentine’s Day, and instead take a full-fledged vacation around her birthday. We’re not big on going to the beach. We like seeing national parks. This year we’re going on a road trip to New Mexico, see the White Sands National Monument, see Carlsbad Caverns.

As interviewed by Seth Jones, Jan. 29, 2018.

Photo: Golfdom