Tom Apple has spent a lifetime around the game of golf, and along the way, he’s helped shape it, teach it and grow it. Born and raised near Philadelphia, he won the Pennsylvania state high school individual title in 1964 and twice qualified for the U.S. Junior Amateur before playing collegiately at Penn State and leading the team to an appearance in the 1969 NCAA National Championship at The Broadmoor in Colorado Springs.
Tom found his home in the Vail Valley, first as an assistant professional at Vail Golf Club, and then as the first head PGA professional at EagleVail Golf Club. In 1984, he became the PGA director of golf at the valley’s first private facility, Country Club of the Rockies, where he remains an instructor after retiring last year.
A PGA Master Professional since 1992, Tom’s career has been packed with highlights both on and off the course. From helping host the star-studded Jerry Ford Invitational throughout its 20-year run to working alongside top teachers such as Bob Toski to giving an estimated 10,000 lessons (including a few to a former U.S. President), his impact has been felt across generations of golfers. During his decades at the Country Club of the Rockies, Tom helped shape one of the top private golf shops in the country, with Golf Shop Operations recognizing Country Club of the Rockies as one of the top 20 nationwide an impressive 12 times.
Even more meaningful to him: eighteen of his former assistants have gone on to become head professionals, a testament to his commitment to mentorship and growth in the golf community. Over the years, Tom’s dedication has earned him some of the Colorado PGA’s highest honors, including the Bill Strausbaugh Award for mentorship, the Warren Smith Award for contributions to the game and community, and the Noble Chalfant Award for distinguished service, among many others.
The accolades only tell part of the story. As Jack Nicklaus, designer of the Country Club of the Rockies course, once said: “Tom is a wonderful ambassador for golf who is beloved by the members and staff at Country Club of the Rockies. He has a passion for teaching that is matched only by his dedication to the game and its growth, while also supporting his local community.”
Tom continues to host the Vail International Pro-Am, a tournament he started 38 years ago. The VIPA taps Tom’s vast network of golf professionals from some of North America’s top clubs, who lead three of their club members for a spirited three days of golf at Frost Creek, Country Club of the Rockies and Red Sky, with substantial proceeds going back into the Vail community.
