Retirement, golf, family and … golf
Avid golfer and recently retired businessman Steve Stroker tees off at Royal Lytham & St. Annes Golf Club in England.
The legendary golfer Ben Hogan once said, “The most important shot in golf is the next one.” Steve Stroker and his wife, Pam, agree and as avid golfers, they split their time between Wolcott, Colorado at Red Sky Ranch & Golf Club and the Hummingbird Cottages at The Village at Castle Pines. The Strokers joined the Castle Pines Golf Club (CPGC) six years ago.
Born and reared in Rockford, Illinois, Steve picked up his first golf club at about the age of 10 and has never looked back. He is proudly one of the recipients of the Evans Scholars Foundation, the golf scholarship that funds worthy caddies in need of financial aid for continuing education. The scholarship paid Steve’s way to the University of Illinois where he was on the swim team and also met Pam. “The Evans Scholarship is golf’s number one charity and as any alumni, it is very close to my heart,” shared Steve.
The Strokers settled in suburban Chicago and Steve worked in wealth management for 35 years. On their first wedding anniversary, Steve bought Pam a set of golf clubs, even though she did not play.
“At least it wasn’t a washing machine,” joked Steve. Pam did not have time to pick up golf in earnest then, but today, she is hooked.
The Strokers welcomed son, Jon, and daughter, Emily, and the family spent many vacations at a condo in Colorado. Their kids, like so many others, felt their hearts were here in the Centennial State and both Jon and Emily attended CU Boulder. His senior year, Jon called his parents and said, “Mom and Dad, I love you but I’m never moving back to Illinois.”
Steve and Pam decided to permanently move west. Steve joined a private equity real estate firm in Denver, Black Creek Capital, as CEO of their capital markets. He retired last year and enjoys playing in as many golf tournaments as possible.
As a CPGC member, Steve sits on the executive committee and is co-chair of corporate hospitality for the BMW Championship. For the tournament, Steve will be managing more than 350 volunteers at the various hospitality tents.
“After hosting The International for 20 plus years, the CPGC is very excited to host the BMW Championship,” explained Steve.
“The staff at CPGC is also excited for the tournament,” he continued. “They are the best staff of any golf club I have ever been associated with.” Steve added that CPGC also has a scholarship program for its employees.
When they are not playing golf, Steve and Pam enjoy their labradoodle Meli and their family: Jon and his wife, Alexa, have two sons: Charlie (3) and Sammy (8 months old) who live in Lafayette; Emily lives north of Denver.
Steve and Pam Stroker with a new Evans Scholars Foundation recipient at Red Sky Ranch & Golf Club in Wolcott, Colorado.
Steve Stroker’s family (left to right): Emily, Pam, Jon, Alexa, Sammy (8 months) and Charlie (3).
By Hollen Wheeler; photos courtesy of Steve Stroker
