Community remembers valley local through memorial golf tournament in support of suicide prevention

The Roaring Fork Valley will host the inaugural Bulls to Birdies: Zach Jammaron’s Memorial Golf Tournament on July 13. The event is dedicated to the memory of Zach Jammaron, who took his life on June 5, 2022. More than just a day of golf, this gathering is a tribute to Jammaron’s life, filled with activities that echo his vibrant spirit while promoting mental health awareness and suicide prevention.

The tournament, held at the Lakota Links Golf Club in New Castle, is organized in collaboration with the Garfield County Suicide Prevention Coalition and The Aspen Hope Center. The event aims to marshal community efforts to address and support mental health issues, particularly focusing on suicide prevention among men. Organizers Keith Walker and Zach Thomas were close friends of Jammaron’s and saw the need to transform grief into proactive community engagement following Jammaron’s passing.

Driven by the dual goals of remembrance and impact, the tournament will feature a full day of golf among friends and supporters. With nearly a full roster of 128 participants, the event promises to be a full local gathering. Proceeds from the tournament will benefit local mental health initiatives and the Suicide Prevention Coalition, aiming to provide critical resources to those in need within the valley.

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“The tournament came about after we lost Zach in 2022,” Winkler said. “It was something we kicked around shortly after his passing, and about eight months ago, we decided to raise money for suicide prevention and men’s mental health.”

“It was obviously felt by everyone, how hard it hit the community,” Winkler said, recalling the overwhelming turnout at Jammaron’s memorial service, which was held at the local rodeo grounds.

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 A passionate bull rider who saw success during his time at the Carbondale Wild West Rodeo, as well as other rodeo appearances, Jammaron was just as passionate about his time on the greens.

“He loved riding his bulls but he was also just a guy that you could go play a round of golf with,” Winkler said. “Every friend group needs their worst golfer and that was Zach for us, but he loved to play the game.”

Thomas reminisced about how Jammaron would effortlessly win the hearts of those around him, illustrating the deep impact he had on his friends and community.

“There wasn’t a single person that didn’t love him,” Thomas said. “He was a character and a great friend.”

The tournament will see all funds go towards partnering organizations who emphasize proactive suicide prevention efforts. This strategy aims to foster resources within the community to prevent the tragic circumstances that led to Jammaron’s passing.

Ken Jammaron, Zach’s father, commented on the initiative.

“It’s cool that his friends have taken the lead on this and are running with it. It just kind of shows the impact he had on his friends.”

Prize offerings include a hole-in-one contest, where participants have the chance to win a brand new 2024 Subaru WRX as well as a putt-off contest where the winner will secure a seven-night vacation at one of over 3,000 resorts across Canada and the United States. 

To sign up, visit bullstobirdies.com.