When Greg Mastriona was hired as its assistant course superintendent in 1969, Westminster’s Hyland Hills Golf Course consisted of one 18-hole course. When he retired in 2012 as Executive Director of the Hyland Hills Park and Recreation District, Hyland Hills boasted 27 holes of regulation golf, two par-3 layouts and a multi-tiered practice facility including putting and chipping areas.
His leadership in that transformation was so profound the facility now bears his name: The Greg Mastriona Golf Courses at Hyland Hills.
Such notoriety seems contrary to the humble Mastriona, who worked mainly behind the scenes during his 40-year tenure as executive director. But golf in the state wouldn’t be the same without him.
He was the driving force in getting Hyland Hills’ Gold Course to host the 1990 U.S. Women’s Public Links Amateur and in building the facility’s magnificent clubhouse—his last accomplishment as Executive Director. He also designed Hyland Hills’ South Par-3 and designated the North Par-3 for juniors.
Throughout his career, Greg’s love of the game—in particular growing it among juniors, women and seniors—has resulted in thousands of new golfers of all ages and abilities. Graduates of Mastriona’s junior golf programs currently make up an estimated 25 percent the tee times secured at Hyland Hills.
He regularly donated the course to Colorado Junior Golf Association events, and his innovation and creativity has won admiration among his peers.
In addition to expanding the golf operation, Greg counts among his achievements creating such Hyland Hills Park and Rec District attractions as Water World, Adventure Golf & Raceway and the Ice Centre. He also left an indelible mark on Westminster’s Rotary Club.
But Mastriona’s first love is golf. A single-digit handicap, the Westminster High School graduate chose to spend his life giving to the game so that others could enjoy it, and have a first-class facility to do so as well.
