We got to catch up with Ricky Mendoza of the Colorado Tour on his meteoric rise over the years from the Jones Flight (the fifth flight on Tour) to the Championship Flight (the top flight on Tour).  Ricky won four times in the 2023-2024 season, including the Western Open Major Championship at Paiute GC (pictured above), where he tied for medalist honors and posted the two lowest tournament rounds of his life. Ricky shares his experience and remarkable journey on Tour below…

What year did you start on Tour and what flight did you start in?

The first tournament I played was on June 16, 2012. It was at The Raven at Three Peaks in Silverthorne, CO. I was in the Jones flight. I shot a 115 and finished in dead last place!

Do you feel that competing on the U.S. Am Tour has helped you get better as a (tournament) golfer?

The Tour has always been my primary source of motivation. I’ve worked tirelessly on the range and focused intensely on the mental side of the game, all with the goal of winning more tournaments on the Tour. This dedication has made me a better golfer overall. The people I’ve met through the Tour have been incredibly encouraging and supportive. It’s a unique environment, one that I wasn’t accustomed to in competitive baseball — where your competitors are also your biggest supporters! Some of my best friends today are from the U.S. AmTour.

What drives you to get better and what do you think is the most effective way to continue to improve your game?

I’ve always had the drive to improve in any sport I’ve pursued, constantly competing against myself. My goal is to be better today than I was yesterday. Sometimes, that means taking a step back to take two steps forward. The Tour provides me with a clear measure of where I stand, allowing me to track my progress and identify areas for growth. While winning is always the ultimate goal, I focus on improving my scoring average year over year. This approach keeps me motivated and hungry to refine my skills, knowing that even small gains can lead to big results over time. The journey of continuous improvement is what fuels my passion for the game.

What does it feel like to move all the way up to the Championship Flight? Did you feel gratification every step of the way?

Being in the Championship flight now feels a bit surreal. I never imagined I could improve this much, especially when I think back to those tough moments on the course that every golfer faces. We all experience challenging rounds, tough holes, missed putts, frustrating range sessions, and days when our mental game just isn’t there. But the journey continues, and each promotion from one flight to the next is incredibly gratifying. It’s a testament to the progress I’ve made, a validation that my efforts are paying off, and a powerful motivation to keep pushing through even on the tough days.

What flight was the hardest to get to? Jones to Palmer?  Player to Championship?

The hardest was definitely Jones to Palmer because I was not only still learning how to play golf, but I was learning the rules (which are extensive!), and I was learning the mental aspect of tournament golf all at the same time. From Player to Champ was not easy at all, but it was significantly more focused on specific aspects of my game. I knew what I needed to work on and I knew that change and progress were going to be a challenge, but the challenge was nothing new to me at that time.

Did you ever get frustrated or something that told you you don’t belong in the new flight?

Every golfer promoted to a new flight on tour likely experiences doubts before their first tournament—I’m no exception. I’ve had those moments of wondering, ‘Do I belong here?’ or ‘Can I actually win?’ But ultimately, I always remind myself that I am a better player than I might feel in that moment. In golf, as in any sport, the mental game is far more crucial than the physical swing you bring on any given day.

When I got promoted from Jones to Palmer in 2015; I won my very first tournament in the new flight. When I got promoted to Hogan in 2017: I won two tournaments in the first season. When I got promoted from Hogan to Player in 2021; I won two tournaments in the new flight and 9 total in the four seasons I’ve been in Player.

What are your goals now that you have achieved the top flight on Tour?

The goals for this flight remain the same. Continue to improve my game and continue to win. I have proven to myself that I can play well and win in every flight. It may take a little longer than previous promotions, but the journey continues! I’d like to, in the next few years, attempt to qualify for the U.S. Mid-Am.