May 22, 2019 at 8:56am
As a child, Michael Wenzel spent many summer days tagging along with his father to their local golf course.
“He was my first coach,” said Wenzel, a PGA Certified Teaching Professional and Director of Golf Instruction for Northbrook Golf Academy. “He taught me the basics of playing the game. At the end of our first round or after practice, we would stop for ice cream or have a Snickers bar.”
Today, Wenzel passes on his knowledge and love of the sport to fellow and aspiring golfers at Northbrook Park District’s Sportsman’s Country Club, 3535 Dundee Road. Wenzel recently achieved national recognition from Golf Digest, which named him among the Best Young Teachers in America for 2018-2019.
“What I love most about teaching golf is being able to help my students hit a shot better than they ever have, achieve a personal best round and have more fun playing the game—whether competitively or recreationally,” Wenzel said. “I enjoy learning from my students as much as they enjoy learning from me.”
Wenzel decided to pursue golf full-time after playing at Augustana College. He began his career at Sportsman’s Country Club in 2004, where he developed his love of teaching, working with students of all ages.
“It’s a terrific achievement for Michael to receive this recognition on a national level by arguably one of the most prestigious publications in golf,” said Director of Golf Greg Baron. “I’ve always been impressed with Michael’s passion and commitment to teaching the game to others.”
For Wenzel, learning to play golf goes beyond the game. Being out on the course is an excellent way to appreciate nature and the outdoors—memories he still treasures from his childhood golfing days.
“The course I grew up playing would have deer, turtles, foxes and other animals which was always neat to see on the back nine,” Wenzel said.
Interested in learning to play golf or sharpening your skills? Progressive instruction at Sportsman’s Country Club’s Northbrook Golf Academy begins with an evaluation. Evaluations are available and run one hour at $125 for adults and $120 for youth.
Sportsman’s also offers an award-winning Practice Range, voted best in the North Shore for three consecutive years, Classic 18, East 9, TrackMan© customized clubfitting, summer camps, adult leagues and lessons for all levels of golfers. The District’s par-3 Anetsberger Golf Course, 1750 Techny Road, offers an excellent opportunity for developing or sharpening short game skills.
For information, call 847-291-2351 or visit sportsmansgolf.com.