Reading the Green, Part VI

Here is part TWO of THREE contributions I have made to the local Pioneer Press newspaper. All three have also appeared in the Chicago Tribune's special insert, Trib Local.

Reading The Green - Part VI.
by Chris Happ, PGA Assistant Professional at the Winnetka Golf Club

The inspirational poet and historian Maya Angelou has influenced millions of people with her words and actions, but when speaking about her role as a mentor she is quick to point out that people will forget what you said, and forget what you did, but people will never forget how you make them feel. Of course, it doesn’t take the resume or moral track record of a Maya Angelou to serve as a role model or mentor. Even from the back row of a concert or a bench on the driving range it is easy to see how the words and actions of a teacher or mentor can affect others.

“With the incredible number of young kids and young adults that walk through our doors on a daily basis, it is easy to see that our roles as golf professionals at Winnetka Golf Club extend way beyond the game itself,” says Matt Johnson, Director of Instruction at Winnetka Golf Club. “We are in a unique position that requires us to educate, coach and act in a way that teaches more than swing plane and ball position.”

Charlie Steinhoff, a member of the Winnetka Golf Club’s Elite travel team, has taken such a liking to Johnson and his instruction that he chose to spend Shadow Day, usually an opportunity for kids to follow their parents around at work, at Winnetka Golf Club learning about a golf professional’s daily routine. “Shadow Day is usually a busy day around the golf course,” says Johnson. “Honestly though, all of our instructors bring something to the table other than just golf instruction, and a lot of the junior golfers around here look up to that. That’s really important from a life and learning perspective.”

Another one of Winnetka Golf Club’s personable young professionals, Dan Leonard, coaches 3rd and 4th grade basketball over the winter months and can be seen in the bleachers at his players’ baseball games in the summer months. “It’s so important to show the kids that you care about more than just teaching them how to hold a golf club or roll in a three foot putt,” says Leonard. “By taking the time to develop relationships I think you can actually get kids to respond quicker to what you want them to do on the golf course.”

So the next time you send your Little Tiger Woods off to golf camp, basketball camp, or band camp consider how their instructors and mentors will be able to bring more to the table than just instruction.

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