September PROfile

Name:   Sean English
College/University:  Southern Illinois
Year Turned Pro: 1993
Facility and Job Title: Kenwood Country Club
 Assistant/Teaching Professional
What was your motivation to become a PGA Professional?
Growing up I loved playing the game and I was taught by a PGA Professional “Kayo” Mullen.  Due to his influence, I wanted to be just like him.

What is your specialty in the golf business?
I specialize in teaching members how to enjoy the game. 

Please list any accomplishments (Awards, Certifications, and Tournaments.) 
In 2007 I was S.O.P.G.A. Teacher of the Year.  In 2008 I was the S.O.P.G.A. Section Champion.  I have quailed for the 2004 PGA Championship and 2008 US Open.  Throughout my career, I have won over 45 section, chapter, or local tournament wins. 

What was your greatest moment in golf? 
My greatest moment was teeing off on the first tee of the U.S. Open with my parents and wife watching me. 

What or who has had the greatest impact on your career?
PGA Professional Daniel “Kayo” Mullen.  He taught me about the game and life. 

Besides golf, what else do you enjoy?
I enjoy spending time with my son and wife.  I am a fan of University of Kentucky basketball and I coach the Indian Hills Lady Braves Basketball Team. 

If you could play any golf course in the world, which one would it be and who would complete your foursome?
I would play St. Andrews, with my son Grant, Bobby Jones, and Arnold Palmer. 

If you could give lessons to anyone in the world who would it be and what advice would you give?
The greatest thrill is to teach people who have never played the game before.  To see the look in their eye the first time they strike the ball correctly is priceless. 

What is your favorite golf instruction tip?
Finish with your hands over your lead shoulder, belt buckle facing the target, and standing on your back tip-toe.

August PROfile

Dave Bahr, PGA
College/University:  Miami University
Year Turned Pro:  1995
Facility and Job Title:  Maketewah Country Club – Head Golf Professional
 
What was your motivation to become a PGA Professional?
Love of the Game

What is your specialty in the golf business?
Tournament Operations and Golf Instruction

Please list any accomplishments.
Southern Ohio Section Champion in 2004
Medalist in 2006 local US Open Qualifier
Participated in 2001, 2008, 2009 PNC Championship
Participated in 2000 Atlanta Bellsouth and the Burck Challenge

What was your greatest moment in golf?   
Winning the Section Championship

What or who has had the greatest impact on your career?
My Father, Dan Bahr.  He started me in the game and helped me develop a passion for it. 

Besides golf, what else do you enjoy?
Fishing, mountain biking, jogging, and spending time with my wife Rachel and daughters, Madison – 12, Riley – 9 and Taylor – 5.

If you could play any golf course in the world, which one would it be and who would complete your foursome?
Cypress Point with my dad, Tiger and two buddies. 

If you could give lessons to anyone in the world who would it be and what advice would you give?
Tiger Woods – bring back the swing from 2000 when you won four straight majors.

What is your favorite golf instruction tip?
Preset Drill – Set the club at a 90 degree angle, complete the swing with a turn of the shoulders back and through.  Eliminates the hands while your in a perfect place.

July PROfile

Mike Pickett, PGA
College/University: Kent State University
Year Turned Pro: 2002
Facility and Job Title: Cumberland Trail Golf Club- GM/Head Golf Professional
What was your motivation to become a PGA Professional?
I have always loved the game and love pleasing people by providing them with an unforgettable golf experience.

What is your specialty in the golf business?
My area of specialty is tournament operations.  I invented the Razz Invitational. 

Please list any accomplishments.
You do not need to list any PGA of America National Awards or Certifications.I am a 4 time NOPGA Section Tournament winner.  In 2005, I won the NOPGA Assistant of the Year.  In 2005 at that time, I was the youngest certified PGA member.  I am also certified in golf operations and instruction.  In 2004, I was an Acushnet Scholarship winner. 

What was your greatest moment in golf?
The greatest moment of my career was becoming a PGA member and knowing it was the official start to my career. 

What or who has had the greatest impact on your career?
The two individuals that have had the greatest impact are Dominic Antenucci (Executive Director of NOPGA) and Gary Trivisonno (PGA Member). 

Besides golf, what else do you enjoy?
I enjoy watching movies, working out, music, art, poker, and basketball. 

If you could play any golf course in the world, which one would it be and who would complete your foursome?
I would play Augusta National with Tiger Woods, Payne Stewart, and Michael Jordan.

If you could give lessons to anyone in the world who would it be and what advice would you give?
I would choose Tiger Woods.  I would tell him to get his hands in front of him like in 2000 and quit getting stuck behind. 

What is your favorite golf instruction tip?
Put your feet together and hit balls to improve balance and stability.

June PROfile

PROfiles- Nathan B. Combs, PGA
College/University: Bowling Green State University
Year Turned Pro: 2003
Facility and Job Title: Piqua Country Club, Associate PGA Golf Professional

Please give a summary of your background and credentials.
Associate Professional – Piqua Country Club, March 2005 – Present – An 18-hole,member-owned
private facility with 310 members. Assistant Professional – WGC Golf Course,
March 2003 to February 2005 – an 18-hole, privately-owned, publicly
operated facility with 32,000 rounds. Golf Shop Assistant – KittyHawk Golf Center,
May 1999 to October 2002 – A 54-hole municipal facility with 75,000 annual rounds.
What was your motivation to become a PGA Professional?
I wanted to be one of the few considered “The experts in the game and business of
golf.” I’m honored to have those words hang above my desk.

What is your specialty in the golf business?
I would say I have two. The first, I pride myself on not having bad days, or in reality
not showing it. I know too many golf professionals who allow bad days to ruin their
reputations.
The second is technology. I was 21 when I started as a golf professional and found
technology to be something I could use to my advantage over my older fellows. I try
to incorporate it into every part of every job every day. I have a lot of pride in the
fact that other professionals come to me with questions about websites, tournament
programs, and other technology based issues.
Please list any accomplishments (Awards, Certifications and Tournament.)
PGA Member (2009); USGA Handicap System Certification (2005); Dynacraft Club
Building and Repair School (2004); Won the 2006 PCC Pro-Am (56); Won the 2006
Walnut Grove Country Club Pro-Stag (121).

What was your greatest moment in golf?
PROFESSIONAL – in 2009 we roasted my boss, Mark Robart, for his 25 years at
Piqua Country Club. I was given the opportunity to close the program, and did so in
fine form. A month later I became a PGA member and it too was celebrated at a
party attended by many of the same friends and club members who were there for
my boss. It was an honor to be held in such similar regard.
PLAY – Winning the 2006 PCC Pro-Am with member Kirt Huemmer. I made 6 birdies
and an eagle, and Mr. Huemmer made 4 gross and 4 more net birdies. Remarkably,
of the 15 times that one of us made birdie or eagle, not once did it happen on the
same hole. We shot a 16 under 56, two shots better than any other score in the 80
year history of the event.

What or who has had the greatest impact on your career?
My wife, Heather.

Besides golf, what else do you enjoy?
Playing the piano and Dayton Flyers basketball.

If you could play any course in the world, which one would it be and why?
The Ocean Course at Kiawah Island with my father Ed, and friends Josh Hafenbrack
and Jim Beaver.

If you could give lessons to anyone in the world who would you choose and
what tips would you give them?
My two children Ella and Luke. Make friends with the people you play with. I’ve met
good golfers who are jerks, but all the great ones I know are great people as well.

What is your favorite golf instruction tip?
Something I learned looking back at lessons I’ve taken from Jon Marchi. Build up
your student’s confidence before, during and after addressing their swing. A
confident golfer hits better shots.
…And…
“You want to win? Play better.” – The late Gene Bayman, whose resume included
more than 30 Piqua Country Club, Piqua City and Miami County Championships over
four decades.

If you have a personal website about your services please list the URL here:
www.nathancombspga.webs.com

Patrons

What is the SOPGA Patrons Program?

A Southeast or Southwest Chapter Golf Patron is a golf enthusiast or corporation that wants to play an active role with the SOPGA- Southeast or Southwest Chapter, by supporting local PGA Professionals and their local programming

 To find out more about the 2010 Patron Programs please click on the links below!

 

Southeast Chapter Patron Brochure

 

Southwest Chapter Patron Brochure

April PROfile

PROfiles- Eric Thielsen, PGA
Year Turned Pro: 2004
Facility: Bridgeview Golf Course, Teaching Professional

Please give a summary of your background and credentials.
Born and raised in Reynoldsburg, OH, I started playing the game at 9 years old. My high school years were spent playing in tournaments and working on my game with top 50 Junior Golf Instructor Gerry Hammond. 1999 was when I got my start working on golf courses and I have not looked back since. In 2004 I turned professional and enrolled into the PGM program. Then by April of 2009 I became a PGA member. In that time I worked as an Assistant Professional, Teaching Professional and as a clinician with The First Tee. Since the time I became a member I have become a PGA Certified Professional in Instruction and a Titleist Performance Institute Certified Golf Fitness Instructor.

What was your motivation to become a PGA Professional?
I wanted a career in an industry and game that has shaped the person I have become and the opportunities I have been given.
 
What is your specialty in the golf business?
Golf Instruction and Golf Fitness.
 
Please list any accomplishments (Awards, Certifications and Tournament.)
TPI Certified Golf fitness Instructor. Golf Pro Level 2.
 
What was your greatest moment in golf?
Passing the PGA’s P.A.T. test before graduating high school.
 
What or who has had the greatest impact on your career?
PGA Professional Gerry Hammond & my father Jeff Thielsen.
 
Besides golf, what else do you enjoy?
Working out, cards and wine.
 
If you could play any course in the world, which one would it be and why?
St. Andrews Old Course; my three friends Kyle Garrett, Peter Golato and Matt Temple.
 
If you could give lessons to anyone in the world who would you choose and what tips would you give them?
I would give lessons to Jamie Lovemark. Just to be able to work with an up and comer on the tours would be a great pleasure. As for advice I would say I know you are in good shape but lets put you on a TPI program/plan and see where you’re really at.
 
What is your favorite golf instruction tip?
More of a concept or theory but swing sequence and when and in what order things move in the golf swing is more important than where they move.

March PROfile

PROfiles- Andrew Montgomery, PGA
College/University: The Ohio State University
Facility: Kinsale Golf and Fitness Club/Scioto Reserve Golf & Athletic Club – Director of Golf Operations

What was your motivation to become a PGA Professional?
The love of the game and all the people who play it.

What is your specialty in the golf business?
Customer service. Working within the provate club sector, I believe this is the most important skill to possess.

Please list any accomplishments (Awards, Certifications and Tournaments)
Titleist Apprentice Scholarship Winner.

What was your greatest moment in golf?
Shooting  64 with the owner ofour golf course and his guests.

What or who has had the greatest impact on your career?
My father.

Besides golf, what else do you enjoy?
Watching football, playing basketball and my dog.

If you could play any course in the world, which one would it be and why?
Augusta National with Jack Nicklaus, Tiger Woods and my dad.

If you could give lessons to anyone in the world who would you choose and what tips would you give them?
Charles Barkley - My advice would be to try bowling.

What is your favorite golf instruction tip?
Right hand only putts: From about four feet, it teaches you to release the putter.

February PROfile

PROfiles- Kent Stevens, PGA
College/University: Miami University (Middletown)
Year Turned Pro: 1987
Facility: Country Club of the North – Assistant Golf Professional/Merchandising Manager

What was your motivation to become a PGA Professional?
The quality and character of the people I interacted with as a junior golfer left a very positive impression on me. From my Father, Alan, who introduced me to the game of golf at the age of 13 to Sam Spadafora, the Golf Professional and Max Stern, the Superintendent, who was at the course I literally grew up on.  As an adolescent, I spent all my summer days at the golf course. Whether it was playing and practicing, shagging balls while the Pro gave lessons or shining shoes in the locker room, I developed a love for the game and the environment surrounding it.

What is your specialty in the golf business?
Merchandising

Please list any accomplishments (Awards, Certifications and Tournaments)
Member Assistant of the Year award from the Southern Ohio Section of the PGA.

What was your greatest moment in golf?
The day I completed my PGA Membership interview and my peers welcomed me as a member of the PGA of America.

What or who has had the greatest impact on your career?
Jeff Steinberg.  He hired me for my first position as a pre-apprentice at NCR Country Club. I worked under Jeff for six years and gained an invaluable education as to what defined being a PGA Golf Professional.

Besides golf, what else do you enjoy?
Photography and my Volkswagen cars.

If you could play any course in the world, which one would it be and why?
I would love to walk the fairways at Augusta National.  My dream foursome would be myself, Bobby Jones, Tiger Woods and John F. Kennedy.

If you could give lessons to anyone in the world who would you choose and what tips would you give them?
President Obama – Avoid 3 putts; it will make for a better day.

What is your favorite golf instruction tip?
Tension is the number one killer of a good golf shot. Many students that I work with struggle with maintaining proper grip pressure and muscle tension.

January PROfile

PROfiles- James Awsumb, PGA
College/University: Edison Community College
Year Turned Pro: 1985
Facility: Community Golf Club – Head Golf Professional
 
What was your motivation to become a PGA Professional?
My love of the game and a desire to succeed.  I was mentored by great professionals including 1953 PGA Senior Champion, Chappy Schwab.

What is your specialty in the golf business?
My specialties include merchandising, facility management and teaching/instruction.

Please list any accomplishments (Awards, Certifications and Tournaments)
- Chapter Assistant, Stroke and Match Play Champion
- Rules Certification
 
What was your greatest moment in golf?
Becoming a Head Professional at Community Golf Club and passing Business School I on my first try.
 
What or who has had the greatest impact on your career?
My wife, Cindy Kuhn Awsumb
 
Besides golf, what else do you enjoy?
Fishing, road trips and skiing
 
If you could play any course in the world, which one would it be and why?
Any course (Chillicothe Jaycees or St. Andrews) with my Dad (Ken Awsumb), Fred and Thelma Hulme.

If you could give lessons to anyone in the world who would you choose and what tips would you give them? President Barack Obama – Wider stance, weight more toward the balls of your feet and stand taller on your right foot at finish.

What is your favorite golf instruction tip?
Practice Perfect.

December PROfile

What was your motivation to become a PGA Professional?
I enjoy being around people.  It’s the only job I’ve ever had.

What is your specialty in the golf business?
Running Tournaments, teaching and playing with members in tournaments.  I played in 90% of local tournaments.

Please list any accomplishments (Awards, Certifications and Tournament.)?
-Southern Ohio PGA Champion (1966)
-SOPGA Golf Professional of the Year (1977)
-Traveled with members to Scotland 20 times

What was your greatest moment in golf?
Playing with 1970 US Open Champion Tony Jacklin in an exhibition (I won); Finished 4th in 1964 US Pro-Am paired with Lee Elder

What or who has had the greatest impact on your career?
Dixie Rutherford, PGA (deceased) – He was like a father figure. He had a great work ethic, loved his membership and they loved him.

Besides golf, what else do you enjoy?
Watching football and basketball.  I have many nephews that I enjoy watching play in high school and college.

If you could play any course in the world, which one would it be and why?
Pine Valley Golf Club with any of my members.  I played it in 1978.

If you could give lessons to anyone in the world who would you choose and what tips would you give them?
To any one of my members – “Enjoy the game!” I have many friends at the club that I worked at for 48 years).

What is your favorite golf instruction tip?
For a right-handed golfer, load up on the rightleg on the backswing and transfer to the left leg as you approach, but swing within yourself.  Go at it about 85%.

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