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.

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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