In the Bunker with Obama

Today’s PGAmagazine.com Blog moderator is PGA Professional Gene Mulak. Gene is the PGA head professional at Vineyard Golf Club in Edgartown, Mass., on Martha's Vineyard.

There are very few people in life who can truly say they get to do what they love for a living.  You know what? I’ve yet to meet a PGA Professional who doesn’t have an affinity for the game of golf or their job.  The golf industry grants us many opportunities: the opportunity to be close to a sport we love, to be a teacher and share our knowledge with others, to influence our community, and to encounter many interesting people from all walks of life.

Earlier this summer I encountered a person who, were it not for my position as a golf professional, I probably would have never met.  When on vacation at Martha’s Vineyard, President Barack Obama opted for a couple rounds of golf at Vineyard Golf Club, where I serve as PGA head professional.  While he was using our short game practice area, I noticed he was having some difficulties getting out of the bunker consistently, so I said something from afar.  He motioned me over where, after working my way through an entourage of Secret Service Agents, I proceeded to offer him a little advice on bunker play.

As I assessed the President’s bunker strategy, I focused on three areas: ball position, address position and extending his arms through impact.  The President had a tendency to dig the club into the sand due to a closed club face, incorrect ball position and bent arms at impact. To help correct these flaws we moved the ball forward in his stance, opened the club face and worked on keeping his arms straight with the club positioned several inches behind the desired impact zone.  The result: On one of our most difficult par 3s the President found himself in the greenside bunker, but with his newly gained knowledge he was able to knock it out to about two feet and save par.

My home is located off of the 14th tee at our 18-hole private facility, and during his round the President was nice enough to stop and chat with my wife and son, and even pose for a picture.  I’m sure that many PGA Professionals have a story like this one to share; one where your position as a golf professional led to an unforgettable episode in your life.  Whether it’s working with a celebrity, a well-known tour professional, a talented junior or even the President of the United States, our expertise in the game of golf allows us to influence the lives of already influential people.  All in all, my experience with the President is one I’ll never forget. I hope he continues to be an advocate of our great sport and, furthermore, that he keeps practicing!

PGA Magazine encourages our PGA Professional readers to share unforgettable encounters or lessons you’ve had with high-profile persons.

Comments

[Kelly Elbin/PGA of America National Headquarters]

Gene,

Congratulations on such a powerful experience!

I can relate to those thrills as I am the son of Max Elbin, who served as PGA of America President from 1966 to 1968 and who was the PGA head professional for 50 years at Burning Tree Club in Bethesda, Md. While at Burning Tree from 1945 to 1995, my Dad had the unique opportunity to teach six United States Presidents – Eisenhower, Kennedy, Johnson, Nixon, Ford and Bush 41.

My Dad, who died last December, was an extraordinary man who served The PGA with honor and distinction. I agree completely with your view that the PGA Professional's expertise in the game allows you to influence the lives of extremely influential people. And I am delighted that we have a President today who enjoys the game and is eager to improve.

You carry on a legacy of sorts, Gene. Well done. I know my Dad would be very proud.

Best wishes!

Kelly Elbin
Director of Communications and Publications
The PGA of America
Palm Beach Gardens, Fla.

[Shaun Bezilla]

Gene,

What a special, special opportunity for you!

I agree - being a PGA Professional is a wonderful career choice. In Northern Michigan we have a great event, aptly named the Harbor Cup Matches, which generates monies for local charities. In 2010 we will surpass the $100,000 for the event. So whether it's meeting influential people or working for worthy causes, PGA Professionals continually find themselves in positions to impact the lives of others. Keep up the great work Gene!

Shaun J. Bezilla
PGA Professional
Harbor Point Golf Club
Harbor Springs, MI 49740

[Kevin Boyko/Millennium Lakes Golf & Country Club, Trinidad & Tobago, West Indies]

Gene,

Congratulations on that.

It can be an amazing position that we are put in by simply being a PGA head professional or PGA director of golf. I too have had numerous opportunities to teach a few well-known clients. Being in Trinidad, I have been fortunate to teach the likes of Brian Lara, one of the greatest cricketers of all time. I barely knew what cricket was before I moved to Trinidad, and I am sure that Vijay Singh would love the opportunity to teach Mr. Lara. And Dwight Yorke, a former soccer player with Manchester United is another player I have been fortunate enough to work with. These are two of the most well-known and respected athletes in Trinidad, and being able to help thier golf game is what our job is all about.
Go Ferris State University. Thanks Dr. Leclair, because of you, Gene and I are able to have these chances.

Kevin Boyko
PGA Director of Golf
Millennium Lakes Golf & Country Club
Tobago Plantations Beach & Golf Club
Trinidad & Tobago, West Indies

[Scott Mayer PGA Director of Instruction, Nonesuch River Golf Club, Scarborough Maine.]

Geno,

All I have to say is you're the man, and President Obama is fortunate he ran into a PGA Professional who has had as much bunker experience as you. Congratulations – you are a great representative of The PGA.

Best Regards,
Scott Mayer
PGA Director of Instruction
Nonesuch River Golf Club
Scarborough, Maine

[Jeremy Greiner, PGA Middle Atlantic PGA Section Tournament Director]

Hey Gene,

Nice work! Who knew all those hours baking yourself at Hay Harbor Club would pay off so well? Got any ideas on health care :-)?

Take care,
Jeremy Greiner, PGA

[Brian O'Neill]

Gene,

I enjoyed reading about your experience with President Obama! You should be proud of your achievements as a PGA member, and I always look forward to our next meeting! I am a part of the Harbor Cup events that Shaun Bezilla mentioned above and am certainly proud to be part of an organization that does so much for charity!

See you soon Pal!

Brian O'Neill
PGA Director of Instruction
Boyne Resorts
Boyne Golf Academy
231.526.3011
www.mygolfbalance.com
boneill@boyne.com