Scott Howe – March 2010 PROfile

Name: Scott Howe, PGA
College/University: University of Iowa, 1981
Year Turned Pro: 1982
Facility and Job Title: Des Moines Golf and Country Club, Director of Golf

What was your motivation to become a PGA Professional?
A passion for the game of golf and sharing that with others.

What is your specialty in the golf business?
Team building, seeing the larger picture and interacting with our members and guests.

What are some of your accomplishments in golf?
PGA Professional of the Year 1999; IGA Professional of the Year 2001; Apprentice of the Year Iowa Section 1986, 1990; Horton Smith recipient Iowa Section 1992, 1993; Iowa PGA Merchandiser of the Year 1999; Iowa PGA Board of Directors 1987 to 1993.

What was your greatest moment in golf?
Host Professional 1999 US Senior Open

What or who has had the greatest impact on your career?
My father Ed Howe, Ross deBuhr and JD Turner, all PGA Professionals

Besides golf, what else do you enjoy?
Spending time with my family, skiing, guitar and exercise

If you could play any golf course in the world, which one would it be and who would complete your foursome?
St. Andrews with my father, Ben Hogan and Nick Faldo

If you could give lessons to anyone in the world who would it be and what advice would you give?
Any junior golfer who is sincerely interested.

What is your favorite golf instruction tip?
Get the student’s pre-swing fundamentals in order – grip, alignment posture – and then get their swing closer to plane.

Aaron Krueger – February 2010 PROfile

Name: Aaron Krueger, PGA
College/University: University of Iowa
Year Turned Pro: 2003
Facility and Job Title: Pinnacle Country Club – Milan, Illinois, Head Golf Professional

What was your motivation to become a PGA Professional?
I wanted to do something that I love everyday. As a PGA Professional I am able to interact with great people, operate a business, teach and play a wonderful game.

What is your specialty in the golf business?
Customer service, running golf tournaments and owning the operation.

What are some of your professional accomplishments?
2007 Iowa PGA Assistant of the Year, 2008 Iowa PGA Section/PNC Champion

What was your greatest moment in golf?
Playing in the 2009 John Deer Classic in front of my family, friends and Membership.

What or who has had the greatest impact on your career?
The PGA Members that I have worked with and for: Steve Reilly, Pete Beringer, Jonathan Sutera and Todd Smith.

Besides golf, what else do you enjoy?
Spending time with my wife Tonya and daughter Lydia as well as watching Iowa Hawkeye sports.

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 my dad Gene, my grandpa Bill and fellow PGA Member Jonathan Sutera.

If you could give lessons to anyone in the world who would it be and what advice would you give?
No matter who the player, I would tell them to enjoy this game and to play it for the rest of their life.

What is your favorite golf instruction tip?
The swing doesn’t stop at impact … swing through the ball, don’t hit at it.

Joshua Carter – January 2010 Profile

Name:  Joshua Carter, PGA
College/University: Western Illinois University
Year Turned Pro: 2004
Facility and Job Title: Davenport Country Club, Assistant Golf Professional

What was your motivation to become a PGA Professional?
Helping everyone enjoy the game. I thought it would be fun to make the game I love my business and career.

What is your specialty in the golf business?
Being motivated to succeed each day! I try to convey my passion to members, guests and anyone else I encounter on a day-to-day basis.

Accomplishments (Awards, Certifications, and Tournaments.)
2009 Iowa Section Assistant Golf Professional of the Year.

What was your greatest moment in golf?
Playing the game – winning for the first time! Teaching the game – helping a local high school team qualify for the state tournament. Growing the game – being awarded the 2009 Assistant Professional of the Year.

What or who has had the greatest impact on your career?
The PGA Professionals that I have had the privilege to work under as an Apprentice. Each has helped me develop as a leader and grow as a person.

Besides golf, what else do you enjoy?
Music – playing the drums, and hanging out with friends and family.

If you could play any golf course in the world, which one would it be and who would complete your foursome?
Augusta National with my father who showed me how to play and with my grandfathers who each loved to play as well.

If you could give lessons to anyone in the world who would it be and what advice would you give?
My father. I would tell him to set up like a putt when he is chipping. Basically we would do a short game lesson – “a chip shot is like a putt with a flying start.”

What is your favorite golf instruction tip?
Speed from the ball -– forward. Turn the club upside down and swing –- listen for the “whoosh.” Where does the speed happen? Often players will release the club too early and lose power. By moving the “whoosh” they can feel and hear how to gain more power.

Dustin Miller – December 2009 Profile

Name: Dustin Miller
College/University: Mid-America Nazarene University
Year Turned Pro: 2002
Facility and Job Title: Ellis Golf Course, Head Golf Professional

What was your motivation to become a PGA Professional?
I love what I do. I really wanted a career where I could help people do something they enjoy.

What is your specialty in the golf business?
My specialty would be in my teaching. I feel that I can really help people become better golfers and enjoy the game.

What was your greatest moment in golf?
From a playing standpoint, the greatest moment would be the first tournament I won as a Jr. golfer. I remember it the most because it was my first win. On the business side it would be receiving my PGA Membership because it is something I’ve always wanted to attain.

What or who has had the greatest impact on your career?
I would say the golfing public in general has had the greatest impact on my career. They give me motivation to be a great golf professional. When I am finished with my career I want anyone I had a chance to come in contact with to say, “That guy was great at what he did.”

Besides golf, what else do you enjoy?
Spending time with my family and friends, going to Iowa Hawkeye football games, and working on my putting green in my backyard with my wife Brenna and our 5-year-old dog Katy.

If you could play any golf course in the world, which one would it be and who would complete your foursome?
I have dreamed of this scenario my whole life: Augusta National Golf Club with my father, brother, and brother-in-law.  I would love for my mom and my wife to be able to walk along to see the beauty of the golf course.

If you could give lessons to anyone in the world who would it be and what advice would you give?
Tiger Woods. I’m not sure if I would have a lot of advice for him. I would just like the opportunity to hang out with him on the golf course.

What is your favorite golf instruction tip?

Don’t try to do too much outside of your abilities, and remember it’s just a game.

For more information visit www.dustinmillergolf.com

Tom McCann – November 2009 PROfile

Name: Tom McCann, PGA
College/University: University of Northern Iowa
Year Turned Pro: 1982
Facility and Job Title: Cedar Rapids Country Club, Head Professional

What was your motivation to become a PGA Professional?
To become recognized as a quality instructor and a leader in the Golf Profession.

What is your specialty in the golf business?
I would say my specialty would be teaching. It has been extremely rewarding for me to help golfers of all ages and skill levels improve.

What are some of your accomplishments in the golf industry?
1995 Iowa Section Teacher of the Year; 1998 Iowa Section Merchandiser of the Year; 2000 Iowa Section Professional of the Year

What was your greatest moment in golf?
Playing my first PGA Tour event. The Hardees Golf Classic, which is now the John Deere Classic, Silvis, IL.

What or who has had the greatest impact on your career?
The former PGA Professionals I have worked for; Norm Luttinen, Gary Leader, Stan Ferguson and John Cummings.

Besides golf, what else do you enjoy?
I enjoy coaching basketball and traveling with my family.

If you could play any golf course in the world, which one would it be and who would complete your foursome?
I would play Cypress Point with my three sons, T.J., Tyler and Trevor.

If you could give lessons to anyone in the world who would it be and what advice would you give?
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar – I would tell him to make sure he gets custom fit clubs!

What is your favorite golf instruction tip?
To avoid casting on the downswing. I tell students to “pull” the handle of the club toward the ball rather than “push” the club head at the ball.

Web site:
The Cedar Rapids Country Club

John Habermann – October 2009 PROfile

Name: John Habermann, PGA
College/University: Coastal Carolina University
Year Turned Pro: 2006
Facility and Job Title: The Harvester Golf Club, PGA Head Golf Professional and Club Manager

What was your motivation to become a PGA Professional?
I have been working in the golf industry since I was 14 and have always been interested in all facets of the industry.

What is your specialty in the golf business?
Being able to manage multiple departments.

What was your greatest moment in golf?
Winning the state golf tournament with Ballard High School.

What or who has had the greatest impact on your career?
My current employers and my parents.

Besides golf, what else do you enjoy?
I enjoy college football, Coastal Carolina athletics, cooking and being with friends and family.

If you could play any golf course in the world, which one would it be and who would complete your foursome?
The Harvester Golf Club…but Augusta National would be nice. I’d play with Tiger Woods, President Obama and Pete Carroll.

What is your favorite golf instruction tip?
80% of golf is played inside 100 yards so spend 80% of your time practicing inside 100 yards.

Website:
The Harvester Golf Club

Kevin Beard – September 2009 PROfile

Name: Kevin Beard, PGA
College/University: Washburn University
Year Turned Pro: 1985
Facility and Job Title: Otter Creek Golf Course, Director of Golf

What was your motivation to become a PGA Professional?
It was the business side of the profession. Later I moved into teaching and management.

What is your specialty in the golf business?
Teaching Juniors, Business Management, Tournament Management and Customer Service.

What are a few of your accomplishments in the golf industry?
Four time Iowa Junior Golf Leader; Top Scorer School One; Iowa Golf Association Professional of the Year.

What was your greatest moment in golf?
Nominated for National Junior Golf Leader.

What or who has had the greatest impact on your career?
Frank Jacobsen, PGA Master Professional and J.D. Turner, PGA Master Professional.

Besides golf, what else do you enjoy?
My family and gardening.

If you could play any golf course in the world, which one would it be and who would complete your foursome?
Augusta National with my golf buddies.

If you could give lessons to anyone in the world who would it be and what advice would you give?
Tiger Woods – no advice, just to watch!

What is your favorite golf instruction tip?
Anything Haney says.

Andy Stoterau – August 2009 PROfile

Name: Andrew L. Stoterau, PGA
College/University: South Dakota State University
Year Turned Pro: 1998
Facility and Job Title: TPC Deere Run, Head Golf Professional

What was your motivation to become a PGA Professional?
Couldn’t think of a better job than to work at a golf course.

What is your specialty in the golf business?
I am passionate about teaching the game and working with the best people in the country. To provide PGA Tour quality experiences to my members and guests.

What are a few of your accomplishments in the golf business?
2008 Iowa Section Merchandiser of the year; 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, and 2008 I was part of a team that was selected as “Golf World Top 100 Golf Shops.”

What was your greatest moment in golf?
Becoming a member of the PGA of America.

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

Besides golf, what else do you enjoy?
Hunting, fishing, Minnesota Vikings, spending time with my wife Katie and three daughters, Ella, Addie and Audrey.

If you could play any golf course in the world, which one would it be and who would complete your foursome?
Royal County Down Golf Club with my wife Katie, and my brothers Ben and Nick.

If you could give lessons to anyone in the world who would it be and what advice would you give?
There’s nothing more gratifying than taking an average golfer and watching him or her improve or shoot in the 70’s the first time. Advice: patience.

What is your favorite golf instruction tip?
I believe in teaching from the ground up and that your legs are the most important aspect of the swing. If I had one move it would be to quote the great Harry Penick: “to start your downswing let your weight shift to the left foot while bringing your right elbow back down to your body.”

John Valliere – July 2009 PROfile

Name: John Valliere, PGA
College/University: Mt. Mercy College
Year Turned Pro: 1985
Facility and Job Title: Glynn’s Creek Golf Course, PGA Head Golf Professional

What was your motivation to become a PGA Professional?
I really loved the game. I have worked for some great PGA professionals and felt it would be good for me.

What is your specialty in the golf business?
Merchandising and Junior Golf.

What are a few of your accomplishments in golf?
Iowa Section Assistant of the Year, 1991; Iowa Section Merchandiser of the Year Public, 1998, 2000, 2006; Iowa Section Jr. Golf Leader, 2005.

What was your greatest moment in golf?
Passing my Playing Ability Test on the first try.

What or who has had the greatest impact on your career?
The six PGA Golf Professionals I have worked for: Dave Shackelford, Jock Olson, Larry Hartzell, Ted Lewis, Ed Schumann and Hank Stukart.

Besides golf, what else do you enjoy?
I really enjoy traveling to the beach with my family.

If you could play any golf course in the world, which one wouldit be and who would complete your foursome?
Pebble Beach with Jack Nicklaus, Zach Johnson and Tiger Woods.

If you could give lessons to anyone in the world who would it be and what advice would you give?
President Obama – I would work on basic fundamentals and get him toenjoy the game, as he would be a great promoter for the game.

What is your favorite golf instruction tip?
If nothing else, to get everyone connected to the golf club. If they canmake a big turn or a small turn, they need to do it with the golf club.

Where can we learn more about you or your facility?
www.glynnscreek.com

David Gantt – June 2009 PROfile

Name: David Gantt, PGA
College/University: Black Hawk
Year Turned Pro: 1992
Facility and Job Title: Longview Golf Centre, Teaching Professional

What was your motivation to become a PGA Professional?
Love of the game and helping others enjoy it more. Making a person happy is very important. It’s second only to saving their life!

What is your specialty in the golf business?
Teaching. I knew early as an assistant that I wanted to be great at teaching.

What was your greatest moment in golf?
When I received the Teacher of the Year award.

What or who has had the greatest impact on your career?
Bob Van Fleet, PGA. He was the Head Pro at Short Hills Country Club and is now a top sales representative for Ping.

Besides golf, what else do you enjoy?
Music. I’m a decent singer. Anything with my three daughters.

If you could play any golf course in the world, which one would it be and who would complete your foursome?
Augusta National with Nicklaus, Palmer, and my grandfather Oscar Munson.

If you could give lessons to anyone in the world who would it be and what advice would you give?
The top 30 players worldwide who tried but didn’t make the PGA Tour. With each we would determine the one part of their game that is the weakest and make it the strongest.

What is your favorite golf instruction tip?
Practice like you play. Treat each practice shot like an “on course” shot.

Do you have a Web site?
www.longviewgolf.com

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