Name: Zack Vervaecke

College/University: Black Hawk Junior College and Southern Illinois University

Year turned Professional: 2008

Facility and Job Title: Jester Park Golf Course PGA Head Professional

Please give a summary of your Background and credentials
I started out as an Assistant for the City of Rock Island at Highland Springs and
Saukie Municipal Golf Courses. Got out of the business for about 3 years before
returning as an Assistant at Davenport Country Club. I was an assistant at DCC for
5 years before becoming the Head Professional at Jester Park Golf Course where I
have been for the past 4 years.

What was your motivation to become a PGA Professional?
I have always loved the game of golf since a very early age. When I left the
business for three years, I worked various jobs from changing oil and fixing tires, to
cleaning industrial ovens and oxidizers, running CNC machines, and finally
construction. It was my last job working construction that I realized how much I
really missed everything that the golf business had to offer. I made a few phone
calls and ended up taking the job at Davenport Country Club nine years ago. I can say
without question that I am glad I got back into the business.

What is your specialty in the golf business?
Jester Park is leased by a small Golf Management group called Green Golf
Partners. I know that I was skeptical going to work for a Golf Management group
but since doing so it has opened my eyes to all aspects of the business. The
amount of resources at my disposal helps me make precise, prompt-to decisions on
marketing, equipment, best practices, and much more.

Please list any accomplishments (Awards, Certifications, and Tournaments.)
2010 Iowa Open Champion

What was your greatest moment in golf?
Winning the 2010 Iowa Open and becoming a Class A PGA Professional in 2008

What or who has had the greatest impact on your career?
My father who brought the game of golf into my life, my first mentor Kevin Kwak,
and Second Mentor John Panek.

Besides golf, what else do you enjoy?
Fishing, walking, spending time with my daughter, and any recreational activity.

If you could play any golf course in the world, which one would it be and who would complete your foursome?
Augusta National no question!! Me, Tiger, President Obama, and my dad.

If you could give lessons to anyone in the world who would it be and
what advice would you give?
Boy is that a tough one….I would say any young aspiring junior golfer that is
willing to put in time and effort into his/her swing/game to make themselves better.
I would let them know that everything isn’t always about mechanics/positions/and
looks…..sometimes you have to learn how to put the ball in the hole and make a
number.

What is your favorite golf instruction tip?
You can sometimes be your own best friend on the golf course…..or your own
worst enemy….the decision is yours to make.

If you have a personal website about your services please list the URL here
jesterparkgolf.com

The Iowa PGA PROfile is proudly sponsored by Terry & Scott Harris of Harris Golf Cars.  CLICK HERE for more information on Harris Golf Cars.

Lisa Miller, PGA

College/University: B.A. in Education from the University of Northern Iowa (first woman to receive an athletic scholarship in golf at UNI); M.A. in Athletic Administration from the University of Iowa

Year Turned Pro:  1994:; first woman to attain PGA membership in the Iowa PGA Section

Facility and Job Title:  City of Cedar Rapids Golf Operations (four courses). Director of Golf Operations; 17 years as an adjunct faculty member for the PGA PGM program; National Education Committee member

What was your motivation to become a PGA Professional?
My spouse was my motivating factor to become a PGA Professional. I was looking for a career where I could utilize my talents as a coach, manage a business, work with people who were enjoying a sport and love going to work every day. Golf fit my dream.

What is your specialty in the golf business?
Operations management….I fully enjoy golf programming and supervising both golf professionals and turfgrass superintendents.

Please list any accomplishments (Awards, Certifications, and Tournaments.)
2005: Master Professional membership (Golf Operations)
2009: Elected to the Athletic Hall of Fame at the University of Northern Iowa
2008: Iowa PGA Section, Horton Smith award
2006: Iowa PGA Section, Bill Strausbaugh award
2005 & 2003: Iowa PGA Section Merchandiser of the Year award for public facilities

What was your greatest moment in golf?
Playing against Nancy Lopez several times in college.

What or who has had the greatest impact on your career?
Teaching on the adjunct faculty for the PGA PGM program. The apprentices aspiring to become PGA members continue to influence my professional golf career.

Besides golf, what else do you enjoy?
I enjoy all kinds of athletic activities: biking, basketball, gardening, and fitness walking. I also enjoy traveling, relaxing and viewing beautiful scenery plus wine tours.

If you could give lessons to anyone in the world who would it be and what advice would you give?
I would love to give a golf lesson to my brother who was killed in action in Vietnam.

What is your favorite golf instruction tip?
My favorite instructional tip relates to golf course management. I always suggest to my students to approach their play in segments on the golf course. The scoring portion of the game is much more manageable when viewed by 3 hole segments. Students seems to recover more quickly from a disastrous hole when they try to play their best for every 3 holes instead of for the entire 18 holes.

 The Iowa PGA PROfile is proudly sponsored by Terry & Scott Harris of Harris Golf Cars.  CLICK HERE for more information on Harris Golf Cars.

Jay Giannetto, PGA

College/University:  Mississippi State University

Year Turned Pro:  2004

Facility and Job Title: Ames Golf & Country Club, Head Golf Professional

What was your motivation to become a PGA Professional?
The love that I have for the game of golf was the only motivation that I needed in order to take the steps to become a PGA Professional.

What is your specialty in the golf business?
I would say my specialty in the golf business is member relations. Being at a private club, it is important to make sure you always go above and beyond to make sure you take care of people.

Please list any accomplishments (Awards, Certifications, and Tournaments.)
Class A PGA Member (2010), Won the 2011 Pro Superintendent.

What was your greatest moment in golf?
Winning the 1998 Iowa High School State Golf Championship with my dad as a coach.

What or who has had the greatest impact on your career?
My dad has had the greatest impact on my golf career. He was the one who introduced me to the game. He has always encouraged me throughout my playing days and he continues to support me now in my journey as a PGA Professional.

Besides golf, what else do you enjoy?
I enjoy spending time with my family. I also love playing and watching basketball.

If you could play any golf course in the world, which one would it be and who would complete your foursome?
I would love to play Augusta National. My foursome would be my dad, son Carter and Jack Nicklaus.

If you could give lessons to anyone in the world who would it be and what advice would you give?
I would like to give a lesson to Barak Obama. The advice given would mostly be unrelated to golf!!

What is your favorite golf instruction tip?
Remember to play “golf shot”, not play “golf swing.”

If you have a personal website about your services please list the URL here.

http://www.amesgolfcc.com

The Iowa PGA PROfile is proudly sponsored by Terry & Scott Harris of Harris Golf Cars.  CLICK HERE for more information on Harris Golf Cars.

College/University: University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Year Turned Pro:  2011
Facility and Job Title:  Elmcrest Country Club, Assistant Golf Professional

What was your motivation to become a PGA Professional?

I started thinking about what I wanted my career to be when I was a young kid, much like most people. I went through the normal Pro Athlete phase, which was then followed by the doctor phase. I was actually pretty set on being a doctor until the summer before my Senior year of high school when I heard about the PGA Golf Management Program at Nebraska. Being from a small town, I had no idea what the golf business was about. We had a 9 hole course in town, but it was far from being PGA Certified, and we didn’t have any golf professionals. As soon as I found out I could have a career in golf, it was a no brainer for me. I loved golf and quickly realized I wanted to be around it every day. Naturally, being a golf pro was the perfect fit for that. That idea was quickly confirmed once I started the program and I haven’t looked back since!

What is your specialty in the golf business?

I wouldn’t really say I have a specialty yet, as I am still very young in the business. I am trying to learn as much as I can right now, and may choose a specialty in the future. I do enjoy club repair and teaching, especially beginners!

What was your greatest moment in golf?

My greatest moment was actually two moments in one. On Fathers Day 4 years ago, I got my hole-in-one at my home course in our annual father-son golf tournament. My father, grandpa, brother, and cousins were all there to experience it, which made it even more special. It was the last hole of the day in what may be the last time I get to play in that tournament, a tournament that I played in every year from ages 5-20. The second moment came the following Fathers Day when my dad and brother came to Lincoln to play Wilderness Ridge, the course where I was working at the time, to play for the day. It was a beautiful day and on the 18th hole, one of the most difficult on the course, a long par 4 with water all along the right and bunkers up the left, I holed out from 200 to shoot even on the day, my best round at that course. It was the perfect ending to what has proved to be the last time I have played golf with my family on Fathers Day.

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

There are a few people who have had the greatest impact on my career. The first is my Grandpa. He is the one who got me into the game when I was 5 and showed me what it was like to be passionate for the game. He is someone I have always been close to and I never would have gotten into golf if it wasn’t for him. The second person would have to be Brian Kuta, the General Manager at Iron Horse Golf Club in Ashland, NE, where I did my final internship last summer. He taught me a lot about the business, especially the need to be willing to wear a lot of different “hats.” He was always willing to get involved in everything, no matter the task, which is unique for a lot of Head Professionals and General Managers, at least from what I have seen. I view that internship as the one that prepared me the most for the golf business and I will always be grateful for that. The final person is someone you all know. I have only been here for about 9 months, but Larry Gladson has taught me more than I could have ever imagined in that short of a time. I have learned a lot about teaching, how to manage staff, and how to become a more rounded golf professional. He is also a lot of fun to work under and I can’t imagine what I will learn from him in the future!

Besides golf, what else do you enjoy?

I am a big movie person. I love watching any movie and I have close to 350 of my own. Comedies are by far my favorite though.

If you could play any golf course in the world, which one would it be and who would complete your foursome?

It would either be Augusta or The Old Course at St. Andrews. I know that is cliché but are there any two courses with a better history? The rest of my foursome would be Tiger, Michael Jordan, and weirdly enough Justin Timberlake. Tiger and Jordan might be a bit obvious, but I have heard JT is hilarious and I feel like this foursome would be a ton of fun.

If you could give lessons to anyone in the world who would it be and what advice would you give?

I would say Jessica Alba, for obvious reasons! I don’t know if she plays, so the advice would probably be pretty basic, grip, posture, etc. Who doesn’t enjoy gorgeous women playing golf?!

What is your favorite golf instruction tip?

My favorite tip is more of a drill. I put a cone about a club’s length away from the student and have them swing at the cone for the takeaway and inside it on the downswing. It’s amazing the progress they make when you give them something visual to shoot for in their swing.

The Iowa PGA PROfile is proudly sponsored by Terry & Scott Harris of Harris Golf Cars.  CLICK HERE for more information on Harris Golf Cars.

College/University:  Harper College
Year Turned Pro:  1975
Facility and Job Title:  Manager of Golf Services

What was your motivation to become a PGA Professional?
Love of the game, competition and dissatisfaction with life as a manager in a large manufacturer (International Harvester) assembly line floor.

What is your specialty in the golf business?
Taking non performing public/ municipal operations and making them profitable and an asset to the community by upgrading staff, amenities, conditions, tournaments and outings, and other programs like Junior Golf.

What was your greatest moment in golf?
Not sure it has happened yet- otherwise too many to count, but has to be connected to Junior Golf and the Sticks for Kids Program.

What are your accomplishments or awards?
Certified Golf Manager/ Oglebay NGF Program Founder
Quad City Sticks for Kids Pilot Program

What or who has had the greatest impact on you career?
The young Assistant Professionals I came into the business with back in the 1970’s and 1980’s. We were going to change the industry- and we did!

Besides golf, what else do you enjoy?
Travel, Cruising, Fishing, Bowling and Fantasy Football.

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 regular Wednesday group at home.

If you could give lessons to anyone in the world who would it be and what advice would you give?
Bill Murray- Don’t give up your day job.

What is your favorite golf instruction tip?
It has evolved over the years from Hogan tips to currently I borrow a lot from Jeff Ritter- especially his power drill.

This Iowa PGA PROfile proudly sponsored by Terry & Scott Harris of Harris Golf Cars.  Click Here for more information on Harris Golf Cars

College/University:  University of Alabama at Birmingham
Year Turned Pro:  1992
Facility and Job Title:  Owner of Collegiate Prep Golf Academy

What was your motivation to become a PGA Professional?
I have always had a love of the game since I was 4 years old. Always was a dream to be a PGA Professional.

What is your specialty in the golf business?
Junior Golf and Coaching. I spent 11 years as the Men’s Golf Coach at Iowa State University. Now I have my own academy to help kids.

What was your greatest moment in golf?
Playing in my first PGA Tour event. I won the Monday qualifier to get in and it was a dream come true to be inside the ropes.

What are your accomplishments or awards?
Played in 2 PGA Tour events (Hardee’s Classic- now John Deere)
All Sun-Belt Conference 1989 and 1991
Sun-Belt Conference Champion 1991
Named to 30th Anniversary All Sun-Belt Golf Team

What or who has had the greatest impact on you career?
J.D. Turner. I had the privilege to work for him at Brooks Golf Club in Okoboji, IA. I watched him teach and spent many years teaching in his corporate golf schools.

Besides golf, what else do you enjoy?
I enjoy all sports and love to travel.

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 Dad, Arnold Palmer and Jack Nicklaus.

If you could give lessons to anyone in the world who would it be and what advice would you give?
My niece and nephew- I would teach them all the basics of the game, but most importantly teach them how to have fun and love the game.

What is your favorite golf instruction tip?
Learn to control your wedges. Proper tempo is key. All players no matter what skill level have to hit wedges and pitch shots well. The better you get at these the better the entire game.

Personal URL:
www.Collegiateprepgolfacademy.com

College/University:  Winona State University
Year Turned Pro:  2006
Facility and Job Title:  The Meadows Golf Club- General Manager/Head Golf Professional; Loras College- Head Men’s & Women’s Golf Coach

What was your motivation to become a PGA Professional?
I grew up around the game of golf and tried some different things before getting into the golf industry, but golf is what made me happy.

What is your specialty in the golf business?
I would have to say instruction.  I used to be a teacher and I really enjoyed it.

What was your greatest moment in golf?
Anytime one of my kids, Loras players, or students have success on the course.  I love seeing them succeed.

What are your accomplishments or awards?
Titleist Performance Institute Certified Golf Fitness Instructor, and Class A PGA Professional.

What or who has had the greatest impact on you career?
My grandpa introduced me to the game.  I still think of the things he taught me.

Besides golf, what else do you enjoy?
Watching my kids participate in various sports and activities, attending sporting events.

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 grandpa, brother and both daughters

If you could give lessons to anyone in the world who would it be and what advice would you give?
Tiger.  As far as advice, we would have to see how he’s hitting it that day.  I would just like to hang out on the range with him and shoot the breeze.

What is your favorite golf instruction tip?
I am all about setup.  So many swing faults are a result of a poor setup.  Make sure you have your body parallel to you target line and just rotate.  Good things will happen.

College/University:  St. Clair College, Windsor Ontario, Canada
Year Turned Pro:  2003
Facility and Job Title:  Tournament Club of Iowa, Head Golf Professional

What was your motivation to become a PGA Professional?
From the minute I started working in the golf shop I wanted to help people enjoy the game more and having the education of a PGA professional would help me better serve them.  All of my bosses where great people in and out of the business and I looked up to them and wanted to follow in their footsteps.

What is your specialty in the golf business?
I would like to think of myself as a “Jack of all Trades”, I enjoy all sides of the business.  I love to see the smiles on the range when a drill clicks for the student, and way a tournament comes together.  If I had to pick just one it would have to be the relationship with the members and public that walks through the door every day.

What was your greatest moment in golf?
So far I think I have had two great moments in golf, my first hole-in-one and the day I was elected to membership in the PGA of America.

What or who has had the greatest impact on your career?
Two people have had a great impact on my career, my father and Tim Miskell, PGA Master Professional.  My dad taught me the importance of doing right by your employees and members, and Tim taught me a lot about the being a good instructor and politician in the shop.  I still call both of them to pick their brains.

Besides golf, what else do you enjoy?
Coming out of Canada hockey is in my blood, playing and refereeing during the slower time in the winter.  During season I like to get out to a ballgame, walking our dogs with my wife and spending time on or near the water.

If you could play any golf course in the world, which one would it be and who would complete your foursome?
Pebble Beach, with Arnold Palmer and then it would be a tossup with my family filling the rest of the spots as I don’t get to spend as much time with them as I would like.

If you could give lessons to anyone in the world who would it be and what advice would you give?
I like the lessons that I get to give daily to my staff and helping them come along as professionals and as people.

What is your favorite golf instruction tip?
Play to your strengths, you don’t have to hit it a mile, if you know what you can and can’t do on a golf course you can better manage your game and play better golf.

If you have a personal website about your services please list the URL here:
Facebook.com     search: ACHGolf

College/University: Mississippi State University
Year Turned Pro: 2006
Facility and Job Title: River Valley Golf Course,
Head Golf Professional

What was your motivation to become a PGA Professional?
I love being on the golf course and I wanted to help people play better golf.

What is your specialty in the golf business?
I wouldn’t say I have one specialty in the golf business. I believe I am very diverse. I love giving lessons, merchandising and managing.

What was your greatest moment in golf?
My greatest moment in golf happened just last year. I made a hole-in-one on a 360 yard, par 4, over the #10 hole here at River Valley.

What or who has had the greatest impact on your career?
All of the people that I have worked with and for have made the greatest impact. They have taught me so much.

Besides golf, what else do you enjoy?
I really enjoy basketball and running. I coach a basketball team during the winter. I also enjoy time with my wife and going to see a movie.

If you could play any golf course in the world, which one would it be and who would complete your foursome?
I’d play at Cypress Point with my Dad, Tiger Woods and Ben Hogan.

If you could give lessons to anyone in the world who would it be and what advice would you give?
To the average low to mid handicap golfer, play the course. Remember golf is an outside sport and you don’t always get the right bounce or the best lie. Deal with it and move on.

What is your favorite golf instruction tip?
Relax! Everyone seems to get to tight. Golf is fun. Incorporate that in your golf swing and stay loose.

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

College/University: Central College, Pella, Iowa
Year Turned Pro: 1997
Facility and Job Title: Bridgestone Golf (Territory Manager)

What was your motivation to become a PGA Professional?
I followed in the footsteps of my mentor and friend, fellow PGA Member Bob Bruns.  I was drawn to the idea of working in a field I love while serving members and guests and making them better.

What is your specialty in the golf business?
Merchandising and sales.  I continue to use my expertise in merchandising to help my accounts with new ideas, displays, and more.

Please list any accomplishments (Awards, Certifications, and Tournaments.)
Iowa PGA Merchandiser of the Year in 2004 and multiple sales awards during my 5+ years with Bridgestone Golf.

What was your greatest moment in golf?
Winning the Merchandiser of the Year was awesome, but I’d like to think my greatest moment has yet to come.

What or who has had the greatest impact on your career?
Bob Bruns, my former golf coach and boss.  It was long drives to golf tournaments during college when he and I would talk nonstop about the golf business while the other guys slept.  I continue to seek Bob’s guidance more than a decade later.

Besides golf, what else do you enjoy?
I read incessantly, spend more than my fair share of time in the gym, and I’m a confessed political junkie.

If you could play any golf course in the world, which one would it be and who would complete your foursome?
Augusta National, with Greg Norman, Fred Couples, and Paula Creamer.  Greg, to pick his brain on his business sense; Fred, to hear some stories; and Paula because, well, she’s hot.

If you could give lessons to anyone in the world who would it be and what advice would you give?
My lesson would be to any golf pro or pro shop manager who wants to learn more about effective golf shop merchandising and sales.  Visiting 200+ facilities every year builds up quite the bank of ideas.

What is your favorite golf instruction tip?
The grip is the most important part of the golf swing – it’s the only part of the body that actually makes contact with the club.

If you have a personal website about your services please list the URL here:
http://www.bridgestonegolf.com