Sarah Bidney – December 2008 PROfile

 Name: Sarah Bidney
College/University: Simpson College
Year Turned Professional: 2002, Class A in 2006
Facility and Job Title: Toad Valley and Jester Park,PGA Teaching Professional
Career Low Round/Course: 68, Stonebridge Country Club, Naples, FL

What was your motivation to become a PGA Professional?
I knew the PGA of America was and still is the best Professional affiliation in the industry so it was a no-brainer.

What is your specialty in the golf business?
Offering a wide variety of instruction programs, year-round. The worst thing I can become is stagnant and status-quo. I love to think outside the box and really shape my instruction based on the needs of my clients. Most recently I’ve developed a unique indoor lesson program that gives Des Moines golfers the opportunity to continue working on their game even when the weather says they can’t.
Please list any accomplishments (Awards, Certifications, and Tournaments.) 
2006, 2007 PGA President’s Council, 2006 PGA Apprentice Acushnet Scholarship Recipient (Top graduate, Iowa Section).

What was your greatest moment in golf?    
Passing my 36-hole Playing Ability Test by 12 strokes. It was my 2nd try after falling to pieces during my first attempt. There’s something about knowing the must-shoot target score that really gets into your head. I put a lot of work into my game leading up to the event. Going into the final 9 I could have doubled 2 and bogeyed 7 and still passed – it was my greatest moment in golf so far.

What or who has had the greatest impact on your career?
My father, without his support and encouragement I never would have believed this to be possible.

Besides golf, what else do you enjoy?
This past summer I’ve completed two Olympic distance Triathlons and in the past year, two half-Marathons. It’s a great thing to set a goal, follow a training program and successfully compete! I also enjoy sailing, all sorts of entertainment and spending time with friends and family – especially my nephew Eli.

If you could play any golf course in the world, which one would it be and who would complete your foursome?
Any Oceanside golf course – preferably with a calm breeze. My foursome would be rounded out with Mickey Wright, Tiger Woods and Lorena Ochoa. Mickey has what most Professionals believe to be the purest golf swing ever. I’d love to see her swing and golf course management in action next to Tiger and Lorena.

If you could give lessons to anyone in the world who would it be and what advice would you give?
Pending the decision to have golf as an Olympic sport, upon passing it would be great to develop a lesson program in a country where golf isn’t readily available. Ultimately grow golf into a competitive sport for that country.

What is your favorite golf instruction tip?
Instruction is so individualized this is a tough question to answer. Railroad track alignment (one “track” is from your ball to the target, the other “track” is your body line – which never aims at the target) is something that applies to every golfer and quite often provides an “Ah ha” moment for my clients who don’t realize they’re aiming at their target with their body.

Do you have a personal website about your services?
www.DSMGolfLessons.com