The Beginning

I have been a member of the Professional Golfers of America (PGA) since 1987. Born and raised in Lorain, Ohio (a steel mill town west of Cleveland), I fell in love with the game of golf at the age of 10. The first time I played 9 holes at Emerald Valley Golf Course, I shot a 99. But, I couldn't wait to get back out and try again!

Emerald Valley Golf Course is a 9 hole course we called the "goat ranch". But we didn't care because the greens were true and we could walk to the course. My brother, Don, and I were inspired by local golf pro, Joe Kucirek, whose family owned the course. Joe really encouraged us to play golf and would always help us with our game. This is why we have such a passion for junior golf! Joe made a difference in my life and I want to give that gift to other junior golfers.

Jack Nicklaus was the top golfer during my childhood and we figured it was "cool" to be like Jack. I competed in many junior golf events and won the Northeast Ohio Juniors Championship. But, the one event that really changed my life was qualifying for the 1974 Junior World Championship in San Diego. My parents put me on a plane and once I arrived, I never wanted to leave!

After School

After a high school All American, I attended a small junior college in Florida. Things didn't turn out too well, so I went back home to work at the steel mill. Eventually I saved up enough money to move to San Diego and become a golf professional. I figured if my game wasn't good enough for the tour, I could always be a club pro like Joe Kucirek. It sure as heck beat the steel mill!

Turning Pro

I landed my first job working in the bag room at Rancho Santa Fe Golf Club where I meet golf professional, Tag Merritt. We used video to work on my swing and we would play every day. Tag loves the game and was another PGA golf professional who really made a difference in my life. One year later I had a sponsor and played the mini-tours for the next 10 years. My finest moment was winning the San Diego County Open in 1981.

I had followed my dream and tried to reach it, but now it was time to settle down. I meet Marcia (her brother in law was a golf pro) and it was love at first site. During one of our first dates she followed me for 18 holes in the rain and I figured it must be love. We got married and moved to Chicago then Florida before returning to San Diego. I eventually became an instructor at The Golf University, a "Top 10 Golf School" according to Golf Digest.

The Present

I am currently an instructor at The Crossings in Carlsbad. I have been fortunate to be associated with the San Diego PGA for the past 25 years. I've been awarded San Diego PGA Teacher of the Year. In 2004, Golf Digest awarded me a "Top 50 Teacher" in the state of California.

North County Junior Golf Association is now our passion -- providing fun, competitive golf for boys and girls of all skill levels. We never know where golf is going to take us. So many people to meet and so many places to see. We can all make a difference along the way!