Tired of Shankin' It?

I started playing golf at the age of 12 and declared myself a professional at the age of 19. Went through the PGA program and became a class A professional in 1984. I played in the GMO at Tuckaway CC in 1987 and 1988.

Qualified for 4 PGA national club professional championships and five Senior Club Professional championships in my 47 years of being a professional.

In 1993 I was awarded the Junior Teacher of the Year for the state of Wisconsin. Over the past 21 years I have deigned and taught different lesson programs including ladies and junior lessons at Muskego Lakes CC.

I believe that the only way to teach is by explanation. Nobody learns or remembers well just being told what to do. There must be an explanation accompanied with a reason for everything being taught. Besides being able to explain necessary changes in at least five different ways I use other sports that the student is more familiar with to help in the comprehension of the suggested change. I understand that most students are taking lessons to learn how to be more consistent in their ball flight and improve their solidness of contact. I really enjoy teaching people what it takes to have the ball curve right to left and go further than they ever have before.

My philosophy on golf instruction comes from over 40 years of competitive golf, golf lessons (giving and taking), coaching high school golf teams (boy's & girl's) and classes on teaching techniques through the PGA. To stay current on my playing and teaching techniques, I have and continue to take lessons with a nationally known instructor. With his instructional help, I qualified for and played in the 2004 U.S. Senior Open.

I have two goals with every student. The first is to get you to the proficiency level you want to attain with your golf game by first getting you to understand what makes a good golf swing (which is key) and then working toward your goal with a lesson plan geared to you. This is directly proportional to the second, and that is to have more fun on the golf course.

To improve your game, I feel you need to work on all parts of your game including: The full swing (working on getting the student to swing with effortless power instead of powerless effort), putting and the short game. (Chipping, pitching and sand play)

Golf is to sport what chess is to board games – neither can ever be mastered but it's oh so fun to try, so let's get started!........Enjoy golf!

I am the Assistant General Manager of Luxe Golf Bays and Assistant Golf Coach at Franklin High School. The game of golf was introduced to me at a young age by my Dad and Granddad. I had the privilege of taking my first lessons from one of Wisconsin greatest golfers and instructors, Eddie Terasa while he was the Head Pro at Oconomowoc Golf Club. From there I was hooked and have played competitively and recreationally ever since.

Since becoming a coach at Franklin High School my passion for the game has grown even more. I enjoy working with those who are new to the game and helping them to understand the golf swing and the game. My goal with anyone I work with is to help them to play better and get as much enjoyment out of the game as possible.

I am currently enrolled in the PGM program and I'm working towards becoming a full-fledged PGA teaching professional.

Erika Pirkl is a specialized PGA Professional based in Oconomowoc. She is wrapping up her seventh year with the Wisconsin PGA Section and has experience with tournament administration, event operations and player development. She enjoys introducing adults of all backgrounds to the game and working with juniors as well. Her experience playing D1 collegiate golf at Valparaiso University (Indiana) translates into her strategies when working with golfers ranging in ability. Pirkl is PGA HOPE certified to coach with veterans and those with physical limitations.

Jazz is the current Junior Tournament Manager for the Wisconsin PGA. He has an extensive knowledge in the golf business graduating from UW-Stout in 2018 majoring in Golf Enterprise Management. Prior to working with the Wisconsin PGA, he worked at Muskego Lakes Country Club where his duties ranged from working outside staff and inside the clubhouse. Jazz also did private and group lessons ranging from juniors to adults. After his time at MLCC, Jazz interned for the Wisconsin PGA from 2017-2019 which got him into the tournament administration side of the golf business. Jazz then moved to Iowa and became the Junior Golf Coordinator for the Iowa PGA from 2020-2021. In January of this year, Jazz moved back to Wisconsin to be in his current position. Jazz is also a PGA Associate working on getting his PGA membership. Jazz is originally from Waterford but now resides in Waukesha.

I am a native of Franklin, WI and a former member of the University of Wisconsin - Parkside golf team. I have been working in the golf industry for over ten years around the Milwaukee area and numerous facilities in Florida. Currently I am the Head Golf Professional at Watertown Country Club in Watertown, WI. I have taught many individual and group lessons and enjoy helping golfers reach their goals.