(Ann Arbor, Mich.) Two of the Michigan PGA’s top award-winners for 2010 are joining forces at Kendall Academy in Ann Arbor, MI, in 2011. Longtime head pro Frank McAuliffe, the 2010 Golf Professional of the Year, is joining the acclaimed instructional team of Kendall Academy headed by Dave Kendall, the 2010 Horton Smith Award recipient.
After 29 years at Ann Arbor Country Club, McAuliffe is excited about continuing his passion and commitment for golf and teaching at KendallAcademy. “To be able to continue what I love to do-teach and coach golf-is a tremendous opportunity,” said McAuliffe, a 16-year veteran as the boy’s golf coach for Dexter High School as well as the new men’s and women’s golf coach for Marygrove College in Detroit.
“Knowing Dave for a long time and realizing what a top-notch facility Kendall Academy at Miles of Golf represents, I couldn’t be more thrilled,” said McAuliffe.
“Kendall Academy is known for its knowledgeable teachers who really care about their students and I’m honored to be joining the team.”
“Having someone of Frank’s stature and experience be a part of Kendall Academy is a huge plus for all involved and most especially for area golfers,” said Kendall, a two-time Michigan PGA Teacher of the Year. “In the Michigan Section where he serves on the Board of Directors, Frank is widely respected not only as a golf professional and player but also as an outstanding teacher and coach.”
Born in Monroe, Mich., McAuliffe’s golf roots go back to Monroe Country Club where he caddied, played golf and learned the game. After attending Monroe Community College and playing competitively there, he took a job in the bag room at Tam O’ Shanter CC in July 1977 under the eye of the esteemed golf professional Warren Orlick, the 1961 National PGA Golf Professional of the Year. The following spring McAuliffe moved up as an assistant pro in the golf shop where he worked alongside Michigan Golf Hall of Famer Orlick. After a year at Tam O’ Shanter, McAuliffe spent two years as an assistant at West Shore G & CC before becoming the head golf pro at Ann Arbor in 1982.
While at Ann Arbor CC, McAuliffe was lauded for exemplary membership service while also giving back to the PGA Section via numerous leadership positions and to the local community in his coaching and volunteer stints.
“I want to thank the membership of Ann Arbor CC for its support and kindness shown to not only me but my entire family over those many years,” said McAuliffe. “I will always be indebted to the club for giving me my first head golf professional start.”
In addition to his teaching and coaching stature, McAuliffe is an accomplished player. Three times with partner Jeff Gniewek, McAuliffe won the prestigious Shanty Creek Classic but he’s most proud of another team victory at the 2007 Michigan PGA State Pro-Am at Boyne Highlands. There he partnered with his son Frank IV, a standout player for Oakland University, and the duo took home the trophy for the 36-hole better-ball event.
In regard to his teaching philosophy, McAuliffe believes fundamentals govern every golfer’s game. “But not everyone can swing the club the same way, so it’s my job to evaluate and work with the player and see what he or she can do with it,” said McAuliffe.
“I’m also a proponent of listening to and assessing a player’s goals and aspirations. A player who wants to improve but who can only practice once a week is much different than a high school or college player wanting to get to the next competitive level.”
Finally, golfers and prospective students shouldn’t be surprised to see McAuliffe sitting in on a lesson given by one of his eight Kendall Academycolleagues. “I want to watch and observe Dave as well as Paul Haase (the 2008 PGA Teacher of the Year) give lessons. I respect them a great deal and I know they can help me become a better teacher. In this game, you never stop learning.”
Offering year-round instruction, Kendall Academy is located at Miles of Golf, a comprehensive golf operation offering a retail store, practice and teaching facility, and club-fitting center. (Another Kendall Academy location is at the Great Lakes Golf Center in Auburn Hills.) Miles of Golf is located at 3113 Carpenter Road in Ypsilanti, just 1.5 miles northeast of the US-23/I-94 interchange. Miles of Golf can be reached toll-free at 877-973-9005 or visit www.kendallacademy.com and www.milesofgolf.com
Contact:
Terry Moore, All About Golf (616) 490-0433 email: terry50moore@gmail.com
