(Ann Arbor, Mich.) One of the state’s most accomplished players and instructors is returning to Michigan to join the award-winning team at Kendall Academy in Ann Arbor. A past Michigan Open, Michigan PGA and Michigan PGA Match Play champion, Flint native Jack Seltzer will begin teaching at Kendall Academy on May 11, continuing his longtime passion for instruction and “helping golfers get more out of their game.”
After a distinguished career as a player and golf professional in Michigan, Seltzer and his wife Pam moved to Florida in 2005 when Jack became General Manager and head PGA golf professional at Bay Dunes GC in Panama City. “We enjoyed our time at Bay Dunes and met many nice people but we missed our families and friends back in Michigan,” said Seltzer. “After dealing with the economic fall-out of the Gulf oil spill and later when the course was sold, it gave us the chance to reevaluate our goals and direction. Finally, we said, ‘let’s go home.’ ” The Seltzers’ son John is the Head PGA Pro at Ann Arbor’s Polo Fields Golf and Country Clubs while their daughter Stacey lives in Chicago. And both sides of Jack’s and Pam’s family reside in Michigan.
Having known Dave Kendall for more than twenty-five years as a colleague in the Michigan PGA Section, it was natural for Seltzer to reach out to the founder of Kendall Academy, a two-time Michigan PGA Teacher of the Year. “When I contacted Dave and told him I was returning to the state and was looking to resume teaching full-time, Dave immediately said: ‘That’s great news. When can you start here?’ ”
Kendall sees a bright future ahead for Seltzer as one of ten PGA instructors at the Academy located at Miles of Golf in Ann Arboralong with a new location at Great Lakes Golf Center in Auburn Hills. “Because of his outstanding playing record, Jack’s teaching expertise isn’t always talked about,” said Kendall. “But Jack is one of the best teachers around, with a sharp eye and keen knowledge of the game. It’s no surprise to me that Jack has worked with 38 high school players who earned All-State honors.” Kendall also lauded Seltzer for his leadership roles with the Michigan PGA including stints as Tournament Committee Chairman and PGA Senior Organization President.
Annually ranked by Golf Digest as one of the top teachers when he was in Michigan, Seltzer sums up his teaching philosophy as: “Finding out what players want out of their game and then developing a plan to get them there.” Possessing a lively sense of humor, Seltzer tells how one player came to him saying he needed a ‘quick fix’ with his poor driving. “A quick fix? Okay, I told him to throw away his driver and tee it up with a fairway metalwood. The added loft usually results in higher but straighter tee shots,” said Seltzer. “That’s a quick fix but it doesn’t address the swing faults.”
He also likes to compare golf with mathematics. “The short game-putting and chipping-is so critical and basic-it’s like adding and subtracting, especially on the scorecard. Next, iron play is like algebra; it’s the foundation of a good golf swing,” said Seltzer. “And the driver to me is like calculus-all the elements of the swing must be in synch to consistently hit it well.”
Seltzer’s math at the 1987 Michigan Open at The Bear at Grand Traverse Resort was both sound and memorable. His six-under par 72-hole total–the first time anyone recorded an under par Open finish at The Bear-was highlighted by a final round ace at the par-three ninth hole. In fact, it was captured on video by tournament officials and later that evening when picked up by ESPN television it earned iconic status as “The Shot of the Day.”
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. 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 visitwww.milesofgolf.com/lessons/
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