Roger Byers USGTF Level III Member Zion, IL

My golf profile begins when I first joined the military in 1984. Until that point, I had never touched a golf club because it was not promoted when I was a youngster. In the spring of 1984, I decided to play golf at a 9-hole course at the Naval Training Center in San Diego. This was my first attempt at golf. Nevertheless, I knew that I had to find something that would fill the void away from the structured military life.

Well, it is almost 20 years later and I am about to retire from the military. My passion for golf has grown exponentially. Throughout my military career, I have been stationed in areas that had an extensive association for sports, especially golf. I volunteered in many capacities (League President, secretary, handicapper, and tournament director) assisting golf leagues for many military commands. Traveling the world is part of the military life and I have visited over 40 different countries throughout the world.

I had been giving lessons for a few years and this past summer I was assigned as one of several Lead Instructors for the First Tee program. Volunteering in this program gave me the opportunity to realize that teaching golf would be my next career. I registered for the Level III full certification and earned my qualification at the Fox Hills Resort in eastern Wisconsin. My examiner was Mark Harman.

Upon reflection, it does not surprise me that I wanted to teach (golf). I am currently a Naval Instructor and Master Training Specialist for the U.S. Navy at Great Lakes Naval Training Center in Great Lakes (Chicago), Illinois. I have been teaching young sailors about military life for many years.

Over the next year, my goal is to gain as much experience in the golf industry as possible. Currently, I am employed part-time at the Willow Glen Golf Course. Additionally, I like to tinker with club making and constantly try to think of innovative ideas that can help golfers improve. I have several ideas that are in the developmental stages. I hope to market a swing training aide in the next year or so.

My wife and I live in Zion, Illinois and we enjoy playing golf together. We like to attend PGA events and over the past 8 years we have traveled to five U.S. Opens, the 2000 Open Championship (British), the 2003 Tour Championship, and countless regular tour events. This past summer I was given the opportunity to volunteer the entire week of the U.S. Open. I am excited about my future in the golf teaching industry and very pleased I am a USGTF member.

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