Director of Instruction
Golf Academy Teaching Professional

Years Teaching: 10
PGA Certified Instructor
2011 IPGA Junior Golf Leader Award 
TPI Certified Golf Fitness Instructor
2011 U.S. Kids Top 50 Instructors - Honorable Mention
U.S. Kids Golf Certified Instructor
2011 Ping Regional Club Fitter of the Year

Education:

• Earned his certification in Instruction from the Professional Golfers’ Association of America as a worldwide leader in Golf Instruction. 
•  Played competitively at Augustana College in Rock Island, Illinois and at Glenbard North High School in Carol Stream, Illinois.  He earned his Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration with a concentration in Marketing from Augustana College.
• During the summers while in college, Michael competed in the Ashworth Collegiate Tour, State Farm Collegiate Tour, IJGA, IPGA, and CDGA. 
• Turned pro in 2002 by passing the Players Ability Test conducted by the PGA of America, and 
  taking first place by shooting 72, 69.  He became a Class A PGA member in 2006, and a Certified Professional Instructor in 2009.  

To continue his education as a golf instructor, Michael attended the 2004 and 2006 PGA Teaching and Coaching Summits in Florida.  He has also reviewed all the past Teaching and Coaching summits from 1988-present.  Michael has traveled to various clubs around the country to observe top teachers and brings all of this experience to his lessons to help you with your game.  Most notably, Michael’s teaching philosophy has been influenced by some of the top golf instructors in the country.

Teaching Philosophy

Michael is passionate about helping coach people to play better golf.  He has always believed that each and every student with the desire to improve has the ability to make their goals a reality.  The real reward in golf, according to Michael, is the challenge to be the best that you can be, and the journey you take to get there.  All of his students improve and have fun with the learning process on their road to playing better golf.    

Through his research of many tips and strategies, Michael has come to the conclusion that each and every golfer has their own unique golf swing that fits that particular person – and no one else. 

Michael promises to:

• Work with what you have.
• Improve the fundamentals that are the most important to your game. 
• Simplify the learning process for you.
• Help you apply the techniques necessary to improving your game as quickly as possible.
• Teach you how to practice, and how to create a game plan for each round you play.
• Show you how to analyze your strengths and weaknesses, improve your mental game and
     strengthen your course management skills.
• Help you improve your consistency, increase your accuracy, and maximize your distance.
• Improve your short game skills – from your putting, chipping and pitching all the way down
     to your bunker shots . 
• Develop your driving and short game skills in order to help you reach your true playing
     potential.

With the help of high speed video equipment and TrackMan, along with his passion and vast knowledge for the game, Michael will deliver expert advice to help you improve your golf swing.  Whether you are a first time beginner, fine tuning your swing, improving your score, or just simply looking for a refresher lesson, Michael is here to provide you with the knowledge and drills to help you achieve your goals.   He works with players of all ages and all abilities, and no challenge is too great for Michael.  He has the gift and the ability to be able to take a complex subject, and communicate it as simply as possible to each and every student regardless of age or learning style.

• Director of Instruction for Northbrook Golf Academy at Sportsman's Country Club
• 8th year as a member of the Northbrook Golf Academy
• Director of Junior Travel Teams for the Northbrook Golf Academy
• Oversees the Northbrook Golf Academy’s Junior Golf Leagues
• Lead Instructor Staff Member for the Northbrook Golf academy.  He has been instrumental
     in improving the academy’s services.  He has made significant contributions in the
     development of the Youth Development Program, Youth Golf Leagues, the Northbrook
     Golf Academy Youth Travel Teams, Adult Clinics, as well as adult and junior private 
     instruction.    

• Anetsberger Golf Course, Northbrook, IL 
• Sportsman’s Country Club, Northbrook, IL
• Kemper Lakes Golf Course, Long Grove, IL
• Grayhawk Golf Club, Scottsdale, AZ
• Innisbrook Golf Resort, Tampa, FL
• Cantigny Golf Course, Wheaton, IL
•  Indian Lakes Resort, Bloomingdale, IL

Volunteer Experience:
      ·         Assistant Boy's Coach Glenbrook North High School
      ·         Sunshine Through Golf Foundation
      ·         Special Olympics Golf Program
      ·         Illinois PGA Education Committee
      ·         Illinois PGA Play Golf America Committee
      ·         Play Golf America Days 

Locations for Lessons:
Sportsman’s C.C., Northbrook, IL
Anetsberger G.C., Northbrook, IL
 
Contact Information
You can visit Michael on the web at www.michaelwenzel.com.  He can be reached through his cell phone at 630·507·4877, or through the Practice Range Facility at 847·291·2351 option 2.  Please send all emails to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . You can now schedule lessons with Michael online.

Click here - To schedule a lesson with Michael!