KemperSports Golf Professional Feature: Emily Burns

KemperSports is one of the largest employers of PGA professionals in the country. In conjunction with our ongoing player development initiatives, we will share features on golf professionals within the KemperSports portfolio of properties – experienced individuals dedicated to growing the game and sharing their passion for golf with others.

 

Emily Burns
LPGA Teaching Professional
Youth Links Instructor at Cantigny Golf (Wheaton, IL)

 

Q: What motivated you to begin teaching?
A: I wanted juniors and anyone new to the game to be comfortable learning. There is a lot to know about the game – starting from all the equipment – what’s in the bag? How and where to use it, along with how to move around the facility.  The game is surrounded with rules and etiquette – from dress to play.  I feel it’s important to preserve this and encourage proper etiquette as much as possible. Most of these skills can carry over into your everyday life. Golf can be very intimidating to get introduced to. Without the proper positive experience, it can be easily dropped. I try my best to keep things light, fun and paced so kids stay interested and engaged.

 

Q: What advice do you have for beginners picking up the game of golf?
A: Visit the course once basics are learned and set a max stroke limit to pick up and keep moving. Stay positive even with a bad shot. Showing juniors golf is fun will help them stay interested while they grow.

 

Q: What is the most rewarding part of your job?
A: Watching the juniors grow as a golfer and into an adult. This goes beyond golf. Junior players are not only learning the game golf, they are learning life skills – being responsible for their golf clubs, cleaning the practice area up, showing up on time. The game has so many facets that juniors can carry with them in their life.

Teaching youth was always something that I loved to do. Teaching the beginner players and young juniors is where I fit best.

I enjoy their attitudes. I love to watch the relationship between the player and the game grow while they grow themselves.

As a player you see them develop and as a person you see them grow and mature.  The most beautiful part of the game of golf is that it is a lifelong sport. You may be more active in camps while young, collegiate play when older, and family play when an adult. Whatever part of your life you’re living, golf can be enjoyed at any age.