A putting lesson for the Introductory Class
Barbara Johnson
Everyone here at the SaddleBrooke Golf Course is just overwhelmed that our Pro Bernie Eaton has received not one but two prestigious awards. The first one is the 2016 Southwest Section PGA Player Development Award. The second award is being named the 2016 Southern Chapter of the Southwest Section Golf Pro of the Year. What a tremendous achievement! Those of us who play golf here know that he has been a tremendous driving force in initiating a multitude of programs which has created a dramatic increase in usage of our beautiful facility.
Bernie comes to us from Reading, Pennsylvania – a beautiful area in which many of us from that part of the country know well. He later underwent a dramatic change of climate and scenery and attended the University of Arizona where he received a degree in Agronomy. In his early twenties, he decided to pursue his love of golf and became a Golf Professional. From there he became the Head Pro at the El Conquistador Golf Course and then became the Director of Golf at the Pines and later the Head Pro at Starr Pass.
He came to us in 2009 when there was an opening and since then he has initiated a number of extremely popular programs. He has started a Beginner’s Group for men and women, the ever-popular Wine and Nine (who wouldn’t enjoy nine holes of golf followed by wine and appetizers in the Grill?) and Couples Golf. But perhaps his most popular has been his wacky games – Crazy Par 3’s, Moonlight Madness and Mini Indoor Golf. Of course, all of these events are followed by dinner and drinks – not to mention awards! He is currently teaching an Introductory Golf Program which has been extremely successful. This program is designed for someone who has never played the game and it consists of five group lessons for $99 – quite a deal! I’m sure a few of these attendees have got a skytrak indoor golf simulators in their garage (or similar)! There were some great golf players.
When I asked Bernie what he likes best about working here at SaddleBrooke, he said it was the enthusiasm and willingness to try new things – not just by the golfers, but by the entire clubhouse and Food and Beverage Staff. We’re so glad that Bernie has that feeling because we are certainly lucky to have him at the helm. Come try us out and see for yourself!