Mike Paukovits Golf

General information

BIO

Mike’s passion for the game of golf has been growing ever since his dad got him his first set of clubs and took him to the driving range when he was eight years old. His father, William, played golf for LaSalle College and taught Mike how to play the game. Originally from Nazareth, PA, Mike began his career in the golf business working at Whitetail Golf Club and honing his game. During the summer months Mike would spend countless hours on the range and short game areas at Whitetail. He loved every minute of it and Mike soon found that he enjoyed competing as well. Mike joined his high school team where he was number one man his senior year at Nazareth High School. Mike also competed in numerous local junior golf events during the summer months. He learned how to win at a young age and this only added to his confidence and fueled his drive to be a competitive golfer. Mike would go on to win three Club Championships at Whitetail Golf Club. He was also a successful collegiate golfer beginning at Northampton Community College where he won the Junior College State Championship his freshmen year at Penn State’s Blue Golf Course. After two years at NCC he transferred to East Stroudsburg University, where he graduated in 2004 with a degree in Business Management.

Upon graduating college, Mike enrolled in the PGA program and became a Class “A” PGA Professional in three years. His career as a Professional began at Moselem Springs Golf Club in Fleetwood, PA where he worked for Head Professional Eric Shillinger. Eric convinced Mike to spend a winter season in Florida working for the Jim McLean Golf School at the Doral Resort and Spa near Miami. It was during his six month stint at the McLean school that Mike realized his passion for teaching the game of golf. He became a Jim McLean Certified Instructor and continues to teach the McLean system, which has become a major part of his teaching philosophy. Mike also spent a couple of winters working at Jupiter Hills Club in Tequesta, Florida. Jupiter Hills is the home of Bill Davis, one of the top instructors in Florida. Mike learned a lot from Bill and admires his approach to golf instruction as well. Mike also credits great teachers such as Christopher Toulson, Glen Farnsworth, Jared Isaacs, Michael Hunt, Tommie Marino, Bobby Cole, and Dr. Robert Neal for influencing his career. Mike also spent a winter working in the golf department at Dick’s Sporting Goods in Easton, PA. He is proud of the diverse experience he has working for the largest golf retailer in the country, the #1 Golf School in America, and some of the best private golf clubs in Pennsylvania and Florida.

Mike competed in several State Amateur tournaments as well as several state open championships in Pennsylvania. He continues to compete in PGA of America events in both the Philadelphia PGA Section and at the national level. In 2011, Mike qualified for and competed in the PGA National Assistants Championship at the PGA Club in Port St. Lucie, Florida. Mike credits his father’s subtle way of instruction growing up, never pushing him into golf, as the key to unlocking his potential. His father was smart enough to know that the lessons the game of golf teach, to build character, a positive attitude, and integrity, would become a part of Mike’s character. His parents enjoy watching their son compete and his Dad enjoys competing in Pro-Ams with Mike as well as occasionally caddying for his son in tournaments. Mike also cherishes the time spent with both his mother and father on the golf course while playing a casual round of golf. His love of competition, constant desire to improve, and passion for coaching others to play better golf, has been a strong motivation in his professional career. Mike’s girlfriend, Nikki, is a Registered Nurse at Jefferson Hospital and he enjoys spending time with her when he is away from the golf course.

Mike enjoyed a two year stint as First Assistant Golf Professional at Stonewall in Elverson, PA. He enjoyed his time spent at Stonewall learning from their Golf Professional Emeritus, Ted McKenzie. In 2012, Mike accepted the Senior Assistant Golf Professional position at St. Davids Golf Club in Wayne, PA and remained in that role for two seasons. Mike has recently been given the opportunity to teach the game full time which is his true passion, and he is extremely excited about the upcoming 2014 golf season and his new role as Teaching Professional at St. Davids Golf Club. Mike spends the winter months attending numerous educational seminars and the PGA’s Demo Day and Merchandise Show in Orlando, Florida. Mike, along with Head Professional Dean Kandle, will also be conducting a few Winter Golf Schools for the members of St. Davids Golf Club in Port St. Lucie, Florida.