Naperbrook Golf Course Professional Staff
Tim Dunn
Head Golf Professional
Naperbrook Golf Course
tdunn@napervilleparks.org
History
Tim completed the Golf Professional Training Program (GPTP) in April of 2006 and is currently a member of the PGA of America. He began playing golf at the age of fifteen and has been involved in the sport ever since. He is a twenty-four year resident of Naperville and has been part of the Naperbrook staff since its doors opened. He turned professional in 1998 and has been teaching and instructing as part of the professional staff ever since. Tim prides himself in working and developing young juniors into future competitors as well as assisting adults who are just learning the game or have been using incorrect swing mechanics. A college graduate of Illinois State University, Tim has a great deal of knowledge in regards to the intricacies of the golf swing and possesses the ability to apply that know-how to each student’s unique swing.
Teaching Philosophy
“I am a firm believer that golf is a game where all individuals that play have the same goal of success and enjoyment. To attain these goals, golfers utilize different and unique methods. My philosophy is to build upon a student’s strengths while gradually making swing adjustments that are comfortable for each individual. This method will provide golfers of any level with the consistency that they seek. I believe that students must commit themselves to a process that will improve their game in addition to remaining positive. Confidence is crucial to good golf and is a reflection on the student’s sense of self and ability to achieve success.”
Approach to Teaching
“As I work with my students I emphasize the aspect of open communication. I ask that they communicate their dreams and goals as we build on the golf game and golf swing. My approach to teaching involves the ability to identify a beginning golfer’s strong attributes and weaknesses. I do emphasize that with each weakness, there is often strength, and with that strength lies the ability to understand and improve accordingly. Finally, I stress that with repetition and the ability to practice with efficiency and effectiveness, each student will be able to perform at a level that is consistently better as they progress from practice area to the golf course.”
Joe Sterr
First Assistant Golf Professional
Naperbrook Golf Course
jsterr@napervilleparks.org
History
Joe began his professional career at Springbrook Golf Course in 1983, where he served as an Assistant Golf Professional. In 1989, Joe left for Tamarack Golf Club in Naperville where he served as an Assistant Professional for two years and the Head Professional for two years. This will be his 13th year as a member of the Professional Staff at Naperbrook Golf Course.
Teaching Philosophy
"My teaching philosophy and goal is to get my students swinging their arms, body, and club together (full swing). I believe the arms, hands, and the proper shoulder rotation put the club on the correct plane, and the body, used properly, creates the necessary speed in the golf swing.”
Approach to Teaching
“My approach to teaching is to keep the golf swing simple, and I stress the basic fundamentals of the golf swing to my students. I believe the best way to create power, accuracy, and consistency is to avoid compensating for moves during the swing. My teaching emphasis is on setting up “square” to the target line and swinging the golf club on the correct path with the correct clubface position.”
Dick Barr
Assistant Golf Professional
Naperbrook Golf Course
dbarr@napervilleparks.org
History
Dick has been a professional at Naperbrook for the past 7 years. He started playing the game 52 years ago and finally turned his avocation into a new vocation of introducing novice golfers to his passion. He also is a collector of hickory shafted clubs, USGA approved balls and golf literature, and has become a student of the rules of golf. Dick was a Captain in the Marine Corps and served two tours of duty in Vietnam. He also served for two years in Ecuador organizing credit unions as a Peace Corps Volunteer. After receiving his MBA from Harvard University, he spent 25 years in business as a sales, marketing, and business planning executive with companies primarily serving the automotive industry. Besides the enjoyment of working with new golfers of all ages, Dick enjoys the rewards of helping to improve the game of more experienced players.
Teaching Philosophy
“I play golf because I love the game. I teach it because I enjoy helping others achieve a similar excitement and respect for golf’s challenges. Golfers will respond if they are improving or reinforcing effective progress. Humor helps relax the student just as an initial interview helps orient the teacher. Then it becomes a matter of focusing on the fundamentals of set-up, grip, one piece take away, wrist cock, extension, swing plane, balance, and full turn towards the target. My experience tells me to work on one, not more than two things at a time to ensure that students can begin to measure their own progress and not get overloaded with complications. I strive to keep the learning process as simple as possible, but also challenging. Without the challenge, there can be no satisfaction in successful execution.”
Approach to Teaching
“Children learn by imitation and trial and error; so do adults. Both discover that what looks easy when done well usually isn’t. It takes coaching, explanation, encouraging reinforcement, positioning, positive feedback, purposeful practice, repetition, and patience. As a teacher, I try to mix all of these to help the student establish their achievable goals. Without goals, progress is ill defined and leads to frustration and a loss of interest. For beginners, I prefer to start at the cup and work back, but whether beginner or professional, it always comes down to fundamentals. Computer technology can help but I try to avoid placing too much reliance on it. I prefer the unavoidable truth of executed shots on the range (or the course) for feedback. Golf is not a video game and we should not try to make it one.”
Doug Roberts
Assistant Golf Professional
Naperbrook Golf Course
droberts@napervilleparks.org
History
Doug is an Assistant Golf Professional at Naperbrook Golf Course and is currently pursuing membership into the PGA by way of the Golf Professional Training Program. Prior to beginning his professional golf career in 2005, Doug worked in sales for both travel & packaging industries. Being a Park District facility, Naperbrook offers Doug a tremendous opportunity to teach players of all skill levels.
Teaching Philosophy
All golfers have a swing that is unique. My responsibility is to find that swing and make it work for the individual. Golf presents a myriad of physical and mental challenges every time you step on the course. Success and realization of goals are very important to a student in order to build confidence in their game. Fundamentals such as grip, posture and tempo are intergral components to a successful swing. A combination of both the technical skills and the individual characteristics a player brings to their game will define their success in golf.
Approach to Teaching
What is your motivation for taking lessons? Maybe you want to beat your brother, have an activity to share with your spouse, or perhaps you would like to learn for business outings. Your driving force is important to me. Together we will develop an individual lesson plan that will guide you to achieve your goals. I build solid relationships with my students based on trust. With that trust we can establish short and long term goals derived from time, dedication and mutual feedback. Lessons will not only include fundamental skill work, but also course management and insights into the mental side of the game. Your achievements will be reinforced during playing lessons to review what has been accomplished and lend way to additional perspectives.
Parin Schmidt
Golf Course Superintendent
Naperbrook Golf Course
pschmidt@napervilleparks.org
