Two big-name teachers join the Dave Kendall Academy at Miles of Golf

You could say the teaching staff at Miles of Golf's Dave Kendall Academy in Ypsilanti Township got older with the addition of Frank McAuliffe and Jack Seltzer.

But the reality is the staff got wiser ... and more accomplished ... within the past six months.

I've worked with McAuliffe over the years as a sports writer while he was coach of the successful Dexter High School team and the head professional at Ann Arbor Country Club, so it was great to finally get a chance to catch up with him face to face about golf and life earlier this spring.

McAuliffe, the 2010 Golf Professional of the Year, knows his stuff. He's also transitioning into a new role as the first-ever men’s and women’s golf coach for Marygrove College in Detroit. If you recall, Marygrove has a new short-game facility designed by Tom Doak and his staff.

When Kendall walked by during my short lesson with McAuliffe, he didn't hesistate to praise his friend, calling him a "legend." McAuliffe still hits the ball as far as ever, and is a threat to win any senior tournament in Michigan. His son, Frank, just capped an outstanding career at Oakland University.

"Having someone of Frank's stature and experience be a part of Kendall Academy is a huge plus for all involved and most especially for area golfers," said Kendall, a two-time Michigan PGA Teacher of the Year.

I've never met Seltzer, a Flint native, but he certainly has a glowing resume. He is a past Michigan Open, Michigan PGA and Michigan PGA Match Play champion. Seltzer and his wife Pam moved back from Florida, where he's been working since 2005 as the general manager and head PGA golf professional at Bay Dunes in Panama City. Ann Arbor-area golfers might recognize the name. Jack's son, John, is the head professional at the Polo Fields Golf and Country Club.

“Because of his outstanding playing record, Jack’s teaching expertise isn’t always talked about,” said Kendall. “But Jack is one of the best teachers around, with a sharp eye and keen knowledge of the game. It’s no surprise to me that Jack has worked with 38 high school players who earned All-State honors.”

This staff might be the deepest, most talented ever assembled at the Kendall Academy, considering that Paul Haase and Kendall himself -- not to mention Scott Hayes and Tom Harding -- are all accomplished instructors.

For more information on the Kendall Academy, visit Miles of Golf at 3113 Carpenter Road in Ypsilanti, just 1.5 miles northeast of the US-23/I-94 interchange, call 877-973-9005 or visit www.milesofgolf.com/lessons.

Fall's the time to take stock of your equipment, game

Fall golf is upon us.

The kids are back in school and for some, the clubs might have moved from the trunk of the car to the garage for the season.

Not me. Fall is my favorite time of year to play. The weather is still beautiful. The courses are less crowded and they're still in great shape.

But whether you plan to play more golf or not, fall is a great time to take stock in your game and your equipment. It's a great time to head to your local golf superstore for great deals on equipment and clothing to stock up for next season.

Carl's Golfland, with locations in Bloomfield Township and Plymouth, has advertised some drivers as low as $70. I'm visiting Miles of Golf in Ypsilanti Township this week to get my clubs regripped and do some shopping myself.

Now's the time to stock up on new wedges, because with the new groove rule taking into effect in 2010, this is the last year that manufacturers can sell irons with the old grooves that help the ball spin easier on the greens and hop out of the rough better.

You should also consider getting a lesson plan ready for winter. If you're planning on improving in 2010, the work should be done this winter, whether it's a grip change (that's my plan) or a thorough swing makeover. You can't do it alone, so make room in your budget for at least a visit or two every month to the swing gurus at the Dave Kendall Academy at Miles of Golf or the crew at Carl's Golfland. Your game will thank you next spring.