Interview With Andrew Ogata 1st Assistant Golf Professional Arrowhead Golf Club By Brian Weis

Below is an interview with Andrew Ogata, the 1st Assistant Golf Professional at Arrowhead Golf Club. The following are a few traditional and non traditional golf centric questions that I love to ask influential people in the golf industry.

Can you provide our readers a brief biography? I grew up watching the game and playing on the weekends with my father. Since I could walk I had a golf club in my hands and swing that club every chance I got. I'm glad I get the chance everyday to help young kids learn the game of golf and help them enjoy the sport as much as I did growing up. I'm currently the 1st Assistant Golf Professional at Arrowhead Golf Course in Wheaton and I couldn't have asked for a better place to call my home.

When did you start golfing and who introduced you to the game? My Father was the reason I got into the game. At the age of 5 I was swinging the club in the back yard with dad on the weekends begging Dad to take me to the driving range. If it weren't for my father I don't think I would be where I'm at today and have such a love for the game.

What is your current home course? My Home course is Arrowhead Golf Club in Wheaton, IL

To date, what is your proudest golf accomplishment? Last year I had a chance to coach my first PGA Junior League team. I had a young junior on the first match of the season had a 20 foot putt for birdie. I told him to have some fun and make this putt, he responded " Coach, I'm not a good putter". I proceeded to give him thumbs up and told him to think positive and what do ya know, he made the putt with the biggest smile I've ever seen. To this day that was my proudest moment a golfer.

What is your biggest golf pet peeve on or off the course? I just can't stand it when people don't treat the course with respect. Fix your ball marks and replace your divots thats all any golfer could ask for.

What is your favorite club in your bag and why? I just love my driver. Who doesn't like to see the ball go far?

What is your favorite golf destination? I have always wanted to see Augusta during the Masters.

What course is on your bucket list that you have not played yet? I would have to say Augusta hands down.

If you woke up tomorrow and could play one course you played before, where would you play? Chicago Golf Club.

If you could change one aspect, rule or thing about golf, what would it be and why? Pace of play!!! I'm a big fan of the wile we're young commercials.

Dream foursome (living)? Arnold Palmer Phil Mickelson Kevin Streelmen

Dream foursome (living or dead)? Ben Hogan Sam Sneed Bobby Jones