Interview With Andy Runkel PGA Director of Instruction The Bog Golf Club

Below is an interview with Andy Runkel the PGA Director of Instruction at The Bog Golf Club. Along with the day to day requirements of a club professional, he conducts a great six week ladies development clinic and junior golf program at The Bog. He also coaches Northern Ozaukee High School Golf Team.

Over the last five seasons, he has been involved with the Titleist Performance Institute learning & adding golf fitness to his teaching resume. His partner and Andy opened Golf Performance Institute of Milwaukee (GPI) which is a great resource for golfers of all ages to prepare their bodies for the long golf season through stretching and light strength training.

The following are a few traditional and non traditional golf centric questions that I love to ask influential people in the golf industry.

When did you start golfing and who introduced you do the game?
I started golf when I was twelve years old. My brother and I were caddies at Ville du Parc in Mequon. We thought it was the greatest "gig" ever, making twice the money carrying golf bags instead of delivering newspapers on our paper routes. We played nine holes on Monday afternoon after we had our free caddy lessons. The instructor was a assistant pro from Minnesota named "Bump". This guy could "pound it" off the tee.

The memory I have isn't the best one. Both of our parents worked so if my brother and I wanted to caddy on Wed or Thurs we had to ride our bikes from Saukville to Mequon. That is quite a ride when you are twelve.

What is your current home course?
The Bog Golf Club, an Arnold Palmer design located in Saukville, WI.

To date, what is your proudest golf accomplishment?
Playing in the Wisconsin State Open the last couple years has been really cool but my proudest moment in golf has been coaching my high school team (last season) to a winning conference record after going winless the previous two seasons. It really does suck to not win one dual meet over a two year period.

What is your biggest golf pet peeve on or off the course?
SLOW PLAY!!!! It is quite a task to keep customers moving on the course and it is even worse to have to play that slow when I finally get time to play.

My advise to fellow golfers is to keep it moving out there. Talk and play at the same time, its not that hard. PLAY READY GOLF AND/OR BE PREPARED TO PLAY WHEN IT IS YOUR TURN!!!!!!

What is your favorite club in your bag and why?
My Odyssey center shafted Putter- its been w/ me for over five years. I hit plenty of bad shots w/ all the other clubs so I need to make some putts to help salvage my score.

What is your favorite golf destination?
I cant wait til every off season to go to Florida in Febuary and play golf with my friends in Naples & Orlando and in Tampa with my brother and Nephew.

What course is on your bucket list that you have not played yet?
Who wouldnt want to play Augusta National? I'm still waiting for a invite from Mr Billy Payne.

If you woke up tomorrow and could play one course you played before, where would you play?
I really enjoy playing Copperhead at Innisbrooke Resort in Palm Harbor, FL. If you havent played there, go. Beware, it will kick your butt.

If you could change one aspect, rule or thing about golf, what would it be and why?
I would allow a free drop from a divot in the fairway only. I think it is unfair to hit a great tee shot down the middle of the fairway and find that your ball is in a divot.

Dream foursome (living)?
My dad (never been able to play with him), Phil Mickelson and professional poker player, David Negreanu

18 Rapid Fire, Off The Cuff Questions

1) Hitting Long Drive OR Sinking Long Putt?
Long putt for sure. I need to make a "bomb" as it is usually for a par.

2) Having Round of Life OR Hole in One?
Never had a Hole in One and would like one.

3) Golfing at the crack of dawn OR twilight?
I only get up early when I have too. Twilight for sure.

4) Hit a power fade OR power draw?
Power fade. The power draw leads to the "snap hook".

5) Beverage cart OR halfway house?
Halfway house

6) Bathroom OR bushes?
Bushes

7) Hot dog OR wrap?
Hot dog is KING!

8) Around the green, being in sand OR thick rough?
Around the green

9) Walking OR riding?
Walking a few rounds a year is OK but it is easier to carry Miller Lites in your cart cooler

10) Do you carry traditional 3 iron OR hybrid?
Hybrid, although I always seem to hit my 3 iron straighter

11) Do you prefer long par 3 OR long par 5?
Par 5's are always more fun

12) Pants OR Shorts?
Shorts. I wear pants all day

13) Palmer OR Nicklaus?
Mr Palmer is the MAN.

14) Beatles OR Elvis?
Abbey Road baby.

15) Play for fun OR play for money?
Play for cash or dont play.

16) Bump and run OR flop shot?
Flop shot

17) Lay up OR gamble?
I wish I could say no and "lay up".

18) 18 holes OR 36?
36, if it isn't a "death march"