By Vinnie Manginelli, PGA
Bernie Najar is a GRAA Elite Growth of the Game Teaching Professional and Golf Digest’s #1 Teacher in Maryland. The PGA of America Director of Instruction at Caves Valley Golf Club in Owings Mills, Maryland, is a four-time Middle Atlantic PGA Section Teacher of the Year, two-time Section Professional Development Award Winner and a Quarter Century PGA Member.
Najar is a PGA Master Professional with advanced certifications in PGA Coach, AimPoint, Plane Truth, Swing Catalyst, TPI Level 1, Boosting Dynamics, K-Vest and SAM PuttLab. His latest book, Speed-Power-Finesse: How to Play the Three Games of Golf was published in June, and he is the subject of this month’s Five Questions feature.
Golf Range Magazine: When did you get your start in golf, and who got you into the game?
Najar: I grew up in Bethesda, Maryland, and started playing golf at age 12 when I was introduced to the game through a junior clinic with PGA of America Golf Professional Rod Thompson at Kenwood Golf and Country Club. He and his staff made golf seem so cool and interesting, and I was immediately intrigued with learning how to play, despite having no one else in my family who played.
Golf Range Magazine: Did you play golf in high school or college, and when did you know you wanted to be a PGA of America Golf Professional?
Najar: I played golf in high school and at American University in Washington, D.C., where I graduated with a finance degree. My fascination with the game of golf made it a natural fit for me to be in the golf business. I love to learn and have always enjoyed helping golfers of all abilities improve their games.
Golf Range Magazine: What’s trending in your programming and instruction at your facility?
Najar: For juniors, my PDP Program is a blend of individual and group skill-building sessions that have produced eight of the last 13 Maryland State Junior Championship winners. For adults, I offer individual sessions, speed and power sessions and short game schools. They’re all very popular.
Golf Range Magazine: What is your favorite part of the game of golf? The business of golf?
Najar: My favorite aspect of both is the opportunity to help golfers of all abilities.
Golf Range Magazine: What does the future hold for you as a proven leader in golf coaching and instruction?
Najar: I want to continue refining my coaching programs, travel more, play more golf with family, friends and my students, learn more about health and fitness and continue to integrate technology in the best ways to help my students and run my business more efficiently.
I always enjoy sharing my experiences with fellow professionals and am happy to mentor anyone looking for guidance and encouragement.
