By Vinnie Manginelli, PGA
Eric McInerney, the owner/operator of McGolf in Dedham, Massachusetts, is a Golf Range Association of America (GRAA) Elite Growth of the Game Teaching Professional and was the 2022 New England PGA Section Player Development Award winner.
With state-of-the-art amenities like Toptracer Range technology and Full Swing Golf simulators, an expansive driving range, a natural grass short game and putting practice area, mini golf, private lessons, group clinics, summer junior camps and even a cafe with burgers, hot dogs and ice cream, McGolf is a perennial GRAA Top 50 Stand Alone Facility.
With many GRAA awards on his wall, we’re proud to feature Eric McInerney, PGA in this month’s edition of Five Questions.
Golf Range Magazine: When did you get your start in golf, and who got you into the game?
McInerney: Growing up in Needham, Massachusetts, my dad introduced me to the game of golf and sparked my love for it. I started hitting golf balls at his indoor golf facility when I was just five years old. When I was six, my dad bought a driving range, and I began practicing there on weekends. I started taking the game more seriously when I was around 10.
Golf Range Magazine: Did you play golf in high school or college? When did you know you wanted to be a PGA of America Golf Professional?
McInerney: I played four years of high school golf at Catholic Memorial High School and continued playing in college at Phoenix College before transferring to Scottsdale Community College, where I joined their golf team.
After college, I began teaching golf at Western Skies Golf Club in Gilbert, Arizona. Eventually, I returned to Massachusetts to teach at my family’s driving range. I pursued the PGA Professional Golf Management Program after several years of coaching because it was important to me to become a PGA Member and contribute to growing the game I love. In 2015, my family sold the driving range, but I was fortunate enough to partner with an investor to purchase the facility back in 2016.
Golf Range Magazine: What’s trending in your facility’s programming and instruction?
McInerney: Since purchasing the facility, I’ve developed a variety of successful instructional programs. These include member short game contests, group lessons, summer camps, winter leagues in our golf simulators and after-school programs for kids.
In 2022, I was honored to receive the NEPGA Player Development Award, which recognized my efforts to grow the game through these programs at McGolf. It was a proud moment and a testament to the work we’ve done to create a welcoming and educational environment for golfers of all ages and skill levels.
Golf Range Magazine: What is your favorite part of the game of golf? The business of golf?
McInerney: My favorite part of golf is the countless memories it has given me over the years with friends and family. Growing up, golf was my joy, and now it’s been incredible to see my two young daughters fall in love with the game just as I did.
I feel truly fortunate to make a living doing something I love. Helping people improve and introducing them to golf brings me so much fulfillment. Watching students succeed and develop a passion for the game is the most rewarding part of what I do.
Golf Range Magazine: What does the future hold in golf for you as a proven leader in coaching and instruction?
McInerney: I aim to continue growing the game of golf and ensuring our facility remains a place where people can learn, improve and develop a lifelong passion for the sport. Currently, I’m mentoring a PGA Apprentice who shares my enthusiasm for golf. Together, we’re always brainstorming new programs and ideas to enhance the experience at our facility.
I also hope to pass on my love for the game to my daughters, just as my dad did for me. Golf will always be a part of my life, and I’m committed to helping anyone who wants to learn and improve.
For more information about McGolf, log on to its website today!
