Michael Herzog, PGA

Please indicate past awards won/recognitions:
GRAA Top 100 Growth of the Game Teaching Professional, Golf Digest Best in State, Other (Indicate specific awards below in 3-a)

Other awards won:
2025 – Teacher of the Year MN Section Dakota Chapter 2025 – #1 Golf Digest Best Teacher in State in North Dakota. 2025 – Bismarck Community Votes Platinum Winner – Top in Golf Lessons 2024 – Bismarck Community Votes Platinum Winner – Top in Golf Lessons 2023 – GRAA Top 100 Growth of the Game Teaching Professional 2022 – GRAA Top 100 Growth of the Game Teaching Professional 2021 – GRAA Top 100 Growth of the Game Teaching Professional 2018 – U.S. Kids Golf Master Kids Coach 2017 – U.S. Kids Golf Top 50 Kids Teacher 2016 – U.S. Kids Golf Top 50 Kids Teacher 2015 – Dakota Chapter Junior Golf Leader Recipient 2012 – MN Section Player Development Award Recipient 2010 – MN Section President’s Plague Recipient

Total number of individual lessons given per year:
Male: 33
Female: 15
Junior: 200

Total number of individual clinics given per year:
12

Please indicate any Growth of the Game initiatives your facility/academy has launched over the past year (please give specifics on such programs):
One of the most significant areas of growth for our club was the Couples League. We began the season in May with just 16 teams, but momentum quickly built as word spread, and enthusiasm grew. By the last five Couples League events, participation had reached our maximum capacity, with 36 teams taking part. Our approach to encouraging growth focused on creating a fun and engaging atmosphere for all participants. Each league event featured a unique theme, including 80’s Night, Christmas in August, Halloween Night, and High School Jacket Night. These themed evenings were enhanced by a selection of drinks and hors d’oeuvres, giving members opportunities to socialize and enjoy the club environment beyond the course.
Looking ahead, we are excited to announce plans for the upcoming year. The Couples League will expand to include 10 additional events, and we are introducing free 2027 membership incentives for participating players. This initiative reflects our ongoing commitment to building community, enhancing member engagement, and sustaining the positive momentum established during this exceptional first year.

Another notable area of growth for our club has been our Game Day, formerly known as Men’s Day. We renamed the event to Game Day after opening participation to women, which significantly boosted entries. Last year, the club saw just over 15 participants. This year, we welcomed over 55 participants who took part over a solid 20-week period. This remarkable increase was largely attributable to the use of Golf Genius and live scoring technology. As a result, we grossed over $5,000 in golf shop credit for Game Day.

Please share any programming you have made to keep your customers & students engaged:
In February 2022, I took a significant step toward advancing golf instruction by establishing the Michael Herzog Golf Academy. My mission has been to grow the game of golf at a personal level, focusing on individual instruction and fostering improvement one lesson at a time.
Over the past three years, I have worked with just over 121 students, offering personalized coaching and support tailored to everyone’s needs and goals. In 2024, my commitment to accessibility and outreach led me to provide traveling lessons throughout North Dakota, delivering more than 200 lessons across the state.
My travels brought me to several courses, including Peaceful Valley Golf Course in Harvey, ND; Hazen Golf Course in Hazen, ND; and Pebble Creek Golf Course in Bismarck, ND. Each location offered unique opportunities to connect with students and expand the reach of quality golf instruction.
For more information about the Michael Herzog Golf Academy and the programs offered, please visit www.herzoggolfacademy.com.

Also, I established a collaborative partnership with Chairman Mark Fox of the MHA Nation to develop a dedicated golf instructional program for indigenous youth. The primary objective of this initiative is to broaden access to golf instruction for children who may face barriers such as limited access, lack of equipment, or transportation challenges. By leveraging resources and connections through the Michael Herzog Golf Academy, we have been able to provide meaningful golf education opportunities to these students.

During the past year, we welcomed over 35 indigenous youth into the program, offering them structured lessons and support. Building on this momentum, we are planning to expand our outreach by collaborating with local school systems in the fall to deliver in-school golf programs. This ongoing effort underscores our commitment to inclusivity and the growth of the game among underserved communities.

I actively collaborate with Eric Kluckman, North Dakota’s representative for the Veteran Golfers Association (VGA), to help veterans participate and compete in the game of golf. This partnership is rooted in a personal family connection: 1st Lt. Francis J. Herzog, a member of my family, served honorably in the Army’s 3rd Armored Division from 1939 to 1945. In recognition of this legacy and as a member of the VGA family division, I am dedicated to supporting veterans in their golfing endeavors.
As part of my ongoing commitment, I offer complimentary golf lessons to veterans who join the VGA. The VGA family division hosts events across multiple states, including North Dakota, Minnesota, and Florida, providing veterans with opportunities to play and connect through golf. In addition to my instructional work, I serve as Assistant Director for the North Dakota division and participate in the Hole-In-One show, which features and celebrates the achievements of our servicemen and women.