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Deck named Teacher of the Year

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Glenn Deck taught when he was being honored for being a great teacher Sunday night at the Balboa Bay Club.

During his acceptance speech, the PGA director of instruction for Pelican Hill and Oak Creek Golf Clubs gave a tip to the people in attendance. He told them to find a way for golf to be fun.

That was one of the many reasons why Deck was named Teacher of the Year by the PGA of America’s Southern California Section.

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Deck can place the award next to a few others. He has earned past honors as one of Golf Magazine’s Top 100 Teachers in America since 2002 and Golf Tips magazine’s Top 25 U.S. Instructors in 2012.

As the director of instruction for Pelican Hill in Newport Coast he’s been featured by the Daily Pilot a few times and he’s also provided advice in print and on video on the publication’s website.

Even when he was being honored at the awards ceremony on Sunday he couldn’t help but continue teaching.

“Golf is a game that almost anyone can play,” Deck told his peers and others connected to the game. “It is demanding, it can be exhilarating, it can be frustrating at times, but hopefully overall it’s fun.”

Deck also showed his appreciation for the award and thanked the staff at Pelican Hill and Oak Creek in Irvine.

“Golf provides a lifetime pursuit of challenges and problem-solving opportunities,” he said. “There are a lot of ways to swing the club, roll the ball and play the game of golf. As a teacher and a coach, our job is to work with each student, and find the way for them to enjoy the game of golf. When we make golf fun for others, that’s when the magic happens. The game of golf teaches us lessons about etiquette, honor, integrity, dedication and how to deal with adversity. Everyone benefits.

“So do me a favor, forget about teaching the perfect golf swing and go find a way for golf to be fun for your clients or members.”

Glenn stays busy while offering instruction for two sites. In addition to workshops, junior golf camps and private lessons for local golfers, he contributes his expertise to various magazines as a guest writer for several publications.

“From the time he began teaching in the late 1980s, Glenn has shared his passion for the game of golf with countless men, women and children through his approachable and innovative teaching style,” said Steve Friedlander, vice president – golf for Pelican Hill and Oak Creek Golf Clubs, in a press release. “As a leading teaching professional today, Glenn continues to help golfers advance their game and lower their scores with his own thoughtful balance of technology-enhanced teaching tools, personalized instruction methods and a steadfast appreciation for the fun of the game.”

steve.virgen@latimes.com

Twitter: @SteveVirgen

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