UI golf instructor Michael Wagner has been awarded the 2023 Inland Empire PGA Development award. This accomplishment reflects Wagner’s dedication and hard work toward mentoring new golfers.
“Wagner does not just teach swing mechanics; he instills confidence and a lifelong love of golf in all who work with him,” Assistant Golf Professional Ash McClure said of Head Golf Professional Michael Wagner.
This award comes from a non-profit organization, the Inland Empire chapter of the Professional Golfers Association (PGA). Wagner and 13 other PGA professionals were rewarded for their outstanding work and commitment to the sport they love.
A true Moscow citizen, Michael has lived here his entire life. He has been committed to his work here at UI Golf for seven years, and for two of those years, he has been the head PGA instructor. His time as head instructor had made the number of golfers rise incredibly.
His accomplishments are outstanding as he has brought over 130 new people to the world of golf in just two years when just last year there were as few as 30, and as low as five the year before.
Wagner explains his accomplishment wasn’t alone as assistant golf professional Ash McClure helped immensely even though she was new to the sport herself.
“She has been a massive help with both teaching them and keeping me from not getting too stressed out,” Wagner explained. “She’s currently learning to teach golf and most of the people in the program are learning to golf, so it makes them feel comfortable cause it’s like they are all learning together”
Wagner holds lessons year-round for those who would like to take up a new hobby like golf. Even in the winter, lessons will be held inside, but it’s a great way to get some technique down before the spring and summer. Lessons can be done solo or with a friend. If interested, go to the University of Idaho Gold website and book a tee time with Wagner or another PGA instructor Cole Mize.
Sophia Newell can be reached at [email protected]