Assistant Golf Professional
Golf Academy Teaching Professional

Don Parker comes to Sportsman's and Northbrook Golf Academy after an assistantship at Highland Woods G.C. in Hoffman Estates. Prior to golf, Don has an established background in secondary education, teaching English literature, coaching soccer and directing theatre. He has also been a tradesman, a salesman, and a performing artist. Along with a rediscovered love for golf, Don continues to enjoy writing, photography, playing guitar, kayaking, and cycling.

Following a career that may well be described as ‘searching', Don returned from a 17-year break, not only to play the game of golf, but to pursue a new career in teaching it. Considering his reasons for the long break, Don says, "I couldn't compete as a junior, no matter how good my practice game was. I always choked. It was heartbreaking, so I quit."

His recommendation to students of the game, is to enjoy the learning process and never give up on themselves. "When I came back to golf, I discovered that I had given importance to things that had nothing to do with a sound game and a reliable swing." He is committed to improving his game and pursuing his apprenticeship with the PGA.

Now Don plays and teaches golf to emphasize good habits and personal awareness, and to build upon sound attitudes and solid fundamentals. With these changes he believes students of all levels can foster the joy of playing each shot, and playing for a lifetime. "Golf helps me make sense not only of what is happening on the course, but also of what is happening elsewhere in my life. Although not always the same, golf and other life situations are, many times, often similar."

Don's teaching background helps to shape his philosophy: "I think it is important to understand how we begin to learn, as well as how to apply what we already know to better understand what we still want to learn." Learning to play the frustrating game of golf, in Don's opinion, helps strengthen the student's sense of personal process; a livelihood he aspires to live for himself.

Don looks forward to his first season at Sportsman's Country Club, completing his PGA Apprenticeship, and continuing to help all comers develop their own amazing games. Don can be reached at Sportsman's Country Club by calling the Golf Shop at (847) 291.2351, ext. 128, by email at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it , or on his cell phone at (773) 732.6430.