Swing
At The Golf Practice, we truly want to improve your golf game.
Whether you’re trying not to embarrass yourself with friends and colleagues, trying to gain consistency and reliability in your game or want to finally make that run at your club championship trophy, we have the experience and ability to help you get there.
For juniors, those goals might be slightly different. You could be picking up a club for the first time, eyeing your high school tryouts or competing in national tournaments.
Lessons Offered
Our experienced staff develops a comprehensive plan based on your strengths and weaknesses and puts you on the right path toward better golf. Our 13,000-square foot indoor golf facility—equipped with simulators, TrackMan devices, short game areas and more—is open in the fall, winter and spring, allowing for year-round development in your game.
- 30-minute session
- 60-minute session
- On-course playing lesson
Areas of Focus
- Short game evaluation
- Swing tune-up
- Full swing analysis
Our Coaches
Group Lessons
Chris Oehlerking
OWNER | DIRECTOR OF INSTRUCTION
A teaching career that spans nearly 20 years, Chris is our Academy’s Director of Instruction. He’s been selected by Golf Magazine to there “Teachers to Watch” list 2024-2025. In addition he’s been recognized by the Illinois PGA and U.S. Kids Golf as a leader in instruction.
Chris, whose teaching philosophy was molded from the tutelage of Hank Haney and Stan Utley, has worked with players of all abilities — from the professional and college ranks to competitive youth golfers, elite amateurs and recreational players. One of his strengths is being able to develop personalized training plans that facilitate deeper learning and retention for students.
A proud native of Canada, Chris became a PGA Professional in 2005 after a successful Division I golf career. Chris, whose work has been featured on several media platforms, serves on the Illinois PGA Foundation’s Board of Directors and The First Tee of Greater Chicago’s Young Ambassadors Council.
Jantzen Miserak
SENIOR COACH | FITNESS EXPERT
Born and raised in Dallas, Jantzen attended Sam Houston State University and completed its PGA Golf Management Program, which led to an opportunity with The Golf Practice.
Jantzen specializes in physical training and helps players understand the fundamentals of human movement specific to them that lead to consistent performance. Jantzen believes that when the body is working more efficiently that players golf swings will work more efficiently.
I believe that the more we move in the gym, in our practice and on the course the more we learn about ourselves and what we are capable of. It’s my passion to help students unlock golf that they never knew was possible!
Andy Hayes
SENIOR COACH | PODCAST HOST
The best way learning occurs is through self-discovery and experience rather than through processing information. There is plenty of information out there, but it isn’t helpful if you can’t put it into play in your unique swing. The brain works best in big ideas and concepts, and people’s tendency to grasp onto the smallest details often hurts their swing more than it helps.
In his coaching Andy helps the student become more aware of the parts of the swing that are causing them the most problems. He then helps them feel and experience a better, more reliable move, and works to bridge the gap between the two. Andy seeks to empower his students so that over time they can grow in the mastery of their swing, and can learn how to self-coach.
Andy’s hope for his students is that in addition to becoming better golfers, they will become better problem solvers, more resilient, learn to trust themselves, and develop a deep appreciation for golf that goes beyond what score they shoot. Andy’s main golf influences are Tim Gallwey, George Gankas, and Michael Murphy.
Steve Schreck
LEAD COACH
Steve grew up in Winnetka and played golf at New Trier High School. A Purdue University graduate, Steve has been a part of TGP’s junior programs since he joined the academy in 2019.
His main coaching influences are George Gankas and Adam Young. The two differ in their approach to the swing, but Steve believes a blend of both styles—internal vs. external mindset, for one—proves to be most successful for his junior and adult students.
Like our entire staff, the impact golf has had on Steve is immeasurable, from the hours spent outside bonding with friends and family to the experiences and characteristics he’s gained and uses in his everyday life.
Peter Leinenweber
LEAD COACH
Peter grew up in Evanston and played most of his golf at Canal Shores Golf Course. He was on the Loyola Academy squad all four years and continued his career at Loras College in Iowa, where he was a team captain as an upperclassmen.
He served as the program’s assistant coach and head of player development for a year after graduation and now holds a leading role in all of TGP’s junior programs. The impact golf has had on Peter’s life is immeasurable, from the lessons he’s learned to the relationships he’s formed. He hopes to pass down some of those experiences to the next generation and help create a similar impact on his students.
Caleb Nilsen
CERTIFIED COACH
Caleb grew up in Palatine, IL and played Varsity Golf at Palatine High School. After High School, Caleb continued his golfing career at North Park University, where he was voted captain by his teammates as an upperclassman. His experiences in competitive golf fueled his passion for coaching golf.
Caleb has a love for people, golf, and learning. He believes that golf is a great metaphor for life, and appreciates how learning more about the game can translate into learning more about yourself. Caleb hopes to pass down his knowledge and love of golf to his students. Whether it is in a private lesson or group class, he’s passionate about making connections, and helping the student grow their skill and enjoyment in the game of golf.
Dasa Urbankova
CERTIFIED COACH
Originally from the Czech Republic, Dasa was introduced to golf by her dad at the age of 9. Her golf journey began at Menlo College in California and continued at the University of Illinois at Chicago, where she competed as a Division 1 athlete on the women’s golf team.
Dasa brings over seven years of competitive experience, participating in prestigious amateur tournaments and playing on the professional European tour (LET). Alongside her athletic pursuits, she earned a master’s degree in Sport Psychology, which enriches her coaching approach with a profound understanding of mental performance.
As a coach, Dasa embodies a philosophy that harmonizes the mind and body in golf. She emphasizes the cultivation of self-awareness in swing mechanics and mental fortitude, empowering her students to achieve peak performance on the course.
Danny Barragan
CERTIFIED COACH
Danny grew up in Highland Park, Illinois, where he spent his childhood playing soccer and basketball. It wasn’t until later in life that Danny discovered his passion for golf, which quickly became a central focus. His journey with the sport led him to play at College of Lake County, where he developed his skills further and grew to cherish the game deeply.
Danny views golf as more than just a sport; it’s a lifelong journey filled with memories, connections, and friendships made on the course. He treasures the lessons and enduring bonds formed both on and off the course, seeing the game as a source of personal growth and camaraderie.
Danny is dedicated to sharing his enthusiasm and knowledge with others, whether through individual coaching sessions or group settings. He aims to inspire his students to discover their own passion for golf while cultivating their skills and appreciation for the game.