Over the past two decades, TGP’s own Chris Oehlerking has tirelessly worked to grow the game of golf while helping hundreds of golfers of all ages and skill levels become the best players they can be.
For his work, Oehlerking has been named the 2024 Illinois PGA Teacher of the Year, an award given each year to the PGA professional who exemplifies excellence in golf instruction and stands out as an exceptional teacher among the Illinois PGA membership.
“My heartfelt congratulations to Chris! In the 20 years that I have worked and built things alongside him, Chris Oehlerking has always moved toward growth and challenge,” said Peter Donahue, his mentor and TGP founder. “His guiding principle as I have observed it has always been to consider carefully and then work deliberately for the well-being and best interest of his students and his peers. He is thoughtful and thorough.”
The award also recognizes outstanding instruction, innovative teaching programs and the success of students under their guidance.
“The real prize for living strong to his principles is that in the process he has made something terrific of himself and he has made a very significant contribution to the lives of many, many people. Chris is a teacher, trainer, guide, coach, consultant, builder, and mentor. He deserves recognition for all of it!,” Donahue addeAd.
Chris, who is celebrating his 20th year as a teacher, serves as the Dean of Instruction and co-owner at The Golf Practice and has not only made an incredible impact on golfers of all ages and skill levels, but has built our teaching academy that inspires golfers year after year.
“For the last two years I have been teaching at Chris’ great facility in Highland Park, The Golf Practice. It is an incredible facility and I’ve witnessed first-hand the commitment Chris has to growing the game of golf with juniors, adult women and men of all skill levels on a daily basis,” World Golf Hall of Fame Teacher Hank Haney said.
Over his career, Chris has taught more than 19,000 lessons, guided 350 juniors to make high school golf teams and overseen 125 junior tournament wins. His efforts have also led to over 30 players advancing to collegiate golf and 19 participants in the Illinois Open. Among these achievements, Chris coached one Drive, Chip & Putt National Champion, and four finalists who competed at Augusta National.
“I have spent time at his instruction facility and found it to be not only first class, but his training methods for both the staff and students are an example for others to learn from. I saw a student-first environment that also had an excellent business plan.” said Michael Hebron, PGA of America Hall of Fame.
