About The Golf Practice
Our History
In 1989, TGP Founder Peter Donahue created GreenToTee Golf Academy, the first standalone golf academy in Illinois. Peter’s passion for developing junior golf curriculum quickly positioned GreenToTee as an industry leader. In 2011, Peter met Chris Oehlerking, a Hank Haney disciple from Windsor, Ontario. From there, the vision for The Golf Practice was born: a golf academy comprised of like-minded golf trainers with a passion for helping people.
By making decisions with our students in mind, The Golf Practice continued to grow its indoor golf footprint at “The Cube,” and our students began achieving success on the golf course. In 2018, Peter and Chris hired KemperSports veteran Alex Prior to take The Golf Practice to the next level. Our goal was to create a true organization that exceeds expectations in facility design, customer service, and program curriculum. Our passion is our students.
Our Mission
To Enrich People’s Lives Through Golf.
At The Golf Practice, we believe golf is about more than just the game. It’s about building relationships, developing character, fostering confidence, and creating meaningful experiences that extend beyond the course. Through exceptional coaching, a welcoming environment, and a passion for helping people grow, we strive to make a lasting, positive impact on every person who walks through our doors.
Meet the Team
Insights and Stories from the Golf Practice
The Golf Practice Podcast, hosted by Lead Coach Andy Hayes, offers a unique platform for sharing our expertise and passion for the game of golf, while providing listeners with an inside look at our teaching academy. Our coaching team engages in insightful discussions about both the technical and mental aspects of golf. We explore the latest news in the golf world and reminisce about the unforgettable moments the sport has brought us. We’ve also welcomed special guests, such as a long drive champion and TGP students competing at the college level, to offer fresh perspectives and deeper insights into the game we all cherish.
Coaching
Peter Donahue
FOUNDER
A brief conversation with Peter, who’s nearing 40 years as a PGA Professional, reflects why he’s won numerous awards and accolades as one of Chicago’s top golf coaches.
“Anything can be learned” is the cornerstone of his coaching philosophy. “Skill development and behavior modification go hand-in-hand. Learning how to practice well, and learning to enjoy your practice, is a fundamental aspect of enjoying the game of golf.”
Chris Oehlerking
OWNER | DEAN OF INSTRUCTION
With a teaching career that spans 20+ years, Chris Oehlerking serves as the Academy’s Dean of Instruction and is recognized as one of the leading coaches in the Midwest. In 2025, Chris was named the Illinois PGA Teacher of the Year and honored by Golf Digest as one of the publication’s “Best Teachers in State.” He was also selected by Golf Magazine to their “Teachers to Watch” list for 2024–2025.
Chris’s teaching philosophy was shaped under the tutelage of legendary instructors Hank Haney, Stan Utley, and Michael Hebron blending technical precision with a deep understanding of learning and performance. He works with players of all abilities — from professionals and collegiate athletes to competitive juniors, elite amateurs, and dedicated recreational golfers — helping each student develop the clarity and structure needed to unlock their potential. Known for his ability to design personalized training plans, Chris focuses on creating deeper learning and retention for lasting improvement.
A proud native of Canada, Chris became a PGA Professional in 2005. His work and insights have been featured across multiple media platforms. Beyond his teaching, Chris is deeply involved in growing the game, serving on the Boards of Directors for the Illinois PGA Foundation and the Illinois Junior Golf Association (IJGA), as well as The First Tee of Greater Chicago’s Young Ambassadors Council.
Alex Prior
Owner | Chief Executive Officer
Prior to The Golf Practice, Alex Prior spent nine years at KemperSports as a Head Golf Professional and General Manager, developing extensive experience in golf facility management, team leadership, and operational excellence. These experiences shaped his vision to bring the same high standards of operational excellence to a golf academy setting.
As Chief Executive Officer, Alex leads daily business operations, strategic planning, and expansion initiatives. He is passionate about building the systems, processes, and organizational structure that enable a business to grow sustainably while maintaining a best-in-class customer experience.
A central part of Alex’s leadership philosophy is creating a better workplace within the golf industry. He is passionate about developing people, building strong teams, and fostering a culture where employees feel valued, supported, and fulfilled in their work. He believes a career in golf should offer more than professional opportunity; it should provide a sustainable work-life balance and the opportunity to build a rewarding career without sacrificing personal well-being. By prioritizing team development and employee fulfillment, Alex strives to build an organization where both people and the business can thrive.
Alex lives in Glenview, Illinois, with his wife and three daughters.
Jantzen Miserak
DIRECTOR OF INSTRUCTION | 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
DIRECTOR OF INSTRUCTION
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
SENIOR 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
SENIOR 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.
Rob Anderson
DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS | LEAD COACH
Rob joined The Golf Practice in the summer of 2021 after coaching the North Park University men’s team for five seasons. Under his leadership at North Park, the team’s national ranking improved by more than 125 spots, and their scoring average improved by more than 37 strokes per round.
Rob brings a coaching and caddying mentality to his lessons. He loves finding the balance between technical and strategic changes and helping his students know the difference between physical and mental errors. Rob believes in playing free and hitting the easiest shot possible!
Rob loves being outside and believes there is never bad weather but only bad clothing and tries to extend the Chicago golf season as long as possible. He’s very excited to pass along his love for the game to his two young boys. When he’s not playing with his boys, you’ll find him playing with his great friend and former collegiate teammate, Andy Hayes.
Caleb Nilsen
LEAD 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.
Zach Bussman
OPERATIONS LEAD
Zach has a degree in Sports Management and Communications from Minnesota State University. He is a lifelong golfer, and began to love the game after watching Tiger Woods’ famous chip in on the 16th hole of the 2005 Masters.
At The Golf Practice Zach handles all phone and email communications. At The Golf Practice we believe the relationship between student and coach is extremely important. Zach knows our coaches very well, and prides himself in helping students find the best coach for their needs. In the summer he plays a vital role in the administration and running of our summer camp at Canal Shores. If you have any programming, scheduling, lesson needs, or general questions, Zach will be a valuable resource for you.
Dasa Urbankova
SENIOR 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.
Tanner Mack
OPERATIONS LEAD
Location: Lisle
Zach Hayes
LEAD COACH
Location: Lisle
Zach Hayes is a passionate golf coach at The Golf Practice, bringing a diverse background in education and a deep love for the game to his role. Before transitioning to full-time coaching, Zach spent years working in elementary, middle school, and special education settings, where he developed a unique ability to connect with students of all backgrounds and abilities. His teaching experience has equipped him with the skills to adapt his approach to meet the individual needs of each golfer, whether they are beginners or more advanced players.
Zach’s journey into golf coaching began in 2015 at Canal Shores where he spent several summers working at our golf camps. This hands-on experience with young golfers and beginners was foundational in shaping his coaching philosophy, which emphasizes patience, encouragement, and building confidence. His time at Canal Shores allowed him to hone his skills in creating a fun, supportive environment where golfers could develop both their technique and their love for the game.
Now a full-time coach at The Golf Practice, Zach is dedicated to helping players of all ages and skill levels achieve their goals on the course. His unique combination of educational experience and golfing expertise allows him to provide a well-rounded, personalized coaching experience. Zach’s focus is not only on improving technical skills but also on fostering a positive mindset and a lifelong appreciation for the sport of golf.
Olivia Kerr
ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF SPORTS PERFORMANCE
Location: Highland Park
Originally from Sydney, Australia, Olivia was introduced to golf by her grandfather and quickly developed a deep appreciation for the game’s blend of skill, movement, and focus. She went on to compete as a Division I athlete on the women’s golf team at Western Illinois University, where she earned her bachelor’s degree in Exercise Science. Olivia later completed her master’s degree in Kinesiology with a concentration in Sport and Exercise Science.
With a TPI Level 1 certification and a strong background in human movement, Olivia helps players understand how their bodies influence their golf swing. Her coaching emphasizes improving efficiency, mobility, and strength to enhance both performance on the course and overall well-being.
Brendan O'Brien
CHIEF OF STAFF
Location: Highland Park and Lisle
From building a three-hole par-3 course with his father in a field behind his house at age 7 to playing an unforgettable round at night in Dubai during a golf trip with friends a few years ago, the game has been a constant throughline in Brendan’s life.
So in 2026, he did not hesitate when the opportunity arose to step into the Chief of Staff role at The Golf Practice.
In this position, Brendan plays a central role in shaping the organization’s future—supporting its growth, strengthening its culture and helping create an environment where players and coaches can thrive both on and off the course. He views the game as more than just a pastime, but as a platform for connection and shared experience, steeped in storytelling and camaraderie.
Brendan joined The Golf Practice after a successful 30-year career in journalism, the last 15 years covering major breaking national news for Reuters. He is a native of Evanston, where he played high school golf at Evanston Township High School, spent many summer afternoons at Canal Shores and caddied at Northmoor Country Club in Highland Park.
Kevin Healy
CERTIFIED COACH
Location: Highland Park
Introduced to the game at a young age by his dad, golf has always been a constant in Kevin’s life. With more than 8 years of private club experience, golf has become more than just a career for him – he takes great pride in helping players build confidence and reach their goals. There’s nothing he enjoys more than when his students have that “aha” moment.
A former high school and collegiate golfer, Kevin has a strong passion for competitive golf and pursuing improvement in an imperfect game.
As a coach, Kevin wants his students to thrive and enjoy the game of golf just as much as he does. He has a particular interest in short game instruction and loves the creativity it requires in playing different types of shots around the green. Kevin has experience in teaching golfers of all ages and is never satisfied until the student feels confident and excited about their golf game.
Jake Jacott
CERTIFIED COACH
Location: Highland Park
Jake was born and raised in Minnesota and played four years of collegiate golf at North Park University in Chicago. After college, Jake has worked with students in several capacities including summer camps, being a youth director at a church, and coaching part-time at TGP prior to joining the full-time staff.
A left-handed golfer with a self-described “unorthodox swing” — Jake believes that there is far more than one way to swing the club and every person should embrace their own approach to the game. Jake has experienced playing golf in both competitive and casual settings over the years and can attest to the enjoyment and lifelong friendships that can be found through the game. Jake looks forward to working with students in both individual and class settings at The Golf Practice and coming up with unique games and themes for each class session.