Sam McKenney is the Director of Player Development for the Wildcat Golf Academy. He has been with the WGA since it opened its doors in May 2011. The WGA has grown immensely under his guidance, starting with just 20 golfers in 2011 to more than 300 in 2017. Even more impressive, 24 juniors who have worked with the WGA programs are playing Division I or III golf. You'll be surprised to hear Sam's real name - get the 911 below!
The 911 on Sam McKenney
- Raised in Cumberland, Maine
- Played hockey for 18 years, including 4 at Lake Forest College, Lake Forest, IL
- Started playing golf in 6th grade
- Teaching Professional with over 18 years of experience who has instructed professionals, top high school and amateur players both locally and internationally
- Certified as a Master Golf Fitness Instructor through Greg Rose, the co-founder of the Titleist Performance Institute and as a certified C.H.E.K. Golf Biomechanic
- Worked with some of the nation’s top instructors — including Mike Bender, Robert Baker, Doc Holliday and Robert Powers
- IPGA Tournament Champion
- Under his guidance more than 15 WGA are playing or will play Division I Golf and 9 are competing at the Division III level. Division I institutions include: Northwestern, Michigan, Minnesota, Iowa, Wisconsin, Marquette, Colgate, Creighton, Dartmouth, Fairfield, Santa Clara, Villanova & Virginia
- Among those list of students are the 2016 Illinois Women’s State Amateur champion, 2016 Western Women’s Open champion, 2015 Illinois State Junior Am champion, 2015 Chick Evans champion, & the 2014 Midwest Junior Golf Association POY
When did you start playing golf and how did your career evolve into becoming an instructor?
When I was in high school I knew I wanted to be in the golf business. My first job was at Skokie Country Club and I was fortunate enough to work for Robert Powers, who loved to teach and play. He was a tremendous influence on how I shaped my career path in golf. Ever since then I have tried to surround myself with smart people, allowing me to learn everyday.
What is your favorite thing about working with the kids in the Academy?
My favorite thing about working with kids is having the chance to cultivate their potential love of the game. It is a game I will enjoy with my family for the rest of my life and I want others to be able to experience the same joys.
What do you like to do outside of teaching at the Academy?
I still love to play golf, trying new restaurants and hanging out with Carli and Ford.
What is something people may not know about you?
My legal name is Scott not Sam. My initials are SAM Scott Anthony McKenney.