GRAND RAPIDS – When Todd Anderson, the reigning National PGA Teacher of the Year, takes the stage and provides free seminars at the 23rd West Michigan Golf Show, he’ll surely see many familiar faces in the audience. Born in Grand Rapids, a graduate of Rockford High School, and following college where he served as captain of University of Alabama golf team, Anderson began his illustrious golf teaching career as an apprentice 26 years ago at Green Ridge Country Club (now Egypt Valley.) In February, he’ll return to the Golf Show for the second time (the first in 1998) but now as the 2010 Teacher of the Year as recognized by the PGA of America. He’s the first Michigan native to receive the prestigious award, inaugurated in 1986 to honor outstanding teachers of golf.
“I’m honored and humbled by the award especially in light of the company I now share with the past recipients,” said Anderson, 48, the PGA director of instruction at Sea Island Golf Club in St. Simons Island, Ga. “I’m also thankful for the countless supporters who have helped and guided me in my golf career including many from Grand Rapids. I’ll never forget where it all started.”
Show Manager Carolyn Alt proudly reported Anderson is now the eighth National Teacher of the Year to serve as a headliner at the Show, set for Feb. 11-13, 2011 at the DeVos Place in downtown Grand Rapids. “It’s a tribute to the avid golf community found in West Michigan that such award-winning teachers like Jim Flick, Hank Haney, Gary Wiren, Mike Bender, Charlie Sorrell, Mike Hebron, Bill Strausbaugh and now Todd enjoy coming here and sharing their expertise.”
A 23-year member of The PGA of America, Anderson has long been known as one of the game’s best teachers. Since 2000, he’s been listed among Golf Digest’s 50 Greatest Teachers, and since 2002 has been one of GOLF Magazine’s Top 100 Instructors. In 1999, when he was Director of Instruction at The Breakers Golf Club in Palm Beach, Fla., Anderson was named the South Florida PGA Teacher of the Year. On the masthead as one of its exclusive Teaching Professionals, Anderson serves as a regular Golf Digest contributor and has appeared on its cover several times.
Anderson has taught more than 70 PGA, Nationwide, Champions and LPGA Tour professionals. Topping this list is his coaching relationship with Brandt Snedeker, 48th on the 2010 PGA Tour money list. Other Tour professionals who have worked with Anderson include: 1997 PGA Champion Davis Love III, John Rollins, Charles Howell III, Brett Quigley and Dudley Hart. Since 2005, Anderson’s Sea Island Golf Club Learning Center has produced more than 50 winners on the three major U.S. tours – PGA, Champions and Nationwide. Included among some of his celebrity students is Matt Lauer, the co-anchor of NBC-TV’s Today show.
Held continuously since 1989, the West Michigan Golf Show on Feb.11-13 will attract thousands of Michigan golfers to hundreds of exhibits, free golf lessons by PGA pros, instructional clinics and fun, interactive areas benefiting several local charities, including the ever popular Treetops Par-3 Challenge. The show attracts more area golfers than any single event or tournament during the year.
Produced by ShowSpan Inc., the West Michigan Golf Show’s hours are 4:00 pm-9:00 pm, Friday; 10:00 am-7:00 pm, Saturday; and 10:00 am-5:00 pm, Sunday. Tickets are $9 for adults, $4 for children ages 6-14, and children 5 and under are free. Sponsors currently include Treetops Resort, Golf Association of Michigan, Shanty Creek Resort, Srixon, Boyne Resorts and the Michigan PGA. Tickets will be available at the door as well as online at www.westmichigangolfshow.com. For more information, call 1-800-328-6550 or visit the website.
