Northbrook Park District’s Michael Wenzel receives golf awards
Northbrook Park District PGA Certified Director of Golf Instruction Michael Wenzel recently earned two prestigious golfing awards.
Wenzel was named a recipient of the 2024 GameChanger Award in the Player Engagement category by the PGA of America, and again secured a spot among the Golf Range Association of America’s Top 100 Growth of the Game Teaching Professionals.
The awards were conferred during the 2025 PGA Show in January.
The PGA Player Engagement Award recognizes PGA Jr. League coaches who led 40 or more active PGA Jr. League players; hosted multiple age divisions and seasons of PGA Jr. League; hosted a PGA Family Golf event; and completed American Development Model certification and one additional course through the PGA Coach platform.
Wenzel was one of only two coaches from Illinois who earned the Player Engagement Award. Altogether, 109 coaches throughout the country received the distinction.
“The GameChanger Awards have become a yearly highlight for the PGA of America, applauding the incredible efforts of our coaches to engage young players and make golf accessible to more families,” Steve Tanner, Senior Director of Player Engagement for the PGA of America, said in a press release. “These coaches are at the heart of providing impactful experiences that transcend golf, and we’re proud to celebrate their achievements.”
It's a huge honor to be recognized as a GameChanger, said Wenzel, who credited the work of the entire Northbrook Park District Northbrook Golf Academy team.
“My team and I are very excited about the award, and we have a great golf community that supports our programs,” he said. “Plus, the modern facilities we offer for players of all ages make our programs unique.”
Last year, three teams represented the Northbrook Golf Academy at the PGA Jr. League All-Star Game.
The Academy’s PGA Jr. League program allows young golfers — based on their skill level — the opportunity to play all nine holes on either the par-3 Anetsberger Golf Course, the Legacy 9, or the front 9 of the 18-hole course at Heritage Oaks Golf Club.
“Most other PGA Jr. League programs in the area allow players to play only six holes, and they have to sit on the bench for three holes. Children want to play, and the more they play, the more they have fun and improve their skills,” Wenzel said.
He also pointed to the success of the PGA Family Parent/Child tournament featuring more than 30 two-player teams.
“We are thankful for the opportunity to run such great programs, and have the support of the local community and park district leadership,” he said.
This was the third consecutive year Wenzel made the GRAA’s Top 100 Growth of the Game Teaching Professionals list.
The award celebrates accomplishments on the lesson tee, as well as contributions to the overall health of the game of golf, including growing the game, supporting fellow coaches and industry professionals, and driving positive change in the community, GRAA General Manager Bryant Shuford said.
“We truly feel that these qualities separate the good from the best,” Shuford said.
Wenzel said the GRAA award means a great deal to him.
“I’m blessed, each and every day, to be able to share my passion for the game with our students, and assist them with achieving their goals and having more fun playing.”
The Northbrook Park District offers 36 holes on three golf courses for players of all levels. The Classic 18 and the Legacy 9 are located at Heritage Oaks Golf Club, while the Par-3 Anetsberger Golf Course is in Techny Prairie Park and Fields.