PRINTOn the Job: Golf Instructor
Clare Becker
May 14, 2009 | 12:00 a.m. CST
Dennis Goettel is large and in charge — of your golf lesson. At 6 feet 5 inches, the Goliath of Perche Creek Golf Club might be overwhelmingly tall for a golfer, but his biggest impact has been teaching golf to the community. When he was a child, he wanted to be a baseball pitcher. But once he realized how fierce the competition was, he decided it was time to get into another outdoor sport. The 1977 Missouri State Amateur champion played in the 1980 U.S. Open. Soon after, the accomplished golfer decided he could do the most good as a teacher. He now enjoys sharing his knowledge with beginner golfers of Columbia. Goettel says that watching the progress of his students is what makes his job worthwhile.
What’s the best part about your job?
Working on my suntan. No, seriously though, it’s enjoyable seeing someone improve, seeing a young person smile when they figure it out.
What is one thing that would surprise people to know about you?
People would say my size because most golfers are about 5 feet 9 inches – 5 feet 10 inches, and when they see a golfer at 6 feet 5 inches, people think, “Oh my gosh!” It shocks people.
Whom do you admire the most?
On the golf field, I would have to say Jack Nicklaus, Arnold Palmer and Tiger Woods. Not so much for their golf skills but the way they handle the pressure and deal with people as a whole.
If you could have any talent, what would it be?
Computers. I hate them. Anything technological, I’m more of a fumble finger.
What was your worst golf outfit?
I had a pair of pants that had cards all over the pants: spades, hearts, clubs and diamonds. That was very
embarrassing.
If your life were a movie, who would play you and why?
Kevin Costner because I would love to look like him, but I don’t think that would happen. It would probably be Jack Nicholson.
What do you do on your day off?
I go to see baseball games.
Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
Right here. It’s hard for me to sit still and not be involved. I’m always going to do something with golf.
What is your one regret?
That I didn’t take my golf career further. I probably gave up on it too soon.
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