SOUTH FLORIDA PGA

Yes, she is Kellie Stenzel, who has been named the 2025 South Florida PGA (SFPGA) Teacher of the Year. And yes, she is Kellie Stenzel, a PGA Master Professional who has been named a GOLF Magazine Top 100 Teacher each year since 2009. She's also Kellie Stenzel, whose professional development soared throughout what she terms "a masterclass in golf instruction" under the tutelage of 2016 PGA Teacher of the Year, Mike Adams. Yet, before she was any of those versions of the elite instructor she is today, she was (and still is) Kellie Stenzel, loving daughter of Bob Stenzel, whose "positive influence and outlook still are a part of my core beliefs," she says. "Without question, my father is one of the largest influences on my life," adds Stenzel, the PGA Director of Instruction at Dutchman's Pipe, in West Palm Beach, Florida. Bob Stenzel, now 91, owned a Chevrolet/Buick dealership for 31 years in her hometown of Geneva, New York. "He never missed a match or one of my brother Matthew's games. My Dad instilled great confidence in me, and there was never a doubt that I could do anything I set my mind to with a lot of hard work." Such persistence and dedication to her craft rightfully earned Stenzel the SFPGA Teacher of the Year Award, which is based on overall performance in teaching; unusual, innovative and special teaching programs that the Professional has initiated or played a key role in implementing; articles published in books and magazines; as well as outstanding golfers the Professional has instructed. "I have been fortunate to work around so many amazing teachers, and I have done my best to learn all their methods and be able to apply them based upon the students' needs," says Stenzel. "Those outstanding instructors have greatly influenced my career, and they are all part of this award. I am so excited and honored to be the South Florida PGA Teacher of the Year." Stenzel is the author of three women's golf books, and at Dutchman’s Pipe, she runs monthly golf schools in addition to her one-on-one teaching. She also oversees three-day corporate golf schools with as many as 60 students being taught by upwards of 15 top PGA of America instructors. Furthermore, Stenzel's Skillest web page allows her to help students improve their swing, and game, no matter where they may be. Stenzel has deep PGA of America roots, minus a certain talent. You see, her late grandfather, Robert Stenzel, was the longtime PGA Head Professional at Spencerport Golf Club outside of Rochester, New York, and he was a member of the Rochester Philharmonic, playing the bass. As for his granddaughter, well, Kellie sums it up this way: "I certainly did not get his musical talent," she says, "even though he tried to help me with the flute, it was not meant to be. However, when I was a young golfer he would look at the callouses on my hands, and the more I had, he would give me a few dollars. This impressed upon me the value of hard work." What Kellie Stenzel may have lacked as a potential musician, she more than made up as a talented golfer. Stenzel played four years at the Division I level at Furman University in Greenville, South Carolina, where she was a key contributor to the Paladins finishing second in the nation at the NCAA Finals in her senior year, in 1987. She went on to play professionally for the next five years in a variety of locales, some close to home (the Futures Tour), and some on tours far, far away, in Asia, South Africa and Australia. Stenzel, who earned a business degree at Furman, said she "always figured that I would work in the business world in some way." Indeed, she pursued that route after her playing days ended, but "couldn't stand being inside" as a money manager. So, she started teaching at The Club at Admiral's Cove in Jupiter, Florida -- "at first, I was a terrible teacher" -- and after running some women's events there, she eventually got her first taste of being involved with large-scale golf schools under Adams, at PGA National Resort & Spa, in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida. Adams regularly oversaw clinics of upwards of 40 players then, as he still does today at both Fiddler's Elbow Country Club in Bedminster, New Jersey, and Abacoa Golf Club in Jupiter, Florida. "I could see right away that Kellie had the desire to be the best she could be," says Adams. "Kellie had a great personality and put people at ease. She just needed to learn how to teach. I'm so proud of the instructor she has become, and she continues to improve, to look at ways to be a better teacher. She just has that thirst for knowledge. Kellie's a star, and she is absolutely at the level of being a national PGA Teacher of the Year." Stenzel says watching Adams be able to fix the ball flight of a student based on one swing was a breakthrough for her, as she was part of a stable of 20 instructors who then taught the students in groups at PGA National. "Mike has that rare ability, and he has been so willing to share his knowledge with me," she says. "By far, Mike has had the biggest influence on me professionally, and my ability to run large golf schools today is simply because of my time with him. My teaching philosophy involves working with the student in front of me and their goals and physical abilities. Having Mike Adams as a mentor, understanding body typing and how to best understand cause and effect allow me to improve ball flight and improve the overall game of my students." As Adams did with her, Stenzel now pays it forward by helping develop the next generation of golf professionals who assist her with schools, so they have the opportunity to advance in their respective careers. "It's really important to me to help other teachers," says Stenzel, a current member of the SFPGA Teaching Committee and a member of the PGA of America Teaching and Coaching Committee in 2024 and '25. "I mentor several professionals and make myself completely available to any teacher who needs help with improving their students or better negotiating their business contracts." Giving back. Yes, that's one reason why Bob Stenzel is proud of his daughter. Hearing that she is now his award-winning daughter? Yes, that's enough for this Dad to get a tad emotional. "Kellie always told me that I was a wonderful father," he says, "but she has always been great. We've played so many rounds of golf together and have such special memories. I'm thrilled for her because she earned this honor. She's a terrific teacher who just keeps improving. She's the best daughter a father could ever have."