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EASTCHESTER, N.Y. -Lake Isle golf pro Dave Stevenson says that positively anyone can play golf.
"Even people who are , shall we say a little less than athletic, eventually get it," he said.
Stevenson, a New Jersey native who now lives in Eastchester got it right away, starting to play golf at age 10. "Actually I started a little late," he said.
The road to becoming a golf pro, Stevenson said, is a long process full of classes, playing ability tests and learning everything involved with the game, the equipment and the golf course with the ultimate goal of becoming a member of the PGA.
Everyone who is a golf pro is a member of the PGA (Professional Golf Association).
"There are touring professionals of the PGA like Tiger Woods, and then there are club professionals, like myself," Stevenson explained.
Stevenson's big break came when his college golf coach Lloyd Monroe became the pro at Wykagyl Golf Club in New Rochelle. "I came to work with Lloyd and I became his apprentice," Stevenson said.
His tenure as an apprentice lasted for five years until he got the job working at Lake Isle, where he has been for 24 years.
Stevenson is clearly a guy who loves what he does. He speaks with great affection about his course, his co-workers and his fellow golfers at the club.
"We have such a great group here, " he said. "The folks here are so great we now have programs for kids and for kids with disabilities and everyone helps out."
You don't have to be a member of Lake Isle to take a lesson with Stevenson who recommends potential golfers take at least one lesson before they go out and buy a whole bunch of equipment. Lessons are by appointment, and cost $60.
"We have everything you need right here to take a lesson or two. All you have to bring is yourself," he said.
Stevenson said that potential golfers should not worry about all the clichés they have heard about the game, like how to hold your hands and keeping your head down. "I encourage everyone to give it a try, don't get worried about what you think you can do or think you can't do.
Still Stevenson said there is one thing potential golfers should worry about if they opt to take a lesson with him
"Usually, if I get someone out here that wants to give golf a try, I can convert them into a devoted golfer," he said.
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