BY SCOTT
HADDOW
It was his destiny that Tom Clark became involved in the game
of golf.
Born and raised in Capreol, Clark took up the game at a young
age in French River. His parents owned a little camp on the
popular waterway, and at age seven, Clark found himself on the
links of the French River Golf Club. He spent his summers
working at the course and nurturing a deep love for the game.
And when the work stopped, Clark grabbed his clubs and spent
the rest of his day playing golf with friends.
At the age of 15, Clark landed his first job in the golfing
world. He became the assistant professional at Cedar Green Golf
Club in Garson. Under the guidance of local golf guru Sam
Yawney, Clark forged his desire to help teach the game to
others.
Clark grew up around the links of Sudbury and eventually
studied physics at Laurentian University. He also studied
meteorology at York University.
Despite developing other interests, golf was the one and only
thing Clark wanted to do.
In 1987, at the age of 26, Yawney stepped out of the teaching
aspect and it opened the door for Clark to become the head pro
at Cedar Green. Clark jumped at the chance to teach the game he
loved.
In 1999, when the Timberwolf Golf Club was opened, Clark became
the head professional there. He has been the director of
instruction at the Timberwolf Golf Academy ever since.
Clark fills his days by passing on the knowledge he has gained
from countless other professionals and top golfers to players
of all skill levels.
Clark prides himself on the fact he always has something to
offer any golfer, whether it is a seasoned veteran or raw
beginner.
Recently, Clark took some time out of his schedule to talk
about his 20 years of service in the golf industry with
Northern Life reporter Scott Haddow.
SH: Twenty years in the golf business, what has that been like for you?
TC: It has been interesting. I enjoy teaching and seeing people
improve. This business is constantly changing. It never gets
dull for me...I guess that's why I'm still doing it after 20
years. There's a longer off-season than I like in Sudbury, but
I also teach indoors during the winter months. It's a varied
field. There's more to teaching golf than just helping
someone's swing improve. There's always a better way to do
things. I am always trying to be the best teacher I can be.
Every golfer is different and that makes the job challenging
and fun.
SH: What really makes teaching worthwhile for you?
TC: Seeing golfers improve makes this job rewarding. It's
always great to hear from someone when they get their first par
or first birdie. Hearing and seeing their excitement. That's
what it's all about...helping people enjoy the game more. It's
a wonderful game, and it should be enjoyed by the people who
play it. I don't think of it as a job. Most people I run into
are envious about what I do. They don't realize there's a lot
more to it than just playing golf. If anything, it's the
opposite when you're teaching golf.
SH: How did you become so proficient in the game?
TC: I was self-taught from magazines. There was no pro at the
French River course. Once I got into the business full time, I
would go to Toronto and learn from Terry Miskolczi, who is
known as Canada's golf doctor. He provided me with my knowledge
base. A lot of people feel they can teach the beginner or high
handicapper. By working with Terry, I felt I was able to teach
the low handicapper a lot better. I go to a lot of golf
seminars. I was national facilitator for the Canadian
Professional Golf Association (CPGA) from 1997 to 2000. I
taught other CPGA pros how to teach. I pick up bits and pieces
from everywhere. I am always learning too.
SH: What's some of the biggest changes you've experienced over the last 20 years?
TC: There's a lot more courses in the area compared to when I
started. When I started, there was really only the Cedar Green,
Lively, the Idylwylde and Chelmsford courses. Now, there are
all kinds and a lot of different choices.
 The equipment has also changed a lot. Because of technology, players hit the ball further today. They have to make courses longer to keep up the challenge for the better players. Old drivers compared to new ones are twice as small.
As far as teaching goes, the biggest change is in the mental game...getting golfers into a zone. It's about how people learn a motor skill. That's where a lot of teaching is going as opposed to the mechanics of the swing. Still, golf is about accuracy and course management. The short game is often neglected and I'm trying to change that mindset.
SH: Overall, how would you rate Sudbury's golf scene?
TC: The game is healthy here. Like any sport, every year it
gains and loses players. I believe we've reached a maximum for
golf courses...it's holding steady. From the time I grew up,
golf wasn't the cool thing to do. There's a lot more people
golfing and that's nice to see. There's a lot of youth playing
the game as well and there's a lot of opportunities for
them...such as American scholarships. Taking up golf is never a
bad decision. The really nice thing about golf is it's a family
sport now too. There's not too many sports where a family of
four can spend two to three hours together having fun.
SH: In the 20 years, what stands out most in your mind?
TC: I won a national award in 1997. I was named the CPGA Junior
Leader of the Year for leadership in junior golf. At the time,
I had a junior tour going and I was doing a lot of junior golf
clinics. To be recognized on a national stage is one of my
biggest highlights.
SH: Is there anything you would like to accomplish?
TC: I would like to get my own game back to where it was. I
kind of neglected my own game over the years. I would like to
try and win a Northern Ontario Professional Golf Association
Championship. I've come close a couple of times.
SH: If you had a chance to play a round with three other players, who would they be and why?
TC: Ben Hogan, Jack Nicklaus and Tiger Woods. I believe they
were and are the three best golfers of their eras. I would get
my butt kicked by them. It would be more about enjoying the day
and getting their perception of the game.
SH: Are you ready for the next 20 years?
TC: Yes I am. I'm not quitting or thinking about quitting. Each
year is always different and I always get to meet new people.
The beauty of teaching golf is there's no forced retirement. I
will keep doing it as long as I enjoy it.
SH: What are a few things people might not know about where you work, Timberwolf Golf Academy?
TC: You don't have to be a member of Timberwolf to come to the
academy and use the range and learn the game. We can help any
golfer. You don't have to be a great golfer to come here or
feel intimidated. We're open to all skill levels.
Clark is willing to help local golfers hone their game.
If any golfer has a question about the game, techniques,
equipment, or anything, they can send their question to[email protected].
