When Gary Wiren, Ph.D. says "fore," people pay attention. About 250,000 people in 34 countries, in fact.
That's the number of people who have been taught by Wiren in seminars, golf schools, shows and clinics during his lifetime golf career as a teaching professional, author, lecturer and member of four golf Halls of Fame. Wiren is currently the Senior Director of Instruction for Trump Golf Properties and will be installed in the Professional Golf Association (PGA) Hall of Fame in a ceremony December 8th.
"I'm very flattered to be in the same company as someone like Jack Nicklaus who is being inducted in the ceremony," Wiren says. "Having grown up at a little 9-hole course in Omaha, Neb., it is a dream to share the stage with the golfer who has the greatest playing record of all time."
Wiren's typical modesty masks his accomplishments-over 200 magazine articles written, 11 books, a Master's degree from University of Michigan, a Ph.D. from the University of Oregon, past board memberships on the National Golf Association, the American Junior Golf Association and the Children's Golf Foundation, international recognition as one of the top 10 golf instructors in the world, and PGA Teacher of the Year in 1987. He also was the PGA's Director of Education, Club Relations, Learning and Research for 12 years and founded its National Junior Academy of Golf.
Wiren is highly regarded by golf's association leaders.
"Gary Wiren has spent his professional career expanding the pathways by which others may enjoy the game of golf, says PGA executive director Joe Steranka. "Gary's drive to be the best that he can be in the profession evolved into his serving as an international ambassador teaching golf in 34 countries. We are proud to welcome him into the PGA Golf Professional Hall of Fame."
Joe Beditz, Ph.D. head of the National Golf Foundation, observes,"Gary's personal life and accomplishments in golf reflect the core values of the game itself. integrity, honor, good sportsmanship and more. And his incredible lifelong study of the art, science and history of the make him golf's very own Renaissance Man."
As one of golf's leading historians and a founding member of the Golf Collector's Society, Wiren also owns one of the largest private collections of golf memorabilia in the world. It is truly a fascinating experience to view-- interesting enough to have attracted Warren Buffet and Bill Gates who visited it together.
Adding to the historical theme, people know him as the best-dressed golfer on the course: his customary natty attire being plus-fours, argyle socks, a white long-sleeved shirt and silk tie when playing or teaching, regardless of the heat.
Teaching and collecting are important in Wiren's career, but he can also play. A Master Certified Teacher and PGA Master Professional, Wiren has made the cut in a U.S. Senior Open, won the South Florida Senior PGA title as well as the area's long drive competition with a blast of 381 yards-all adding to his reputation as a legendary golf instructor.
"I'm often asked who my best student was," Wiren says. "And I have to honestly answer that my best student is the one on the range with whom I'm working at the time. It's very satisfying to see small improvements result in better golf for that person so as to add to their enjoyment of the game."
