By: Dave Faries, Editor
Daniel Aubuchon arrived at Arthur Hills Golf Course in February, just in time for the worst of what winter had to offer. But the course’s new head golf pro has plenty of golf weather ahead.
Aubuchon came to Arthur Hills from Tanglewood in Fulton, where he served as assistant golf pro. A native of Camdenton, he played college golf for Hannibal-LaGrange University and has taken part in several amateur tournaments.
So it’s fair to say he knows the game and the state’s courses very well.
1. Golf pro sounds like a fun job.
It is. It’s a very rewarding job. A lot of people think all we do is play golf, but we spend a lot of time in the shop and on the range helping golfers. It has its perks, but it has downsides.
2. Downsides?
Long hours, and not getting to play golf as much as I want to. That’s about it.
3. Is there a bucket list course you’d like to play?
Augusta National. It is probably the poster child for pristine, beautiful course conditions.
4. What is the most challenging part of the game?
The whole game is challenging. But a part that most people struggle with is putting and knowing how to read the greens.
5. How do you teach all of it?
Teaching can be very simple, but also very complex. One of my biggest aids in teaching is going through the PGA school. You learned from the best minds in golf. I follow a couple of their instructors on social media. They help with drills and techniques and how to recognize and correct mistakes.
6. There were reports that fewer people are playing. Do you see that?
A couple of years ago – maybe three or four – it was on the decline. The reason, number one, was price. A lot of new private courses had been built and they priced out the people who play as a hobby. Another factor is the price of equipment. But due to COVID, with people social distancing and wanting to get out, it is on the upswing again.
7. So there’s something positive about COVID.
In this case, absolutely.
8. Do golfers drink Arnold Palmers?
Yes – and no. There are two versions. There’s the original with tea and lemonade and the spiked version, the John Daly. I like the latter.
9. Do you have a favorite golfer?
That’s a tough question. I’m going to go with the obvious – Tiger Woods. I grew up in the Tiger era. It’s incredible the knowledge that he has and what he’s done for golf.
10. If you’re not golfing …
I’m either hunting or fishing. I don’t like being cooped up inside. I tell people if they can’t find me in the office I’m golfing. If I’m not golfing I’m hunting. If I’m not hunting I’m fishing.
