Interview With Andy Stoterau Head Golf Professional TPC Harding Park

Below is an interview with Andy Stoterau, the Head Golf Professional at TPC Deere Run. The following are a few traditional and non traditional golf centric questions that I love to ask influential people in the golf industry.

Can you provide our readers a brief biography?
PGA Professional, Andy Stoterau, is the Head Golf Professional at TPC Deere Run, a position he has held since January 2007. In his position, he coordinates all activities for the Golf division of the club. Andy has built a solid foundation of relationships with members, guests, sponsors, tournament coordinators, vendors, the John Deere Classic Tournament office, local colleges, community leaders, and his employees.

Andy is a twelve (12) year employee of the PGA TOUR with a previous stint at TPC Twin Cities in Blaine, MN. While employed at TPC Deere Run, Andy has been recognized as the Iowa Section Merchandiser of the Year in 2008, 2011 and 2013. he has received the Golf World Business top 100 Golf Shop award from 2008 through 2016. Andy was elected to the Iowa Section Board of Directors in 2012 and served a two year term. He was re-elected to the Board in 2015. He was recognized for the Golf Operation of the Year in 2010 an award given to the top Golf Operation at the PGA TOUR.

Andy started in the golf industry in 1998 at a golf facility in Belle Plaine, MN after graduating from South Dakota State University with a Bachelor of Science degree, majoring in History with a Teaching Minor in Mathematics and an emphasis in Middle School Education/Coaching. In Belle Plaine, Andy met his wife Katie whom he married September 14th, 2001. Andy has three daughters, Ella, Addie, and Audrey.

When did you start golfing and who introduced you to the game?
I started at a young age, 5ish. My father was a big influence on me as I began to learn about the game. I remember getting a locker at the local club and riding my bike to the course early in the morning and spending all day at the club. I'm sure I bugged the heck out of the local pro, but they let us do our thing and that is when the passion started.

What is your current home course?
TPC Deere Run

To date, what is your proudest golf accomplishment?
Becoming a Class "A" member of the PGA of Amercia

What is your biggest golf pet peeve on or off the course?
Slow Play

What is your favorite club in your bag and why?
My putter. So many memories of making a long putt on 18 for the win.

What is your favorite golf destination?
Maui

What course is on your bucket list that you have not played yet?
Royal County Down

If you woke up tomorrow and could play one course you played before, where would you play?
Whistling Straits

If you could change one aspect, rule or thing about golf, what would it be and why?
Bring the long putter back for amateur play. If it allows for more enjoyment to the game we should reconsider the ban.

Dream foursome (living)?
My father and two brothers.

Dream foursome (living or dead)?
Bobby Jones
Frank Sinatra
Clint Eastwood

18 Rapid Fire, Off The Cuff Questions