Andy Walker is a 36-year old golfer based in Phoenix, Arizona who has been hooked since he was “still in diapers.” He followed is dad to tournaments and says he’s “always loved the game.” Walker played on a collegiate level at the prestigious Pepperdine University where their team won the 1997 NCAA Championship, meanwhile earning a Bachelor of Science in Business Management.

He was trained by golf pros Jeff Dunovant from 1990-2004, then William Dixon from 2005 to present. He grew up as a member of the Desert Mashie Golf Club, and currently member of the Pepperdine University Athletic Hall of Fame. Today he makes a living as the Head Golf Coach at South Mountain Community College, the Sr. Instructor at the Golf Channel Academy @ Legacy, and the owner of U.S. Golf Combines (www.usgolfcombines.com) and he never seems to take a break.

“I’m either teaching, coaching, or traveling on tour, now as an instructor/coach instead of playing at least twenty-five days a month,” says Walker.

Walker has plenty to brag about. “In my 30+ year career, I’ve won over 40 junior events, 15 amateur titles, and 28 professional events,” he says. Last February, he played in the Northern Trust Open at Riviera CC on the PGA tour. The year prior, he was a cast member on Big Break Ireland, a reality television series that features golfers vying for $80,000 and two Tour exemptions. Recently, Walker’s South Mountain Community College team won the 2015 NJCAA National Championship shooting 30 under par.

This past June, Andy was awarded the Dave Williams National Coach of the Year Award, Presented by Golf Pride. This feat was accomplished in the midst of Walker starting a new company (U.S. Golf Combines) that helps high school players get their best and most trusted information into the hands of college coaches and coaching players on the PGA Tour—most notably Jason Gore.

Walker doesn’t play much anymore, but still keeps his game sharp. “I feel it’s important to be able to practice what I preach, if I’m coaching PGA Tour players and collegiate All-Americans then I need to be able to still play and hit the golf shots I did when I played on tour”. “You never want to get out of touch with the playing aspect of this game, it’s what sets me apart from most instructors and it’s the best way to keep learning myself”.

When he’s not golfing (albeit a rarity), Walker is a family man. He spends quality time with his son-7 year old son AJ-by bringing him to the course. He also enjoys other games and sporting events like playing basketball and watching his nephew, Lenny, play baseball.

At this point in his career, Walker has only one thing on his mind as he coaches his players “I love being able to share my experiences in this game at its highest level with players who aspire or are already at that level. My passion for the competitive side of this game has never waned, now I get to share in the success of others and that is what this game—and life—is all about”.

Playing Golf almost 20 times per month, Donald Ray Drain feels completely at home on the Jefferson District Park Golf Course near his home in Springfield, Va.  Introduced to the game by a friend, Milton Douglas Woods, Drain took a very serious approach to learning the sport and has been a member of the USGA for over 14 years.  Today, the 66-year old carries a handicap of 16.1.

Born in  Leesville, Louisiana, Drain was a rambunctious  country boy who grew up to love hunting and  fishing.  He attended Grambling State University and earned a B.S. Degree in Business Administration.  He holds a certification as a Food Service Manager for Fairfax County public schools in transportation and, for several years, was the Account Manager at Washington Dulles airport.

In Drain’s professional career he has over 30 years of employment in the Airline Catering Industry and he has serviced a prominent list of customers, including British Airways.  In his role at the Fairfax County Parks he performs the job of Closing Manager at Jefferson District Golf Course.

Drain is a member of the J&J  Golf Club and holds the office of President.  He founded the club in 2008 and has also served as its treasurer.  His wife, Peggie, of 43 years, is a strong supporter of his leisure activities, while their daughter Samantha Rae enjoys both golf and tennis with her father.

“I enjoy playing golf for the friendships and competitions,” says Drain who won the 2011 International Defense Association Golf Classic at Old Hickory Golf Course (Woodbridge, Va).  This past Monday, August 31, 2015,  he came in second place in the annual four person scramble in Falls Church, VA.

“I took a golf lesson in 1977 with the Fairfax Parks Authority.  It improved my swing and distance in driving the ball.”  However, Drain confesses that his biggest challenge is in driving the ball.  During his weekly team play this drawback is a constant disadvantage.

(Above) Donald Drain with his golfing buddies

“I teach Sunday School at my church, serve as a Preacher Steward, Steward Board President, participate with the Senior Choir, work as Superintendent of the Sunday School. I sometimes play percussions in the music ministry for my church.”

When Drain is not competing on the golf course, he enjoys playing percussion, guitar, tennis and racquetball and bowling.  He also likes to travel, bike and does catering consulting.