Derek Ingram will have to re-arrange the awards on his mantlepiece to make room for the latest accolade -- the head teaching professional at Elmhurst is the Canadian PGA's 2007 teaching professional of the year for a second time.
And as honest as Ingram is when observing a golf swing that needs help, he is hopeful that this latest recognition might translate into something of tangible value.
This most recent honour could open a few doors for guru Derek Ingram, one of Canada’s most highly regarded teaching pros.
"It'll probably open some doors," Ingram said, just back from a family vacation to San Antonio that included Sea World, not golf. "Things like corporate outings, I could command a higher amount. Maybe there will be more speaking (engagements). I already do a few. More, along with the corporate golf, I hope so."
There's a reason Ingram ought to be in demand.
He's now nationally recognized on three separate occasions. He was teaching pro of the year in 2003 and also chosen as the CPGA's junior leader of the year in 2005. He is the association's only member to have received both awards.
Of course, he's in golf because of his passion, not because of the money.
"It's a nice pat on the back, but I think what it means to be mentioned in that respect by the CPGA is that I still have a long way to go and a lot more to learn," Ingram said. "I keep trying to learn new things, skills and habits, that can make me a better teacher."
The co-coach and co-founder of the University of Manitoba's golf team, another project that has blossomed, was also humbled to be recognized by his CPGA peers.
"The chance of winning this award twice, well, I thought it was impossible," he said. "You'd think they'd want to spread it around because there are so many good coaches and teachers in the country."
The coming golf season will also see a shift in Ingram's focus. He remains an assistant coach with the RCGA's national team but he'll be doing more hands-on coaching of amateur players and less with the prospects and development teams.
"It's something I've really wanted to do, to coach players rather than just be a chaperone, and I'll have more of a coaching role with the amateur team," he said.
tim.campbell@freepress.mb.ca
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