News
Meet the Pro
Sean Chalk
Grandpa ’ s Old Persimmon Wood Clubs Led to a Head Golf Professional Career .
by Ann E . Butenas , contributing writer
From the moment Midwest Section PGA member Sean Chalk landed a job at Overland Park Golf Course as a young teen , his life changed in ways he never imagined . The game of golf , once just a casual pastime for a young boy with a set of handme-down clubs , became a passion that would shape his future in ways he never anticipated . Born in Fort Worth , TX , Chalk ’ s early years were filled with pursuits of baseball and football , never really considering golf as a serious endeavor . However , a fateful day at the age of 12 , after he and his family had relocated to the Kansas City area , set the course for his lifelong love affair with the game .
“ I caught the bug that way ,” Chalk reminisced , thinking back to the day when he and his friends enjoyed a day off from school at Overland Park Golf Course ( known today as Sykes / Lady Golf Course ). With his friends inviting him to join them on the links , he dusted off his grandpa ’ s old Persimmon wood clubs and set foot on the greens for the first time . Despite his lack of experience
and equipment , Chalk took on the challenge , shooting a less-thanimpressive 150 in his first round . His friends , who were seasoned players , outperformed him , sparking a competitive fire in Chalk that would drive him never to let them beat him again .
12 June 2024 TEE TIMES GOLF GUIDE
Born in Fort Worth , TX , Sean Chalk ’ s move to the Kansas City area , at the age of 12 set the course for his love of the game and career within the industry as a golf professional .
“ They all shot in the 70s , and I knew I never wanted them to beat me again ,” said Chalk , reflecting on the defining moment that sparked his passion for the game .
Determined to level the playing field , Chalk threw himself into practicing and improving his game . As a teenager , he seized an opportunity to work at Overland Park as a cashier , a job that not only provided him with a paycheck but also granted him free range balls and golf , fueling his passion for the game even further . The opportunity to immerse himself in golf , to be surrounded by the sights and sounds of the course day in and day out , was a turning point for Chalk . The game that had once been a casual diversion now held his heart and soul , igniting a love for golf that would define his future .
As he continued to hone his skills and immerse himself in the world of golf , Chalk ’ s dedication and perseverance paid off . Promoted from cashier to manager at Overland Park while still in high school , Chalk found himself on a path that would lead him to unforeseen opportunities and success in the golf industry . Through hard work and determination , Chalk pursued the PGA route , with Overland Park supporting his journey by covering the costs of the various seminars he attended . While attending Johnson County Community College on