News
Meet the Pro
Maureen Farrell
From Nebraska to Carnoustie to Pinehurst to Director of Instruction at Oakwood
by Ann E . Butenas , contributing writer
In the world of sports , some individuals possess a natural affinity for athleticism that becomes the cornerstone of their success . Maureen Farrell , lovingly known as “ Coach Mo ” among her students and friends , is one such young golf professional whose journey from a small-town athlete to a renowned teaching golf professional and now PGA Director of Instruction at Oakwood Country Club is as inspiring as it is impressive .
Born and raised in Nebraska City , NE , Farrell ’ s athletic journey began with a unique twist , excelling in not just one but four sports — basketball , soccer , volleyball , and softball . Among these sports , basketball was her true passion , fueling her drive to excel on the court . Little did she know , however , that her destiny would take a detour toward the serene greens of the golf course .
As she entered high school , her parents suggested she try golf . Farrell ’ s initial encounter with the sport was at the driving range , where her parents realized she had an innate talent for it . However , basketball and soccer were still her primary focus at the time .
Nevertheless , she went out for the golf team in the fall of her freshman year , officially making it a “ team ” as the fourth player . Her natural athleticism shone through , and her ability to perform without overthinking became her hallmark in the game of golf .
Starting with a score in the 120s for an 18-hole round during her freshman year , Farrell ’ s dedication and natural talent saw her rapid improvement . By her sophomore year , she slashed her score to a commendable 93 at the state level . Determined to excel , in Farrell ’ s junior year , she and her family decided to invest in golf lessons in Lincoln , which , along with participation in tournaments , propelled her to finish in the top 20 at the Girls State Tournament during her junior year . Her senior year showcased her remarkable growth , with a tie for second place on the first day of state championships and a commendable seventh overall . She also triumphed by winning the conference with an impressive score of 77 .
Maureen Farrell , aka “ Coach Mo ” Midwest Section PGA member .
Despite her successes in golf , basketball and soccer continued to tug at Farrell ’ s heartstrings . As the captain of her high school soccer team , she had offers to play a combination of either soccer and golf or basketball and golf at NAIA schools and Division 3 schools . However , her ambition to attend a larger school led her to the University of Nebraska , where she became the first female to commit to the Professional Golf Management program ( PGM ) in its second inaugural class for the 2005 / 2006 academic year . The PGM program ’ s 16-month internship requirement allowed her to explore her passion for the golf business on a deeper level .
“ After my first internship , I really fell in love with the game ,” Farrell said .
Farrell ’ s time in the PGM program further solidified her love of the game . Her subsequent internships at prestigious courses like Carnoustie in Scotland and Pinehurst in North Carolina exposed her to the global golfing community . These experiences not only enhanced her skills but also broadened her perspective on the game ’ s worldwide appeal . Other clubs at which Farrell has previously taught golf include Wilderness Ridge Golf Course in Lincoln , NE , and Kansas City Country Club , Blue Hills Country Club , St . Andrews Golf Club , and Sykes / Lady , all within the Kansas City metro area .
After graduating from the University of Nebraska , Farrell stepped into the professional golf world as a PGA Assistant at Wilderness Ridge , the university ’ s home course . In August 2009 , she achieved a significant milestone by being elected to the PGA Class A membership . She also holds a Titleist Performance Institute ( TPI ) Golf Level 3 Certificate , which connects how the body and swing work and a team-based approach with the golf , medical , and fitness
12 Golftober 2023 TEE TIMES GOLF GUIDE