Bill Cromwell , Publisher of TEE TIMES GOLF GUIDE Magazine . “ During Tony ’ s time at Drumm Farm , two of our six grandsons were interested in taking golf lessons , which was eight years ago in 2015 . I immediately thought of Tony for their lessons . His patience with teaching juniors was the best option for our then seven and nine-yearold less-than-attentive grandsons . It turned out to be the right choice . Today , eight years later , those grandsons are 16 and 17 and in high school . They play golf at every opportunity , and one plays on his high school golf team . I ’ m confident that Tony not only taught them the fundamentals of the game but his passion for the game was also instilled in them , which they will carry throughout their lifetimes .”
“ We have so many items from which to choose now ,” he said . “ We can even sell you a battery for your range finder !”
Born and raised in Independence , MO , Highfill has been a member of the Midwest Section since 2010 . His weeks are spent primarily teaching but also assuming some managerial responsibilities as needed .
“ My goal when I retire is to teach a few days a week and spend more time on the range myself ,” he said .
Until then , Highfill ’ s efforts in promoting the game continue to escalate and have not gone unnoticed , especially by the Section .
“ Tony has been a huge asset for us , volunteering for many events and activities , such as the Drive , Chip and Putt events ,” said Adam Greeno , Executive Director of the Midwest Section PGA .
The essence of Highfill ’ s choice to teach lies in his love for the sport and his aspiration to give back to the next generation of golfers . Every time he steps onto the green with these budding talents , he can ’ t help but smile . The joy he derives from the growth and success of his students far exceeds the satisfaction he might acquire from a successful management stint . He also enjoys watching his granddaughter and grandson thrive in the same way as he cheers them on through their various sporting endeavors .
Tony offers proper grip instruction to our ( the Cromwell ’ s ) nineyear-old grandson at Drumm Farm in 2015 . Today , this grandson is 17 and continues to love the game . ( Photo by Bill Cromwell )
As Highfill continued to hone his passion for teaching the game , he heard about Shane Gardner and Orion Management Solutions , which specializes in golf course management , indicating Gardner was a guy with whom he would like to work . He then spent a winter as a part-time employee at the Heart of America before transitioning into the Orion system , which manages Highfill ’ s current employer , WinterStone Golf Club .
Highfill secured his job as Assistant Golf Professional at WinterStone Golf Club five years ago . He has enjoyed seeing the club flourish , especially under the direction of General Manager Mike Strother . He is also grateful for the opportunity it gives him to pursue his love of teaching further .
“ I am 63 ,” Highfill stated . “ I am no longer interested in climbing the corporate ladder . I want to do what I like to do , and that is teaching .”
As a result of his passion and commitment to growing the game through the avenue of teaching , traffic has steadily increased at WinterStone , and the merchandise stock has grown in tandem .
In the world of golf , Highfill stands as a beacon of inspiration for young players and a testament to the transformational power of pursuing one ’ s passion . His journey from a casual dabbler to a devoted mentor demonstrates the profound impact that golf can have on a person ’ s life . Through his guidance , countless junior players have found not only their footing in the sport but also a lifelong love for golf that will carry them through the ups and downs of life .
“ Seeing a junior golfer improve , understanding the nuances of the sport , and growing to love the game , that ’ s my real reward ,” he said .
As Highfill continues to shape the next generation of golfers , his legacy will extend far beyond the boundaries of the golf course . He will forever be remembered as the golf pro who nurtured young dreams and helped them take flight , showing them that with passion , dedication , and the right mentorship , the sky is the limit .
Highfill ’ s story serves as a poignant reminder that sometimes , the greatest impact one can make isn ’ t found in the executive suite but in the relationships we build and the lives we influence . And isn ’ t that the true essence of the game ?
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Ann Butenas is a contributing writer for the Midwest Section PGA . For more information about the Midwest Section PGA , call 816.229.6493 or visit www . midwest . pga . com .
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