Staff
Spotlight:
Kevin Smeltz
Position
Director of Instruction
Describe your role at BGGA?
My role as Director of Instruction means I’m in charge of the golf program in
regards to the instruction the students get and the coaching. That includes
being hands on with the students and helping the coaching staff.
What’s your favorite part about your job?
Watching the kids get better. Whether that’s getting better at being human
beings, golfers or in academics. Also watching kids from different cultures,
religions and different countries all learn about each other and get along.
They become so much more culturally aware than when I was a kid.
Defining
Excellence
“Tracy is an excellent player and
very smart. She has a really good
scholarship to Wisconsin. It’s a
testament to her hard work and
dedication. She practices really well
and does a good job of analyzing where
her strengths and weaknesses are.
While she works on her weaknesses,
she doesn’t dwell on them but does
the right thing to help them get better.
That’s why she defines excellence.”
– Kevin Smeltz, BGGA Director of
Instruction
How did you get started in golf?
My father loved golf and he got me started playing.
Why do you love the game of golf?
I love the game of golf because of the challenge of it. I played most other
sports when I was younger and was good at most of them. But with golf,
every day is different. The wind blows different and the course is different.
In other sports, there’s less variables and it’s more controlled. In golf, it’s not.
It challenges you mentally, physically and emotionally and it’s me playing
against myself.
What’s the best piece of advice you have ever received?
People always want to know where they stand.
What is your favorite home-cooked meal?
Sushi but that’s not home cooked. I’d say steak.
What is always stocked in your refrigerator?
Orange Juice
If you could live anywhere in the world, where would it be and why?
Phuket, Thailand. I’ve been there once before and it’s so pretty. It’s pretty laid
back and no one seems to stress. It’s a safe, beautiful and relaxing place to be.
Is there anything you are addicted to? Or can’t live without?
I don’t like my answer but if I’m truthful it’s my phone.
What movie do you watch again and again?
The Breakfast Club
Where is your favorite place to travel and why?
Rome, Italy. The people are friendly and there’s so much culture there. The
ruins, the Vatican and the Colosseum are all there.
What’s one thing we don’t know about you?
I always wanted to be a lead singer in a band.
Favorite quote?
“Do not judge me by my successes; Judge me by how many times I fell down
and got back up again.” – Nelson Mandela
Favorite sport besides golf?
Soccer. Go Chelsea.
Name: Tracy Lee
From: South Korea
Grade: 12th
Started at BGGA: Two years ago
Why did you choose BGGA: I was
considering a few academies but
then some college coaches at a
college golf camp recommended
BGGA as one of the best.
Best part of your game: Driver. It’s
pretty consistent.
Why do you play golf: I like
the adrenaline of playing in
competitions. Golf is a pretty
complicated game and I like that.
Tournaments are not always won by
the same person like other sports.
Goals for the future: Next year I
want to start for my college team.
In four or five years, I want to play
professional golf.
Win one tournament: U.S. Women’s
Open
Favorite Golfer: Jason Day
Fun facts about yourself: I like to
bake. I can play the piano and flute.