In this episode of “The Teacher and The Pro,” host Nathan Rarick interviews Dan Kilgore, the First Assistant Golf Professional at Hazeltine National Golf Club.
Kilgore talks about entering a PhD program to become a history professor before returning to golf and entering the PGM process while working full-time. He then shares what it’s like to work at such a premier golf course like Hazeltine National.
They go on to discuss Hazeltine’s preparation ahead of the 2026 KPMG Women’s PGA Championship, highlight some holes to watch and make winning picks.
Chapters:
[00:00] Step #1: Meet Dan Kilgore: From PhD to PGA
[01:36] History Degree and Golf
[03:58] PGA Golf Management Program Balancing Act
[08:35] Hazeltine’s Year-round Golf Facility
[09:35] Highs & Lows of the Job
[13:01] Advice for Aspiring PGA Professionals
[16:56] KPMG Women’s PGA Championship Preparations and Member Impact
[19:53] Key Holes to Watch at Hazeltine
[22:51] Major Winner Picks
[24:02] Rapid Fire Golf Questions
