A former high-level soccer player in Chicago and Atlanta, Nick Egner discovered golf in his early 20s and quickly immersed himself in the sport. By 2008, he had passed the PGA Playing Ability Test and began coaching at Indian Hills Country Club. Nearly two decades later, he has built a reputation as a passionate and demanding—yet deeply supportive—coach, especially with junior golfers. Now at Brookfield Country Club, Egner thrives on shaping young athletes both on and off the course, blending discipline, enthusiasm and a lifelong passion for coaching into every lesson he teaches.
What do you love about working with juniors?
Nick Egner: I have always been a coach/teacher at heart. I even coached soccer as a kid, coaching people barely younger than I was. I was very fortunate to have amazing coaches to look up to and learn from when I was younger. In fact, I’m still in touch with them to this day! We have some of the most amazing members here at Brookfield, too.
Great kids with absolutely wonderful parents that help me out so much throughout the year. I could not do this without the support of the Brookfield members.
You led the juniors to a win in last year’s PGA Junior League season. What is your approach to coaching these kids toward success?
NE: I have an ability to get the best out of the kids. I’m very hard on them, but it’s because I know how amazing they can be. Ask any of my parents and they will tell you, “Coach Nick is hard on my kid, but is always encouraging them to get better every week.” I am also just a big kid myself, which tends to help me in coaching children.
Why is golf a great sport to get kids into?
NE: Golf is a great individual mental game. It’s a tremendous challenge for your mental strength. I believe it teaches kids etiquette and manners on the golf course which can be used for the rest of their lives. Golf is also a sport that is very important in business, so learning it early on may help you as an adult. It’s also something you can play forever as long as you have a healthy back.
Where can people find you most around Roswell or Crabapple?
NE: I spend my down time at Little Alley Steakhouse and then upstairs at Roswell Provisions. That is definitely my favorite hangout spot in Roswell. Alpine Bakery never disappoints when I want something sweet!
