On the Record With: Crystal Lake Country Club golf pro Casey Brozek

Casey Brozek is the PGA head golf professional at Crystal Lake Country Club. He recently was named Illinois’ PGA of America Golf Professional of the Year, the highest honor a golf pro can achieve in the state. Country Club President Cliff Jackson said Brozek does tons for the community, including organizing and recruiting for the club’s thriving caddie program of more than 75 people ages 13 to 22.

Brozek recently went On the Record With Northwest Herald executive editor Dan McCaleb to talk about his recent honor, his love of golf, and other things he does to give back.

McCaleb: Where were you born and raised, and where did you go to high school and college?

Brozek: I was born in Green Bay, Wisconsin. I know, don’t hold that against me. Yes, big Packer fan … third-generation season ticket holder! Grew up in DePere, Wisconsin. Went to Abbott Pennings High School. Won state high school championship as a sophomore. Recruited for college golf. Went to University of Kansas. Received a degree in communications. Awarded Academic All American in 1993.

McCaleb: How did you first get into the game of golf?

Brozek: I was introduced to the game by my uncles. At age 6, they returned from a local tournament with “a huge” trophy. I already looked up to my uncle, but then I really knew how I could be like him. I tried golf and loved it. The individual sport fit me well when I was growing up. In high school and college, I learned what it meant to play on a team and compete together.

McCaleb: When did you first realize you could make a career out of golf, and how did that feel?

Brozek: I always had aspirations of becoming “a pro,” but I didn’t realize the possibilities until I started winning lots of junior tournaments. Having the game to get recruited for college golf made me work even harder. Once I had success in college and at the amateur level, I knew my dream was attainable. At that time, I thought I would make it as a pro golfer and never turn back. While I enjoyed a few years playing for a living, it is a tough life (unless you are one of the top PGA Tour players). We were playing for our entry fees, and if you miss a cut – or several, like I did – reality sets in. I was very fortunate to land a job at the Breakers in Palm Beach, Florida. At the Breakers, I was hired but told I would be in the golf shop working as an apprentice with no teaching opportunities. That was October, and by December, I was giving lots of lessons. I fell in love with the “business side” of golf while working at the Breakers. I love to help golfers improve their games.

McCaleb: How long have you been at the Crystal Lake Country Club?

Brozek: I have been at Crystal Lake Country Club for 16 years. While in Florida, I decided to go where “the traffic was” and get closer to home. I was a seasonal assistant golf professional at Big Foot Country Club near Lake Geneva. It was a very special place, and I learned a great deal about how to run an operation and be in charge. Crystal Lake Country Club is my first and only head professional position. It, too, is a very special place … the members are wonderful people, and I have been treated great during my tenure. ...

I am very proud of a few of our charitable efforts at Crystal Lake. We are very supportive of the Western Golf Association’s Evans Scholarship program. Since 2000, we have had 15 of our caddies receive four-year full-ride scholarships because they came through our caddie program. Our membership also has been very supportive of the Folds of Honor Foundation. The flagship effort happens on Labor Day when we host Patriot Golf Day. Proceeds go to the families of soldiers that either gave their lives for our freedoms in recent war or came back wounded. Finally, through the Illinois PGA, I have helped raise $500,000 in “Birdies for Charity” since 2011. The golfing efforts fund needy charities right here. ... They include JDRF, Ronald McDonald House Charities and Children’s Hospital of Chicago.

McCaleb: Tell us about the state PGA honor you recently received.

Brozek: Being recognized as the Illinois PGA Professional of the Year is the highest honor bestowed on a PGA professional. PGA Members are nominated by their peers, and a committee votes on the most deserving nominees. The Professional of the Year Award carries a special emphasis on performance and overall achievement over the past five years at their facility, service to the Illinois PGA and the Association, leadership ability, the ability to inspire fellow PGA professionals, and the promotion of the game.  I couldn’t have been more honored to receive the call from our present IPGA President Jim Opp telling me of the news. He is a friend, and I try to stay involved in PGA activities. ... I am very humbled and very honored!

McCaleb: Who’s your favorite PGA golfer of all time, and why?

Brozek: That is a tough question. I have two equal favorites. I like Ben Hogan because of his work ethic and his grit. I also like Payne Stewart because of his fluid swing and because he showed me that you can go through ups and downs and still come out on top. They are both examples of never quitting.

McCaleb: Favorite golf movie and why?

Brozek: Tough one. I like the “The Greatest Game Ever Played.” It is the best golf movie. I have been known to quote “Caddyshack” or “Dead Solid Perfect” a few times.