SDGA Mission
SDGA is committed to helping golfers of all ages and abilities achieve their full potential both on the course and off. We are constantly working on improving our own knowledge of the game and teaching techniques to help our students grow and develop. With the use of the latest technology in the golf industry we will be able to analyze and critique student swings so that they can become the best golfer they can be.
“There is no talent here, this is hard work. This is an obsession. Talent does not exist, we are all equals as human beings. You could be anyone if you put in the time. You will reach the top, and that’s that. I am not talented, I am obsessed”
Steve DiNino
Steve DiNino was born and raised on the Northwest side of Chicago. He was involved in sports his entire childhood and was always intrigued by the game of golf. During college, Steve worked as a cart boy at a local golf course and that is where his love of the game began. Steve would spend his free time on the driving range perfecting his game and observing other PGA professionals, soaking up all the knowledge he could. Within the first 3 years of playing the game, Steve was a scratch handicap.
That is when he decided he wanted to pursue a career in the golf industry. Steve attended the Golf Academy of America in Myrtle Beach, SC. Upon graduating at the top of his class, he accepted the position of Assistant Golf Professional at the prestigious Worcester Country Club just outside Boston, MA. After two years at Worcester, Steve then went to work for Impact Golf in Vernon Hills, IL. Steve spent 3+ years with Impact Golf before deciding to partner up with Andrew Rice down in Savannah, GA. Steve is very excited to start his own academy at Countryside Golf Club in Mundelein IL, where he looks to bring all of the knowledge that he has accumulated over his time in the industry to the golfers of the Chicago area.
Steve is a Certified Professional through the PGA of America as well, a certified U.S. Kids Instructor. He has spent numerous hours speaking and observing top teachers such as Andrew Rice, Sean Foley, Martin Hall, Jonathan Yarwood, Pat O’Brien, Mike Bender, Todd Sones, Martin Chuck, and David Orr. It is extremely important to Steve to continue learning and educating himself about the golf swing and technology that can help improve his students swing. He looks forward to sharing his passion for the game to golfers in Lake County!
“I couldn’t wait for the sun to come up the next morning so that I could get back out on the course again.”
Patrick Cermak
Patrick Cermak was born and raised on the Northwest side of Chicago. Golf has been a big part of Patrick's life since day one. He has competed at a national level from a young age. Patrick went on to play NCAA Division I golf at The University of Toledo, where he was a four-year golf letter winner and earned his degree in Communications. One of Patrick's biggest accomplishments in his competitive career was qualifying for the 2012 United States Amateur Championship at Cherry Hills Country Club.
Patrick has three older brothers who have also gone on to play NCAA Division I golf...Joseph, Matthew and Michael were all four-year golf letter winners at Iowa State, Missouri State and Toledo. Growing up around the game of golf has opened many doors in Patrick's life. Giving back to golf and sharing his knowledge with players gives Patrick deep and meaningful satisfaction. Patrick is teaming up with Steve DiNino at Countryside Golf Club in Mundelein, IL, where he looks to bring all the knowledge that he has accumulated over the years to help players improve their games and grow the game of golf in Chicago. He looks forward to sharing his passion with golfers in Lake County!