Some people are simply born to teach. Nancy Bender is one of them. For 25 years, she taught government and economics. If the accolades she’s recently earned as a golf teacher are any indication, she was probably pretty good in the classroom, too. Bender was named to the 2008 LPGA Top 50 Teacher list – not bad for a “second” career that took hold for Bender in the early 90’s. 

“I’ve always loved to teach,” says Bender, who never attempted to qualify for the LPGA Tour. “I really enjoy it.” A coordinated athlete who “dabbled” in basketball and volleyball while in high school, Bender grew up across the street from a country club and was always intrigued by golf. “I became bored with the ‘zone basketball’ girls my age were forced to play at the time,” recalls Bender. “Living across from that course drew me into the game of golf. I liked that I could play alone and that I could challenge myself by playing against the par of each hole.”  

Inspired by the late Dee Dee Owens, Bender soon realized she would enjoy teaching the game as much as playing it. Her golf protégés are glad she did. Described by her students as “patient, resourceful, nurturing and a visionary,” Bender has given thousands of lessons in her 17 years as a golf professional. In 2003, she earned LPGA Teacher of the Year honors; Bender also appeared on the Golf for Women Top 50 Teachers list for six consecutive years. 

Bender’s biggest challenge with amateur golfers is getting them to repeat on the course what they’ve experienced on the range. “I’m probably most often asked by my students how can they be more consistent,” notes Bender. “I notice that transferring shots hit on the range to the golf course is a problem. There are some great ‘range golfers’ out there, but they struggle on the course to hit those same great shots.” 

Advanced players want to shoot lower scores. They can hit the ball pretty well, but Bender can help them score better. “I do a complete assessment of the player’s short game,” explains Bender. “I have the player keep stats three or four times while playing on the course to analyze strengths and weaknesses.” Bender is equally thorough with first-time golfers, just at a more basic level. 

“I like to first welcome them to the great game of golf,” smiles Bender. “Then I explain parts of the club, the importance of hands controlling the clubface. Then we start with placing the hands effectively on the club.” Bender enjoys working with students who have a good sense of humor, show determination and persistence and ask challenging questions. A vastly experienced and knowledgeable teacher, Bender is always ready with a good answer.

Bender’s top recommendation when it comes to golf courses women should play is the LPGA International course in Daytona Beach, Florida. “The golf course is very women-friendly,” points out Bender, “and the golf shop has an abundance of clothing choices for women.” If you’re an Indiana native, Bender could recommend a course or two around Valparaiso, her birthplace and now her permanent residence. She teaches at Creekside Golf Course and Training Center.

Bender, a.k.a. “Fender Bender” has seen her fair share of crazy rulings in golf. A faithful keeper of an up-to-date rulebook in her bag, Bender could offer insight into just about any situation on the course. However, she was a bit dumbfounded when she caught sight of a PGA event on TV. “I saw spectators moving a boulder on 13 so Tiger could play his shot,” says Bender. What page is that on?! 

While Bender ably provides great instruction for all levels, she wonders sometimes how much more enjoyable golf would be if less emphasis was placed on your actual score. “I think a lot of players forget that this is a recreational game that can simply be played for fun,” she notes. Even after so many years on the lesson tee, Bender has not lost sight of that in her teaching. 

“I once was told to ‘follow my heart,’” says Bender. “It’s the best piece of advice I’ve ever been given.” If it led her into teaching golf, we’re glad she followed it.