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Biography
Over his 36-year golf career, Rod Lidenberg has taken a diverse path and earned a reputation as one of the
most knowledgeable professionals in the golf industry. Coinciding with his varied background,
has been a constant teaching focus, and in 2007 Rod was recognized as one of Golf Magazine's "Top
100 Teachers in America". The former Minnesota PGA President has taught beginners to professionals on the practice range, and also through his golf schools, books, radio, and television.
The three-time Minnesota PGA Teacher of the Year ('88, '89, '90) began his teaching career in 1972 at Edgewood Golf Course in Fargo, North Dakota where he spent four years as Head Professional, specializing in group instruction for beginners and intermediate golfers. During that time he continued to improve his own game, playing a series of exhibition matches with touring professionals Doug Sanders, Lee Trevino, Laura Baugh and Jane Blalock.
In 1976, Rod accepted the position of Teaching Professional at the then-new Robert Trent Jones designed Oxbow Country Club in Hickson, North Dakota. In addition to his country club duties, he taught and served as Golf Coach for North Dakota State University men's and women's golf teams. Rod moved to the Minneapolis/St. Paul area in 1977 and became the Teaching Professional at prestigious Interlachen Country Club. There he worked with a variety of aspiring local amateurs and professionals, including the legendary Patty Berg. During the winter months, from 1977-79, he taught in Scottsdale, Arizona. It was there he worked with fellow professional, Joe Nichols, who specialized in working with both PGA and LPGA Tour professionals. Together, Rod and Joe pioneered the concept of "team-teaching", working in alternate fashion with students throughout the course of their lesson.
Rod took on additional duties in 1980 joining the newly built Rich Acres Golf Course in Richfield, Minnesota as Pro-Manager of the facility. Here, he authored his first book, One Hour to Power, in addition to writing numerous instructional articles for local and national publications. Rod also hosted a weekly cable television series, and served as a guest instructor at the exclusive Casa de Campo resort in the Dominican Republic.
During a six-year period in 1985, Rod focused his attention on the Minnesota section of the PGA. For his service to the game and dedication to the association, he received a variety of awards. In addition, after serving as the Director of Minnesota's PGA's Junior Golf Academy for two years, he was bestowed the honor of "Junior Golf Promoter of the Year" and "Minnesota Section PGA Professional of the Year."
In 1989, Rod reached the top of his profession earning the title of PGA Master Professional-- a distinction held only by a few select members of the organization. He became the 50th Master Professional among the approximately 25,000 PGA professionals in the entire country.
Rod continued to develop his teaching tenure as the Teaching Professional at Rolling Greens Country Club (now Medina Country Club), beginning in 1988 and continuing through 1990. During this time he recognized the growing need for an indoor golf facility and created Dynamic Golf Studios, a facility dedicated to teaching golf during the winter months.
In 1990, Rod joined the newly emerging Continental Golf Corporation as Vice President and Director of Operations. During his tenure with the Minneapolis-based company, he participated in the acquisition and management of a number of facilities throughout the country. In addition to his responsibilities with Continental Golf, he hosted a weekly golf show on WCCO-AM with former radio icon, Steve Cannon. The show ran five years before Cannon's retirement.
In 1999, Rod announced the creation of Flyaway Golf Schools in strategic alliance with top-ranked World Woods Golf Club in Brooksville, Florida. The four-day schools include not only instruction but a playing lesson on each of the 18-hole championship courses. The school was unique in that students received a lesson prior to attending the school and another follow-up lesson after its conclusion.
It was in 2003 that Rod became the swing-coach for the Catalina Foothills Girls Golf Team in Tucson, Arizona. At that time, the team's best finish was 2nd in the Arizona State High School Tournament. In 2004, the team won it's first State Tournament Championship, was runner-up in 2005, and repeated as winners again in 2006. It's victory in 2004 made history as it marked the first time that a school from Southern Arizona had won the championship in 33 years.
In 2004 Rod was asked to join Tom Lehman, Jim Flick, Dr. Gary Wiren and Dr. Craig Farnsworth in the creation of a four-part DVD instructional series and cable-television infomercial for TattleTale. He served as the host of the show which was filmed at the Tonte Verde Golf Club in Phoenix, Arizona.
Rod returned to radio when he launched a ten-week pilot show entitled, Sunday Night Golf Live, on Salem Communication's 1280 "The Patriot." The 60-minute show featured an instructional series, local guests, player profiles and up-to-the minute coverage of the PGA, LPGA and Senior tours.
Finally, in 2007 Rod was named to GOLF Magazine's "Top 100 Teachers in America." He joins an elite list of fellow instructors including David Leadbetter, Butch Harmon, and Jim Flick to name just a few. In this capacity, he serves as a consultant and contributing writer for this time-honored magazine published in New York City.
Throughout his years of commitment to golf, Rod has always maintained his active teaching schedule. He continues his long association with Prestwick Golf Club in the summer months, and The Golf Zone in the winter.
Rod and his wife Diane have three children, Willie, Sam and Matt. They reside in Eden Prairie, Minnesota.
The three-time Minnesota PGA Teacher of the Year ('88, '89, '90) began his teaching career in 1972 at Edgewood Golf Course in Fargo, North Dakota where he spent four years as Head Professional, specializing in group instruction for beginners and intermediate golfers. During that time he continued to improve his own game, playing a series of exhibition matches with touring professionals Doug Sanders, Lee Trevino, Laura Baugh and Jane Blalock.
In 1976, Rod accepted the position of Teaching Professional at the then-new Robert Trent Jones designed Oxbow Country Club in Hickson, North Dakota. In addition to his country club duties, he taught and served as Golf Coach for North Dakota State University men's and women's golf teams. Rod moved to the Minneapolis/St. Paul area in 1977 and became the Teaching Professional at prestigious Interlachen Country Club. There he worked with a variety of aspiring local amateurs and professionals, including the legendary Patty Berg. During the winter months, from 1977-79, he taught in Scottsdale, Arizona. It was there he worked with fellow professional, Joe Nichols, who specialized in working with both PGA and LPGA Tour professionals. Together, Rod and Joe pioneered the concept of "team-teaching", working in alternate fashion with students throughout the course of their lesson.
Rod took on additional duties in 1980 joining the newly built Rich Acres Golf Course in Richfield, Minnesota as Pro-Manager of the facility. Here, he authored his first book, One Hour to Power, in addition to writing numerous instructional articles for local and national publications. Rod also hosted a weekly cable television series, and served as a guest instructor at the exclusive Casa de Campo resort in the Dominican Republic.
During a six-year period in 1985, Rod focused his attention on the Minnesota section of the PGA. For his service to the game and dedication to the association, he received a variety of awards. In addition, after serving as the Director of Minnesota's PGA's Junior Golf Academy for two years, he was bestowed the honor of "Junior Golf Promoter of the Year" and "Minnesota Section PGA Professional of the Year."
In 1989, Rod reached the top of his profession earning the title of PGA Master Professional-- a distinction held only by a few select members of the organization. He became the 50th Master Professional among the approximately 25,000 PGA professionals in the entire country.
Rod continued to develop his teaching tenure as the Teaching Professional at Rolling Greens Country Club (now Medina Country Club), beginning in 1988 and continuing through 1990. During this time he recognized the growing need for an indoor golf facility and created Dynamic Golf Studios, a facility dedicated to teaching golf during the winter months.
In 1990, Rod joined the newly emerging Continental Golf Corporation as Vice President and Director of Operations. During his tenure with the Minneapolis-based company, he participated in the acquisition and management of a number of facilities throughout the country. In addition to his responsibilities with Continental Golf, he hosted a weekly golf show on WCCO-AM with former radio icon, Steve Cannon. The show ran five years before Cannon's retirement.
In 1999, Rod announced the creation of Flyaway Golf Schools in strategic alliance with top-ranked World Woods Golf Club in Brooksville, Florida. The four-day schools include not only instruction but a playing lesson on each of the 18-hole championship courses. The school was unique in that students received a lesson prior to attending the school and another follow-up lesson after its conclusion.
It was in 2003 that Rod became the swing-coach for the Catalina Foothills Girls Golf Team in Tucson, Arizona. At that time, the team's best finish was 2nd in the Arizona State High School Tournament. In 2004, the team won it's first State Tournament Championship, was runner-up in 2005, and repeated as winners again in 2006. It's victory in 2004 made history as it marked the first time that a school from Southern Arizona had won the championship in 33 years.
In 2004 Rod was asked to join Tom Lehman, Jim Flick, Dr. Gary Wiren and Dr. Craig Farnsworth in the creation of a four-part DVD instructional series and cable-television infomercial for TattleTale. He served as the host of the show which was filmed at the Tonte Verde Golf Club in Phoenix, Arizona.
Rod returned to radio when he launched a ten-week pilot show entitled, Sunday Night Golf Live, on Salem Communication's 1280 "The Patriot." The 60-minute show featured an instructional series, local guests, player profiles and up-to-the minute coverage of the PGA, LPGA and Senior tours.
Finally, in 2007 Rod was named to GOLF Magazine's "Top 100 Teachers in America." He joins an elite list of fellow instructors including David Leadbetter, Butch Harmon, and Jim Flick to name just a few. In this capacity, he serves as a consultant and contributing writer for this time-honored magazine published in New York City.
Throughout his years of commitment to golf, Rod has always maintained his active teaching schedule. He continues his long association with Prestwick Golf Club in the summer months, and The Golf Zone in the winter.
Rod and his wife Diane have three children, Willie, Sam and Matt. They reside in Eden Prairie, Minnesota.