Your Instructors

Dan Gawronski, PGA Head Professional

Dan Gawronski is a Life Member of the PGA of America. Dan grew up playing the municipal courses in Houston, Texas. He played as a junior, in high school, college, as an amateur and finally as a professional once he earned membership in the PGA of America. Dan spent 29 years in the southwest Florida marketplace as an assistant golf professional, head professional, director of golf, and general manager. He served in PGA governance for 17 years, helped secure the Professional Golf Management Program at Florida Gulf Coast University, taught in that program, launched the successful mentoring program there, and continues to serve on their Advisory Board.

As fate would have it, Henderson provided an opportunity for Dan to continue his career in a similar environment in which he learned the game. You could say he has returned to his roots. He's returned to his roots in another way as well. His parents have been Savannah residents since 1994 and now, at the later stage of their lives, he is able to be here for them as well. Both parties are very happy!

As an instructor, Dan is a fundamentalist. So many ailments of a person's game come down to the basics. It is important to set yourself up for success. “At least two-thirds of the potential of a successful swing is in the set-up, before anything moves. Half of the rest is in how you start the swing.” Dan likes to keep things simple, relatable, and sustainable.

Walter W. Baker III, Golf Instructor/LPGA Site Director

Walter is a native of Savannah, GA and twenty-five-year Veteran of the U.S. Army. Throughout his years in the Armed Service, and afterward, he has stayed close to the game of golf. In addition to a number of other degrees, Walter earned a Master's of Science degree in Organizational Leadership that has instilled the skills he clearly demonstrates in both his personal and professional life. Walter has shared his love of golf and enriched the lives of numerous young golfers while with The First Tee of: Savannah, Hawaii, Prince William County Virginia, and as a Certified Level III Program Director at the First Tee Sandhills. Walter continues to enthusiastically share his time and talent as a staff member at Henderson Golf Club. He is the Assistant PGA Pro, USGTF Certified Lead Coach for the USGA/LPGA Girls Golf Program. Additionally, he's the Lead Instructor for PGA HOPE of Savannah, GA. He also provides instruction programs for juniors and adults. Walter is married to Lisa, his best friend and wife of over twenty-five years and they have one daughter.