MEMBER PROFILE – ED KOEPP

July 4 is Independence Day in the United States, but it also has a deeper meaning to USGTF member Ed Koepp – that’s the day that he first played golf. Back on that day in 1947, at the age of 10, Koepp played with his mother’s wooden-shafted clubs, got heat exhaustion, and fell in love with the game. Today Koepp lives in Plymouth, Minnesota, but growing up in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Koepp played many sports, saying, “I’ve been around sports my whole life.” Following in the footsteps of his father, who caddied for the legendary Jock Hutchison, Koepp caddied in Milwaukee, where the head professional was famed teacher Manuel de la Torre. Koepp attended the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee and played on the golf team for four years. He then began a career as a psychologist and an independent clinical social worker. He also worked in the mental health field, serving rural areas in Wisconsin and Minnesota. In keeping with his interest in golf, Koepp attended a USGTF certification course in the early 1990s, saying, “I was very interested in cutting-edge activities and in learning.” He taught golf for over 20 years at a range in Plymouth, and today gives the occasional playing lesson. Koepp’s philosophy in helping people boils down to three aspects: 1) Teaching people to respect both others; 2) teaching people to respect themselves; 3) teaching them to develop skills. Sounds like a philosophy that everyone can use.