Then he broke his back in 1976. It became very difficult for Zedrick to continue as a golf pro; he returned to amateur status in 1978. Zedrick switched gears and began working in sales for Phillip Morris. He built a 20 year career there and managed to retire early. But Zedrick kept up his golf game – well enough to get back into the golf business and be reinstated as a PGA Professional in 1996. “It’s hard for me to make a full swing,” says Zedrick, “but that just makes the long iron shots difficult.” From 100 yards in, Zedrick still has the magic. “I love to make those shots because that’s where you can really score,” he adds.

Overcoming a serious injury often makes one appreciate his profession even more. Zedrick has always loved teaching the game and, once healed, he was anxious to get back on the lesson tee full-time. In July 2001, Zedrick started his own business, strictly teaching golf at Meadowridge Golf Driving Range in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. In the off-season, he travels south to continue teaching at the Golf and Learning Center in Clearwater, Florida for the winter. “I chose to teach golf because of the rewards of seeing people improve their abilities,” says Zedrick. “I love teaching the game.”

Zedrick’s students appreciate his ability to keep things simple. A staunch advocate of the basics, Zedrick emphasizes the fundamentals for all of his beginner and intermediate golfers. Even advanced players find Zedrick checking their fundamentals with a keen eye to make sure the mechanics are in order. “I look for whatever’s out of kilter and we work together in fixing it,” notes Zedrick. “When they follow my instructions and practice, my students often hit the ball farther and straighter, just as they’d hoped,” smiles Zedrick, who’s own practice and playing routine revolves around the basics, too.

A 7^th grader Zedrick’s coached for a couple of years recently finished 2^nd at her State High School Meet in her freshman and sophomore years. “She already has about 10 colleges looking at her,” says Zedrick, who likely established sound fundamentals with this young student. Zedrick first picked up a club at age six and was the captain of his high school golf team his senior year. He now has three children and 12 grandchildren of his own. Zedrick has much to share with students of all ages and abilities; chances are good he knows how you feel and what you need to work on.

Zedrick enjoys watching the Senior PGA Tour and LPGA Tour players when he has a free moment. “I think they are the most enjoyable to watch because of their short game and how much they are in control of that part of their game,” says Zedrick. Somewhat competitive as a professional himself in recent years, Zedrick has teed it up in several PGA Section events. But for the most part, Zedrick’s focus is on his students.