Where Are They Now: John Buczek
3/31/2011 12:00:00 AM | Men's Golf
In each issue, "Where Are They Now" features former Wake Forest student-athletes. This issue highlights former men's golfer John Buczek.
After a successful collegiate golf career which culminated in the 1967 ACC Championship, Buczek embarked on a lifelong career in professional golf. He played on the PGA Tour in the winters of 1974-1977 and has become known as a highly respected instructor. He was the head golf professional at Forsyth Country Club in Winston-Salem for 15 years followed by a six-year tenure as director of golf at Grandfather Golf and Country Club in Linnville, N.C.
Before returning to Wake Forest in 2010, Buczek served as director of golf at the acclaimed Winged Foot Golf Club in Mamaroneck, N.Y. He now lives in Winston-Salem with his wife, Dariel, and is the proud father of daughter, Chase who also lives in Winston-Salem and works for Mike Lewis Attorneys.
When did you graduate from Wake Forest?
1967
What does being a Demon Deacon mean to you?
Being a Demon Deacon has meant a lot to me over the years. Throughout my life and career, the respect and admiration people have for Wake Forest has been very apparent. It's so nice to be associated with a place as special as Wake Forest, and I'm proud to be a Demon Deacon.
Why are you still involved in Wake Forest Athletics?
I grew up loving sports, played golf at Wake Forest and went on to a career in professional golf. Now I am lucky to have returned to Wake Forest, where my enthusiasm extends beyond golf to all of the other Wake Forest athletic programs as well. Athletics and golf, in particular, are an important part of my life, and Wake Forest has given me the opportunity to do what I love.
Why do you feel it is important to give back to the University?
We work so we can make a living, but what life is really all about is giving. I am so grateful for the opportunities and influences I had here at Wake Forest. Jesse Haddock gave me the chance to come to Wake and play golf and as a result, I have met some very special friends and associates over the years. So I would like to do whatever I can to give back, whether it is through the gift of time or financial support. It's always good to be grateful for what went on in the past that helped you out and give back to those who were good to us, so that's how I feel about Wake Forest.
What is your current occupation?
Director of instruction at the Wake Forest Golf Academy (www.WakeForestGolfAcademy.com)
What is your favorite memory of your time at Wake Forest?
Definitely meeting my wife, which was really special. I'm so grateful to Coach Haddock for bringing me to Wake Forest, so I could play golf, but much more importantly, this is where I met Dariel. She is a wonderful wife and amazing mother to our daughter Chase, and I am so fortunate to have had the opportunity to meet not only her but also her great family. I can remember a couple of good birdies while I was at Wake Forest, but those memories just aren't in the same league as the memory of meeting my wife.
What makes you most proud of Wake Forest?
I'm just so proud to see how the University has been able to maintain its long-standing tradition of excellence while moving forward with the times. I'm also proud of how Wake Forest continues to offer the resources, facilities and opportunities of a big school while still providing a more intimate environment that allows you to get to know the people and professors better. I went to the University of Houston as a freshman, and my dad passed away, and I ended up coming to Wake Forest, and there's just no comparison between a big school and a school like Wake Forest.
I was there when...
Our men's golf team won the first of 10 consecutive ACC Championships.
Who is your favorite coach at Wake Forest, current or past?
I know some coaches better than others, but I have a great deal of admiration and respect for all of them because they are all dedicated to doing their best. Over the years, they've all kept the well-being of the student-athletes as their No. 1 goal. They do what is best for them and hopefully, winning will come along with that. If I had to pick one favorite though, how could I not say Jesse Haddock? He gave me the opportunity to come to Wake Forest and had a major influence on my life and my career. After my dad died, Coach Haddock was like a father to me, and he became a lifelong friend who I am still very close to today. I love him and his whole family. That's an awfully special relationship.
