He only played intermittently during his youth, and nearly dropped the game altogether while in college. But the thought of teaching the fundamentals of the game, and running a pro shop held more a bit more appeal to than spinning Garth Brooks tunes. National provided me with the opportunity to work at a variety of different courses in a number of different atmospheres. When it comes to teaching the game of golf, Burnside employs a philosophy espoused by so many of his colleagues in the business. Most of my students all come over the top.
People get off the air, so to speak, with their golf swing and it starts with the grip.
Outside of Willbrook and the game of golf, Burnside confesses that he does not do much with his free time. But a radio junky at heart, Burnside gets the chills whenever he turns on National Public Radio, and the old dream of getting back into radio sticks in his mind like the lyrics of a James Taylor song. I was bored to death at the country station. I'd like to do stories and talk shows, much like National Public Radio. Outside of Willbrook, Burnside's favorite rounds of golf are broadcast at Caledonia, True Blue, and Wachesaw.