'Golf Swing Guru' Of McHenry County Recognized: Best Of 2025

Cary, Illinois — Every community has its bright spots — the neighbors, businesses and local favorites that make it feel like home. As 2025 comes to a close, Patch and T-Mobile are recognizing the people, places and moments that made this year brighter in Cary through our Best of 2025 series.

This story was submitted by Kevin Kerlin, who nominated Jim Buenzli - Terre Cotta Golf Center. To share your own Best of 2025 nomination, click here to answer a few questions, and we’ll take it from there.

Who or what are you nominating for Best of 2025?

Jim Buenzli - Terre Cotta Golf Center

How did this person, place or experience make a difference in your life or community this year?

He is the golf swing guru of McHenry County and a very capable golf instructor. Jim has been this for 35+ years and is someone you can rely on and depend on for insightful golf instruction. Capable of instructing adults, children and developing golfers alike, he has a unique ability to communicate to golfers at all levels. I found that he is particularly good at being able to communicate to children so that understand the concepts. Jim has been a stalwart in the community and has been for years.

What would you like everyone in town to know about your nominee?

Jim Buenzli is a qualified golf instructor and has been for many years. He has a unique ability to convey golf swing concepts into easily understandable ideas that anyone (adults, children and developing golfers of all ages). He is a skilled golf swing instructor who one can rely on for help.

If you could tell them one thing, what would it be?

Jim, you make golfing a lot less frustrating and more fun. Thanks for giving this retiree hope that translates into improved golf scores.

What’s something you love most about your town or community?

I love that we live in a place that has something for everybody and such an high quality of life. McHenry County is a place that has been our home for 35 years - a place that relishes it’s rural past and doesn’t look or feel like an urban area.

We want to hear from you, too! Is there a restaurant, a contractor, a business, a person — even a place — that’s your pick for Best of 2025? Click here to answer a few questions, and your story could be featured on Patch.

This content is brought to our community in partnership with T-Mobile.