Bruno Künzli’s story is a powerful example of how a career change is not only possible after 50 – it can also be deeply fulfilling. After a long and successful career in freestyle skiing, he chose a new path at the age of 55: becoming a certified golf instructor with the Swiss PGA. Today, more than ten years later, he is Head Pro at Golfclub Entfelden and looks back on his journey with pride.

From Snow to Green

Bruno Künzli first trained as a car mechanic. Right after completing his apprenticeship, he took the leap into professional sports and launched an impressive career as a freestyle skier. He spent 48 years in freestyle skiing – first as an athlete on the Swiss national team, later as a coach of various national teams and as organizing committee leader for six World Cups in the discipline of aerials. He also spent 25 years as a technical delegate for the FIS at European and World Cups, World Championships, and Olympic Games.

During his sports career, Künzli also added a commercial education to his résumé – another building block on his diverse path.

After ending his competitive career in 1988, he moved to Florida. Right behind his apartment in Lake Placid was a driving range – where he made his very first golf swings. It was the beginning of a new passion.

A Pioneer in Swiss Golf

Back in Switzerland, Bruno Künzli launched an ambitious project in 1992: he built his first public driving range – likely one of the very first of its kind in the entire country. In the years that followed, he established two more facilities, which he rezoned, financed, and operated on his own. He was also a trailblazer in the golf retail world: in 1994, he opened Switzerland’s first “Mc Golf” shop, showing strong entrepreneurial vision for the growing sport.

A Challenging Path to Late Education

“There were many reasons and moments that ultimately led me to become a golf instructor,” says Künzli. “But the path wasn’t easy.” One major hurdle was the Swiss PGA’s age limit of 35 for the training program.

Nevertheless, in 2012 – at 55 years old – he began his training. And not just any training: he was part of the very first group to go through the new modular program and exams in collaboration with Magglingen. “I really enjoyed the education – especially everything involving Magglingen,” he says.

That said, it was no walk in the park: “Getting back into learning was a challenge. And physically, I had to keep up with the younger students – we all had to tee off from the white tees!”

During this time, he received valuable support from Patrick Kressig, Pro at Golfclub Lucerne, and Christoph Kummer from GC Blumisberg – two companions who were especially important to him during his training.

Settled in His New Profession

Today, Bruno Künzli has been the Head Pro at Golfclub Entfelden for over a decade. He teaches six days a week – individual lessons, group sessions, and specialized courses. He is particularly proud of the positive development of the junior section: “The club’s success has been a huge motivator for me – it confirmed that I had made the right decision.”

What sets him apart as a teacher is his ability to adapt to different people: “I adjust my style to whoever I’m working with.” His long-standing experience as an athlete and coach also helps: “With my background, teaching just comes a little more naturally.”

An Inspiration for All Late Bloomers

Looking back, Bruno Künzli wouldn’t change a thing. And when people ask if such a step is still worth taking later in life, he has a clear answer:

“Talk to an experienced Head Pro – that’s the best place to start.”

Because sometimes, all it takes is a bit of courage – and maybe a driving range behind your house – to begin a whole new chapter.

➤ Interested in taking a golf lesson with Bruno Künzli or learning more about his work?
Visit the Golf School at Golfclub Entfelden:
👉 www.aarau-west.ch/golf/academy/golfschule-/-pro.html