Jim "Coach K" Knasel's love for golf started early. One of his earliest memories is receiving a used 7-iron from a garage sale when he was about eight years old. With that club, a few golf balls, and friends who loved being outside, Jim spent countless hours playing the game he was just beginning to learn.
By the time he was 10, Jim was caddying for his dad — his payment wasn't money, it was the chance to tee it up on the par-3 holes. Growing up in a close-knit blue-collar family, Jim quickly learned that golf could be a real reward.
"What began as a love of golf and competition has become something even more meaningful: a way to bring people together, build friendships, and strengthen a community."
He advanced from caddie to Caddie Master, played three years of varsity golf in high school, and eventually organized his neighborhood golf outing — growing it from three foursomes with no prizes into a highly anticipated event with 20 foursomes, on-course contests, and a full awards program.
Today, Jim serves as the Varsity Girls Golf Coach at Saint Francis High School, sharing his passion for the game while teaching young golfers the fundamentals, course management, sportsmanship, and the mental side of competition.
His professional background in marketing, sales, customer service, and project management brings everything full circle. At Noonan Golf Outings, Jim brings the golf knowledge, event experience, and organizational discipline that help turn a casual idea into a well-run outing.
