When I reflect on my journey as a golf instructor, I’m struck by how fortunate I’ve been to learn from some of the brightest minds in the game while striving to help my students achieve their goals. Attending the recent GOLF Magazine Top 100 Teachers Retreat at Cabot Citrus Farms was one of those moments that reminded me why I am so passionate about this craft. It’s humbling to be in the presence of such talent and expertise, and I came away inspired and more eager than ever to share what I’ve learned.
Since 2013, I’ve been a certified AimPoint instructor, trained personally by Mark Sweeney, the founder of AimPoint Golf. I’ve also earned certifications in Eyeline Golf’s Tour Roll & 4 Putting Elements, Capto Golf 3D Putting Analysis (Level 2), BodiTrak Pressure Mapping through Golf Rehab, and Wright Balance Technology. These tools have deepened my understanding of the game, particularly when it comes to putting and biomechanics, but more importantly, they’ve allowed me to offer my students a more comprehensive approach to improvement.
For the past two decades, I’ve had the privilege of running a junior developmental program that has introduced over 1,000 young players to the game. Seeing their progression from beginners to advanced is one of the most rewarding parts of my career. I’ve worked with players of all levels, from weekend golfers to top college athletes, elite amateurs, and even professionals. Each student brings their own challenges and joys, and I’m constantly learning from them as well.
I take great pride in the work my dedicated team and I have done to mentor and certify fellow instructors, sharing our expertise to help them refine their teaching methods. Coaching high school golf teams has also been a deeply rewarding experience. As the private instructor for Hickory High School’s girls’ golf team, I had the honor of helping to guide them to three consecutive Pennsylvania State Team Championships and a record-setting performance. Additionally, leading the Peters Township High School boy’s golf program for over 25 years has been a labor of love, marked by more than 40 tournament victories, a Pennsylvania State Championship, and countless district and state qualifiers and champions.
My role on both the Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association Golf Steering Committee and the Western Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association Golf Steering Committee has allowed me to give back to the game at a broader level, ensuring that over 1,500 student-athletes have access to a robust and well-organized program.
Earning status as a Lynn Blake Certified Master Instructor in 2012 was another milestone for me. After extensive training with Mr. Blake, including over 1000 hours of personal study, I’m now honored to be the only U.S. based teacher aside from Mr. Blake himself who certifies LBCI instructors. This has deepened my understanding of teaching and enhanced my ability to help players improve their ball flight and overall performance and to help mentor the next generation of instructors.
This brings me back to the recent Top 100 Teachers Retreat. Being invited for the second year to this private event felt like being a kid in a candy store. Surrounded by some of the top minds in golf, I had the chance to learn, share ideas, and refine my craft. Cabot Citrus Farms was an incredible venue, featuring two 18-hole courses, a 9-hole course, an 11-hole short course, and state-of-the-art practice facilities. The atmosphere was both inspiring and relaxed, and I was fortunate to share a house with accomplished instructors like Mike Dickson, Erika Larkin, Leighann Albaugh, and Chris George, as well as making new connections with leaders like Kevin Weeks and Michael Neff.
Each day of the retreat was packed with insights. Highlights included Mark Blackburn’s thought-provoking “12 Bucket” approach to instruction, Don Sargent’s emphasis on setup fundamentals, and Mike Bender’s hands-on tips for training the arms in the swing. Chris Smith’s presentation on rhythm and subconscious performance particularly resonated with me, given my background in psychology. I also gained valuable insights into modern bunker techniques from Parker McLaughlin, tempo insights from John Tattersall, and a deeper understanding of analytics in player development from Nicco Darris.
The final day capped off with thought-provoking presentations on speed development with Bernie Najar as well as neuroscience and training from Tony Ruggiero and Dr. Richard Buonocore. As I reviewed my notes and videos on the flight home, I felt an overwhelming sense of gratitude. The retreat reinforced my commitment to lifelong learning and sharing these lessons with my students to help them unlock their potential.
In the end, everything I do as a coach and educator comes down to one guiding principle: making a meaningful difference in the lives of the players I work with. The retreat wasn’t just an opportunity to enhance my teaching, it was a reminder of why I started this journey in the first place. I’m excited to keep learning, growing, and giving back to the game that has given me so much, and I look forward to helping my students reach their full potential both on and off the course.
