Golf Academy of America ®

Mike Largent, President

As president of GAA, Mike Largent oversees 45 PGA professionals and four PGA master professionals, the largest collection of PGA certified faculty and staff of any career golf college in the country.

Largent joined GAA's parent organization, Education Corporation of America (ECA), in 2007 as campus president of Virginia College in Birmingham, Ala. and later served as the regional vice-president of the system's other three campus locations in Huntsville, Ala., Chattanooga, Tenn., and Austin, Texas. He also provided leadership for the successful launch of Ecotech Institute in Denver, Colo., the nation's first career college dedicated to the rapidly growing fields of renewable energy and sustainability.

Prior to joining ECA, Largent spent more than 10 years in management consulting and general management roles with the Zyman Group and KPMG Consulting. He also served Frito-Lay/PepsiCo and digital marketing firm 360i.com in operations and management roles.

Largent earned his B.A. in economics from Vanderbilt University and his M.B.A. in marketing from Indiana University.

Tim Eberlein, PGA Master Professional, MBA

Mr. Eberlein, a PGA Master Professional, became a PGA of America member in 1994. He worked previously at Brynwood Country Club in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. He received the Horton Smith Award for Excellence in Education from the San Diego Chapter in 1998 and the Southwest PGA Section in 2010. He was recognized as one of the top teachers in the country by T & L Golf and has written numerous articles for golf magazines.

Mr. Eberlein received his MBA from the University of Phoenix and his BS degree in Mechanical Engineering from Gannon University. He also served in the United States Peace Corp (1987, Gambia, Africa). He is a Master Club Fitter and TPI Certified Instructor. He also has an extensive background in tournament operations and golf management. Mr. Eberlein has been immersed in the entire Golf Academy of America experience—as a 1991 graduate, a full-time staff member, and as Campus and Placement Director in San Diego prior to relocating to Arizona.

Greg Gossett, PGA

Greg Gossett has been active in the golf industry since 1995 and a member of PGA of America since in 1997. For six years he served as the Associate Director and Academic Dean for Golf Academy of America in Orlando.

A significant part of his golf career has been with the Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail, comprised of nine facilities with a total of 23 golf courses operated by the Sunbelt Golf Corporation. His extensive experience in all aspects of multi-golf course facility management includes positions as Head Professional, Director of Operations and Director of Instruction. Mr. Gossett’s teaching background is enhanced by his level of proficiency in video analysis with Model Golf software and the V-1 Coaching system. He also holds certifications as a Golfing Machine instructor and certified club fitter.

Mr. Gossett graduated from the Professional Golf Management program at Mississippi State University with a B.B.A. in Marketing and Business.

Jim Hart, Campus Director

Jim Hart, Campus Director at Myrtle Beach, is a former high school, college, and professional tournament golfer who also brings to his position over a quarter century of experience in the business of golf. Mr. Hart was the New York State Public High School golf champion two years running. He then accepted a golf scholarship to the University of Florida where he earned three varsity letters, competing in the Southeastern Conference. After graduation, he became a professional tournament golfer, contending in events throughout North America. He then joined the Carolinas' section of the PGA America in 1981, first as a Tournament Director and then as Chief Executive Officer for the Carolinas Section, the largest of PGA's forty-one geographical entities. In 2000, Mr. Hart became president of Fair Way Golf Management, LLC, a company that owns, operates, and manages golf facilities throughout the Carolinas. He holds a bachelor's degree from the University of Florida and the master's degree in management from Webster University.

Rich Iorio, PGA

Mr. Iorio is a Class A PGA member who has been working in the golf industry since 1986. Mr. Iorio brings a tremendous amount of operational experience to the Golf Academy of America. Mr. Iorio has spent the majority of his career in golf operations focusing on budgeting, merchandising, marketing, food & beverage, and instruction. Mr. Iorio has established his career through golf clubs, such as Fieldstone Golf Club in Greenville Delaware, Hartefeld National Golf Club in Avondale Pennsylvania, Flint Hills National Golf Club in Andover Kansas, Terradyne Resort hotel & Country Club in Andover Kansas, Sim Park Municipal Golf Course in Wichita Kansas and Oakwood Country Club in Enid Oklahoma. Mr. Iorio is also a graduate from Wichita State University where he earned his Bachelor of Arts Degree in Sports Business and was a member of the Wichita State University golf team. Mr. Iorio is an expert in the use of video, 3D motion analysis, launch monitor technology, club fitting, and is a TPI certified golf instructor. Mr. Iorio is actively involved in the YMCA and Boys & Girls Club volunteering his time developing new and enhancing existing programs.

Brad Turner, PGA

With over 25 years of experience in the golf industry, Brad Turner became a PGA of America member in 1989. He has a strong competitive golf background, winning the 1997 North Florida Match Play Championship in 1997. In 1983, he graduated from Bowling Green State University with a B.S. in Business Administration, and since then has gained experience at various golf facilities including municipal courses, semi-private, and private country clubs. A short game expert, Mr. Turner has developed innovative teaching techniques in all phases of short game development and wrote the Golf Academy of America Golf Improvement Program. These teaching techniques have been shared in international clinics for the Chinese Golf Team and Malaysian Golf Association, as well as members of the North Florida PGA. In 2005, Mr. Turner earned his Masters degree in Business Administration from the University of Phoenix. With over 15 years of experience with Golf Academy of America, Mr. Turner provides students with valuable knowledge and experience in golf skill improvement and business development.

Lew Gach, PGA

Mr. Gach is a Class A member of the PGA of America and brings to the Golf Academy of America his expertise in tournament administration and the Rules of Golf. He worked as Senior Tournament Official for the Carolinas Section of the PGA of America and was responsible for all PGA Tour, Nike/Buy.com/Nationwide Tour and Champions Tour Qualifying Tournaments, as well as serving as Rules Official for these events.

Mr. Gach has also conducted PGA Senior Open events and PGA Playing Ability Tests in North and South Carolina. His club professional and management experience includes positions as Head Golf Professional and Club Manager. He also founded the Atlantic Coast Junior Golf Association, a nonprofit corporation dedicated to the advancement of competitive junior golf. Mr. Gach earned his MBA from Virginia College and has been with the Golf Academy of America since 2003.

Mike McDonald, PGA

Mr. McDonald has been a Class-A member of the PGA of America since 1996. Most recently he was the National Director of Recruiting at GolfTEC, the industry leader in golf instruction. While there, Mr. McDonald gave over 3,000 video lessons and opened a new learning center in the Dallas area. (He also hired more than 50 GAA graduates during his tenure at GolfTEC.

Prior to moving to Dallas in 2003, Mr. McDonald was the Head Golf Professional at Furman University Golf Course in Greenville, SC where he also served on the Board of Directors for the South Carolina Chapter of the PGA.

Mr. McDonald is well-versed in video, 3D motion analysis and club-fitting. He graduated with his MBA from Clemson University and from the Professional Golf Management program at Mississippi State University in 1995 with a bachelor’s degree in Marketing and Business.

Jim Nicolaisen, PGA

Mr. Nicolaisen has worked in the golf industry for over 22 years, becoming a PGA of America member in 1998. He worked as an Assistant Professional at Torrey Pines Golf Club from 1989 to1991 and then caddied on the Nationwide Tour (formerly the Hogan Tour). Mr. Nicolaisen started as Assistant Professional at The Olympic Club in San Francisco and was promoted to First Assistant Golf Professional. During this time, he worked two Tour Championships and one US Open.

After moving to San Diego in 2000 Mr. Nicolaisen became the Head Golf Professional at The Auld Course in Chula Vista, CA, then became the Director of Golf at The Crosby in Rancho Santa Fe, CA. He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Quantitative Economics and Decision Science at University of California- San Diego.

Tim Wilkins, PGA

A golf professional since 1974 and a class A member of the PGA since 1978, Tim Wilkins was recognized as the Southern Ohio Section "Teacher of the Year" in 1999. He is also a past Southern Ohio PGA Section Champion winning the event in 1980 and a two-time National Club Professional qualifier. For the past three years Mr. Wilkins has been recognized as one of the Top 50 Golf Instructors in America by Golf Range Magazine.

He has a BBA from the University of Cincinnati, with a major in Marketing. As a representative of the PGA of America, he served on the National Committee for Golf for the Disabled. Mr. Wilkins has been the Director of Golf for the Special Olympics Ohio and a featured guest on Golf Channel’s "Golf Academy Live." In conjunction with the Golf Channel, he created and hosted a TV program titled "On the Tee with Tim X. Wilkins" which ran for six years on Time Warner Cable.

Fred Barr, PGA

Mr. Barr has been a PGA Professional for 33 years with the Southwest PGA Section. He spent 31 of those years in Golf Operations Management, serving in public, resort, semi-private, and private facilities.

For over two decades he worked for American Golf Corporation, the largest Golf Management Company in the world, managing, leasing and owning over 300 golf courses in the USA and abroad.

In 2003, Mr. Barr received the Bill Strausbaugh Award for distinguished service in mentoring other PGA Professionals, integrity, character, and outstanding involvement in charity and community service.

Alan Flashner, PGA Master Professional

Mr. Flashner brings a career in the golf industry exceeding 30 years to the Academy. He attained PGA membership in 1972, and in 1995 earned the level of Master Professional. Mr. Flashner has been Head Golf Professional at Northampton Valley Country Club, Sports Golf Range, and White Manor Country Club. He was Host Professional for six LPGA Championships. In 2000 and 2001, Mr. Flashner was a recipient of the local PGA Chapter Bill Strausbaugh Award and also received the 2000 North Florida PGA Section Bill Strausbaugh Award. He serves as a guest speaker for the North Florida PGA and Florida State High School Golf Association. Mr. Flashner received a B.S. in education from Westchester University in 1967.

Kevin Neisch, PGA

Mr. Neisch has been in the golf industry since 1989 and became a PGA of America member in 1997. Originally from Michigan, he graduated from the Professional Golf Management program at Ferris State University with a B.S. in Business in 1995. Soon after graduating Mr. Neisch served as the First Assistant Golf Professional at Hawthorne Hills Golf Club in Lima, OH. He continued his career in the golf industry as Assistant Operations Manager at Michigan State University’s Forest Akers Golf Courses.

His career then moved toward the corporate golf sector as Sports Marketing Project Supervisor with The Golf Digest Companies, then Director of Rules with Buick Golf/Buick Scramble. While with Buick Golf/Buick Scramble he directed rules and handicapping for 75,000 amateur and 3,500 PGA Professionals through local, sectional, and national championship events across the United States and Canada.

Mr. Neisch earned his MBA from Virginia College in 2009. He is a TPI Certified Golf Fitness Instructor and a certified Henry-Griffitts club fitter.

Alan Rosensteel, PGA

Mr. Rosensteel has been a PGA of America member since 1984 and was formerly Head Golf Professional and Director of Instruction at Myrtlewood Golf Club in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. Mr. Rosensteel began his golf career as a playing professional, winning the 1984 Riviera Open on the North Florida Winter Tour. He also qualified for and competed in the 1983 United States Open Golf Tournament at Oakmont Country Club in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. In 1989, he turned to teaching and became a Golfing Machine Certified Instructor. He has since been recognized by Golf Magazine in 2000 as one of the Top Instructors on the Grand Strand. Mr. Rosensteel is active in the local community and serves as Chairman of the Supervisory Committee of the Carolina Trust Credit Union. Mr. Rosensteel graduated from Saint Francis College in Loretto, Pennsylvania in 1977, earning a B.A. in Mathematics.

Ted Brasile, PGA

Mr. Brasile, a Quarter Century Member of the PGA of America comes to the Golf Academy of America with over 30 years of experience teaching beginners to tour players. He has been recognized by his peers for his accomplishments, having been awarded the 1993 Carolinas PGA Teacher of the Year, the 1998 Georgia PGA North Chapter Teacher of the Year, and the 2003 Georgia PGA East Chapter Teacher of the Year. In addition, Mr. Brasile has been ranked in GOLF Magazine’s list of Top 400 Teachers every year since 1998. He is a Titleist Performance Institute Certified Golf Fitness Instructor and also LAWS of Golf Level 1 & 2 Certified Instructor.

Jay Friedman, PGA

Mr. Friedman became a PGA Professional Member in 1976 when he spent a year playing on the PGA Tour. He received a BA degree in Marketing from University of Oklahoma where he played on the golf team and was later Oklahoma Amateur Champion.

For 19 years he served as Head Professional at Meadowlands Country Club in Philadelphia where he was also Director of Instruction on a TV show called "Inside Golf." Mr. Friedman became a Teaching Professional in 2001 after which he played in seven Goldwater Cup matches, a PGA Senior Championship, two PGA National Club Professional Championships and three National Club Professional Senior Championships.

He is a Certified Club Fitter with Ping and Titleist and has held tournament committee memberships with Philadelphia PGA and Southwest PGA. He is co-owner of Friedman and DeAngles Golf Management Company.

Ron Jones, PGA

JoRon Jones has over 16 years of experience in the golf industry. Ron graduated from Elon College with a BA in Business Administration in 1982. He became a member of the PGA of America in 1996. He was a General Manager and Head Professional at 2 different facilities. The latest was Forest Oaks CC, home of the PGA Tour’s Greater Greensboro Chrysler Classic where he also assisted as Rules Official for the event. His last 6 years were spent teaching at the Hank Haney International Junior Golf Academy. During those years Ron was able to work with Gary Gilcrist (former Director of Instruction for David Leadbetter) and most recently, Hank Haney. These gentleman have been instrumental in his development as an accomplished teaching professional. Ron is proficient in video analysis including V-1 software along with model golf and JC Video. Ron has taught thousands of lessons and worked with several LPGA players including, most recently, In-Kyung Kim.

Steve Kaese, PGA

Mr. Kaese is a Class A member of the PGA of America. He has an extensive background in teaching and was nominated for Southern California Section Teacher of the Year in 2010. He has also hosted education seminars for the San Diego Chapter of the PGA on subjects including technology and teaching. Along with having a vast understanding of technology, he is also a certified TPI golf instructor. Prior to being at GAA, he held Director of Instruction positions at Riverwalk Golf Club and Mission Trails Golf Club in San Diego and Celebration Golf Club in Orlando, FL.

Originally from Chicago, he started his career as an assistant golf professional at Fresh Meadow Golf Course in Hillside, IL. Mr. Kaese graduated from University of Illinois, Champaign with a Broadcast Journalism Degree. Prior to being in the golf industry he spent time working for radio and television stations in Chicago.

Mike Liebner

Mike Liebner has an excellent background in sales, business systems analysis, customer service and teaching. He has been teaching at the college level for thirteen years. He specializes in Computer Applications courses and has been an adjunct faculty member at Chandler Gilbert Community College, Chandler, Arizona since 1998. Mike has also taught marketing at Arizona State University and accounting and finance at Ottawa University in Phoenix. Prior to moving to the education field Mike was a top-performing systems sales representative for Duplex Products in Sycamore, Illinois. He holds a BS from the State University of Albany in New York. Mike also earned his MBA from The University of Phoenix.

Sean Anthony, PGA

Mr. Anthony is a Class A member of the PGA of America. He has held positions as Head Golf Professional, Assistant General Manager at Temeku Hills Golf and Country Club. He has over fifteen years of teaching experience throughout Southern California and Baja, Mexico. Mr. Anthony holds a Bachelor's of Science degree for San Diego State University in Political Science, Economics.

He started his career as a caddy at Castle Pines Country Club, and worked with the International, for five years. While at La Costa Resort and Spa, he assisted in the Mercedes Championship, and taught golf members and guest. He later taught for several years before managing golf operations at Pacific Golf and Country Club, and other facilities.

Gary Balliet, PGA

Mr. Balliet has been a PGA of America member since 1980 and was formerly the Director of Golf at the Sheraton San Marcos Resort in Chandler, Arizona. He was also Director of Golf at the Del Webb Hillcrest Golf Club in Phoenix, Arizona, and is a certified club fitter. With over 20 years in private and public facilities management, Mr. Balliet has also written a book entitled “Carefree Golf” and produced a series of three golf instructional videos titled “Routine for Building a Golf Swing,” “Chipping, Pitching and Sand,” and “Putting.” Mr. Balliet has been an instructor at TGAA since 1996 and has extensive training and experience in club repair. He holds a B.S. in Education from the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan.

Eddie Brown, PGA

Mr. Brown is a Class A member of the PGA of America. He was formerly General Manager of an off-course golf equipment store in Hilton Head Island, South Carolina, where he increased gross sales by over 150% his first year. He later accepted the position as Apprentice Head Golf Professional at The Hampton Club on St. Simons Island, Georgia, working closely with the architect and superintendent in the final shaping and grow-in of the golf course. Upon earning his membership in the PGA of America in 1993, Mr. Brown accepted the position of Director of Golf for Southeastern Golf Management, managing four golf courses. In 1995, the company was restructured as the Links Group, and Mr. Brown was appointed Vice President and Director of Operations, overseeing as many as sixteen facilities throughout the Southeast. Mr. Brown formed his own management company in 1991, where he leased and operated Lost Plantation Golf Club near Savannah, Georgia, and managed all operations and maintenance of the golf course.

Kevin Connole, PGA

Mr. Connole is a Class A PGA member with over 12 years of experience working in the golf business. He grew up in Montana loving golf. After studying business and Korean at BYU his desires to pursue golf as a career led him to the San Diego Golf Academy (now the Golf Academy of America) where he entered as a student in August 1997. Sixteen months later, Kevin graduated as the Valedictorian of his class and took a position as the Director of Nike Golf Schools and Junior Camps in Park City, UT and worked as an assistant pro at Wasatch Mountain Golf Course.

Two years later he had the opportunity as the Tournament Director to help open Whirlwind Golf Club, a Troon Golf property that hosted 5 Nationwide Tour events. He spent the next 10 years in Arizona working in various positions in the golf business, including teaching at the Kent Chase Golf Academy, 1st Assistant at Oakwood Golf Club and the first Head Professional at Robson Ranch Golf Club.

Most recently he operated his own sports and training company teaching golf to youth from charter schools and running after-school golf programs in 3 public school districts. As an advocate of junior golf, Kevin served as a member of the Southwest Section PGA Junior Golf Committee. He is certified as a TPI Golf Fitness Instructor. His years spent in the golf industry have given Kevin extensive background in tournament operations, teaching and management.

Scott Devaux, PGA

Mr. DeVaux is a Class A member of the PGA of America. He began his career as an Assistant Golf Professional at The Legacy Golf Links in Pinehurst, North Carolina, eventually moving to Southern Pines Golf Club, also in Pinehurst, North Carolina. Finding an opportunity for advancement, Scott then moved to Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, where he assumed the position of 1st Assistant Golf Professional at Arrowhead Country Club. From there, he branched out to become a Golf Instructor at The Tradition Golf School in Pawley's Island, South Carolina, a Golf Digest Top-25 Golf School, before joining the Golf Academy of America - The Carolinas faculty in December 2006. While at the Tradition Golf School, Scott was nominated for the 2006 Carolinas PGA Section Teacher of the Year and the 2006 Carolinas PGA Section Junior Golf Leader.

Ed Ekis, PGA

Mr. Ekis has been a PGA of America member since 1972. He was the Golf Operations Director for Del Webb Development Company, at Sun City West, Arizona. While there, he was involved in the planning and design of new clubhouse and physical facilities for five properties. Mr. Ekis was instrumental in developing the inventory control system for five independent golf complexes. In addition, he designed and implemented all teaching programs specifically tailored for the senior golfer and the physically challenged. As a golf instructor, Mr. Ekis has taught around the country for the John Jacobs Golf School in addition to his own golf school. Mr. Ekis is currently involved with video/computer aided golf lesson programs that involve the newest and latest trends in teaching.

Robin Farran

An in-demand expert in golf rules and tournament administration, Robin Farran has officiated or served as Official-in-Charge for more than 500 tournaments. He conducts seminars across the country and created a Rules Study Group consisting of tournament officials and PGA professionals nationally.

Mr. Farran has served as a USGA Committee Member since 1998, officiated NCAA Championships since 1996 and officiated USGA Major Championships since 1999. He has served as a Rules Official with the Arizona Golf Association since 2004 and currently serves on the AGA Executive Committee. He is also a board member for the Junior Golf Association of Arizona.

Sean Ferris, PGA

Sean has been a resident of Arizona since 1982 and took up the game of golf at age 14 at Bellair Golf Club in Glendale, Arizona. Upon graduation from Ferris State University with a Professional Golf Management degree, he started his career as a PGA golf professional at Desert Mountain Golf Club in Scottsdale, Arizona. Sean has served the golf industry in many capacities over the years including Junior Golf Director for the Southwest Section PGA from 2001 – 2007, President of the Junior Golf Association of Arizona 2003-2007, Assistant Executive Director of the Junior Golf Association of Arizona from 2007 - 2010 and was named the "Junior Golf Leader of the Year" by the Southwest Section PGA in 2004. Most recently, Sean has served as the Executive Director of the Golf Industry Association.

Travis Fish, PGA

Travis Fish is an award-winning PGA member hailing from Great Falls, Montana.

He served as general manager at the Raven Golf Club at South Mountain in Phoenix, and in Tucson at such courses as El Conquistador Resort, The Gallery and Arizona National Golf Club. His resume includes everything from PAC 10 college instruction to course maintenance to cooking up the entrée for an elaborate wedding at one of his golf facilities.

In 2000, Mr. Fish was awarded the PGA Junior Leader of the Year for the Southern Chapter. In 2007 he won General Manger of the Year honors for I.R.I Golf Group, and the 2007 Golf Club of the Year award. He has written articles for, or has been featured in, Tucson Guide Quarterly, Avid Golfer Arizona and Arizona Golfer.

Michael Flanagan, PGA

Mr. Flanagan has over 20 years of experience in the golf industry and became a PGA of America member in 1986. He held positions as Assistant Golf Professional, Head Golf Professional, Director of Golf Operations, and General Manager. His most recent position was as Director of Golf Operations for a period of 16 years at Doubletree Resort, San Diego, California. Mr. Flanagan was awarded “Golf Professional of the Year” from the San Diego Chapter PGA in 1994 and 1996. He has served on the Board of Directors for the San Diego Chapter PGA for a period of 12 years as President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer, and Junior Golf Chairman. He hosted the weekly “Golf Tip of the Week” during the evening news for a period of over 10 years on KUSI-TV, Channel 9/51, in San Diego. Mr. Flanagan earned his A.A.B. degree at the San Diego Golf Academy in 1982. Mr. Flanagan was formerly the Campus Director at San Diego.

Ralph "RJ" Hawley, PGA

Mr. Hawley has been a PGA of America member since 2006. After serving 26 years in the U.S. Marines, his passion for golf led him to Arizona State University's Professional Golf Management program. Utilizing his military educational benefits, he graduated "Summa Cum Laude" with a Bachelors of Science degree in business, and was subsequently hired as a program coordinator for the ASU PGM program. He went on to complete his Masters of Science degree in business.

As a program coordinator he was responsible for program and curriculum development as well as advising, recruiting, and retention. He has taught Business Operations, Cart Fleet Management, Rules of Golf, and Merchandise classes related to the PGA certification. He also taught the player development program, which was designed to help students prepare and pass the PGA's player ability test. His most recent position was that of Head Golf Professional at Toka Sticks Golf Club in Mesa, Arizona.

Ray Herzog, PGA

Mr. Herzog became a member of the PGA of America in 2001. Prior to joining the Academy, he served as the Head Golf Professional at Southern Dunes Golf and Country Club in Haines City, Florida. He also held the assistant professional position at Boone Valley in St. Louis, Missouri. Boone Valley was the site of a Senior PGA Tour event when Mr. Herzog was there. He has extensive training in tournament operations, tournament planning, rules, merchandising, cart fleet management, and teaching. He completed the USGA/PGA rules seminar in 2003. Mr. Herzog is a 1998 graduate from The Golf Academy of the South where he was the class valedictorian. Originally from Cincinnati, Ohio, he graduated from the University of Cincinnati with a B.A. in Business Administration in 1996.

Dave Hockett, PGA

Mr. Hockett turned professional in 1991 and has been a member of the PGA since 1996. He has an extensive background in managing private golf club facilities serving as the Head Professional at The Estancia Club and Ancala Country Club in Scottsdale, Arizona as well as the Director of Golf at Anthem Golf & Country Club in Anthem Arizona. His most recent position was that of Head Professional/Manager of The Refuge Golf Club in Oak Grove, MN where he administered over 50 annual golf tournaments for charities and corporate clients. Mr. Hockett won the Southwest Section Merchandiser of the Year award for private facilities in 1999. As a player, Mr. Hockett competed in 11 straight Arizona opens as well as the 1999 Goldwater Cup Matches. He holds a B.S in Mathematics from the University of South Dakota.

Todd Houser, PGA

Mr. Houser has been a PGA of America member since 1993 and was formerly Head Golf Professional at Belle Terre Golf Course in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. Mr. Houser played the Grapefruit Mini Tour in Montana in the mid-1980’s, with numerous top-10 finishes. During his competitive playing career, he shot course records at Valley View Country Club in Montana and Pawley’s Plantation in South Carolina. In 1988, Mr. Houser placed 10th in the South Carolina Open and 6th in the Myrtle Beach Open. His career as a club professional has taken him from Pawley’s Plantation in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, where he was an Assistant Professional to Black Butte Ranch in Sisters, Oregon, where he was the Golf Operations Manager. He returned to Myrtle Beach, South Carolina to assume the position of Head Golf Professional at Sea Gull Golf Course prior to moving to Belle Terre Golf Course. Mr. Houser brings an extensive operational and teaching background to the Academy.

Brad Kirkman, PGA Master Professional

Mr. Kirkman is a PGA Master Professional with 29 years of experience in the golf industry. He has been part of the management team at several premier golf facilities, including the TPC Scottsdale as the Head Golf Professional. Mr. Kirkman graduated from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro with a Business Administration degree. Golf Fitness and biomechanics are two of his areas of expertise as he is a Certified TPI level 2 Golf Professional.

John Koestner

John became a member of the PGA in 2004, graduating as an Acushnet scholarship winner, awarded to the top graduates of the PGA program. Prior to becoming a PGA member, John himself went to the Golf Academy of America, graduating as valedictorian in 2001. John also earned a bachelors degree in sociology at Rollins College in Winter Park, Florida. Since attending the Golf Academy, John has been a head professional at Palo Duro Creek G.C. in Arizona and the director of instruction for GolfTEC where he gave over 10,000 lessons. He has worked extensively with video and motion analysis. John is also a certified TPI golf fitness instructor.

Bernie Krick, PGA

Mr. Krick turned professional in 1963 and earned his PGA membership in 1971, which provided him with the credentials to pursue his passion for teaching golf. He has experience at all levels of the golf business including general manager, head golf professional and director of instruction at private, semi-private, resort and public facilities.

He came to the Golf Academy in 2007 from the PGM program at Methodist University in Fayetteville, NC. Mr. Krick’s duties include club fitting, golf lessons and supervising the club repair lab. He also plays golf with the Golf Performance Enhancement students and evaluates their course management, rules knowledge and pace of play.

Bruce Martin, PGA Master Professional

Mr. Martin was elected to membership into the PGA of America in 1996. Prior to joining Golf Academy of America, he was a director of instruction and teaching professional at the Ben Sutton Golf School and the Roland Stafford Golf Schools. His 13-year teaching background includes instructional projects and positions in six different countries, giving thousands of lessons to beginners, advanced players, juniors, and handicapped golfers. Mr. Martin has extensive experience in utilizing a variety of computerized swing analysis software systems and is certified on the V1 / Interactive Frontiers coaching system. In 1983, Mr. Martin graduated from Valdosta State University with a B.B.A. in Business Management.

Steve Newman, PGA

Steve Newman has more than 16 years of experience at some of the country's greatest clubs, including nine years as Associate Golf Professional at historic Oakland Hills Country Club in Bloomfield Hills, MI. Oakland Hills has a legacy of hosting many PGA majors and other tournaments.

He also served as the Director of Golf at The Club at Olde Stone in Bowling Green, KY which hosted the 2008 Junior Ryder Cup. Mr. Newman has owned his own golf instruction business and graduated from Western Kentucky University with a bachelor's degree in Marketing. He is a TPI Certified golf fitness Instructor and a V1 Certified golf instructor.

Warren Pittman, PGA

Mr. Pittman graduated from the University of Tulsa in 1992 with a Bachelor of Arts Degree. After a short time playing professionally he settled in Tulsa where he earned his PGA Professional membership while working at Tulsa Country Club.

After serving as Head Professional for Willow Creek Country Club in Oklahoma City and a manufacturer’s rep for a Club Car distributorship, Mr. Pittman and his family purchased the Bougainvillea Golf Club in Laveen, AZ. He currently serves as the General Manager and lives in Chandler with his wife, Jeanne, and their two children. He is active in both the Greater Phoenix Chamber of Commerce and the Laveen/South Mountain Chamber.

Anthony Sable, PGA

Mr. Sable is a Class A PGA Member who comes to Golf Academy of America with over 10 years of golf professional experience at public, private, and resort facilities. Originally from Wisconsin, he enjoys travel and has worked in Wisconsin, Illinois, Iowa, Oregon, and California. Most recently, he was 1st Assistant at Ridge Country Club, the only private country club in the city of Chicago. Prior to working in the golf industry, Mr. Sable had a distinguished 10-year Army and Coast Guard aviation career. He received his B.S. Degree from the University of Wisconsin - Stevens Point in 1985 and also graduated with Honors from the Golf Academy of San Diego in 1999.

Sue Shapcott, PGA

Originally from the UK, Sue Shapcott is a former Curtis Cup, European and Asian tour player. She has held national championship titles in Britain, France, Wales, England and Belgium. After retiring from tournament golf in 1996, Ms. Shapcott became a member of the PGA and was Head Golf Professional at Nizels Golf Course in Kent. In 2000 she was recruited to teach for Hank Haney in Dallas. She has hosted workshops for the British PGA, worked with LPGA players and written instruction articles for Golf Monthly Magazine. Sue was also Director of instruction at Tenison Park Golf Course, Dallas, TX – the area’s busiest public facility, where she oversaw the golf academy and a staff of teaching instructors.

Ms. Shapcott completed her undergraduate studies at the University of Texas at Dallas and received her Master of Arts in Educational Psychology from Arizona State University. Her research in psychology focuses on golfers’ motivation and self-regulation.

John Shelley, PGA

Mr. Shelley's teaching philosophy revolves around learning that's simple, less mechanical and most of all fun.

"The ideal golf lesson is one where each student leaves with a clear understanding of his or her golf swing along with a plan and practice drills so they can keep improving by becoming their own coach."

Mr. Shelley grew up in Southern California where he played junior golf and was a high school All-American. He attended Central State University in Edmond, OK on a golf scholarship and was a two-time All-American and the 1990 Lone Star Conference Player of the Year.

As the Assistant Professional at Stonebridge Ranch Country Club in the Dallas area, he won the North Texas PGA Metro Assistant Championship and was a member of the winning NTPGA Jordan Cup team in 1994. After earning membership in the PGA, he became the Head Golf Professional at Woodcrest Country Club, then Director of Instruction with The Nicklaus/Flick Golf School at the Golden Bear Golf Center in Carrollton, Texas.

Brian Smith, PGA

Brian Smith began his golfing career prior to the age of two. He grew up in New Hampshire where he golfed in season and played hockey in the winter. Being fortunate enough to be a junior Member of Nashua CC, he spent his youth involved in the states junior program. Upon graduation from the University of New Hampshire, Brian relocated to sunny San Diego.

After serving as an apprentice at Fairbanks Ranch CC in Rancho Santa Fe, Brian obtained his PGA Class A certification in 1997. An opportunity became available to instruct at Shadowridge CC in Vista, CA. Brian spent ten years at the Club doing ninety percent of the instruction, coordinating the year round junior golf program, and directing outside tournaments.

When the opportunity presented itself at Golf Academy of America, Brian found it to be the perfect way to give back to the game. Brian is a certified club fitter, and is currently enrolled in the TPI Certified Golf Fitness Instructor Program. He has two professional victories to his name in San Diego PGA chapter events and now just enjoys playing with the students.

Martyn Woodhouse, PGA

Mr. Woodhouse is a European PGA member with 25 years of experience in the golf industry. Prior to joining the Academy, he was the Director of Instruction at Belle Terre Golf Course. An accomplished player, he competed on the European, South Africa Sunshine, and European Challenge Tours. Mr. Woodhouse has held Head Professional positions in England, Germany, and South Carolina and has conducted golf schools in Spain, Portugal, France, and Morocco. As a Head Professional in 1991, he was responsible for developing a new golf club from the ground up; his primary responsibilities included overall marketing, course design, tournament development, and pro shop design, in addition to teaching over 200 brand new golfers. Mr. Woodhouse also learned club repair under two master club makers in England.

Tom Woody, PGA

Mr. Woody is a Class A member of the PGA of America with over 25 years of experience in the golf industry. Prior to joining the Academy, he was the Director of Golf for Heron Point Golf Club in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. He has been a Head Professional/Director of Golf at four different facilities in his career, with responsibilities including teaching, junior golf, merchandising, and tournament operations. Mr. Woody created the Cincinnati Inner-City Youth Golf Program and recruited a dozen Cincinnati Bengal football players to help with the program. He is an accomplished player, having won the SDIC Championship, and having been selected SDIC All-Conference in his senior year of college. Mr. Woody holds an M.A. and B.S. in Education from Central Michigan University.