Golf Academy of America ®

"Golf has become part of our therapy, both individually and collectively. We're getting our lives back, little by little."

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"Golf has become part of our therapy, both individually and collectively. We're getting our lives back, little by little."

Read the moving story about a family that plays—and goes to golf school—together.

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Have you seen the ads for "Swing Fix" on the Golf Channel?

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Have you seen the ads for "Swing Fix" on the Golf Channel?

Golf Academy of America graduate Jason Hellman was recently approached to be an instructor for the Golf Channel's Swing Fix Instructor team. As one of 50 instructors chosen and one of two PGA of Canada members selected for the new online coaching academy, Jason is thrilled to have this opportunity.

Read more about it here.

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Alumnus Chad Pfeifer was recently featured in an online video series called, "The Faces of Veteran Education."

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Recently, Golf Academy of America alumnus Chad Pfeifer was featured in an online video series called, "The Faces of Veteran Education." The series is sponsored by the Association of Private Sector Colleges and Universities (APSCU).

Mr. Pfeifer, an Army veteran, lost his left leg below the knee due to an IED explosion while serving in Iraq. After including golf in his rehabilitation, he entered Golf Academy of America. He was one of more than 200 military veterans enrolled at GAA's five campuses, and his education has paid off.

In 2011, he won the National Amputee Golf Tournament and the Bush Center Warrior Open. He now works in the golf industry.

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Many Springfield sports fans remember Jesse Noelke and his brother, Jayme Noelke, as basketball standouts at Calvary Academy. Golf? The school didn't offer the sport.

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Many Springfield sports fans remember Jesse Noelke and his brother, Jayme Noelke, as basketball standouts at Calvary Academy.

Golf? The school didn't offer the sport.

So they attended GAA in Myrtle Beach and today, the brothers are professionals at The Rail Golf Course, where 25-year-old Jesse is head pro and 28-year-old Jayme is Jesse's assistant. Read the article in the State Journal-Register of Springfield, IL.

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Rick Valentine, GAA grad and Director of Golf for Scotland's Loretto Golf Academy, has overseen the Academy's spectacular success.

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Rick Valentine, GAA grad and Director of Golf for Scotland's Loretto Golf Academy, has overseen the Academy's spectacular success. Read the article here.

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Fifteen years ago Nancy Harvey traded in her briefcase and business suit for a chance at second career in the golf industry and she has never looked back.

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Fifteen years ago Nancy Harvey traded in her briefcase and business suit for a chance at second career in the golf industry and she has never looked back. Read the article about the GAA grad in The Golf Channel's World Golf.

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After a career in education, Lynn chose golf as a second career…and loves it.

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Lynn Montano recently finished her Class A with the LPGA. She is in her third season working in middle management at a municipal golf course pro shop.

She recently wrote one of her instructors, "I often think of you and use the skills you taught us in class. Thanks again for everything. My time at the academy was one that I will cherish for a long time!"

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Shooting all sub-74 rounds since starting GAA is just one advantage this aspiring pro has enjoyed during his school tenure.

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I was part of a top-contending college team at Missouri Western State University in St. Joseph, MO. Even though I always had a dream to compete at a higher level, such as professional tours, I never put the pursuit into consideration until December, 2010 when a small business owner approached me with a sponsorship offer for the Gateway Tour. I played a few events waiting on the sponsor's money, but right off the bat I was questioning myself and my ability to compete. I thought to myself, "I'm shooting for my dream right?"

Well, the sponsor fell through so I had to figure out something. A close friend of mine headed to San Diego to start his first semester at the Golf Academy of America. He suggested I check out the Phoenix campus. I did. After research and a visit, I started in May, 2011. Now that I am in my third semester (with one to go) I wish I would have come here first, and then went to pursue the mini tour. When I first came out here to compete I bought new clubs fitted especially for me. However, the guy that fitted me didn't do me any justice. What do I mean? After I learned what fitting and equipment was all about at GAA, I re-fit my clubs myself and haven't hit the ball better in my life. I have become a +1 handicap and haven't shot a round over 74 since being at the Academy. So basically I have become a more consistent all-around player and am excited to compete again in the future with the teachings that I have received at the Golf Academy of America.

The resources of PGA instructors are top notch in my opinion and believe me when I tell you that I have picked many of their brains on different techniques since I've been here. So where I go from here is still up in the air but I am glad that I am experiencing everything about the business and game while I'm here. Dreams are exactly what they are and keep all of us in line to chase them until we reach them. I set that dream of playing on the PGA Tour at the top, and at the age of 36, I will never give up on that. Thanks to The Golf Academy of America, I am one step closer than I was before.

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GAA grad and Canadian PGA Teacher of the Year Jason Helman recently appeared on the Golf Channel.

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Jason Helman, a Golf Academy of America graduate and 20180 Canadian PGA Teacher of the Year, visited on-air with The Golf Channel's Morning Drive Team. Helman demonstrated an 8-iron "bump and run" shot for viewers.

Helman was also named as one of the most prominent teachers outside the United States by Golf Digest magazine. The magazine's semi-annual list which ranks the 50 best teachers in America also recognizes those "who are making a major impact as teachers in their respective countries."

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"Things are going great at Lake Nona and I'm living the dream…still can't believe I work here at times!"

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"Things are going great at Lake Nona and I'm living the dream…still can't believe I work here at times! I've been working hard in my position and also on my game. I've been learning a lot every day and gaining really great experience from the staff. I've already made some solid networking connections with the members and the industry professionals who visit the course. I gave a mini lesson to a member last week as I was closing down the range. I adjusted his set up and path and got him crushing the ball. He was amazed!

But the best part of it all is interacting with the PGA, LPGA and Senior Tour professionals! A couple of weeks ago, I bent, swing weighted and re-gripped two of Trevor Immelman's putters for his practice before the PGA championship. I also did some club work for Eduoardo Molinari, Mark McNulty, Donnie Hammond and Justin Rose. I also see Graeme McDowell, Gary Woodland, Poulter, Retief, Stenson, Peter Hansen, Yani Tseng, Lori Kane and many others when they are in town. One highlight was when Henrik Stenson needed a ride to the airport to go to the US Open with Poulter and McDowell. Their SUV was full so I ended up driving Stenson to the private jet in my Honda Civic while listening to him talk about his game! Crazy!

I'm planning to take the PAT at Falcons this Monday. I played a practice round yesterday and played well. Goal is to pass it or get the qualifying round to start the PGA program. I've looked over the PGA materials and the coursework is everything we covered at GAA so I feel very prepared and plan to get through it easily once I start the books!

Again, I wanted to thank all of you for the Golf Academy of America experience and for giving me the opportunity to work at such a great club!"

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"When I left GAA in April, I would never have imagined that I could achieve anything like this with in my own game."

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"I recently passed the P.A.T. here in Williamsburg. I came in with the low round of the tournament of 74 on the first 18.

I would like to speak about how the GAA can dramatically improve playing ability. I came to school as a 14 HDCP and left as a 5 and some change. I have so many great experiences of running tournaments, instruction, and daily operations to speak of and how I was so well-prepared thanks to GAA. I would imagine that you hear about things like this all of the time. I felt very compelled to let you know of the success thus far in the beginning stages of a long career and how everyone at the GAA is really there to help make it happen. I could not be more thankful. Thank you for all of you time."

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"I'm now a certified PING club fitter and club repairman for PING. Its crazy…I never thought I would have the chance to work for PING. Thanks to the staff at GAA for teaching me everything about club repair and club fitting."

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"Just wanted to drop you a quick email to see how things are going at the great campus of GAA. Also to let you know that everything is going well in Alaska. I have been working my butt off but everything that was taught to me at school has already been put to use. Things keep getting better. I have been put on staff with PING. I'm now a certified PING club fitter and club repairman for PING. Its crazy…I never thought I would have the chance to work for PING.

Thanks to the staff at GAA for teaching me everything about club repair and club fitting. I'm very thankful for the education that I got from GAA."

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"Just wanted to thank you for the all the experiences we've had throughout the Academy, from Tavistock to all the other volunteer opportunities. It really has been a treat. I didn't know what to expect of the Golf Channel last night, but meeting Rich Lerner and you having him give us advice was something I will never forget.

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"(I just hit) the first even par round of my life. I can't thank you guys enough for all of your help during this incredible improvement in my handicap."

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"(I just hit) the first even par round of my life. I can't thank you guys enough for all of your help during this incredible improvement in my handicap. I won't be able to practice as much, but I'm hoping to get enough play to reach a 0 handicap by next summer. The rounds I was able to play while I was back in Illinois should have me between a 4 and a 6 at the worst, which means I would've improved my handicap by close to 20 strokes in 17 months. I literally went through the mentalities of "please hit the ball" to "please go somewhere towards the green" to "wow, that green is a lot bigger than I remember." Bad shots don't frustrate me near as much, though good shots that turn out bad still send me over the edge.

Keep up the good work. If I can make this much improvement in that short time frame, anyone can."

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Brennen Traux captured the 2010 American Long Drivers Association (ALDA) California State Championship…

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Brennen Traux captured the 2010 American Long Drivers Association (ALDA) California State Championship in Corona, Calif with a 365-yard drive in the finals. Truax won three ALDA events and one independent event in 2010. He captured three of the wins after switching to Aldila's RIP® LD.

The longest ball the 6-foot 3-inch, 275-pound Minnesota native has hit in competition is 424 yards.

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Tim Schucker started his golf career at his all-time favorite golf course. But it's more than a job—it's a return to a place that made a special wish come true.

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Schucker, a recent Golf Academy of America graduate, accepted a position in outside services at TPC Sawgrass in Ponte Vedra Beach, FL.

"It's crazy how life works out sometimes," said the 22-year old Lakewood, Colo. native. "After graduating from GAA in San Diego, I had many places where I wanted to work, but when TPC Sawgrass offered me a job, it just felt right to go back to the place where I experienced my fondest golf memory."

In 2009, Schucker arrived at TPC Sawgrass as a 19-year old "Make-A-Wish" child. Two years earlier, he had been diagnosed with Ewing's sarcoma, an aggressive form of bone cancer. At that time, Schucker was a high school senior and a very active athlete who played football and lacrosse. But golf, which he learned as a toddler from his dad, was Schucker's first love. Shortly before his 18th birthday, he underwent surgery to remove a six-inch piece of bone in his right forearm that a team of doctors replaced with a cadaver bone and a steel plate.

Thanks to the Make-A-Wish Foundation, an organization that helps dreams come true for children with life-threatening illnesses, Schucker, his parents and his 13-year-old sister were able to take the trip to Florida from their home near Denver.

Schucker's wish was to play TPC Sawgrass, home of his favorite PGA TOUR event, THE PLAYERS, with his dad. The pair got a tour of the massive clubhouse and their own lockers. Upon arriving for their tee time, PGA TOUR players Jim Furyk and Briny Baird greeted Schucker. Baird even played the entire round with the father and son.

After eight months of chemotherapy in 2009, doctors told Schucker he was cancer-free. Now, Schucker is back at the place that made his golf wish come true.

"We are proud to have Tim working for us," said Matt Borocz, head golf professional at TPC Sawgrass. "His story is an amazing one, but his passion for the game and business of golf is what made us offer him a job. Tim has a bright future in golf and we couldn't be happier that he has started his career with us."

"Tim is definitely an inspiration for all of us," said Chris Hunkler, president of Golf Academy of America. "To overcome cancer, to pursue his passion for golf and to start his career at a place like Sawgrass, it's definitely a dream come true for him. We wish him well as he takes what he learned at Golf Academy of America and applies it to his career goals."

Read the recent Denver Post article about Schucker.

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Chad Pfeifer, a retired Army veteran and May 2011 graduate of the Golf Academy of America in Phoenix, was awarded the championship trophy of the first–ever Warrior Open by President George W. Bush recently at Las Colinas Country Club in Dallas.

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Chad Pfeifer, a retired Army veteran and May 2011 graduate of the Golf Academy of America in Phoenix, was awarded the championship trophy of the first–ever Warrior Open by President George W. Bush recently at Las Colinas Country Club in Dallas.

The Warrior Open was a two–day golf tournament hosted by President Bush to honor the men and women who served America honorably and were severely wounded during Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom.

After receiving the inaugural Warrior Open trophy from President Bush, Pfeifer said, "It's an honor to win the inaugural Warrior Open; but to all of our brothers and sisters who paid the ultimate sacrifice, this one's for them." Watch Mr. Pfeifer talk about the event.

On April 12, 2007, while serving as a part of Operation Iraqi Freedom, Pfeifer's truck was hit with a pressure plate IED that resulted in the amputation of his left leg above the knee. While recuperating from his injury, Pfeifer picked up golf as a form of therapy and fell in love with the game. Pfeifer then attended Golf Academy of America where he received an associate degree in Golf Complex Operations and Management. He is now pursuing a career in golf and is working his way through the PGA Apprentice Program in Scottsdale as an assistant golf professional at Tatum Ranch Golf Club.

The May, 2011 issue of Pacific Northwest Golfer features a moving story about Mr. Pfeifer.

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"I'm now a Jim McLean Certified Instructor in Dallas-Ft. Worth…"

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"I'm now a Jim McLean Certified Instructor in Dallas-Ft. Worth. Where is the Dallas campus located? I'll stop in a say high to Greg. I'm proud to have been a part of the school. My career couldn't have gone where it has without your help. Please send along my praise. Again, thank you!"

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Brian left the military with no real knowledge of what he was going to do with his future. He says, "Attending the GAA was without a doubt the best decision I have made…"

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"After serving four years in the military, including a tour to Afghanistan, I had no real knowledge of what I was going to do with my future. All I really had was my free time and golf clubs. After meeting many of the instructors and the director at the Myrtle Beach campus, I knew I wanted to make a career in the golf business.

The school was a great experience for me as it provided me with all the necessary skills and knowledge I needed to know to become successful in today's expanding golf business. While attending the academy I also work at TPC of Myrtle Beach and The Legends Resort on the golf maintenance crew. Following that, I was offered a position as First Assistant at Burning Ridge Golf && Country Club (the 2007 South Carolina Course of the Year). Here I was able to apply my school knowledge and learn more about the business while I continued to attend school.

After graduation, I moved to South Florida to work at The Polo Club of Boca Raton, a high-end private country club with two 18-hole championship golf courses. The timing couldn't have been better and thanks to the knowledge and experience provided by the Academy, I have been successfully working as a First Assistant Golf Professional here ever since. I work full time, year round and am nearing completion of my PGA/PGM bookwork. I plan to attend "The Final Experience" soon.

To this day I still keep in touch with the academy and those who have left since my tenure. Attending the GAA was without a doubt the best decision I have made and I am thankful for the all the opportunities provided to me."

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Kevin Jennings was recently named as golf coach at Talladega College in Alabama.

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Kevin Jennings was recently named as golf coach at Talladega College in Alabama.

Mr. Jennings has taught the sport for 17 years, beginning with a class at St. Augustine's College in Raleigh, N.C. He also served as the assistant men's and women's golf coach for six years at Christian Brothers University in Memphis, Tenn.

Read more: The Daily Home - Jennings named new Tornadoes golf coach

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Currently, Jonathon is the second assistant at Sea Cliff Country Club in Huntington Beach CA. He is a PGA apprentice now working on his stages.

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"I started Fairway Charms in 2009 with the help of my son, Jonathon. Jon was a student at the Golf Academy in San Diego at the time, and he encouraged me to pursue an idea I had for a new golf product. We are now in the shops at Pebble Beach and Bandon Dunes and doing well!

While Jon was a student at the Golf Academy he would often send me golf statistics and information regarding marketing in the golf industry. It was a tremendous help and it gave me the confidence to move forward with my idea.

Currently, Jonathon is the second assistant at Sea Cliff Country Club in Huntington Beach CA. He is a PGA apprentice now working on his stages. Well, just wanted to say thanks. The Golf Academy was a great fit for my son. He is happy, well received and loves working in the golf industry!"

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The Orlando GAA graduate was recently featured in his hometown newspaper—in Safinayo, Nigeria.

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Muazu Mohammed, an Orlando GAA graduate, was recently featured in his hometown newspaper—in Safinayo, Nigeria.

"The best thing for me here is the new perspective that I have gained. I believe it is a huge investment for me and I see more possibilities for the game's development back home," Mr. Mohammed said.

He believes that some of the best golfers are in Africa and it is the discipline to refine them that has separated them from other players elsewhere.

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"I passed up playing on a college golf team," says Kyle Bourassa. "I felt this school was a more direct path to the industry I wanted to work in."

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"I passed up playing on a college golf team," says Kyle Bourassa, a student at Golf Academy of America in Myrtle Beach. "I felt this school was a more direct path to the industry I wanted to work in."

"It is 24/7 golf," says GAA instructor Gregg Funderburk. "It encompasses everything you need to know about the golf business in sixteen months."

An article on the WCSC-TV website explains how GAA is "driving golf students" to the Palmetto State.

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A passion for golf after sustaining injuries in Iraq led veteran Jonathan Wheeler to Golf Academy of America's Orlando campus.

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The first time Jonathan Wheeler played golf, he got an eagle on the third hole. He was hooked.

That passion for golf survived the injuries he sustained in Iraq and led Mr. Wheeler to Golf Academy of America's Orlando campus for his degree in Golf Complex Operations and Management. Now, he works on the golf course teaching other wounded veterans to play golf. Read his amazing story on Arkansas Online.

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Golf Week reports that GAA San Diego graduate Cory Scoggin has been named men's golf coach at University of San Diego.

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Golf Week reports that GAA San Diego graduate Cory Scoggin has been named men's golf coach at University of San Diego.

Mr. Scoggin takes over for Tim Mickelson, who took a similar position with Arizona State University. This past season Mr. Scoggin completed his fourth year with the USD program as an assistant to Mr. Mickelson. He helped lead the Toreros to their first WCC championship (2008), four consecutive NCAA Regional appearances and three consecutive NCAA National Championship appearances finishing 13th in 2009, 9th in 2010 and 16th in 2011.

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According to Golf Business Wire, GAA Graduate Larry Baldridge was recently named Director of Business Development and Education for Mitchell Golf Equipment Company, based in Dayton, Ohio.