If you think golf is hard....

I am a husband, a father of four, and a proud PGA Certified Professional (Golf Operations, Instruction, and General Management.)

Although I previously worked as a golf professional with the TPC Network for nine years, I currently live in Central Pennsylvania and have a lots of different jobs and interests. Full time, I work as a PGA Professional at Dick's Sporting Goods. That provides a modest but steady salary and some strong benefits for my large family. Aside from my full time position, I work with the following:


I teach private golf lessons at Nittany Country Club: http://www.nittanycc.com/

• My primary instruction focus is on short game and course management. Overall, I feel that the golf swing itself is generally "overtaught" while the rest of playing the game is generally"undertaught."


• I try to give my students practical, real-life information rather than focusing too much on angles, swing positions, and basic golf jargon. I try to give my students something different than what they could read or watch on TV.


• I work as an independent contractor, and Nittany CC benefits with a percentage of my lesson fees.


• Nittany CC is really a different, strategic hole facility. I've never seen a club where the members themselves get involved in the facility's daily operations. I really enjoy the casual "just be yourself" atmosphere.

I coach the State College High School Boys Golf Team: http://www.scasd.org/254720916124951260/site/default.asp

• What a favorite! I love working with the boys and helping them with their games and their lives as much as I can.


• The downsides include driving the big van and the occasional criticism, but I still wouldn't trade it.


• I'm very proud of our boys and think the class of 2011, specifically, has some really strong players.

I work with Golf Recruiters Network: http://www.golfrecruitersnetwork.com/ http://www.tmggolfmanagement.com/

• This site is currently under construction as Golf Recruiters Network is transitioning to become part of the larger Trenchant Management Group.


• GRN helps student golfers find the ideal schools where they can play collegiate golf. GRN works with creating a student profiles, sending out mailings and DVDs, and making initial contacts with coaches.


• GRN provides families some help with legwork and also somebody to talk to who has been through the process.
  

I stay in touch with Penn State PGM Progam: http://www.hhdev.psu.edu/rptm/pgm/

• Last spring, the PGM Program let me be a part of their Player Development Program, which helps students focus their practice time with the goal of passing the PGA Playing Ability Test.


• The Penn State PGM program is the best. Their faculty and student leaders really care about the program, the students (on a personal level,) and their standing in the industry.


• The Penn State PGM program has graduates in the TPC Network, as well as at facilities like Augusta National, Pebble Beach, and Shinnecock Hills.


• If you want to be a PGA Professional, go to Penn State.