Coach Portrait

Mark A. Russo, PGA

Founder, MR Golf Instruction
PGA Crest

Gambrills, MD
Night Hawk Golf Center, Gambrills, MD

About Mark

A true passion has led me to my dream job of becoming a full-time golf coach. I strive to ignite enthusiasm and excitement in all my students while helping them have more fun, improve their game, and maximize their potential. From true beginners to accomplished, low handicap players and even fellow golf professionals, I take a caring approach that is based in serious study of all aspects of the game and how people learn.

I have spent time with and learned from some of the best teachers and coaches in the game today, including Andrew Rice, Michael Breed, Ryan Chaney, Martin Chuck, Sean Foley, Mike Adams, Bernie Najar, Cameron McCormick, Chuck Cook, Martin Hall, and many more. In every situation, my goal has been to find out what these great instructors know and bring it back to my lesson tee so that my students can benefit from the information. Mixed with my beliefs on the golf swing and short game, these experiences have molded my teaching style and helped me become a better communicator and a more caring coach.

Through the initial process of gathering data and discovering goals, I strive to create a partnership with my students that will provide them with support, while enjoying the journey of improvement together. Each student will learn what their main faults are, how to diagnose them correctly, and how to practice effectively to improve their shots in a short period of time. I understand that every player has a different physical makeup, and must be taught in a way that best fits their body and learning style.

A member of the PGA of America since 2005, I was ranked by Golf Digest in Maryland on the 2019-2020 “Best Teachers” list, and was named the 2018 Middle Atlantic PGA Teacher of the Year. In addition, I am a TrackMan owner and Certified Professional, a TPI Level 2 Golf Professional, and was one of the first ever BodiTrak Ground Mechanics Certified Professionals. Since 2006, I have been a proud Titleist Staff Member and Certified Fitter.

Over the last 8+ years I have been an active member of the PGA Board of Directors in the Middle Atlantic Section. In addition, I have been blessed to be a part of the Section Education Committee, serving as the chair for the last few years. I’m honored to have been named the 2020 Horton Smith Award winner for dedication to education of my fellow professionals.

I’m a lifelong resident of Maryland, and a proud graduate of DeMatha Catholic High School and Towson University.

INTERESTED IN COACHING?

Contact Coach Mark

Your Information
What can Mark help you with?
PGA logo
We Love This Game. How About You?

Join the PGA of America's email community to hear about local golf programs, ticketing and volunteer opportunities, swing tips, exclusive offers and more!


By proceeding, you agree to PGA of America’s Privacy Policy and Terms of Service.

Mark's Experience

Helping players achieve their goals.


Getting Started

Avoid embarrassment on the first tee

Get comfortable for business golf

Learn the basics


Having More Fun

Connect with golfers of similar age

Have more fun on the course

Connect with golfers of similar skill


Improving Your Game

Break 100

Break 80

Improve your Short Game

Make the high school golf team

Get swing diagnostic testing

Add 10 yards

Break 90

Students & Lessons

Coaching Services

Player Type

Adult

Male

Senior

Female

Playing with disabilities

Session Type

Individual

Group

Mark's Facilities

Night Hawk Golf Center

Gambrills MD

*Coaching available to public

814 State Route 3 S, Gambrills, MD 21054-1621

Facility Offerings
Full Teaching Area

Covered teaching area with heaters and fans, as well as a heated indoor room that features SwingCatalyst. We also have a grass area and a putting and chipping green, as well as a bunker.

Begin Your Journey

Work with Mark