It was during my time in the Army that I discovered the game of golf. I was hooked instantly and found every excuse to find myself on the golf course. Following my deployment in 2019, one of my therapists asked me what physical activity I wanted to be able to do. There was only one answer: golf. My therapist told me about a program he had just learned about called PGA HOPE. Unfortunately, there wasn’t a PGA HOPE program in GA at the time. It took several more months of therapy before I was allowed to start playing again and it was in golf that I found an unknown mental and emotional respite. When faced with the need for a new career, I was determined to ensure no other Veteran would find themselves without a PGA HOPE program. My girlfriend (now wife) was moving to Fayetteville, NC in late 2020, so I looked for options for a pathway to PGA membership in the area. A quick Google search revealed the obvious choice: Methodist University.

At Methodist, I was able to deep dive into my two passions: PGA HOPE and teaching the game of golf. On top of my studies, I worked as an Assistant Golf Professional at Highland Country Club where I was a US Kids Golf instructor and taught individual lessons to a wide variety of players as well as men’s and ladies’ clinics. I also led the fitting and club repair operations. In January of 2023, I started my own coaching business, Dynamic Golf Solutions. In November of 2023, I joined the faculty and staff as the Head Golf Professional and Director of Instruction for the Methodist University Golf Course as part of the PGA Golf Management Program.

My teaching philosophy extends beyond the physical golf swing to include mental strengthening exercises and emotional control techniques. This holistic approach combined with cutting edge technology helps each individual find the complete golfer inside them. When teaching I always look to answer two questions. First, is the current motion productive? I want to ensure the golfer is achieving the intended results. Typically, most players are looking for instruction because the answer is no. Second and just as important, is the current motion safe? I want to ensure that my players can play the game for years to come without being hampered by injury or pain. Many professional golfers have answered the first question, but historically, the second question has gone unanswered. Thankfully, golf instruction as a whole is shifting towards treating golfers as athletes and being more mindful of the physical effects of the movement patterns. For me, both questions must be answered with a "yes" or a change needs to happen. The change might be to the mechanics, but it could also come in the form of improving the player's strength, mobility or balance. In my mind, both are important and we will complete assessments to determine where to start.

I have had the opportunity to learn firsthand from some of the top coaches and other experts in the game. They include:

• Mike Adams
• Terry Rowles
• Dr. Phil Cheetham
• Jason Zuback
• Dr. Tyler Standifird
• Jeff Smith
• Carol Rhoades
• Dr. Mike Duffey
• Bruce Rearick

Some of the certifications that I hold are:

• PGA HOPE certified
• BioSwing Dynamics Level 1 certified
• Sportsbox 3D Level 2 certified
• Smart2Move Dual Force Plates Level 2 certified
• Science and Motion Level 3 certified
• Swing Catalyst Level 2 certified
• TrackMan Level 2 certified
• U.S. Kids Level 2 certified
• GOATA Level 1 certified
• TPI Level 1 certified
• TPI Power 2 certified
• TPI Fitness 2 certified

I use a large amount of technology when I teach and its use varies lesson to lesson based on what we are working on. This allows me to measure and not guess when it comes to your swing and ball flight. Technology is a tool that I use and helps me decide what changes are needed to your motion to achieve the desired outcome. Some of the technology that I use includes:

• Flightscope Mevo+
• Trackman
• Sportsbox 3D
• Smart2Move 3D Force Plates
• SAM PuttLab
• Hackmotion