Mike delights in making every one of his students smile, whether your goal is to get the ball airborne for the first time, to survive a charity scramble, or to win the State Open. He will take the time to understand what you want out of golf and then guide you toward reaching those goals. Mike’s instructions are simple, result in improvement and are always driven by your preferences. He likes to say, “I take FUN very seriously!” Prior to coming to Bluegrass Yacht & Country Club, Mike worked for the PGA of America in the Player Development Department. Mike was elected to PGA Membership in 1997 and in 2015 became the 14th Professional to be Certified in Player Development. Mike is a protégé of Manuel de la Torre, PGA and Fred Shoemaker of the Extraordinary Golf School. What Mike really cares about: Each day presents a new opportunity to experience joy. Recreation that connect us with the outdoors, friends and family and creates lifelong challenges fulfills us as humans by creating the space for physical improvement, mental progress & spiritual growth. Golf is recreation that brings great moments of joy to our lives. It is my mission to amplify your enjoyment of the game. Start in Golf • Started playing yard golf – July 1976 • First round of golf – May 15, 1978 • First Birdie – May 15, 1978 Professional Teaching & Learning • Turned Professional – 1993 • PGA Membership – 1997 • TPI Coach Level 1 - 2010 • TPI Junior Coach Level 2 – 2011 • PGA Assistant Professional of the Year – 2011 • PGA Certified Professional in Player Development - 2013 • US Kids Certified Coach - 2014 • Positive Coaching Alliance Certified – 2014 • PGA Junior League Coach for Team Virginia at National Championship – 2018 • American Development Model Certified Golf Coach - 2019 Other stuff • PGA Section - Professional Wins – 3 • Favorite Quote “Good things may come to those who wait, but only the things left by those who hustle” • Coached recreational volleyball & basketball for a decade • Two daughters in the 20’s and married for 27 years • Ironman Triathlon Finisher – Coeur d’Alene May 2011 • Favorite Golf Course – Four Streams, Beallsville MD • Low Round – 63 – Cochecho Country Club, NH • Best parts of game – Driving & Putting