Coach Portrait

Kai Nelles

PGA Student

student


Lincoln, NE
University of Nebraska, Lincoln PGA Golf Management, Lincoln, NE

About Kai

Golf has been at the center of my life for more than a decade. I started teaching at 14 and never really stopped—moving from junior volunteer coach to running full instructional programs both in the U.S. and Germany. What began as helping a few kids at my home course eventually turned into building a junior program that grew from 6 players to more than 120, and later coaching athletes who advanced to compete on D1 level.

My path took me from playing college golf in Iowa to the University of Nebraska–Lincoln, where the PGA Golf Management Program shaped me into the coach I am today. Since then, I’ve taught 1,000+ lessons, led 200+ camps, and worked with players from over 25 countries—everyone from brand-new beginners to PGA professionals and veterans through PGA HOPE.

I’ve served as Director of Instruction and Lead Instructor across semi-private, public, and academy facilities, delivering programs that consistently strengthen communities and player development. My experience includes advanced use of TrackMan and FlightScope, running junior leagues, designing adult programs, and leading multilingual instruction in English and German across the world.

At 25, coaching is more than my career—it’s the way I give back to the game that shaped me. Whether someone is picking up a club for the first time or chasing performance at a higher level, my goal is always the same: help them play better, enjoy learning, and feel supported every step of the way.

Let’s tee it up!

kainellesgolf.com

Students

1.5k

Followers

1.0k

Kai in Action

Recent Photos

Kai in Action

Recent Photos

Testimonial:

My lesson with Kai was fantastic! I had been struggling with my driver all season, but within a few swings, Kai knew exactly what was causing my poor ball flight and was able to correct it. He was really great to work with.

Zac Morley, PGA

Testimonial:

Not only is Kai knowledgeable about the game but his passion for golf is contagious. With patience, kindness, and creativity, he completely changed my game and gave me more confidence in only a few sessions.

Rosemary

Testimonial:

My lessons with Kai were fantastic and I looked forward to them every week! He’s is a great teacher and knows how to connect with his golfers on a more personal level.

Logan

Testimonial:

Kai did a small group lesson for our 2 boys and our 2 neighbor boys this past summer, ages 6-10. He was so kind to them, they looked forward to going to lessons every time, and they grew a lot as golfers.

Trista Wallace

Testimonial:

Kai keeps it simple and effective. I've already set two new personal bests this season and I'm seeing real progress.

Matt O.
Kai's Experience

Helping players achieve their goals.


Getting Started

Learn the basics

Get comfortable for business golf

Avoid embarrassment on the first tee


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

Break 90

Add 10 yards

Prepare for Tournament Golf

Earn a college golf scholarship

Students & Lessons

Coaching Services

Player Type

Youth

Adult

Male

Teen

Senior

Female

Playing with disabilities

Session Type

Individual

Group

Skills & Tools

Improve with Kai.

Skills
Putting
Speed
Physical Assessment
Short Game
Full Swing
Social Engagement
Course Strategy
Kai's Facilities

University of Nebraska, Lincoln PGA Golf Management

Lincoln NE

*Coaching available to public

203H Keim Hall, Lincoln, NE 68583

Lincoln NE

*Coaching available to public

3701 S 70th St, Lincoln, NE 68506-4677

Lincoln NE

*Coaching available to public

3761 Normal Blvd, Lincoln, NE 68506-5226