Coach Portrait

Mike LaBella

Director of Golf Instruction

member

PGA Crest

Farmington, PA
Nemacolin Woodlands Resort, Farmington, PA

About Mike

Mike teaches players of all levels, from beginners to professionals. He has taught students who have gone on to play at the collegiate level, mini tours, and the LPGA. Several players have risen to be highly ranked in the Golfweek Junior Rankings, AJGA Polo Rankings and the Junior Golf Scoreboard Rankings.

My passion is coaching, seeing my students improve, and growing this beautiful game we all love. I joined this platform with one goal in mind, and that is to broaden my reach to those that are seeking to play their best golf yet.

Throughout my 15-year coaching career I have worked with players of all ages and abilities including nationally ranked juniors, amateurs, collegiate and tour level players. With each and every one of them we laid out their blueprint for success. Before doing so we had to form an open line of communication and lay out all goals and expectations between both parties. It is my goal to create a “team” atmosphere with all of my players; you are not alone and deserve to have the best coach in your corner. If you want results, you can’t find a short cut or buy a magic formula, improvement takes persistence, dedication, time and most importantly trust. There is no straight line to success but with the right tools, coach, and plan, we will find success. I guide you through this process while ultimately making you the best golfer you can be. Let’s get to work!

My proven programs have assisted hundreds of golfers reach their goals including: -New personal bests -Handicap lows -Club, regional, state and tour level wins -College scholarships -Most importantly… further enjoyment of the game!!!

What I offer:

  • Full Swing
  • Short Game
  • Putting
  • Course Management
  • Mental Game
  • Tournament Preparation
  • Practice Plans
  • College recruitment guidance
  • Functional movement and biomechanic assessments
  • Speed training
  • Virtual Coaching

Awards:

  • 2023 – 2024 Golf Digest Best Young Teacher Award
  • 2022 Golf Digest Editors’ Choice Best Schools & Academies
  • 2021 – 2022 Golf Digest Best Young Teacher Award
  • 2019 Top 50 Operation 36 Coach
  • 2015 U.S. Kids Golf Top 50 Honorable Mention

Mike joined the Nemacolin family in 2020 and has been recognized as one of the Best Young Teachers in America 2023-2024 and 2021-2022 by Golf Digest and has lead the academy to a top recognition by Golf Digest in 2022. He specializes in high-performance development of adults and junior golfers. Mike tailors his coaching style to fit the needs of the player in front of him and does not adhere to a specific “model” or one size fits all approach. Using skill assessments/testing, statistical analysis, on-course training, and the use of technology, Mike can assist golfers of all skill levels to reach their personal goals and make golf more enjoyable.  Mike’s three most important characteristics for every golfer include: course management, a strong short game and placing an emphasis on skills rather than picture perfect technique. When Michael is not coaching, he enjoys spending time with his wife Laura, running, cycling, watching sports and playing golf.

Students

30

Followers

815


Testimonial:

For the past two seasons I have seen great progress in my ball striking. He explains the changes and makes it very easy to understand. I highly recommend Mike to anyone serious about improving their game.

Winfield. T

Mike'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

Have more fun on the course


Improving Your Game

Break 100

Break 90

Break 80

Add 10 yards

Improve your Short Game

Prepare for Tournament Golf

Make the high school golf team

Earn a college golf scholarship

Get swing diagnostic testing

Students & Lessons

Coaching Services

Player Type

Youth

Adult

Male

Teen

Senior

Female

Session Type

Individual

Group

Mike's Facilities

Nemacolin Woodlands Resort

Farmington PA

Facility

Nemacolin is a high-end resort property that just celebrated its 35th anniversary, Nemacolin stretches 2000 acers along the Laurel Highlands in Farmington, PA. Our golf operation includes two Pete Dye designed golf courses: Mystic Rock and Shepherds Rock, two practice facilities; one located near our golf operation, and one located at our Golf Academy. Most recently Mystic Rock and Shepherds Rock were named #1 and #5 Best Courses you can play in Pennsylvania by Golfweek with the Golf Academy being recognized by Golf Digest as their Editors’ Choice: Best Golf Schools & Academies list for the Mid-Atlantic Region.

*Coaching available to public

Location

1001 Lafayette Dr, Farmington, PA 15437-9754

Begin Your Journey

Work with Mike

Contact Mike