Coach Portrait

Mike LaBella

Director of Golf Instruction
PGA Crest

Farmington, PA
Nemacolin Woodlands Resort, Farmington, PA

About Mike

Michael LaBella is an award-winning golf coach who has built his academy into one of the “Best Schools and Academies” rated by Golf Digest in 2022. He has advanced certifications in the art of coaching, ground reaction forces, golf functional movement/golf biomechanics, skill acquisition, routine development as well as mental game training.

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 training
  • Tournament Preparation
  • Practice Plans
  • College recruitment guidance
  • Functional movement and biomechanic assessments
  • Speed training
  • Virtual Coaching

Awards:

  • 2024 TriState PGA Teacher and Coach of the Year
  • 2025 – 2026 Golf Digest Best Young Teacher Award
  • 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 states “Let’s swing YOUR swing, there is no time for wasted movement, let’s be efficient,” through proper assessments, and understanding how to use the ground we can develop a swing that is specific to the player, is more efficient and yields more consistency in strike, ball flight, and clubhead speed.

Mike’s programs have a focus on the following:

  1. Through assessments our goal is to gain an understanding of what the players can and cannot do to allow us to build a swing with the proper matchups and movements. a. BioSwing Dynamics Assessment b. TPI Assessment c. Smart2Move Force Plate Ground Forces Assessment/kinematic Sequencing Assessment
  2. Build a more efficient swing with no wasted movements... The less inefficiently moving parts, the less we need to add additional movements as compensators. From here we can be more consistent with strike and speed generation.
  3. Have Dynamic Rhythm – maximize the sequencing and flow of your swing.
  4. Maximize Stike
  5. Developing a strong short game
  6. Scoring – understanding how to master your way around the course.

Notable Learning Experiences: Devan Bonebrake, Erika Larkin, Dr. Rick Sessinghaus, Butch Harmon, Randy Smith, Chuck Cook, Hank Hankey, Mike Adams, Warren Bottke, Martin Chuck, David Lapour, Scott Cowx, Lou Guzzi, Mike Bender, Craig Harmon, Megan Padua, James Sieckmann, Kirsta Dunton, Andrew Rice, Dr. Kwon – TWU, Eric Handley – PSU, IJGA

Students

100

Followers

1.7k

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Mike in Action

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Mike in Action

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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

Testimonial:

I finally feel like my old swing is coming back. This past weekend was my first time shooting in the low 40's or even under 45 for over a year!  I am excited to get back to it this summer.

Julia K.

Testimonial:

Immediately improved my grip position & swing. I was excited to see the ball soar and go straight it made practicing and playing so much more fun! I encourage anyone who wants to improve their game to call Mike. He makes a difference!

Natalie M.

Testimonial:

Most dedicated coach she ever worked with created an encouraging atmosphere. During her collegiate career he provided drills & tweaks for minor issues. Experience was highly enjoyable it drove Deanna towards success at the collegiate level

Brian 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

*Coaching available to public

1001 Lafayette Dr, Farmington, PA 15437-9754

Begin Your Journey

Work with Mike