Private Golf Instruction

Paul Mohun

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Paul was born and raised in Plymouth, England. He has been a member of the MCG Golf Academy since 2013. Outside of golf, Paul enjoys traveling, spending time with family and watching soccer. He learned to golf at the age of 12 after caddying for his dad decided it would be more fun playing golf rather than carrying the bag. At the age of 15 was ranked in the top 100 in England for juniors. In 2009, he attended the Golf Academy Of America in Myrtle Beach graduating with honors. Paul has certifications in club repair, advanced rules and teaching.

Paul believes that all golfers should have fun playing golf. His teaching philosophy is to work with their personalities so they can understand the concept of the lesson whether it is by feel, visual or analytical. During the lesson Paul likes to breakdown the swing into stages and focus on the stage that is causing the most problems. He sets goals with them and gives drills to improve their game. His major teaching passions are working with juniors and adults trying to get back into the game, it gives Paul great pleasure to see there excitement as they start to grasp the concept of the game and realize how much fun golf is. During the 2017 season, Paul taught 804 private lessons in addition to teaching many of our junior programs - mini camps, full and half day summer camps and coaching MCG Juniors Golf League teams. Paul also teaches Get Golf Ready, Keep Golf Going and Golf Playtime Classes.

The next time you are at Falls Road, please stop by and introduce yourself to Paul. He would love to get to know you and help you improve your golf game.

Brent Wilkerson
PGA Associate

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Brent was born and raised in Mount Airy, Maryland. He has been a member of the MCG Academy since the 2018. He was introduced to the MCG team by completing a six-month internship. During that time, Brent was the lead instructor for several Full Day Summer Camps, as well as the lead instructor of various Junior Mini Camps. Brent also logged many hours in the Falls Road and Needwood pro shops, where he assisted greatly with the day-to-day operations.

At the age of 10, Brent picked up a golf club for the first time. Brent attended the Professional Golf Management Program at Allegany College of Maryland, where he received the honor of the Most Outstanding Student in the spring of 2018. Brent is continuing his education in golf by pursuing his PGA membership as an associate at Falls Road. From a playing perspective, he has tallied five individual victories, including the NJCAA Division 2 Men’s Regional Championship and a six-shot victory during his 36-hole Playing Ability Test for the PGA. Aside from golf, Brent enjoys traveling and sight-seeing, visiting his friends and family, exercising and cooking. Brent is known for his positive energy, hard work and dancing ability! From his playing experience, Brent understands that there is more to golf than just swing theories. He is determined to show all of his students how to maximize both their playing potential and their enjoyment in the game of golf. Along with teaching individual lessons, Brent will be teaching a variety of classes for Falls Road; including, Full Day Summer Camps, Mini Camps and Take Golf Further classes for adults.

The next time you are at Falls Road, please stop by and introduce yourself to Brent. He would love to get to know you and help improve your golf game.

Jamie Vermilye

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Jamie was born and raised in Bethesda. He has been a member of the MCG Golf Academy since 2018. Outside of golf, Jamie enjoys camping, music and dogs. He was introduced to golf at the age of 5 by his father and has truly loved the game since he was 8. Growing up, each summer he participated in numerous junior tournaments and also played on his country club interclub golf teams. He played on his high school team and also played NCAA golf in college.

Jamie believes that teaching should be tailored to each individual in order to achieve their best results. He uses strong communication and listening skills to build effective golf relationships with each of his students in order to help them achieve their goals. Jamie teaches students of all ages and abilities. In addition to individual lessons, Jamie also teaches Introductory golf 101 and 102 group classes as well as several junior camp programs.

The next time you are at Falls Road please stop by and introduce yourself to Jamie. He looks forward to helping you to improve and enjoy the game he loves.

Kate Schanuel

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Kate was born and raised in Guilford, Connecticut. She is a new member of the MCG Academy. Outside of golf Kate enjoys spending time with her husband and two children, Jackson and Nicholas. She learned to play golf at a young age and started competing in tournaments at thirteen. Her parents would play in the summers and Kate wanted to join them, so she started by raking the bunkers and tending the flagstick. Kate has been an LPGA member for ten years as well as a member of the Women’s Golf Coaches Association and WeCoach. She played for the University of Maryland and studied kinesiology then went on and qualified for the Duramed Futures Tour (now Symetra) and competed professionally. While playing, Kate taught at local country clubs. Kate then started coaching, first at Towson University from 2011-2017 and has been at Georgetown University since 2017. Kate earned 2018 & 2019 LPGA North East Section Coach of the Year and 2018 BIG EAST Coach of the Year accolades.

Kate teaches to the natural ability and movements of her students. Focusing on the goals and needs of each student by taking an individualized approach allows for her students to get the most out of each session. Kate especially enjoys working on short game, course management and can help devise a great practice plan both on and off the course incorporating all aspects of the swing and game.

The next time you are at Falls Road, please stop by and introduce yourself to Kate. She would love to get to know you and help you improve your golf game.

John Ross

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John Ross was born and raised in Washington, DC and attended highschool at the Potomac School in Mclean, VA. John ran Track and Cross Country at Duke University and graduated in 2012. While thoroughly obsessed with golf, John also enjoys following local DC sports teams and college basketball. He also enjoys spending time with family in Northern Michigan, and the Outer Banks in North Carolina.

With a professional background in statistics and analytics, John entered the golf industry in 2015 attending the Golf Academy of America in Myrtle Beach, SC. Since graduating in 2017, John has taught over 10,000 lessons and is passionate about helping students of all ages and abilities reach their goals. Most importantly, John helps his students have more fun while learning and playing the game.

The next time you are at Falls Road or the MCG Tour Studio, please stop by and introduce yourself to John.

Doug Hamilton

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Doug was born in Westminster, MD and raised all his life in Carroll County Maryland. Doug started teaching for the MCG Academy in 2023 at Little Bennett and Laytonsville. He also added Falls Road in 2024. Outside of golf, Doug enjoys gym time and workouts, watching Ravens football, Orioles Baseball and spending time with his wife and son. Doug's first true love was baseball from an early age allowing him to play in multiple amateur world series events as well as attend The George Washington University where he played Division I college baseball for the Colonials. In between baseball seasons, Doug enjoyed playing golf and started at the young age of 6 at Piney Branch Golf Club in Hampstead, MD. After College, he started his journey in the golf business at Wakefield Valley Golf Course working for Hank Majewski as an assistant golf professional. He then worked at Piney Branch Golf Club as an assistant for Jeffrey Zachman before getting his first Head Golf Professional job at Hayfields Country Club where he spent 16 years. His final stop in golf operations led him to Woodholme Country Club in Pikesville, MD as a Director of Golf before joining the MCG Academy in 2023.

Doug's philosophy is a coaching style that develops all the skills a golfer needs to be successful playing golf including technique, course management, and effective practice methods that transitions to the golf course. The trend in teaching has shifted to more on course applications of how to score better, which I call first gear golf. Doug's mentors include Ted Sheftic, Dave Stegeman, and Jeff Zachman. Doug offers multiple levels of coaching programs for all ages and skill levels including groups and on course options. More information can be found on the MGC Academy website under Doug's page by clicking on the Laytonsville icon. The next time you are at Laytonsville, Little Bennett Golf Course, or Falls Road, please stop by and introduce yourself to Doug. He would love to meet you and help you with your game

EJ Dillon

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Bobby Ashton
PGA

Bobby Ashton was born and raised in Montgomery County, Md. Bobby has been a member of the MCG Golf Academy since 2007. Hobbies outside of the golfing world include Washington Football Team games, visiting Ocean City and cooking on the grill. He prides himself on providing customers with the highest quality of service. He is currently the Head Golf Professional at Hampshire Golf Course.

Bobby believes there are no hidden secrets when it comes to improving your game. Sound instruction combined with a good practice routine will have you playing better golf.

The next time you are at Hampshire Greens please stop by and introduce yourself to Bobby. He would love to get to know you and help you improve your golf game.

Dave Cameron

Dave was born and raised in Rockville, Maryland. Dave has been a member of the MCG Golf Academy since 2013. Dave’s hobbies outside of the golfing world include traveling, grilling out with family, and getting together with close friends. Dave is currently a teaching instructor at Hampshire Greens Golf Course.

Dave feels that the fundamentals are the key to producing a repeatable golf swing. Proper grip, alignment, stance, swing path, and tempo are critical factors in getting better, which is what we all want to do. His job is to help make you proficient at these and many other aspects of the game we love. He has a patient and positive teaching demeanor and enjoy watching people get better. The golf swing is an athletic move and Dave relate to many other sports that you might have played, making it easier for you to learn.

If you are at Hampshire Greens, please stop by and introduce yourself to Dave. He would love to get to know you and help improve your game.

Doug Hamilton

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Doug was born in Westminster, MD and raised all his life in Carroll County Maryland. Doug started teaching for the MCG Academy in 2023 at Little Bennett and Laytonsville. He also added Falls Road in 2024. Outside of golf, Doug enjoys gym time and workouts, watching Ravens football, Orioles Baseball and spending time with his wife and son. Doug's first true love was baseball from an early age allowing him to play in multiple amateur world series events as well as attend The George Washington University where he played Division I college baseball for the Colonials. In between baseball seasons, Doug enjoyed playing golf and started at the young age of 6 at Piney Branch Golf Club in Hampstead, MD. After College, he started his journey in the golf business at Wakefield Valley Golf Course working for Hank Majewski as an assistant golf professional. He then worked at Piney Branch Golf Club as an assistant for Jeffrey Zachman before getting his first Head Golf Professional job at Hayfields Country Club where he spent 16 years. His final stop in golf operations led him to Woodholme Country Club in Pikesville, MD as a Director of Golf before joining the MCG Academy in 2023. Doug's philosophy is a coaching style that develops all the skills a golfer needs to be successful playing golf including technique, course management, and effective practice methods that transitions to the golf course. The trend in teaching has shifted to more on course applications of how to score better, which I call first gear golf. Doug's mentors include Ted Sheftic, Dave Stegeman, and Jeff Zachman. Doug offers multiple levels of coaching programs for all ages and skill levels including groups and on course options. More information can be found on the MGC Academy website under Doug's page by clicking on the Laytonsville icon. The next time you are at Laytonsville, Little Bennett Golf Course, or Falls Road, please stop by and introduce yourself to Doug. He would love to meet you and help you with your game

Mike Dickson, PGA

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Mike was born in Marion, Ohio and raised most his life in Cortland, Ohio. He has been a member of the MCG Golf Academy since the spring of 2021. Outside of golf, Mike enjoys kayaking, watching Buckeye and Browns football and spending time with his family. Mike was holding a plastic club in his hand before he could even walk and was taught mostly by his father until he turned 16 years old. Mike graduated in 2002 from Ferris State University’s Professional Golf Management Program. Before joining the MCG Instruction Team, Mike taught at Congressional Country Club for 17 years. Mike has worked under several top 100 instructors which helped him become recognized as one of Golf Digest’s Best Young Instructors under the age of 40 and awarded the MAPGA Teacher of the Year in 2016.

Recognitions

• GRAA Top 100 Growth of the Game 2018 & 2020

• Golf Digest America’s Best in State Instructors 2015-2020

• Golf Digest Best Young Instructors in America 2016-2019

• Middle Atlantic PGA Teacher of the Year 2016

• US Kids Master Top 50 Kids Teacher 2016

• Ping National Fitter of the Year 2009

• Callaway Regional Fitter of the Year 2008

Certifications

• Lynn Blake Certified Master Instructor

• Scoring Method Coach

• PGA Certified in Instruction

• BioSwing Dynamics

• Aimpoint Express Certified Instructor

• Edel Golf Advisory Staff

• TPI Level 1

• TPI Junior Coach 2 & 3

• US Kids Golf Certified Coach

Mike’s philosophy is a coaching style that develops all the skills a golfer needs to be successful in playing golf including technique, course management, emotional control, and purposeful practice. The traditional model of one-on-one technique-based lessons focuses on trying to perfect the golf swing and typically lacks attention on improving all the skills to become a great player. Mike is very versed in The Golfing Machine by studying under his mentor Lynn Blake, aka Yoda.

Mike offers multiple levels of Coaching Programs for all ages and skill levels. More information can be found on the MGC Academy website under Mike’s page.

The next time you are at Little Bennett Golf Course, please stop by and introduce yourself to Mike. He would love to get to know you and help you improve your golf game.

Doug Hamilton

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Doug was born in Westminster, MD and raised all his life in Carroll County Maryland. Doug started teaching for the MCG Academy in 2023 at Little Bennett and Laytonsville. He also added Falls Road in 2024. Outside of golf, Doug enjoys gym time and workouts, watching Ravens football, Orioles Baseball and spending time with his wife and son. Doug's first true love was baseball from an early age allowing him to play in multiple amateur world series events as well as attend The George Washington University where he played Division I college baseball for the Colonials. In between baseball seasons, Doug enjoyed playing golf and started at the young age of 6 at Piney Branch Golf Club in Hampstead, MD. After College, he started his journey in the golf business at Wakefield Valley Golf Course working for Hank Majewski as an assistant golf professional. He then worked at Piney Branch Golf Club as an assistant for Jeffrey Zachman before getting his first Head Golf Professional job at Hayfields Country Club where he spent 16 years. His final stop in golf operations led him to Woodholme Country Club in Pikesville, MD as a Director of Golf before joining the MCG Academy in 2023.

Doug's philosophy is a coaching style that develops all the skills a golfer needs to be successful playing golf including technique, course management, and effective practice methods that transitions to the golf course. The trend in teaching has shifted to more on course applications of how to score better, which I call first gear golf. Doug's mentors include Ted Sheftic, Dave Stegeman, and Jeff Zachman. Doug offers multiple levels of coaching programs for all ages and skill levels including groups and on course options. More information can be found on the MGC Academy website under Doug's page by clicking on the Laytonsville icon. The next time you are at Laytonsville, Little Bennett Golf Course, or Falls Road, please stop by and introduce yourself to Doug. He would love to meet you and help you with your game

Brandon Jarvis

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Brandon grew up as a Green Bay Packer fan from central Wisconsin. Sports have always been a part of his life with his parents and two competitive brothers! Some of his favorite past times are playing golf and basketball with friends, snowboarding, and going to movies! Being close to his brother, Matt, his wife, Kelly, and his nieces and nephew has been very fun and action-packed!

Brandon found patience, effort, and practice are the keys to becoming a skilled golfer. His passions leaned toward golf, but he didn’t decide to turn it into a career until attending the Golf Academy of America in Orlando, graduating with a degree in Golf Complex Operations and Management.

Brandon joined the MCG team in 2015 at Rattlewood Golf Course. Following graduation, he had an amazing job offer to serve as Little Bennett’s Assistant General Manager during the winter of 2016, which has led to completion of a Level 1 Certified Coach for the First Tee Chapter in the greater Washington D.C. area. Brandon’s philosophy is to surpass the expectations of all my students by providing personalized golf instruction in a fun, healthy, and relaxed atmosphere, while also creating a personal relationship with each student.

What are you waiting for? Come on out to Little Bennett, and meet with Brandon so he can get to know YOU and help improve your golf game.

Martin Zadravec

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Martin was born and raised in Washington, DC. He has been a member of the MCG Golf Academy since 2007. Outside of golf, Martin enjoys family life, participating in the lives of his two children, and staying fit. He learned to play golf as an adult, after playing basketball and football in high school and college. Martin is fortunate to have Marty Johnson, PGA and the late Bill Strausbaugh, PGA, as his mentors in golf instruction.

Martin believes we can teach you what you need to know about the golf swing in 45 minutes. The rest is coaching; and coaching is about finding the quickest path to your success and enjoyment of the game. Martin is passionate about the opportunity to help you develop in golf. Martin oversees the entire Youth Golf Program at Northwest, and maintains a busy private lesson book as well. Each August, he hosts a High School Golf Preparation Camp at NW, the week before the county schools hold try-outs. Martin is a Certified Coach of The First Tee Program.

The next time you are at Northwest, please stop by and introduce yourself to Martin. He would love to get to know you and help you improve your golf game.

Don Frost
PGA

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Don has been a MCG Golf Master Instructor since 2022. Outside of golf, Don enjoys coaching his youngest of 3 daughters (Ginny) golf and flag football, gardening, antique collecting and ocean activities.Don grew up in Frederick, MD where he began playing golf at age 5.

In 1994 Don gained his PGA - A1 professional certification. Since then Don's passion & focus has been teaching golf. He has been mentored and taught beside Hall of Fame Teachers, Butch Harmon, Bob Toski, Martin Hall and Doc Bob Rotella. Don has given over 30,000 lessons, earning him Mid-Atlantic PGA Teacher of the Year, Horton Smith (Golf Development) & numerous PGA Grow the Game Awards. Don spent 3 years on The PGA Tour teaching tour winners on both the regular & senior tours. Don's other students have included, Walker Cup contestants, men & women's college All - Americans and National DC&P qualifiers at Augusta.

Recognitions

• Selected Best Golf Instructors in Maryland

• TPI Level 3 Golf - Level 2 junior & Biomachanics.

• US Kid Golf Certified

• Titleist & TaylorMade Top Club Fitter

• PGA Professional Mangt. Adjunct Teacher

• Business Degree, Univ of Maryland

The next time you are at Northwest, please stop by and introduce yourself to Don Frost. He would love to get to know you and help you improve your golf game.

Billy Cullum
PGA

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Billy Cullum was born and raised in Calabasas Park, CA. He has been a member of the MCG Golf Academy since 2016 and a PGA Member since 1996. Outside of golf, Billy enjoys time spent with his children, helping others, learning, and playing Golf. He learned to Golf at the age of 5 from his father who worked for Arnold Palmer running Junior Golf Academies.

Billy enjoys making Golf fun and enjoyable through both an open approach with students of varying developmental abilities and by adhering to the fundamental constituent principles of the game.

The next time you are at Northwest, please stop by and introduce yourself to Billy Cullum. He would love to get to know you and help you improve your golf game.

Dustin Stearns
PGA

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Dustin has been with the MCG Academy since 2016 when he relocated from south Florida. Dustin has a true passion for teaching and improving his athletes of all abilities. He believes that the most educated teacher is the best teacher. He is never done learning and spends countless hours per year refining his craft and furthering his education.

Growing up playing every sport imaginable except golf, Dustin learned like many of his students later in life. Realizing golf was a true passion; Dustin attended the Golf Academy of America in Orlando Florida. Dustin fell in love with how people learn sports (specifically golf) and motor movements and went on to get a bachelor’s degree from Keiser College of Golf. He then earned his Master’s degree in Education from the University of Miami in the department of Sport Science and Kinesiology.

A member of the PGA, Dustin is also a certified level 1 Plane Truth Instructor. A Certified TPI instructor- Jr. Level 2, Golf Level 2, Power level 2. Superspeed Certified Level 3, Bioswing Dynamics Level 1, a US Kids Certified Coach and a Certified First Tee Coach, where he won “Teacher of the year” in 2015 in Broward County. Dustin has also won teacher of the year from the MCG Academy in 2017 and 2019. He is one of the most sought-after teachers in the county and logged over 2500 hours of teaching last year alone.

Dustin has a true passion for developing young people on and off the golf course. His proven program has developed players into collegiate golfers. While attending the Golf Academy of America, Dustin went from an 18 handicap to a 0 in 18 months. He understands the frustrations that many of his students feel. He is a no quick fix kind of guy. Golf Improvement takes time and repetition. His philosophy is that golf should be taught on the course - not the range. He does 99% of his lessons on the golf course.

Marty Johnson
PGA

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Marty Johnson is a native Washingtonian born and raised in Riverdale Md. Marty is a seasoned veteran and well established in our area as one of the top instructors in Maryland. Marty's two locations for instruction are Needwood Golf Course and Crossvines. Marty's previous position was the Director of Instruction at Redgate Golf Course, for 25 years, along with 17 years as an Adjunct Professor at Montgomery College teaching all aspects of golf.

Marty is a PGA Member, MCG Master Instructor, TPI graduate and a Certified Golf Fitness Instructor. Marty is recognized by Golf Digest and fellow PGA Professionals as one of our sections top teachers and players. Marty is a student of the game and works very hard on staying current with new technologies, educational seminars, and conferences taught by Top instructors nationwide. Marty is very active in the Mid-Atlantic Section Professional Tournaments. He keeps himself prepared for upcoming events, with constant practice. These efforts have paid off with many tournament wins, along with qualifying for multiple national PGA of America Events. This allows Marty to pass along a competitive edge and insight that will help students in all aspects of tournament play.

Marty works with all ages from beginner to professional. With fundamentals of full swing and short game, students will learn what's necessary to take this new information and skill to the golf course. Sharing his knowledge, identifying cause and effect, and assessing limitations is how Marty pin points swing movements that may not match. Some of Marty's specialties and favorite components to share are short game; pitching, chipping, sand, putting, and course management. He enjoys discussing and helping players improve their decision- making skills on the course. If you are at an MCG facility where Marty teaches, please stop by and introduce yourself. He would enjoy meeting you and helping you improve your game.

Adam Fishman
PGA

Adam started his golf career in 1987 at Falls Road GC and has been actively employed in the MCRA golf system since. He became a PGA Member in 2005 and he currently works at both Needwood GC and Northwest GC. His current job titles include: MCG Golf Ambassador, MCG Training Manager, MCG Juniors Golf Communications Director, Recognized Coach The First Tee of Montgomery County, MD., and Boy Scouts Of America Golf Merit Badge Counselor. Throughout his career Adam has showed an enormous passion in player development helping thousands of kids and adults learn the game of golf. He was awarded the 2015 Middle Atlantic PGA Section Youth Player Development Award. Outside of golf his hobbies include attending Washington Capitals games, fishing, gardening, and spoiling his 2 German shorthair pointers.

Adam’s teaching philosophy is to create a comfortable relationship with each student or group making sure all leave a lesson with one positive and one goal to work towards. While his focus is making sure students adhere to golf's core fundamentals, he remembers to take into account a player's true authentic style.

The next time you are at Northwest or Needwood, please stop by and introduce yourself to Adam. He would love to get to know you and help improve your golf game.

Patrick Conway

Patrick was born in Newport, RI and raised in both West Bridgewater, MA and Derwood, MD. He has been a member of the MCG Golf Academy since 2019. Outside of golf, Patrick enjoys creating custom golf clubs, skateboarding, and snowboarding. He learned to golf when he was 7 years old from his dad and more in-depth later through many MCG instructors. Patrick is an MCG Academy instructor trained by many of the other pros in the system with certifications in club fitting through Titleist, KBS, and more. In addition to private lessons, Patrick teaches the new golfer adult classes, junior mini camps, and summer camps.

Patrick’s teaching philosophy is simple: everyone can play golf and have a lot of fun doing it. He teaches our Junior and Adult beginner clinics and really enjoys getting people into the game. Working with Patrick will start you off on the right foot when it comes to learning how to swing and approach the sport. His clinics can be found on our website and are run all season long.

The next time you are at Needwood, please stop by and introduce yourself to Patrick. He would love to get to know you and help you improve your golf game.

Marty Johnson

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Marty Johnson is a native Washingtonian born and raised in Riverdale Md. Marty is a seasoned veteran and well established in our area as one of the top instructors in Maryland. Marty's two locations for instruction are Needwood Golf Course and Crossvines. Marty's previous position was the Director of Instruction at Redgate Golf Course, for 25 years, along with 17 years as an Adjunct Professor at Montgomery College teaching all aspects of golf.

Marty is a PGA Member, MCG Master Instructor, TPI graduate and a Certified Golf Fitness Instructor. Marty is recognized by Golf Digest and fellow PGA Professionals as one of our sections top teachers and players. Marty is a student of the game and works very hard on staying current with new technologies, educational seminars, and conferences taught by Top instructors nationwide. Marty is very active in the Mid-Atlantic Section Professional Tournaments. He keeps himself prepared for upcoming events, with constant practice. These efforts have paid off with many tournament wins, along with qualifying for multiple national PGA of America Events. This allows Marty to pass along a competitive edge and insight that will help students in all aspects of tournament play.

Marty works with all ages from beginner to professional. With fundamentals of full swing and short game, students will learn what's necessary to take this new information and skill to the golf course. Sharing his knowledge, identifying cause and effect, and assessing limitations is how Marty pin points swing movements that may not match. Some of Marty's specialties and favorite components to share are short game; pitching, chipping, sand, putting, and course management. He enjoys discussing and helping players improve their decision- making skills on the course. If you are at an MCG facility where Marty teaches, please stop by and introduce yourself. He would enjoy meeting you and helping you improve your game.

Mike Olson
PGA

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Mike was born and raised in Seattle, WA. He has been a member of the MCG Golf Academy since 2009. Outside of golf, Mike enjoys bass fishing, guitar, and movies. He learned to golf when he was 12 after finally giving in to his golfing father who took him to play with a buddy; a perfectly struck 3 wood from 200 yards on a par 5 was all it took to get him hooked. Ten years later he completed the PGA Professional Golf Management Program at Methodist University, where he graduated as the valedictorian earning his B.S. in Accounting and his PGA membership in 2010. Mike is a Recognized Coach of The First Tee.

Mike believes that golf is a game, and games are supposed to be fun. Golf instruction can sometimes get too complicated, and it is important to understand what the student is looking to accomplish and shape the lesson(s) around working towards the student’s goal. He truly believes a lesson to be successful when the student understands what changes are being made and why so they can properly practice on their own. He enjoys teaching students of all abilities, but introducing people to the game, especially juniors, is something Mike really enjoys. In addition to private lessons, Mike teaches The First Tee program at Sligo Creek throughout the year, and multiple junior camps during the summer.

The next time you are at Rattlewood, please stop by and introduce yourself to Mike. He would love to get to know you and help you improve your golf game.

Terry Charlton

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Terry has been a MCG Golf Academy instructor since 2012. Outside of golf, Terry enjoys all sports especially the Washington Footbasll Team, Capitals, and Baltimore Orioles. He learned to golf over 50 years ago and played in many amateur tournaments growing up. Terry currently holds the position of MCG Academy Instructor at Rattlewood Golf Course located in Mt. Airy.

Terry qualified to become a PGA apprentice in 2006. Terry is passionate about giving all students the information he has acquired to improve their game and create a fun and enjoyable plan to succeed. Terry uses a simple approach to improve student’s game and believes it’s a well-rounded game that produces better scores and nicer shots. Its not always about the score, it could be a great drive or a 40 foot putt that lets students enjoy the game of golf at any level in which they play. After all, GOLF IS FOR FUN!

If you are at Rattlewood, please stop by and introduce yourself. He would love to get to know you and help improve your golf game.

Bob Coope

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Bob was born and raised in Glen Cove, NW. He has been a member of the MCG Golf Academy since 2018. Outside of golf, Bob enjoys time with family and friends. He learned golf at the age of 12, and completed PGA Business School in Hartford, CT as well as PGA School at Westchester C.C. in Rye, NY. He served as the Director of Instruction at U.S. Armed Forces Recreation Center in Berchtesgaden, Germany.

“I believe in teaching sound fundamentals and keeping the game fun.”

The next time you are at Rattlewood, please stop by and introduce yourself to Bob. He would love to get to know you and help improve your golf game.

Dave Degirolamo

David was born in New York and raised in Rockville, Maryland. David became a member of the MCG Golf Academy in 2011. Hobbies outside of the golfing world include music, singing, cooking, playing baseball and golf with my son, and spending time with family. He learned to play golf at the age of 10 and loves the game to this day. David has won many local golf tournaments as an amateur as well as a few MAPGA pro-am events. David was first alternate 5 times in local qualifying and eventually qualified for the national finals in the United States Public Links twice. David made it the final match play round of 32 back in the 1990's. It was one of many highlights in his competitive golfing career.

David prides himself on “fun through excellence”. His teaching philosophy starts with a firm emphasis on the fundamentals. He has a strong belief when students begin to understand the basic motion of a golf swing, many positive changes can be accomplished. Explaining the golf swing in layman's terms is very important. Dave always takes into account each individual's physical capabilities when advancing them as a player. He has been teaching golf to people of all ages since 1993 at various golf courses in the area. Dave has many people who continue to take lessons from him wherever he is teaching at the time. He always has fun and makes sure each lesson is enjoyable for the student. Dave is willing and able to work with golfers of all skill levels and welcomes the challenge.

The next time you are at Sligo Creek Golf Course, please stop by and introduce yourself to David. He would love to get to know you and help you improve your golf game.