Launching in 1991, GOLF’s Top 100 Teachers in America franchise has established itself as the preeminent list for recognizing excellence in golf instruction.
Not only do we hold ourselves to a high standard with our selections, but the rigorous process allows us to identify the most innovative, committed, accomplished, and passionate golf teachers in the United States. Each shares our vision, and carry themselves with the utmost professionalism.
As GOLF continues its mission to expand the game and provide the best instruction content for players of all skill-levels, we collaborate with our Top 100 Teachers to help lead the charge. Together, we provide the leadership, wisdom, and fresh ideas to help every golfer improve. We’re sure to see you on the lesson tee soon!
How we pick our Top 100 Teachers
The biennial process is powered by the Top 100 Teachers Credentials Committee, and is the only national golf instructor search that combines outside academic and PGA peer review.
As mentioned above, the process is both rigorous and competitive, with candidates being screened against a set of criteria that evaluates a number of different guidelines. These include their teaching experience and accomplishments, student portfolio and peer ratings, along with their overall commitment to the growth of the game, both through volunteerism and their ability to use digital platforms.
Along with the public application, candidates are nominated by the PGA, LPGA and United States Golf Teachers Federation, among others. The committee reviews 250 applications, on average, before selecting the new members.
MORE: See the full list of 2024-2025 Top 100 Teachers
MORE: Meet the Top 100 Hall of Fame inductees
MORE: Meet the Top 100 Alumni teachers
MORE: Meet GOLF’s Teachers to Watch
GOLF’S 2024-2025 Top 100 Teachers Lifetime Achievement
This list honors GOLF Top 100 Teachers who have remained on the Top 100 list for 20 consecutive years or more.
Steve Bosdosh
Ijamsville, Md.
Michael Breed
CBS Sports and Golf Digest
John Elliott, Jr.
Ocala, Fla.
Bryan Gathright
Boerne, Texas
David Glenz
Long Valley, N.J.
Rick Grayson
Springfield, Mo.
Fred Griffin
Orlando, Fla.
Ron Gring
Prescott, Ariz.
Martin Hall
West Palm Beach, Fla.
Craig Harmon
Delray Beach, Fla.
Peter Kostis
Scottsdale, Ariz.
Mike Labauve
Scottsdale, Ariz.
Keith Lyford
Rocklin, Calif.
Mike Malaska
Superstition Mountain, Ariz.
Tim Mahoney
Scottsdale, Ariz.
Lynn Marriott
Scottsdale, Ariz.
Rick McCord
Kissimmee, Fla.
Bill Moretti
Austin, Texas
Pia Nilsson
Scottsdale, Ariz.
Dave Phillips
Oceanside, Ca.
Dana Rader
Charlotte, N.C.
Craig Shankland
Daytona Beach, Fla.
Ted Sheftic
New Oxford, Pa.
Laird Small
Pebble Beach, Calif.
Randy Smith
Dallas, Texas
Rick Smith
Miami, Fla.
Mitchell Spearman
Rye Brook, N.Y.
T.J. Tomasi
Port St. Lucie, Fla.
