Since 1991, GOLF’s Top 100 Teachers in America franchise has established itself as the preeminent list for recognizing excellence in golf instruction. Our rigorous selection process helps us identify the most accomplished, innovative and dedicated golf teachers in the United States, and each member shares our vision to deliver the best golf instruction to players of all abilities.
As GOLF continues its mission of educating, inspiring and engaging golfers all over the world, we will collaborate with our Top 100 Teachers to lead the charge. Together, we will provide everything you need to become a better, more complete, golfer.
Below, you’ll find the distinguished group of Top 100 Teachers who have stayed on the list for 20 consecutive years or more.
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.
Candidates are screened against a set of criteria evaluating 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 others. The committee reviews 250 applications, on average, before selecting the new members.
MORE: Meet the Top 100 Teachers in America
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 2026-27 Top 100 Teachers Lifetime Achievement recipients
To honor GOLF Top 100 Teachers who have remained on the Top 100 list for 20 consecutive years or more.
Todd Anderson
Ponte Vedra Beach, Fla.
Eric Alpenfels
Pinehurst, N.C.
Steve Bosdosh
Ijamsville, Md.
Michael Breed
Greenwich, Conn.
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.
Carol Preisinger
Savannah, Ga.
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.
