Jim Estes, PGA

Jim is a U.S. Kids, TPI and Level 2 K-Vest certified instructor. Jim is a co-founder of the Salute Military Golf Association and his work at Olney Golf Park includes establishing a PGA/Disabled Sports Program and designing and leading a staff-teaching curriculum, which led to a $300,000 increase in revenue. Jim developed a seminal Adaptive Golf Instruction certification program in conjunction with Penn State University. This program been approved by the PGA and LPGA for teaching professionals to obtain continuing education credits. He is a two-time PGA of America national award winner, including the 2010 PGA Patriot Award, and the 1995 PGA Player of the Year. Additionally, he was the 2014 Good Counsel High School Golf Coach of the Year and the 2007 Golf Magazine Innovator of the Year. Jim was named in Golf Digest’s Best Teachers in Your State in 2013 and 2015. He has served on the PGA of America Government Relations and Inclusion Committee and spoke at the 2008 PGA Teaching & Coaching Summit.

Facility Type: Stand Alone Range

Past awards/recognitions: 

• GRAA Top 50 Growth of the Game Teaching Professional
• PGA Patriot Award
• PGA Player of the Year
• Golf Digest Best in State
• Golf Magazine Innovators Award

Technology used in instruction: 

• FlightScope
• Boditrak-MAt
• Kvest- 3D
• V1-2D High Speed Video

Approximate number of free “tune-ups” and lessons given per year: 20

Growth of the game initiatives: 

• PGA Junior League
• Get Golf Ready
• Women’s Clinics and Cocktails with Women On Course
• Senior Clinics
• Disabled Golf Clinics; I Founded SMGA Salute Military Golf Association 9 chapters nationwide to give combated wounded and their families free lessons, clubs and golf experiences
• Junior Clinics and Camps for all ages