By Noah Montgomery, PGA
Golf is often described as more than just a game; it’s a journey. My journey began when I joined the PGA of America with a singular mission – to grow the game of golf. This dedication led me to become a PGA of America Teaching Professional, a path that allowed me to connect deeply with the sport, as well as with the students I aimed to guide.
During a transitional period, my teaching career faced uncertainties due to a change in ownership at the course where I worked. It was during this challenging time that I crossed paths with Will Robbins, a luminary in our field. As I searched our area for the next step in my career, Will suggested I contact Shawn Kelly, the PGA of America Head Golf Professional at The Ridge Golf Course in Auburn, California, who would extend an opportunity for me to teach – an offer I gratefully accepted.
I have now been a PGA of America Teaching Professional at The Ridge for five years. Without Will’s encouragement, I am unsure if I would have ended up here. His recent induction into the California Teaching and Coaching Hall of Fame for the PGA is a testament to his profound influence on the golfing community.
As the years passed, The Ridge has become more than just a place to teach; it’s been a place of meaningful connections. In recent years, the exemplary Ridge committee, along with Golf Course Superintendent Scott McCullough and I embarked on a transformative teaching facility project. Together, we envisioned and brought to life a teaching space with a 30-yard x 50-yard flat deck for hitting and a fairway that enables us to teach the game on undulating lies. Adjacent to this space is a meticulously designed large putting green, complete with a challenging chipping area that includes a greenside bunker and a fairway bunker, both filled with pristine Pebble Beach white sand.
This collaborative effort included approval by The Ridge committee, financial support on my part and a commitment to build and maintain the teaching space by McCullough. Every aspect of this project was executed with the utmost attention to detail, akin to the craftsmanship required in golf course construction. Proper drainage systems were tastefully integrated into the fairway and the green to ensure optimal playing conditions and lasting beauty.
Today, that reimagined teaching area stands as a testament to dedication, passion and the spirit of collaboration. It embodies the essence of golf – a game that teaches patience, resilience and the beauty of transformation.
Although my chapter at The Ridge will one day close, this extraordinary facility will continue to inspire and nurture future golf enthusiasts, thanks to the collective effort of the Ridge committee, Scott McCullough and myself.
Through this remarkable journey, I’ve not only deepened my love for the game but also gained immense gratitude for the people and opportunities that have enriched my path in the world of golf.
Noah Montgomery is a PGA of America Teaching Professional at The Ridge Golf Course in Auburn, California. Throughout his 15-year career, Montgomery has consistently demonstrated an unwavering commitment to his students and a dedication to the timeless principles of the game. At the core of Montgomery’s teaching philosophy lies a straightforward, yet profound approach – “master what you do, not what the trend is.” This mantra has been the guiding light for his students, instilling in them a strong foundation built upon basic fundamentals, ensuring their growth as true masters of the sport. Montgomery’s students range from beginners to high school and college players to professionals on multiple world tours.
