Michael LaBella

Please indicate past awards won/recognitions:
PGA Section Teacher of the Year, Other (Indicate specific awards below in 3-a)

Other awards won:
2X Tri-State PGA Teacher and Coach of the Year – 2024 & 2026, 3x Golf Digest Best Young Teachers in America – 2021-2026, Western PA Golf Choice Awards (2024) – Best Instruction, 2022 Golf Digest Editors' Choice Best Schools & Academies, 2019 Top 50 Coach Operation 36, 2014 U.S. Kids Golf Honorable Mention Top 50 Kids Teacher

Total number of individual lessons given per year:
Male: 450
Female: 200
Junior: 550

Total number of individual clinics given per year:
32

Please indicate any Growth of the Game initiatives your facility/academy has launched over the past year (please give specifics on such programs):
PGA Junior League 13 U
PGA Junior League 17 U
Drive, Chip, Putt

Other programs to drive growth of the game and increase participation at the club include:
New Golfer Bootcamps
o Designed for absolute beginners, these bootcamps lower barriers to entry with affordable fees and club provision. Students are guided through essential steps, including arrival and navigation at the golf course, basic rules, and introductions to putting, chipping, and full-swing techniques. A ladies-only class is also available, ensuring inclusivity and tailored support.
o Arrival and check-in procedures, golf course navigation
o Basic rules of golf
o Introduction to putting, chipping, and full-swing
o Ladies-only classes are available to further support the growth and camaraderie of female golfers.

Fireside Chats (Complimentary)
o Join the golf team for engaging discussions, where participants gain valuable insights into the habits and strategies of elite players both on and off the course. These sessions promote continuous improvement and share best practices for sustained performance.

Golf 101 (Complimentary)
o Foundational discussions designed to deepen participants’ understanding of golf rules, etiquette, and essential aspects of the game, ensuring every golfer is well-prepared for success.

2:2 Performance Coaching
o Work collaboratively with golf performance coaches and functional movement specialists to experience a holistic coaching approach that integrates golf technique and physical conditioning for comprehensive development.

Play and Practice with the Coach Program
o Each week, students participate in supervised practice sessions designed to foster intentional practice habits. These sessions encourage students to challenge themselves, collaborate with peers, and engage directly with Coach Mike. Complementing the practice, students play weekly rounds with Coach Mike, focusing on course management and team formats. This immersive approach allows Coach Mike to tailor individualized coaching plans, supporting ongoing skill development and strategic growth.

Outside of Butler Country Club I have partnered with a Dr. of PT where we have done extensive research and have created a business focused on eliminating back pain in golf. This allows for longer retention and bringing back lapsed golfers who have suffered with back pain in golf. Our company is called "Golf Back Method" our website is golfbackmethod.com

Please share any programming you have made to keep your customers & students engaged:
2:2 Performance Coaching
o Work collaboratively with golf performance coaches and functional movement specialists to experience a holistic coaching approach that integrates golf technique and physical conditioning for comprehensive development.

Play and Practice with the Coach Program
o Each week, students participate in supervised practice sessions designed to foster intentional practice habits. These sessions encourage students to challenge themselves, collaborate with peers, and engage directly with Coach Mike. Complementing the practice, students play weekly rounds with Coach Mike, focusing on course management and team formats. This immersive approach allows Coach Mike to tailor individualized coaching plans, supporting ongoing skill development and strategic growth.

Complimentary Mental Game Webinars

Fireside Chats
o Join the golf team for engaging discussions, where participants gain valuable insights into the habits and strategies of elite players both on and off the course. These sessions promote continuous improvement and share best practices for sustained performance.

Saturday afternoon Play Days with Coach Mike