Gaylord, MI – Jason Guss, PGA Director of Golf Performance for the Rick Smith/Jason Guss Golf Academy at Treetops Resort in northern Michigan, has been awarded the 2013 PGA Teacher of the Year by the Michigan Section PGA.
“I am honored to be recognized as the Teacher of the Year by the Michigan section and follow in the footsteps of my mentors Rick Smith and Henry Young, who have helped to shape my career to what it is today,” said Guss. “The PGA professionals in our section have set a high standard for teaching and I look forward to continuing that tradition and growing the game of golf.”
Each year, the Michigan Section recognizes a PGA professional who has developed a history of outstanding teaching and has created and implemented unusual, innovative, or special teaching programs, published articles or have instructed outstanding golfers.
Guss, who has been working alongside one of the game’s leading instructors, Rick Smith, for 13 years, was selected for his achievement in helping to develop one of the most successful golf schools in the country, as well developing a strong junior golf program and becoming a regular contributor to golf publications. He was also recognized by Golf Digest, as one of the game’s “Best Young Teachers in 2010.
“I have had the pleasure of working with and watching Jason grow and become one of the top instructors in the country. He is very deserving of this award and I could not be more proud of him,” said Rick Smith. “Jason is among the next generation of great instructors in the game.”
The Michigan Section honored Guss for a variety of initiatives including his Junior Development program, which gives young players 20 hours of instruction over a five-month period, customizing that time to work on specific areas of improvement. A second program, the Michigan Cup, pits his top junior students against the top junior golfers from the Boyne Golf Academy in a Ryder Cup-style format. It has become a premier event in Michigan for junior competition.
The Michigan Golf Course Owners Association also awarded both programs its annual Player Development Award.
In addition, Guss has become a regular contributor to Golf Digest, one of the leading golf publications in America. This includes the recent “Hot List” issue where he analyzed new golf equipment, as well as The Golf Digest Clinic instructional DVD series. He has also contributed to Sports Illustrated, the Golf Channel and Fox Sports.
About the Rick Smith/Jason Guss Golf Academy
The Rick Smith/Jason Guss Golf Academy, directed by Jason Guss, is one of the leading golf teaching facilities in America. Guss has spent over 13 years as an instructor for top swing guru Rick Smith. Golf Digest named him as one of the “Best Young Teachers” in 2010.
The Rick Smith/Jason Guss Golf Academy is a “Top 25 Golf School” by GOLF magazine. It offers golf instruction for all levels of players, as well as junior and women’s programs. The academy also features the finest computer swing analysis equipment — Trackman, V1, and TOMI Putting System — and an indoor training facility for players to practice year around.
For more information about the Rick Smith/Jason Guss Golf Academy, please visit www.treetops.com.
Contact:
Rick Smith/Jason Guss Golf Academy
Jason Guss
Director of Golf Performance
(989) 619-0734
Jguss@treetops.com
Fusion Media Strategies
Kevin Frisch
(989) 614-0241
kevin@fusionmediastrategies.com
