HOWEY-IN-THE-HILLS, FL. – (February 4th, 2015) – Bishops Gate Golf Academy (BGGA) is proud to announce that Kevin Smeltz has been named Director of Golf. Smeltz will be relocating to BGGA full-time in June 2015 to ready himself and the coaching staff for a strong fall semester with an estimated eighty students joining the full time program. BGGA is very excited to welcome Kevin to the team, knowing that his many years of coaching experience will enhance the program. Between now and June, Kevin will be overseeing the golf programs at both Bishops Gate Golf Academy and the International Junior Golf Academy, located in Hilton Head, South Carolina.
Smeltz was introduced to the game of golf by his father while in high school. He received All-American Honors while at the University of North Florida and, after graduation, decided to pursue a career in golf instruction. He trained at the Leadbetter Golf Academy and became an LGA Certified Golf Instructor, after which he had the opportunity to assist David Leadbetter with the likes of multi-major championship winners Nick Faldo, Nick Price, Ernie Els, Greg Norman and many more. He later accepted a position as the Director of Instruction, as well as the Director of Training and Certification Worldwide, at the LGA World Headquarters in Orlando, Florida. In September 2013, Kevin became the Director of Instruction at the International Junior Golf Academy in Hilton Head, South Carolina. Smeltz has a passion for training and developing junior golfers and enjoys the long-term development opportunity that a full time academy provides. Among his many current students are Yani Tseng, Manuel Villegas and Na Yeon Choi.
Players under Smeltz’s tutelage have amassed 18 wins on the PGA TOUR, Champions Tour, and the LPGA TOUR. He has taught two Walker Cup team members, three No. 1-ranked college players, and has helped five players achieve PGA TOUR status who had no prior status on that tour, as well as five more on the Web.com Tour.
Kevin Smeltz can be found on several of the Golf Digest awards lists, including Top-20 Teachers under 40 (2007-2009), Best Teachers in Florida (2007-2009), and Best Young Teacher (2010). He can also be found on the list of Golf Magazine’s Top 100 Teachers from 2012 to present.
About Bishops Gate Golf Academy
The mission of Bishops Gate Golf Academy is to develop Mastery, Autonomy, and Purpose in our players to create a new generation of self-directed student-athletes who believe in their limitless power and potential.
Under the direction of LGA Certified Golf Instructor Kevin Smeltz, our coaching team delivers a strong program that combines technical, mental, strategic, and physical training into an individual blueprint for each athlete. With exclusive access to the world-class Golf Training Center at Bishops Gate and a partnership with the premier Montverde Academy, Bishops Gate Golf Academy is changing the game when it comes to junior golf development.
Located near Orlando, Florida, Bishops Gate Golf Academy offers the Full-Time Junior Program, Full-Time Player Development Program, Summer and Winter Camps, and private lessons. More information is available online at www.BGGA.com.
Contact:
Ben Hicks
Marketing Manager
Bishops Gate Golf Academy
1.855.378.8177
