Stafford, Va. – The 2016 Middle Atlantic PGA Youth Development Award Winner is Daniel Shea, PGA from Cahoon Plantation in Chesapeake, Va. This award bestows special recognition on a PGA Professional who is a leader in junior golf, reflects the image and qualities that juniors can emulate, and provides opportunities for juniors to learn and play golf.
While it is evident that Dan Shea has always had a passion for golf, it is his time spent at Cahoon
Plantation that has given him the opportunity to inspire the future of golf through his development and
support of youth programs. His ability to inspire and his motivation to teach have made Dan the
deserving recipient of the 2016 Youth Player Development Award.
Dan was born on May 13, 1984 in Portland, CT to Frank and Mary Shea. Dan has two brothers, Thomas
and Brian. At the age of 13, Dan’s best friend Julian Freeman introduced him to the game of golf. Dan
then convinced his parents to send him to the local summer golf camp. It was at this camp that Dan truly
developed a passion for the game which eventually led him to Campbell University. Dan graduated from
the PGM program at Campbell University with a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and was
elected to PGA Membership in 2007.
Dan accepted a position as General Manager of Cahoon Plantation Golf Club and it was here that he
was finally able to make a difference in junior golf. Dan is a Co?Owner of Michelle Holmes School of Golf.
Michelle and Dan began the school knowing they wanted to make a difference in each child’s life. Their
mission is to create experiences that will encourage kids to play the game forever! Michelle Holmes
School of Golf has grown to see over 500 juniors each year. This demand led to the newest school
location at Kempsville Greens. The continued growth of the school has a large part to do with the
newest member Laura Landon, Director of Instruction at Kempsville Greens.
The school provides avenues for players of all skill levels. They have assisted players compete at the
Masters for the Drive, Chip and Putt. Started the first PeeWee program in the area and have watched
them graduate to the VSGA and Us Kids Local Tours. No matter what direction the child desires Dan,
Michelle and Laura will help them get there. One of Dan’s favorite things to do is to travel to Pinehurst
every year to watch and support the local kids compete in the World Championships.
Dan not only sets the precedent on the job, but also volunteers his time whenever possible to the kids.
He has volunteered in over 100 local US Kids and Virginia State Golf Association tournaments. In 2015,
Dan was awarded Honorable Mention as one of the US Kids Top 50 Instructors. He currently serves on
the Middle Atlantic PGA (MAPGA) Junior Committee, East Coast Junior Golf Summit Committee and is
the current Junior Golf Chair for the Southern Chapter of the MAPGA.
Much of Dan’s success can be attributed to his mentors. Claude King, PGA (deceased); Adam Schriber,
PGA; Gerald D’Amora, PGA and Mike Fentress, PGA. Each taught Dan the importance of leadership in
the community and to have a consistent approach to making the junior golfers feel important. Dan’s
honest and fun loving attitude welcome players of all abilities to try out the game we all love. His
philosophy is to the keep the game simple, solid fundamentals, great mental approach and a passion for
the game. The most important thing is to always have fun!
Contact:
Eric Southard
esouthard@pgahq.com
(540) 720-7420 ext. 115
