STAFFORD, VA – Mark Russo of Severn, MD was honored by the Middle Atlantic Section of the Professional Golfers’ Association (MAPGA) as the 2018 Teacher of the Year during the association’s annual Hall of Fame Banquet. He was recognized for excellence in golf instruction along with overall performance as a PGA professional on March 17 at Washington Golf and Country Club.
His impact on teaching and golf instruction, innovative contributions to golf instruction and drive to grow the sport are what led to this honorary award.
As he steadily builds a reputation as an instructor who produces results for his students through a unique blend of data, instinct and communication, Russo invests significant time and resources toward professional development, resulting in a dramatic increase in his own abilities as a teacher and measurable improvement for his students.
He was also the Chair of the 2016 and 2017 MAPGA Teaching Summits, and is currently the Section Education Committee Co-Chair.
Russo was ranked among Golf Digest 2017-18 “Best by State Teachers” list in Maryland.
It was because of the special events such as “TrackMan Friday Nights” (group instruction), “Golf & Grapes” (ladies evening clinic & wine tasting) and American Heroes Day (discounted rates for active military, police, and fire fighters) he received this award.
Russo accomplished all of this while serving on the MAPGA Northern Chapter Board since 2013, currently as vice president.
Along with his duties on the Northern Chapter Board and the Section Board, Mark has contributed to the MAPGA through the Education Committee, serving as the Teaching Sub-Committee Chair for two years, and presenting at numerous education events on teaching and coaching.
Russo was mentored by some of the best teachers and coaches in golf, such as Andrew Rice, Michael Breed, Ryan Chaney, Martin Chuck, Sean Foley, Steve WenPetren, Mike Adams, Bernie Najar, Cameron McCormick, Chuck Cook, Martin Hall and Rick Krebs.
His goal is to learn from these great instructors and bring that knowledge back to the lesson tee for the benefit of his students.
Russo uses the experiences from his mentorship to bring back to his students and mold his own unique teaching style to become a better communicator and a more caring coach.
His mentality is every student comes to him at different point in their game and he wants to make sure he helps them meet their personal goals.
Russo first entered the golf industry in 1997 as an assistant professional at Marlborough Country Club and later assumed the role of head professional. In 2002, Mark assumed the first assistant professional position at The Country Club at Woodmore, and was promoted to Head PGA Professional in 2006.
However in March 2012, he founded MR Golf Instruction at Night Hawk Golf Center and has been working as a self-employed teaching professional ever since.
He credits much of his success to his father and mother who supported his passion for hockey early in life, and their continual support of his Golf career to date.
Trying to fight back tears Russo also thanked his wife Lori Russo, his high school sweetheart of 17 years for her continued support and patience with his career.
He made two promises to pay her back, being the best father of their two sons, Blaine, 7 years old, and Quinn, 2 years old and to love her with all of his heart forever.
Contact:
MAPGA Communications
Jeremy Beale, jbeale@pgahq.com
