Sharon Miller, LPGA Member

Sharon Miller has made her career in golf since 1966 when she joined the Ladies Professional Golf Tour, won three tournaments, and retired in 1981. From there, she joined the LPGA Teaching Division and continues to teach all ages with a passion. She helped start and wrote for Golf for Women magazine as their Teaching Editor in Chief until 1994. In 1989, she received the LPGA National Teacher of the Year award. She has remained active in tournament competition and won the 1985 National Teaching Division Championship, the 1986 Women's Colorado Open, and is a three time winner with partner Kathy Farrer (1995, 1996, 1997) in the SQUARE TWO LPGA T & CP team championship. In 2003 Sharon was inducted into the Western Michigan University Sports Hall of Fame. Sharon is the only athlete in the university's history to have lettered in 5 sports! The Bird Golf Schools are proud to have Sharon as our national head professional.

Mary Mills, LPGA Member

Winner of the 1963 U.S. Open, Mary's career as a player and teacher is second to none. A member of the Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame, Mary enjoyed 18 years on the LPGA Tour, during which time she won 9 tour events, including three major championships (the LPGA Championship in 1964 and 1973, as well as the U.S. Open). Now an accomplished golf course architect, Mary's first love remains teaching. A member of the LPGA Teaching Division since 1980, Mary prides herself on working with players of all skill levels. As a student of the game, Mary has studied and worked with some of the game's legendary teachers: Johnny Revolta, Tommy Armour, Paul Runyan, Bob Toski, and Ángel de la Torre to name a few. Mary's extensive background allows her to evaluate each student differently and individually - and makes a golf school with Mary a "once in a lifetime experience."

Jay Ewing, PGA Member

Jay's unique and modern style of teaching is the result of more than 20 years as a golf professional. An accomplished player, having played the Australian and Asian Tour in the early 1980's, and more recently the winner of the World Pro Am at Pebble Beach in 1998, Jay also served on the Colorado Section PGA Board of Directors. The founder of the Rocky Mountain Junior Tour and the founder of the Colorado PGA Teach-A-Thon, Jay's teaching background working with Juniors is extensive, as it is with players of all skill levels. The host of "Golf Tips with Jay Ewing", and the author of two books, Jay has written for both trade and mainstream publications. He currently works with over 20 professionals, and is becoming one of the country's most sought after teachers.

Jim Samsing, PGA Member

Jim's career as a golf professional spans 30 years. A competitive player since 1970, and the winner of the 1973 Montbello Open Pro-Am, Jim also recorded top 10 finishes in several state opens. Jim was also the Head Professional at Mission Hills C.C. in the mid 70's. His teaching philosophy is to keep the swing as simple as possible, developing strong fundamentals and swing skills, and using the brain as the major tool in the development of these skills. He is the foremost expert in the theory of the "Double Connexion", a mental discipline used on the PGA tour. Jim is a true master and student of the game, who's style is successful with players of all abilities. Jim is also an accomplished club fitting specialist. We are proud to have Jim as our West Coast Director of Instruction.

Tim Peightal, PGA Member

Tim began his 25 year career as a PGA professional at the Disney World golf resort in Orlando where he had the opportunity to observe and study with some of the legends in golf instruction; Davis Love Jr., Jim Flick, Bill Strausbaugh and Bob Toski. Tim would later work with 1928 US Open Champion, Johnny Farrell and 1935 PGA Champion, Johnny Revolta. Tim served as the Head professional as Indiana Country Club for 7 years before returning to Florida where he was the Director of Instruction for The United States Senior Golf Academy for six years. Tim’s goal is to find as many ways as possible to make learning fun and feels that since every golfer is different, then each of his students should be taught, differently. His enormous skill as a teacher comes from his understanding of several different methods, and being able to identify, the perfect method and style with each of his students. We are proud to have Tim as our East Coast, Head Professional.

Lee Maiden, PGA Member

Lee turned professional in 1973 after serving in the US Navy. His career began at the Wigwam where he had the opportunity to study and learn form golf greats, Hale Irwin, Dale Douglas and Dave Marr. In 1977, Lee was at the Vail Golf Club (where he started the Gerard Ford Pro-Am), where he stayed for two years before becoming the Head Professional at Park Hill GC where he spent extensive time with another PGA legend, Dave Hill. While at Park Hill GC, Lee founded the Colorado Junior Golf Association in 1981. Lee then went on to be the Head professional at Eagle Country Club, Cattails GC and the Heritage Hills GC in McCook, Nebraska. Lee was the Head Golf Coach for the Adams State University form 1995-2000. Throughout his career, Lee’s passion has always been teaching and it is a teacher that he truly shines. In his 33 years as a professional, he has helped thousands of his students not only improve their games but also to enjoy it! There are several reasons why Lee's nickname is "The Swing Doctor". We are proud to have Lee as a Senior West Coast instructor for the Bird Golf Academy.

Shirley Furlong, LPGA Member

Shirley was an All-American at Texas A&M University in 1983, and after graduating she met with immediate success as a professional. The leading money winner and winner of four events on the Women’s Professional Golf Tour, Shirley joined the LPGA Tour in 1984. Shirley recorded several Top 5 finishes in her fifteen year career on Tour which was highlighted with her victory in the 1988 Keystone Open. Shirley was also the runner up in the 1989 McDonald’s Championship and a year later the runner-up in the Nabisco Dinah Shore. A lifelong student of the game, Shirley has studied and worked with some of the game’s greatest instructors (Betty Dodd, Chuck Cook and De De Owens). Shirley believes that a good golf swing comes first with good fundaments and stresses the importance of having a good “pre-shot routine”. She also believes that teaching her students to manage themselves and the golf course are keys to becoming a successful player. Shirley is passionate about teaching and it shows in her students. Shirley’s upbeat and charming personality will make your golf school with her memorable. Shirley is a Bird Golf Academy, Senior West Coast Instructor

Shirley will be inducted into the San Antonio Sports Hall of Fame in February, 2007. Congratulations, Shirley on such a great honor!

Pam Wright, LPGA Member

Pam was born to be a golfer. Her father, Innes was a prominent Scottish professional and her Mother was four times the Scottish National Champion. After an exceptional junior career, Pam attended Arizona State University where she would also distinguish herself. Pam was twice the winner of the Pac 10 Championship, a two-time All American and later in her career, elected to the ASU Hall of Fame. Pam's talent showed immediately when she joined the LPGA Tour as she was the Rookie of the Year in 1989. Her storied career included being a member of the European Solheim Cup three times as well as being a Vice-Captain in 2002 and 2002 (Pam also recorded the lowest 9 hole round in US Open history when she shot a 30). Since devoting herself full time to teaching, Pam has excelled in the same way. She is passionate about her craft and it shows with every student that has the chance to experience a school with Pam. Pam's lovely, relaxed style immediately puts her students at ease, and her infinite knowledge of the game, takes their games to another level. Bird Golf is very proud to have Pam as a Senior West Coast Instructor.

Craig Waryan, PGA Member

In an incredibly distinguished career, Craig has earned most every honor that can be bestowed upon a PGA professional. Craig was the Minnesota Section PGA, Teacher of the Year in 2004, twice the Golf Professional of the Year, and four times the recipient of the Bill Strausbaugh award. He has been teaching for 35 years and was only the 87th person to achieve PGA Master professional status. In addition to which, Craig was the Club Fitter of the Year and has appeared on both Golf Digest and Golf magazines' Top 10 (in Wisconsin and Minnesota) Teachers lists, several times. Craig's students have won over 30 State Championships, a National title and a National runner-up finish. While Craig's passion is teaching, he is also still a very fine player and was the 2000 PGA Senior Matchplay Champion and the runner-up in the Wisconsin Senior Open in 2001 and 2006. We are very proud to have Craig as a Senior West Coast instructor and know with certainty, that your golf school with him, will be extraordinary.

Mike Passmore, PGA Member

A member of the PGA since 1972, Mike has had a distinguished life in golf. Mike began his career working with the legendary Sam Snead. Through his friendship and relationship with Mr. Snead, Mike studied and learned his craft with some of the greatest teachers in the game; Bob Toski, Johnny Revolta, Carl Lohren, Tommy Fonseca and Bill Strausbaugh. Mike played briefly on the PGA Tour during the 1970's, and has won several Pro-Ams and strokeplay events, but his passion has always been teaching. Mike founded the Mike Passmore Junior Golf School, in 1986 that had an enrollment of more than 400 students. One of Mike's great skills as a teacher is that he teaches several different styles and methods and he puts the right one, with the right student. Mike prefers to work with each student as an individual on their specific strengths in order to allow each student to develop their own unique swing and style of play. We are proud to have Mike as a Senior West Coast instructor.

Ted Brasile, PGA Member

Since turning professional in 1972, Ted has had a remarkable career. He has been the Head Golf professional at the Landfall Golf Club, Walnut Creek CC and Cross Creek CC, but it is a teacher that Ted truly shines. Selected as a GOLF magazine Top 400 teacher in 1999, 2001 and 2003, Ted is also the recipient of numerous awards and honors. Amongst those are the 1993 Carolinas PGA “Teacher of The Year”, and the same awards in Georgia in 1998 and 2003. He has studied with some of the legendary teachers in golf including, Dr. Jim Suttie (the PGA of America’s 2000 Teacher of The Year). Ted’s teaching philosophy is to match each student’s physique with the correct technique. In doing so, he believes that there is not just one swing that works, but that every golfer can find a swing that is right for them. We are very proud to have Ted as our Georgia, Director of Instruction.

Steve Godley, PGA Member

Steve has been a “class A” member of the PGA of America since 1986, Steve is an accomplished player, having won several PGA pro-ams in the Georgia Section and recording good finishes in both the Georgia State Open and Georgia Section Championship. Having been taught and coached by Davis Love, Jr. (the father of PGA Tour player, Davis 111) , Steve’s teaching style is very much in line with other teaching luminaries such as Harvey Penick, Davis Love Jr., Jim Flick and Bob Toski. A great believer in making sure that the student understands the fundamentals of the golf swing. Using his simple approach, Steve tries to eliminate the “checklist” that most players seem to go through before executing a swing. Using the “clear key” and target awareness most players can get their brain out of the way in order to make golf more fun. Steve is our Georgia Head professional.

Shelley Hamlin, LPGA Member

After an outstanding career at Stanford University (Shelley is a member of the Stanford Hall of Fame) which included a win at the 1971 AIAW Collegiate Championship and a runner up finish in the US Amateur, Shelley was runner-up for Rookie of the Year honors in her inaugural year on the LPGA tour in 1972 and represented the United States in both the Curtis Cup and the World Cup. A runner up in the US Open in 1973 and a 3 time winner on the LPGA tour, Shelley had career earnings of over $1 million. After successfully battling breast cancer in 1992, Shelley won the Phar-Mor at Inverarry and followed that up with another victory in 1993 at the ShopRite Classic. Shelley was the president of the LPGA in 1980-81 and in 2000 was the first recipient of the Dr. DeDe Owens Spirit of Golf Award in 2000. Although Shelley still plays occasional Tour events, she has devoted herself to teaching and what a wonderful opportunity that proves to be for Bird Golf Academy students. One of the most positive and inspirational people in golf, her energy and enthusiasm ensure that your school with Shelley; will be a game changing experience.

Sharron Moran, LPGA Member

Sharron was an outstanding amateur golfer who was the Illinois state Champion and also the number 1 player on the University of Arizona’s golf team for four years. After college, Sharron joined the LPGA Tour where she distinguished herself immediately by being the 1967 Rookie of the Year. After competing successfully for ten years on the Tour, Sharron dedicated herself to teaching. Sharron was a broadcaster for ABC television, for whom she covered several major Championships in addition to being an author and the Women’s golf editor for Golf Digest magazine for three years (Sharron also has her own line of sportswear!). Sharron studied with the legendary Bob Toski for 14 years and has hosted clinics all over the world. She has been the Director of Instruction at La Costa, Thunderbird, Lakeside and Crested Butte Country Clubs and been the featured professional for the Tommy Armour Golf Company for ten years. Sharron is familiar with several teaching styles and believes in matching her students to the style best suited for them. Her relaxed and friendly manner ensures that your golf school with Sharron is not only an invaluable learning experience, but you will have fun doing it! Sharron is our Palm Springs Director of Instruction.

Tom Sims, PGA Member

A class A member of the PGA since 1983 Tom started his golf career in Colorado and was a graduate of the SDGA. Tom played the Golden State Tour for five years, winning two events, and recording a series of high placed finishes. He was the Head Professional at Escondido CC in San Diego where he began distinguishing himself as an outstanding teacher. His many students included San Diego Senior and Junior champions and various players who won both city and state championships. In 1998 Tom became the Director of Golf at Hiddenbrooke GC where he was the host professional for the LPGA Samsung Tour championship. A disciple of Bob Toski who Tom studied extensively, Tom’s teaching style is now “feel oriented”. He believes in keeping learning simple and not overly mechanical. Tom’s students feel immediately at ease with his relaxed and friendly manner. The newest member of the Bird Golf Academy faculty, we are thrilled to have Tom as our California Director of Instruction.

Ross Kroeker, PGA Member

Ross is the Head Golf Professional at the Palos Verdes Golf Club in Los Angeles. Ross has an impressive background that includes stops at Mission Hills Resort, Red Rocks CC, the Golden Bear Learning Center and Spyglass Hill. Through his affiliation with the world's top golf schools, Ross has worked with many of the nation's top instructors. He recognizes the individual nature of each golfer and of each golfer's swing. For this reason he does not attempt to make everybody's swing look alike. Instead he works with each student to develop their fundamental skills and help them reach their highest potential as a player. A two time Academic All-American Golfer (Ross has won several tournaments and received numerous playing awards), Ross is truly a superior teacher and student of the game.

Larry Schute, PGA Member

In a storied career that has spanned over four decades, Larry has distinquished himself both as a player and teacher. Larry's career began in the 1950's as a member of the PGA Tour, where he competed with distinction. Now a Life Member of the PGA of America, and a 'master' professional, Larry has been elected to two Halls of Fame. Larry is also a USGA committeeman, and a recipient of every award available to members of the PGA. His list of fellow competitors and students reads like the who's who in golf. A legend. (His brother Denny was the winner of both the British Open and PGA Championships) And it is in this arena that Larry truly shines. Larry's students universally agree that a golf school with this great master of the game is the best thing that has ever happened to their swing.