TESTIMONIALS
“Coach Derek offers amazing 1 on 1 sessions with lots of visuals, swing technology and a simplistic teaching style. He is by far one of the most advanced swing coaches in the area and is constantly shaving strokes off of my game.”
Trent Querry Penn State Altoona Golf Team Member
“We love Coach Derek! He provides positive feedback that makes our son want to continue to learn golf and he is funny according to my son. He is very perceptive as far as our son’s needs and what type of critique and instruction he will respond to best. Coach Derek is great because he focuses on all aspects of the game. Our son continues to learn at every lesson but has fun too. Coach Derek does an outstanding job!”
Addikin G, Junior Student
"As a local High School golf coach, I am always looking for ways to help improve my teams performance on the course. I reached out to Derek and Chad at the academy and through discussions with them we were able to come up with a program addressing the needs of our team. As my kids progressed through the program, their confidence and skill level improved tremendously
If you’re a parent or high school golf coach and want to improve your teams skills or individual skills, I would highly recommend the Laurel Highlands Golf Academy. Derek and Chad's, knowledge, experience, and dedication are in my opinion, second to none"
Mark Scalice, Head Golf Coach
Bishop Guilfoyle High School, Altoona PA
“Ever since I first met Derek and began discussing the physical and mental sides of the game of golf, my knowledge, mechanics, enjoyment, and respect for the game has continually increased. I am very grateful for the instruction and assistance he’s given me over the years to improve my golf game.
Derek has a vast knowledge of the game and the golf swing. He also has a lot of mental approaches to the game that are extremely helpful in picking the shot and properly preparing for the shot. His techniques, terminology, and visuals are second to none. They all work in combination to explain what the golf swing should and can look like.
Derek knows all the mechanics necessary to perform a fundamental golf swing, but he also knows how to build that fundamental golf swing into your body mechanics and structure by a few key words and a few key moves. Swing thoughts, swing cues, and a wide range of visual aids and other swing aid equipment help me chisel away the “bad stuff” and perfect the “good stuff.” Working with him on the range, in the new year-round building at Windber Country Club, and even during teaching rounds has really helped me lower my scores.
Derek’s vast range of tools and technology has helped show me what I need to improve and what I need to perfect. The hi-tech launch monitor, taking videos, and mirrors make it a lot easier for me to see these “swing feels” come into action. Derek has worked over a decade to utilize his knowledge and love for the game in order to teach golfers of all ages and all skill levels how to make their swing better, their scores lower, and just overall having more fun getting out there and playing.”
EJ Beidle
“After working continuously with Derek, I have noticed a positive improvement in my golf game, immediately and long term. Derek worked with me to determine what is most beneficial for my swing, but he also went beyond just the golf swing— we went over things like short game drills, workouts, mental resilience, and even how the weather and blades of grass can affect the next shot. Derek’s overall goal is progress, and to ensure that, he sends notes to recap each lesson. His approach works because he teaches to the individual, and as a result, analyzes what works for each individual’s swing to improve their game.”
Marlie Krug
St. Francis Div. 1 Girls Golf Team Member