Instructors
JOHN McCARTIN, PGA – DIRECTOR OF INSTRUCTION
Primary Locations: Whisper Creek, Diversey
John McCartin is a 14-year PGA Member, and in 2006 earned the distinct honor of PGA Certification in Teaching. He became only the third PGA Member in the Illinois Section with this designation. For the past 12 years he has been a Lead Instructor for the Dave Pelz Scoring Game Schools and as a Head Instructor for the John Jacobs Golf Schools. During that time John has had the pleasure of working with all levels of players including new golfers, women, seniors and juniors. He has also instructed touring professionals including KJ Choi, Rocco Mediate and LPGA Hall of Fame Member Pat Bradley. He has been mentored by five Top 100 instructors including Dave Pelz, Bruce Patterson and Donald Crawley.
John’s teaching philosophy is to have each of his students become their own best teacher and to create a partnership with them to help achieve their goals for their golf games. Each golfer is viewed as an individual with their own set of experiences, strengths, weaknesses and desires for their golfing experience. The approach John takes with each of his students will be unique to them and will contain just the right amount of instruction, feedback, effective practice plans and most importantly fun. One of John’s favorite expressions is that if your next mortgage payment does not depend directly on how low your next score is, relax, smile and have fun with the game of golf.
Click Here to Schedule an Individual Lesson with John at Diversey
Tony Malatesta, PGA Teaching Professional
Primary Location - Whisper Creek
Tony Malatesta has been in the golf industry for over 22 years and a PGA Professional since 1993. During that time, Tony has provided instruction to players of all levels of ability including women, seniors and juniors. Tony was mentored by Golf Digest Top 100 teacher and prominent LPGA instructor Ed Oldfield Sr., PGA Master Professional Reggie Starzyk, and long time club professional Don Habjan. He was an instructor at the Motorola Western Open Clinics from 1995-1999, and the Chicago Golf Show from 1999-2004. Tony regularly participates in Illinois PGA Section tournaments where he has had many high finishes, and has qualified to play in the Illinois Open on 7 occasions.
Tony’s teaching philosophy revolves around teaching the golf swing in a simple and effective, yet fun manner. He understands that people learn in different ways, so he uses a combination of verbal, feel, and visual methods to correct his pupil’s swing flaws. In addition to teaching the mechanics of the golf swing, Tony stresses the importance of the short game, and he adds insight into other areas of the game such as course management, etiquette, and physical fitness.
