Private Golf Instruction

Doug Hamilton

Book Now

Doug was born in Westminster, MD and raised all his life in Carroll County Maryland. Doug started teaching for the MCG Academy in 2023 at Little Bennett and Laytonsville. He also added Falls Road in 2024. Outside of golf, Doug enjoys gym time and workouts, watching Ravens football, Orioles Baseball and spending time with his wife and son. Doug's first true love was baseball from an early age allowing him to play in multiple amateur world series events as well as attend The George Washington University where he played Division I college baseball for the Colonials. In between baseball seasons, Doug enjoyed playing golf and started at the young age of 6 at Piney Branch Golf Club in Hampstead, MD. After College, he started his journey in the golf business at Wakefield Valley Golf Course working for Hank Majewski as an assistant golf professional. He then worked at Piney Branch Golf Club as an assistant for Jeffrey Zachman before getting his first Head Golf Professional job at Hayfields Country Club where he spent 16 years. His final stop in golf operations led him to Woodholme Country Club in Pikesville, MD as a Director of Golf before joining the MCG Academy in 2023. Doug's philosophy is a coaching style that develops all the skills a golfer needs to be successful playing golf including technique, course management, and effective practice methods that transitions to the golf course. The trend in teaching has shifted to more on course applications of how to score better, which I call first gear golf. Doug's mentors include Ted Sheftic, Dave Stegeman, and Jeff Zachman. Doug offers multiple levels of coaching programs for all ages and skill levels including groups and on course options. More information can be found on the MGC Academy website under Doug's page by clicking on the Laytonsville icon. The next time you are at Laytonsville, Little Bennett Golf Course, or Falls Road, please stop by and introduce yourself to Doug. He would love to meet you and help you with your game

Mike Dickson, PGA

Book Now

Mike was born in Marion, Ohio and raised most his life in Cortland, Ohio. He has been a member of the MCG Golf Academy since the spring of 2021. Outside of golf, Mike enjoys kayaking, watching Buckeye and Browns football and spending time with his family. Mike was holding a plastic club in his hand before he could even walk and was taught mostly by his father until he turned 16 years old. Mike graduated in 2002 from Ferris State University’s Professional Golf Management Program. Before joining the MCG Instruction Team, Mike taught at Congressional Country Club for 17 years. Mike has worked under several top 100 instructors which helped him become recognized as one of Golf Digest’s Best Young Instructors under the age of 40 and awarded the MAPGA Teacher of the Year in 2016.

Recognitions

• GRAA Top 100 Growth of the Game 2018 & 2020

• Golf Digest America’s Best in State Instructors 2015-2020

• Golf Digest Best Young Instructors in America 2016-2019

• Middle Atlantic PGA Teacher of the Year 2016

• US Kids Master Top 50 Kids Teacher 2016

• Ping National Fitter of the Year 2009

• Callaway Regional Fitter of the Year 2008

Certifications

• Lynn Blake Certified Master Instructor

• Scoring Method Coach

• PGA Certified in Instruction

• BioSwing Dynamics

• Aimpoint Express Certified Instructor

• Edel Golf Advisory Staff

• TPI Level 1

• TPI Junior Coach 2 & 3

• US Kids Golf Certified Coach

Mike’s philosophy is a coaching style that develops all the skills a golfer needs to be successful in playing golf including technique, course management, emotional control, and purposeful practice. The traditional model of one-on-one technique-based lessons focuses on trying to perfect the golf swing and typically lacks attention on improving all the skills to become a great player. Mike is very versed in The Golfing Machine by studying under his mentor Lynn Blake, aka Yoda.

Mike offers multiple levels of Coaching Programs for all ages and skill levels. More information can be found on the MGC Academy website under Mike’s page.

The next time you are at Little Bennett Golf Course, please stop by and introduce yourself to Mike. He would love to get to know you and help you improve your golf game.

Doug Hamilton

Book Now

Doug was born in Westminster, MD and raised all his life in Carroll County Maryland. Doug started teaching for the MCG Academy in 2023 at Little Bennett and Laytonsville. He also added Falls Road in 2024. Outside of golf, Doug enjoys gym time and workouts, watching Ravens football, Orioles Baseball and spending time with his wife and son. Doug's first true love was baseball from an early age allowing him to play in multiple amateur world series events as well as attend The George Washington University where he played Division I college baseball for the Colonials. In between baseball seasons, Doug enjoyed playing golf and started at the young age of 6 at Piney Branch Golf Club in Hampstead, MD. After College, he started his journey in the golf business at Wakefield Valley Golf Course working for Hank Majewski as an assistant golf professional. He then worked at Piney Branch Golf Club as an assistant for Jeffrey Zachman before getting his first Head Golf Professional job at Hayfields Country Club where he spent 16 years. His final stop in golf operations led him to Woodholme Country Club in Pikesville, MD as a Director of Golf before joining the MCG Academy in 2023.

Doug's philosophy is a coaching style that develops all the skills a golfer needs to be successful playing golf including technique, course management, and effective practice methods that transitions to the golf course. The trend in teaching has shifted to more on course applications of how to score better, which I call first gear golf. Doug's mentors include Ted Sheftic, Dave Stegeman, and Jeff Zachman. Doug offers multiple levels of coaching programs for all ages and skill levels including groups and on course options. More information can be found on the MGC Academy website under Doug's page by clicking on the Laytonsville icon. The next time you are at Laytonsville, Little Bennett Golf Course, or Falls Road, please stop by and introduce yourself to Doug. He would love to meet you and help you with your game

Dustin Stearns
PGA

Book Now

Dustin has been with the MCG Academy since 2016 when he relocated from south Florida. Dustin has a true passion for teaching and improving his athletes of all abilities. He believes that the most educated teacher is the best teacher. He is never done learning and spends countless hours per year refining his craft and furthering his education.

Growing up playing every sport imaginable except golf, Dustin learned like many of his students later in life. Realizing golf was a true passion; Dustin attended the Golf Academy of America in Orlando Florida. Dustin fell in love with how people learn sports (specifically golf) and motor movements and went on to get a bachelor’s degree from Keiser College of Golf. He then earned his Master’s degree in Education from the University of Miami in the department of Sport Science and Kinesiology.

A member of the PGA, Dustin is also a certified level 1 Plane Truth Instructor. A Certified TPI instructor- Jr. Level 2, Golf Level 2, Power level 2. Superspeed Certified Level 3, Bioswing Dynamics Level 1, a US Kids Certified Coach and a Certified First Tee Coach, where he won “Teacher of the year” in 2015 in Broward County. Dustin has also won teacher of the year from the MCG Academy in 2017 and 2019. He is one of the most sought-after teachers in the county and logged over 2500 hours of teaching last year alone.

Dustin has a true passion for developing young people on and off the golf course. His proven program has developed players into collegiate golfers. While attending the Golf Academy of America, Dustin went from an 18 handicap to a 0 in 18 months. He understands the frustrations that many of his students feel. He is a no quick fix kind of guy. Golf Improvement takes time and repetition. His philosophy is that golf should be taught on the course - not the range. He does 99% of his lessons on the golf course.

Marty Johnson
PGA

Book Now

Marty Johnson is a native Washingtonian born and raised in Riverdale Md. Marty is a seasoned veteran and well established in our area as one of the top instructors in Maryland. Marty's two locations for instruction are Needwood Golf Course and Crossvines. Marty's previous position was the Director of Instruction at Redgate Golf Course, for 25 years, along with 17 years as an Adjunct Professor at Montgomery College teaching all aspects of golf.

Marty is a PGA Member, MCG Master Instructor, TPI graduate and a Certified Golf Fitness Instructor. Marty is recognized by Golf Digest and fellow PGA Professionals as one of our sections top teachers and players. Marty is a student of the game and works very hard on staying current with new technologies, educational seminars, and conferences taught by Top instructors nationwide. Marty is very active in the Mid-Atlantic Section Professional Tournaments. He keeps himself prepared for upcoming events, with constant practice. These efforts have paid off with many tournament wins, along with qualifying for multiple national PGA of America Events. This allows Marty to pass along a competitive edge and insight that will help students in all aspects of tournament play.

Marty works with all ages from beginner to professional. With fundamentals of full swing and short game, students will learn what's necessary to take this new information and skill to the golf course. Sharing his knowledge, identifying cause and effect, and assessing limitations is how Marty pin points swing movements that may not match. Some of Marty's specialties and favorite components to share are short game; pitching, chipping, sand, putting, and course management. He enjoys discussing and helping players improve their decision- making skills on the course. If you are at an MCG facility where Marty teaches, please stop by and introduce yourself. He would enjoy meeting you and helping you improve your game.

Marty Johnson

Book Now

Marty Johnson is a native Washingtonian born and raised in Riverdale Md. Marty is a seasoned veteran and well established in our area as one of the top instructors in Maryland. Marty's two locations for instruction are Needwood Golf Course and Crossvines. Marty's previous position was the Director of Instruction at Redgate Golf Course, for 25 years, along with 17 years as an Adjunct Professor at Montgomery College teaching all aspects of golf.

Marty is a PGA Member, MCG Master Instructor, TPI graduate and a Certified Golf Fitness Instructor. Marty is recognized by Golf Digest and fellow PGA Professionals as one of our sections top teachers and players. Marty is a student of the game and works very hard on staying current with new technologies, educational seminars, and conferences taught by Top instructors nationwide. Marty is very active in the Mid-Atlantic Section Professional Tournaments. He keeps himself prepared for upcoming events, with constant practice. These efforts have paid off with many tournament wins, along with qualifying for multiple national PGA of America Events. This allows Marty to pass along a competitive edge and insight that will help students in all aspects of tournament play.

Marty works with all ages from beginner to professional. With fundamentals of full swing and short game, students will learn what's necessary to take this new information and skill to the golf course. Sharing his knowledge, identifying cause and effect, and assessing limitations is how Marty pin points swing movements that may not match. Some of Marty's specialties and favorite components to share are short game; pitching, chipping, sand, putting, and course management. He enjoys discussing and helping players improve their decision- making skills on the course. If you are at an MCG facility where Marty teaches, please stop by and introduce yourself. He would enjoy meeting you and helping you improve your game.

Terry Charlton

Book Now

Terry has been a MCG Golf Academy instructor since 2012. Outside of golf, Terry enjoys all sports especially the Washington Footbasll Team, Capitals, and Baltimore Orioles. He learned to golf over 50 years ago and played in many amateur tournaments growing up. Terry currently holds the position of MCG Academy Instructor at Rattlewood Golf Course located in Mt. Airy.

Terry qualified to become a PGA apprentice in 2006. Terry is passionate about giving all students the information he has acquired to improve their game and create a fun and enjoyable plan to succeed. Terry uses a simple approach to improve student’s game and believes it’s a well-rounded game that produces better scores and nicer shots. Its not always about the score, it could be a great drive or a 40 foot putt that lets students enjoy the game of golf at any level in which they play. After all, GOLF IS FOR FUN!

If you are at Rattlewood, please stop by and introduce yourself. He would love to get to know you and help improve your golf game.

Bob Coope

Book Now

Bob was born and raised in Glen Cove, NW. He has been a member of the MCG Golf Academy since 2018. Outside of golf, Bob enjoys time with family and friends. He learned golf at the age of 12, and completed PGA Business School in Hartford, CT as well as PGA School at Westchester C.C. in Rye, NY. He served as the Director of Instruction at U.S. Armed Forces Recreation Center in Berchtesgaden, Germany.

“I believe in teaching sound fundamentals and keeping the game fun.”

The next time you are at Rattlewood, please stop by and introduce yourself to Bob. He would love to get to know you and help improve your golf game.

Brandon Jarvis

Book Now

Brandon grew up as a Green Bay Packer fan from central Wisconsin. Sports have always been a part of his life with his parents and two competitive brothers! Some of his favorite past times are playing golf and basketball with friends, snowboarding, and going to movies! Being close to his brother, Matt, his wife, Kelly, and his nieces and nephew has been very fun and action-packed!

Brandon found patience, effort, and practice are the keys to becoming a skilled golfer. His passions leaned toward golf, but he didn’t decide to turn it into a career until attending the Golf Academy of America in Orlando, graduating with a degree in Golf Complex Operations and Management.

Brandon joined the MCG team in 2015 at Rattlewood Golf Course. Following graduation, he had an amazing job offer to serve as Little Bennett’s Assistant General Manager during the winter of 2016, which has led to completion of a Level 1 Certified Coach for the First Tee Chapter in the greater Washington D.C. area. Brandon’s philosophy is to surpass the expectations of all my students by providing personalized golf instruction in a fun, healthy, and relaxed atmosphere, while also creating a personal relationship with each student.

What are you waiting for? Come on out to Little Bennett, and meet with Brandon so he can get to know YOU and help improve your golf game.

Dave Degirolamo

David was born in New York and raised in Rockville, Maryland. David became a member of the MCG Golf Academy in 2011. Hobbies outside of the golfing world include music, singing, cooking, playing baseball and golf with my son, and spending time with family. He learned to play golf at the age of 10 and loves the game to this day. David has won many local golf tournaments as an amateur as well as a few MAPGA pro-am events. David was first alternate 5 times in local qualifying and eventually qualified for the national finals in the United States Public Links twice. David made it the final match play round of 32 back in the 1990's. It was one of many highlights in his competitive golfing career.

David prides himself on “fun through excellence”. His teaching philosophy starts with a firm emphasis on the fundamentals. He has a strong belief when students begin to understand the basic motion of a golf swing, many positive changes can be accomplished. Explaining the golf swing in layman's terms is very important. Dave always takes into account each individual's physical capabilities when advancing them as a player. He has been teaching golf to people of all ages since 1993 at various golf courses in the area. Dave has many people who continue to take lessons from him wherever he is teaching at the time. He always has fun and makes sure each lesson is enjoyable for the student. Dave is willing and able to work with golfers of all skill levels and welcomes the challenge.

The next time you are at Sligo Creek Golf Course, please stop by and introduce yourself to David. He would love to get to know you and help you improve your golf game.