Kendall Academy of Golf at The Meadows

Derek is a Class A Member of the PGA and a graduate of the Professional Golf Management Program at Ferris State University (FSU) located in Big Rapids, MI. During his four years at college, Derek was a member of the FSU's Bulldogs Men's Division II Golf Team.

Acting upon his desire to teach at a top notch program, Derek started his career at the Crystal Mountain Resort Golf School in Thompsonville, MI, ranked as a Top 25 Golf School in the country by Golf Magazine. While at Crystal Mountain, Derek studied under Brad Dean, named by Golf Digest as one of the Top Instructors in Michigan, and twice named Teacher of the Year by the Michigan PGA.

Following Crystal Mountain Resort, Derek moved to Charlotte, NC where he taught at the Dana Rader Golf School, also a Top 25 Golf School in the country. Derek studied under Dana Rader, ranked as a Top 100 Instructor by Golf Magazine and also named as a Top 50 Instructor by Golf Digest. While in Charlotte, NC, Derek cultivated a large clientele of golfers and successful students - men, women, and juniors of all ages.

In 2009, Derek is partnering with Dave Kendall, the current President of the Mighigan PGA and an acclaimed teacher. Founder of the Kendall Academy at Miles of Golf in Ypsilanti, MI, Dave is a two time Teacher of the Year by the Michigan PGA and is honored by Golf Digest as one of the Top Instructors in Michigan.

This coming golf season Derek and Dave will expand the award-winning Kendall Academy by opening a new location at The Meadows Golf Club at Grand Valley State University in Allendale, MI. Derek will be the Director of Instruction for the Kendall Academy at The Meadows and will provide group and individual lessons to all of those wanting to improve their game.

Derek's teaching is centered on the methodology of cause and effect in the golf swing in order to obtain measurable results. He stays current with the latest in teaching technologies and uses video equipment for swing analysis with all of his students. Friendly and personable, Derek strives to be a dedicated teacher aimed at helping his students reach their goals.