Local Coaches start 'Laurel Highlands Golf Academy'
SOMERSET COUNTY, Pa. (WJAC) — Local high school golf coaches Derek Leach and Chad Cordek noticed a problem over the years.
"We would see our student-athletes come in and they hadn't picked up a club since last October, and it was August, and we were starting our season," said Leach, adding, "You look at every other sport around; baseball, basketball soccer, they all have some kind of training camp."
With more downtime due to the pandemic, the two decided to turn a years long vision into reality, by creating the Laurel Highlands Golf Academy.
"We launched this in January, and then we didn't actually start to promote it on our social media platforms and what not until March, and it just started to take off," said Leach.
With more than 25-years of experience between the two. they're hoping to help others get a grip on the game. They hold instructional lessons at Windber Country Club, a private-golf course that saw more than 80 new members join this season. They also hold lessons at D&J Golf Haven, and travel to clients if need be.
While a lot of those lining up for lessons are high school students, anybody can reach out to them for group or solo lessons.
“We start from kindergarten and we will go the whole way up to whatever age," said Cordek.
The two are hoping their love of the game helps others to gain an appreciation of their own, while also sharpening their skillset.
Cordek said, "When a kid doesn't understand, and you're able to show them and teach them, and instruct them and then do it, they feel jubilant, and so do you. It's a great feeling in my heart and in Derek’s heart that these kids are learning from us.”
Both Leach and Cordek credit their success so far to their sponsors, which include Forest Hills Veterinary, SWR, RF Specialties, Maple Crest Golf Course, Independent Family Services, McCall Motors, Cavalancia Orthodontics, McCracken Chiropractic, Beauty Lawn, Precious Metals & Diamond Co., as well as several individuals, including Matt Smith, Paul Pentz, Bart Vickroy and Chris Cascino.