Coaching Team
Welcome to the Don Law Golf Academy (DLGA), where our exceptional coaching team is committed to elevating your golf game to new heights. With over a dozen Class "A" PGA golf professionals and associates, we proudly boast more than 300 combined years of expertise in golf operations, management, and teaching. Our coaches bring a wealth of experience, having held prestigious positions as head professionals and directors of golf, and many have received numerous accolades at the PGA Chapter, Section, and National levels.
At the DLGA, we believe in the power of personalized instruction and are dedicated to helping each student achieve their golfing dreams. Our coaches understand that every player is unique, and they tailor their teaching approaches to meet the individual needs and aspirations of each student. With our team's passion for the game and commitment to excellence, we invite you to join us in pursuing your golfing goals at the Don Law Golf Academy.
Founding Owner, Performance Coach
Location: Osprey Point Golf Course
Don Law, PGA & Co-Owner
Don Law, based in Boca Raton, has dedicated his entire professional career to developing and educating the next generation of golfers. A PGA member since 1993, Law quickly became a recognized leader in junior golf and is celebrated as a pioneer of “Game-Based Learning.” His contributions have reshaped junior golf education, bringing innovative, play-focused methods to coaches and students worldwide.
Co-founding ParKit Golf was a turning point in junior golf training, creating an invaluable impact on how golf is taught to young players. The "Book of Games" from ParKit Golf, licensed by U.S. Kids Golf, has since been incorporated into their Teacher Certification clinics, certifying thousands of coaches in Law’s approach to game-based learning. Today, his games and methods are used by instructors globally.
Law’s achievements are widely recognized:
- U.S. Kids Master Instructor
- GRAA Top 50 Teacher
- Golf Digest Top 50 Teachers in Florida (2013-2024)
- Future Champions Top 25 Elite Coach in the USA
In addition, Law’s dedication to golf education has earned him multiple awards from the PGA, including:
- 2012 National PGA Junior Leader
- South Florida PGA Section Hall of Fame
- South Florida PGA Section Golf Professional of the Year
- South Florida PGA Section Teacher of the Year (twice)
- South Florida PGA Section Junior Leader of the Year (four times)
- South Florida PGA Section Bill Strausbaugh Award
At the Don Law Golf Academy, Law and his team offer comprehensive training and development programs for all ages and skill levels, with a special focus on junior golfers. Programs range from “Future Stars” for ages 3-5, after-school classes, and camps to elite, customized training. The Academy’s full-time junior program draws students from around the globe, providing advanced coaching in golf, academics, and life skills to help them reach peak performance.
Under Law’s guidance, the Academy’s programs emphasize building technical skill, physical endurance, and mental resilience, making it a premier destination for aspiring golf athletes.
Don Law, PGA
Co-owner
Location: Osprey Point Golf Course
Rick Heard, PGA & Co-Owner
Rick Heard is a PGA Teaching Professional and co-owner of the Don Law Golf Academy at Osprey Point Golf Course in Boca Raton, Florida. He is a U.S. Kids Top 50 Master Kids Teacher, a U.S. Kids Certified Instructor, and a Certified Heartmath Coach-Mentor. He is also the founder of the Golf MasterMind mental and emotional game coaching system. Rick is a published author, with seven books on Amazon.com.
Rick served as president of the Southeast Chapter of the South Florida PGA for six years and was awarded the South Florida PGA Golf Professional of the Year for 2010. Rick also won the SFPGA Junior Leader and the Horton Smith Education Award (2 times). Rick co-founded ParKit Golf, which manufactured and markets innovative golf teaching tools and techniques to golf instructors worldwide.
Rick’s published books include “Daddy Caddy on the Bag,” a coaching guide for parents, “Daddy Caddy Off the Bag,” a self-improvement guide for kids, “The Golf MasterMind,” a mental/emotional game coaching book, and several ParKit Golf books to help pros develop junior golf programs.
As a golf instructor, Rick has an excellent understanding of the technical aspects of the golf swing and is able to present them in simple, understandable terms to golfers of all abilities. His overall philosophy is to help each student develop the simplest, most effective golf swing for them. Rick is known for his use of innovative teaching aids and techniques to help his students improve.
Rick began his PGA career in 2001 after a successful 22-year business career in technology, research, and marketing. He completed the PGA Golf Professional Training Program in six months, winning the Acushnet Scholarship award for each level. He received his PGA Class A certification in January, 2002. Since then he has been actively involved in PGA South Florida Section and Southeast Chapter activities, serving as Chapter Junior Golf Chairman (2002), Chapter Tournament Chairman (2003-2004), Section Membership Chairman (2003), Section Golf Days Chairman (2004), Southeast Chapter Vice President/Treasurer (2008-2009), and 3-terms as Southeast Chapter President (2005-2008 and 2010-2012).
Prior to turning professional, Rick enjoyed a successful competitive amateur golf career, including winning numerous junior tournaments, winning the Florida Junior PGA Championship, playing on the University of Florida Golf Team, winning three Palm Beach County Amateur Golf Association titles, and finishing 5th in the Florida State Amateur Championship. He also had the experience of playing head-to-head against Tiger Woods in the Dixie Amateur match play championship. Rick grew up on the golf course in DeLand, Florida, where he was their first junior club champion. Rick was a standout high school golfer, winning the Volusia County High School Golfer of the Year three times.
Rick Heard, PGA
Academy Director
Location: Osprey Point Golf Course
Kenny Leech, PGA
Kenny Leech, Academy Director has been with the Don Law Golf Academy since 2002 and has been a dedicated instructor there since 2012. A former Division 1 golfer at Longwood University, Kenny’s passion for golf instruction is evident in his extensive experience, advanced certifications, and hands-on approach.
His qualifications include PGA Class A Member, PGA ADM Model Certified Coach, and PGA Coach Instructor. Kenny also holds certifications from Scott Cowx (Instructor 5.5 and Advanced Coaching 6.0), SuperSpeed, and Srixon Staff Fitting. Additionally, he has been a member of the V1 Sports Content Creation Team since 2023 and holds US Kids Certification (2016-present) and the US Kids Top 50 Master Coach title (2021-2023). He has completed Vision 54 Training to enhance his coaching insights.
Kenny’s teaching philosophy is centered on understanding each player’s unique needs. Through detailed assessments and testing, he focuses on four key principles: achieving sufficient distance for greens in regulation, mastering low-point control for solid contact, controlling ball curvature, and ensuring swing repeatability aligned with the player’s physical abilities. His expertise has guided multiple Mini-Tour players and Division 1 college golfers.
Beyond his success as a teacher, Kenny has received numerous awards, including the 2020 SFPGA SE Chapter Youth Development Award, the 2021 SFPGA Chapter Player Development Award, and the US Kids Top 50 Master Instructor award (2021, 2022, and 2023). In 2022, he was honored with the SFPGA Section PGA Professional Development Award and was named to the GRAA Top 100 Growth of the Game Teachers list (2022 and 2023). Kenny currently serves on the SFPGA Awards Committee (2023-2024).
In addition to coaching, Kenny has a rich playing background, having competed professionally for four years on tour and continuing to compete locally for the past decade. Outside of golf, he enjoys fishing, cooking, traveling, live music, live sporting events, and spending time with his wife.
Kenny Leech, PGA
Assistant Academy Director
Location: Osprey Point Golf Course
Diego Velasquez – PGA Associate
Diego Velasquez is the Assistant Academy Director & Performance Coach at the Don Law Golf Academy, where he has been a key member since 2019. He brings advanced qualifications to his role, holding PGA Level 2 and TPI Level 1 certifications. A standout college golfer at Oregon State, Diego was a First Team Division 1 All-American, ranked number one in the nation for 12 weeks, and secured three collegiate tournament victories.
His teaching philosophy is centered on "Learn, Laugh, and Lead," focusing on the connection between the mind, body, and swing. He prioritizes optimizing body movement for efficiency and tailoring instruction to meet the unique goals of each student. With a strong background in course management, Diego is well-equipped to guide players to success.
Diego’s professional playing career spanned 10 years, including five years on the PGA Tour Latinoamérica and three years on the Korn Ferry Tour, where he won five tournaments. Outside of golf, Diego enjoys spending time with his family, playing tennis, and relaxing at the beach.
Diego Velasquez, PGA Associate
Senior Lead Putting Instructor
Location: Osprey Point Golf Course
Stan Moore – PGA
Stan Moore is the lead putting instructor at the Don Law Golf Academy since 2014, bringing over two decades of teaching experience that began in 2002. Previously he was Director of Instruction at clubs in Arizona and Georgia. His advanced certifications and credentials underscore his expertise across all facets of the game, particularly in putting. Among his many accolades, he is a PGA Certified Professional in Teaching and Coaching, a Putt Doctor (Craig Farnsworth) Certified Instructor, and an Authorized Lab Golf Putter Fitter. His other certifications include SAM PuttLab (Levels 1-3), Capto Coach (Levels 1 & 2), AimPoint Express (1 & 2), Evolution Golf Putting Instructor, Fluid Motion Factor, Certified GolfTEC Instructor, U.S. Kids Instructor, S&T Instructor, and Ping Club Fitter. Additionally, he is a Certified Lynn Blake Instructor, a Certified ADM, and a Links Worldwide Tournament Consultant.
Stan's teaching philosophy revolves around creating a performance-driven putting system based on coordinating stroke lengths, timing, acceleration, and effective green-reading techniques. His expertise has benefited a wide array of players, from seven South Florida Section pros, six mini-tour pros, and two LPGA pros, including Nataylia Gueseva, and one Senior Tour Pro.
His exceptional skills and dedication to the game have earned him numerous award nominations, including:
- 2024 PGA Southeast Chapter Teacher of the Year Nominee
- 2015, 2018, 2019 PGA Florida Southeast Chapter Player Development Nominee
- 2015 PGA Florida Southeast Chapter Bill Strausbaugh Nominee
- 2016, 2017, 2018 PGA Florida Southeast Chapter Teacher of the Year Nominee
- 2016, 2017 PGA Florida Southeast Chapter Golf Professional of the Year Nominee
- 2017 PGA Florida Southeast Chapter Bill Strausbaugh Nominee
- 2019 PGA South Florida Section Youth Player Development Nominee
- 2019 PGA South Florida Section Bill Strausbaugh Nominee
- US Kids Top 50 Instructor, Honorable Mention
Outside of his work, Stan enjoys watching both college and professional sports.
Stan Moore, PGA
Instructor
Location: Osprey Point Golf Course
Sam Frost, PGA
Sam Frost has been a PGA instructor at the Don Law Golf Academy since 2021, bringing with him over two decades of experience in golf coaching. His commitment to excellence in the field was recognized when he was granted a special O visa, allowing him to work in the U.S. and ultimately become a citizen.
Sam's teaching philosophy, shaped by his work with internationally recognized professionals, emphasizes the importance of developing consistent ball striking and a strong, solid short game for all his students. Throughout his career, he has had the privilege of coaching notable players such as Retief Goosen, a two-time U.S. Open winner, his brother David Frost, a 13-time PGA Tour champion, and Seve Ballesteros, a six-time winner. He has also guided India's first two PGA Tour players, Jeev Milkha Singh and Arjun Atwal.
In addition to his impressive coaching accolades, Sam served as a personal coach to Hollywood legend Sylvester Stallone, working closely with him for nearly a decade during film productions around the world.
Outside of golf, Sam enjoys fitness, cooking, and spending quality time with his two sons. His diverse interests and experiences enrich his approach to coaching, making him a valued member of the Don Law Golf Academy team.
Sam Frost, PGA
Instructor
Location: Osprey Point Golf Course
Danny Randolph – College Counselor
Danny Randolph has been a dedicated instructor and advisor at the Don Law Golf Academy since 2020. With a PDI Certification, he brings a structured and insightful approach to coaching, beginning with a comprehensive physical and golf assessment to tailor his guidance to each student's current abilities and future goals. A former college golfer at Bethel University, Danny's excellence in coaching was recognized when he was named the 2013 NCAA D2 National Coach of the Year. His experience includes Head Women's Golf Coach positions at Bethel University and Lynn University, as well as Assistant Women's Golf Coach at TCU. He also served as Head Men's Golf Coach at Johnson and Wales University in Miami and was an Assistant Men's Golf Coach at Florida Atlantic University. Beyond golf, Danny enjoys traveling and exploring new places. He is proud to have achieved two hole-in-ones in his golfing career.
Danny Randolph
Senior Lead Instructior
Location: Osprey Point Golf Course
Bill Scott, PGA
Lead High Performance Academy Instructor
Location: Osprey Point Golf Course
Spanish, English Speaking
Hugo Contreras – Instructor
Hugo Contreras is an experienced golf instructor with nearly three decades of teaching expertise. Currently, he is a valued instructor at the Don Law Golf Academy since 2022. Hugo holds advanced certifications in V1 Golf, K-Vest, PGTCA, and USGTF, reflecting his commitment to staying at the forefront of golf coaching technology and methodology.
Throughout his career, Hugo has earned a series of notable accolades, including two coaching titles on the European Tour (2008-2014), a gold medal as a coach in the Odesur Games in Santiago (2014), and a bronze medal in the Pan American Games in Toronto (2015). His expertise also took him to the Olympic Games in Rio 2016, where he proudly served as a coach.
Hugo's teaching philosophy revolves around the belief that a structured golf swing, grounded in good and defined positions, allows players to control the club's motion effectively, leading to consistent solid contact and improved ball control. For the short game, Hugo emphasizes the importance of clear concepts for controlling the length of the backswing to ensure precise distance control and optimal ball contact. He also views putting as an art, advocating for a technique that balances both precision and creativity, with a few key fundamentals such as ball position, firm wrists, and controlling distance through backswing length. For Hugo, discipline, planning, and thoughtful coaching form the foundation not only for success in golf but also in life.
In his personal golfing journey, Hugo played competitively for 14 years across Chile, Argentina, and in select tournaments in New York. He boasts one hole-in-one, achieved with a 6-iron on a 186-yard hole. Outside of the golf course, Hugo enjoys watching soccer, cooking, and spending quality time with his wife.
Hugo Contreras
Instructor
Location: Osprey Point Golf Course
Mark O’Neal - PGA
Marc O'Neal is a seasoned golf instructor with nearly three decades of teaching experience, having started in 1995. He has been a part of the Don Law Golf Academy team since 2014. Over the years, Marc has achieved notable personal success on the golf course, including winning several tournaments and recording two hole-in-ones.
His teaching philosophy emphasizes simplicity, helping golfers improve by "Keeping it Simple." Whether a student is a verbal, kinesthetic or visual learner, Marc will always find a way to effectively communicate the technical and physical information necessary to raise the student's level to their peak performance. Prior to joining Don Law, Marc spent 19 years at the prestigious Boca Raton Resort and Club.
When he's not on the course, Marc enjoys playing guitar, surfing, and spending quality time with his two children.
Marc O'Neal, PGA
Instructor
Location: Osprey Point Golf Course
Mark Hessler, PGA
Senior Lead Instructor
Location: Osprey Point Golf Course
Bobby Ruzzi, PGA
Bobby Ruzzi has been a cornerstone of the Don Law Golf Academy since 2009, bringing over a decade of experience and expertise to his role as Lead Instructor. A graduate of the San Diego Golf Academy (SDGA), where he also played collegiate golf, Bobby holds an advanced teaching certificate from SDGA, showcasing his dedication to mastering the art and science of golf instruction.
Bobby’s teaching philosophy centers on the fundamentals of ball contact, focusing on helping players generate more distance and control in their game. His personalized approach emphasizes practical techniques that cater to golfers of all skill levels, making him a trusted mentor to countless students.
Beyond the fairways, Bobby cherishes spending quality time with his wife and children, embodying the values of balance and family that he brings to his professional and personal life.
Bobby Ruzzi, PGA
Lead High Performance Academy Instructor
Location: Osprey Point Golf Course
Porteguese, English Speaking
Alex Holtz, PGA Brazil
Alex Holtz is a PGA Instructor who has been teaching golf since 2002 and joined the Don Law Golf Academy in 2021. Previously, he worked as Head Golf Professional at Ribeirão Preto Ipê Golf Club in Brazil. Alex holds certifications in club fitting, club repair, and with the US Golf Teachers Federation. He has taught students who have competed on the Hooters Tour and the CBG Golf Pro Tour in Brazil. His teaching philosophy emphasizes working on a golfer’s set-up and pre-shot routine. Outside of work, Alex enjoys traveling with his family.
Alex Holtz
Instructor
Location: Osprey Point Golf Course
Brian Herring - PGA
Brian Herring is a Class A PGA Golf instructor with over two decades of teaching experience, having begun his teaching career in 2002. He has been with the Don Law Golf Academy since 2013 and is a US Kids Certified coach. Brian turned professional in 1991 and has played on various professional tours, gaining invaluable knowledge about the game over the past 30 years. His swing philosophy focuses on building a repeatable golf swing that controls impact, helping students of all ages and skill levels improve. Driven by his passion for the game, Brian is dedicated to helping his students achieve their golfing goals. In his free time Brian is an auto enthusiast.
Brian Herring, PGA
Instructor
Location: Osprey Point Golf Course
Jeff Mehler – PGA
Jeff Mehler is a Certified PGA Golf Professional with a rich background in golf instruction. He has been teaching since 1999 and joined the Don Law Golf Academy in 2021. Before that, he was the First Assistant at Butler National Golf Club. Jeff played college golf at Troy University, which helped him gain a deep understanding of the game.
His teaching philosophy focuses on the fundamentals of swing path and plane, clubface control, body rotation, and impact, with a strong emphasis on the short game. He has successfully coached juniors ranging from beginners to tournament winners. In his free time, Jeff enjoys listening to music, which complements his balanced approach to life and golf instruction.
Jeff Mehler, PGA
Lead Instructor
Location: Osprey Point Golf Course
Dal Daily, PGA
PGA
Location: Osprey Point Golf Course
Michael Gish - Instructor
Michael Gish joined the Don Law Golf Academy in 2024, bringing over 20 years of teaching experience. Before joining the Academy, Michael served as a Master Instructor at the renowned Jim McLean Golf School. He earned certifications from both PDI and Jim McLean. A Coastal Carolina University golfer, Michael has made a significant mark on the world of golf instruction. His inventive spirit led him to win the Most Inventive Golf Training Aid award at the PGA Show, and he is the Owner and Inventor of Total Golf Trainer, the #1 golf training aid used on the PGA, LIV, and LPGA tours.
Michael's teaching philosophy emphasizes helping students improve by focusing on what they can do, rather than what they can't. His approach has proven successful, having coached two juniors who have gone on to qualify for both the PGA and LPGA tours.
Outside of golf, Michael enjoys surfing and spending quality time with his family. His passion for both teaching and innovation continues to impact the world of golf instruction at all levels.
Michael Gish - Instructor
Instructor
Location: Osprey Point Golf Course
Joe Saia – Instructor
Joe Saia has been teaching golf since 2021 and joined the Don Law Golf Academy in 2024. Before joining Don Law, he served as the Lead Assistant Instructor at the Jim McLean Golf School and was the Director of Instruction at Black Swan Country Club. He holds several teaching certifications, including Jim McLean Teaching Certification, Wedge Matrix Certification, and Player Development Index (PDI). A former college golfer at Johnson and Wales University in Miami, Joe believes that every student is unique and that their instruction should be tailored to their individual needs.
Outside of work, Joe enjoys spending time with friends and family. Follow him on Instagram @_transitiongolf!
Joe Saia – Instructor
PGA Associate
Location: Osprey Point Golf Course
Harry Thorp - PGA Associate
Harry Thorp is a PGA Associate who began his golf instruction career in 2023 and joined the Don Law Golf Academy in 2024. Prior to his role at Don Law, Harry gained valuable experience as an Assistant Professional at renowned clubs such as Gardiner's Bay Country Club, Glenwild Golf Club, Medinah Country Club, and The Polo Club of Boca Raton.
A successful golf swing is built on mastering the fundamentals: swing path, clubface control, and body rotation. My approach focuses on helping players develop a consistent, repeatable motion that suits their natural abilities while refining their short game for better scoring. He is a graduate of Coastal Carolina University, where he earned a degree in Professional Golf Management, further enhancing his deep knowledge and passion for the game.
Harry Thorp - PGA Associate
PGA
Location: Osprey Point Golf Course
Mark O’Neal - PGA
Marc O'Neal is a seasoned golf instructor with nearly three decades of teaching experience, having started in 1995. He has been a part of the Don Law Golf Academy team since 2014. Over the years, Marc has achieved notable personal success on the golf course, including winning several tournaments and recording two hole-in-ones.
His teaching philosophy emphasizes simplicity, helping golfers improve by "Keeping it Simple." Whether a student is a verbal, kinesthetic or visual learner, Marc will always find a way to effectively communicate the technical and physical information necessary to raise the student's level to their peak performance. Prior to joining Don Law, Marc spent 19 years at the prestigious Boca Raton Resort and Club.
When he's not on the course, Marc enjoys playing guitar, surfing, and spending quality time with his two children.
Mark O’Neal - PGA
PGA
Location: Hammock Creek Golf Club
Roger Maas, PGA
Roger Maas is a PGA instructor and a distinguished Quarter Century Club Life Member, bringing a wealth of experience to the Don Law Golf Academy, where he has been a valued instructor since 2016. Before joining the academy, Roger spent over 15 years as a Head Golf Professional in the South Florida Section, establishing himself as a respected figure in the golfing community. A former college golfer from North Hennepin Community College, Roger’s impressive playing record includes ranking 3rd as an amateur in Minnesota and securing multiple tournament victories across Minnesota and South Florida, including the prestigious 1988 South Florida Assistants Championship.
Roger’s teaching philosophy centers on mastering fundamentals, discovering one’s unique swing, and excelling in course management. His coaching approach is both comprehensive and adaptable, meeting students at all skill levels. Off the course, Roger enjoys quality time with his family and golden retriever, feeling incredibly fortunate to pursue his passion for golf every day.
Roger Maas, PGA
PGA
Location: Hammock Creek Golf Club
Trevor Freeman, PGA
Trevor Freeman, a PGA professional known as the "Gadget Guy," joined the Don Law Golf Academy in May 2024. With a unique background that includes caddying on the LPGA tour for six different players and holding key leadership roles as a manager and director of instruction at three multimillion-dollar companies, Trevor brings a wealth of experience and insight to his students.
Trevor’s teaching philosophy—"simplicity, science-in-motion"—focuses on where energy should be directed and understanding individual fundamentals. Trevor incorporates exercise and interactive participation in his lessons, encouraging students to come with an open mind and strong listening skills. Dedicated to his craft, he has worked with athletes like Daunte Culpepper, Tim McKyer, and Michael Vick, making a lasting impact on their games.
Trevor Freeman, PGA
PGA
Location: Hammock Creek Golf Club
Emily Paglia, Instructor
Emily Paglia is a Golf Instructor who has been teaching golf since 2016 and joined the Don Law Golf Academy in 2024. An accomplished player, Emily was an All-American Scholar and competed in Division I collegiate golf at Florida Atlantic University.
Emily’s teaching philosophy focuses on helping players find more enjoyment in the game itself. Drawing from her experiences as a highly competitive junior golfer, Emily understands how to effectively communicate with young players and encourages them to play and enjoy golf to its fullest. Grateful to be pursuing her passion, Emily also enjoys working out, cooking, and spending time with family and friends.