 | THE JOHN WEBSTER GOLF ACADEMY AT THE BREAKERS, HEADLINED BY A TEAM OF OUTSTANDING TALENT A terrific young roster of talented golf instructors is now at the helm of the John Webster Golf Academy at The Breakers, led by John Webster, Director of Golf Instruction at the legendary Palm Beach oceanfront resort. All of the individuals are highly skilled teachers who bring solid experience to our links from signature courses around the country. Players of all levels will benefit from their tutelage, whether in group or private lesson format, or for memorable corporate outings and clinics.
Meet the team below: | |
| | | John Webster, Director of Golf Instruction | | | A PGA member since 1995 and PGA Class-A Teaching Professional, John has instructed all skill levels, from beginners to PGA Tour professionals, with noteworthy students such as Cal Ripken Jr., Tom Kite, Candy Hannemann and Kyle Boller. While astute to the unique needs of his individual students, John also continues to offer successful corporate clinics for groups, and is often joined by colleagues and former players such as Zach Johnson, Hal Sutton and Gary Player. Prior to joining The Breakers, John had extensive tenures with the Caves Valley Golf Club in Baltimore, MD, and the Jim McLean Golf Schools. At the latter, he spent eight years teaching at the Jim McLean Golf School in Miami, during which time he designed the Jim McLean Learning Center in Michigan and then became Director of Instruction for two years, eventually overseeing all of the McLean Schools as Vice President of Operations for McLean Enterprises. His nine-year run at Caves Valley included six years as Director of Golf Instruction. After graduating from Loyola College where he played on its golf team, John played the Australian/Asian Tour and a number of Florida Mini-Tours. In association with Titleist, John is part of the Titleist Leadership Advisory Staff and is one of only four Prominent Titleist Fitters worldwide. |
| | | Kevin Compare, PGA Class-A Teaching Professional | | | A golf professional since 1981, Kevin has been a member of the PGA of America since 1986. He is a certified PGA Master Professional in Instruction, continues to serve on the faculty for the PGA of America for Specialty Certification in Instruction, and participated as the Lead Instructor for many of the PGA’s Playing and Teaching Workshops. A former Director of Instruction for PGA of America’s Learning Center (1999-2003), Kevin was also Director of Instruction at the Total Performance Golf School in Pinehurst, North Carolina. A world-renowned trick shot artist, Kevin has taught and performed at over 1,100 exhibitions around the U.S. and overseas. |
| | | Todd Sapere, Teaching Professional | | | Todd is in his sixth year with The Breakers. This past summer he completed his second season as a Teaching Professional at the East Hampton Golf Club in NY. Since turning professional, Todd has played in numerous mini-tour events throughout the U.S. winning twice on the North Atlantic Tour. In 2000 and 2001, he played on the South American Tour full-time as well as having played in events on the PGA and the Buy.com Tours. Some of Todd’s students include three-time Nationwide Tour winner, Ryan Howison and 1997 U.S. Walker Cup Team member, Randy Leen. Todd has been mentored by Todd Anderson. |
| | | Valerie Cofran LaPapa, Teaching Professional | | | Valerie, who has returned to begin her seventh year with the Academy, started developing her golfing skills at University of Florida. Her experience includes working for and studying under several Top 50 Golf Instructors including Dick Harmon, and Todd Anderson. Valerie is credited with initiating Junior Golf Clinics and Programs at several clubs in Texas and Alabama, as well as at The Breakers, where she continues to develop and enhance the Junior Golf Program at the John Webster Golf Academy. |
| | | Dustin Wallis, Teaching Professional | | | Dustin is in his third year with The Breakers and is an apprentice in the PGA’s Professional Golf Management program. He is a lead instructor for The Breakers Ocean Junior Summer Golf Academy, training over 200 juniors. An extraordinary young talent, after attending Seminole State College on a full golf scholarship, Dustin worked and studied under the direction of Mike Killian, one of the top 100 teachers in the country, at Galloway National Golf Club in Galloway, New Jersey. One of only a few certified club fitters, Dustin has been trained to operate and custom fit using the Titleist Performance Monitor. |
| | | George Wrede, Teaching Professional | | | A PGA member since 1979, George has invested many years honing his skills as a golf professional. With over 22 years of experience at premier clubs in Illinois, his exceptional skill as a golf instructor culminated with being voted the Illinois PGA Chapter’s “Teacher of the Year” in 2000. George was Director of Golf at the Country Club of Decatur in Decatur, IL, and Shoreacres, another premier club facility in Lake Bluff, IL. Most recently, he has completed his fourth season as Director of Golf at Harborside International in Chicago. A former Master Instructor for 10 years at PGA National’s Academy of Golf, George studied under the tutelage of “Top 50 Instructor” Mike Adams. |
| | | Richard Terga, Assistant Teaching Professional & Club Fitter | | | A native of Miami, FL, Richard grew up attending the Jim McLean Golf School where he studied under all of the instructors including John Webster. He attended Florida International University in Miami on a full Golf Scholarship, where he launched his professional career in 2000 after being named a three-time First Team All-Conference player. For the last 7 years Richard has been competing on various mini-tour circuits including the Nationwide Tour, Gateway Tour, South American Tour, Asian Tour and the Minor League Golf Tour. Career highlights include shooting a Course Record 63 at Weston Hills Country Club during a US Open Local qualifier while earning Low Medalist Honors. In 2004 and 2005, Richard was an Assistant Golf Professional at the Bridge Golf Club in Bridgehampton, NY. |
| |
