Meet the Cleveland Metroparks Academy of Golf Staff

John Fiander, Professional Golfers’ Association (PGA)
- 22 years of professional teaching experience
- 2003 Northern Ohio PGA “Teacher of the Year”
- PGA Specialty Teaching Certification
- Travel & Leisure Golf Magazine’s golf instructors “Master Class”
- Tips and Article have appeared in: PGA.com, USAToday.com, Cleveland.com and The Plain Dealer
- “I mold my teaching around the needs of the student. Every student is important.”

Tom Kochensparger, Professional Golfers’ Association (PGA)
- 25 years of professional teaching experience
- Compiled a 53-7 record as Head Golf Coach at Bishop Verot High School, Ft. Myers, FL
- Former and current students include a Greater Cleveland Amateur Champion Manakiki Course Champion and PGA Professionals
- 2005 NOPGA Team Match Play Champion
- “Golf is an individual game, and therefore should be taught to the individual’s needs.”

Mike Raby, Professional Golfers’ Association (PGA)
- 14 years of professional teaching experience
- PGA Master Professional
- Has been a rules official at PGA Tour qualifying events and Nike Tour events.
- “I stress improving the short game and building a swing based on balance and simplicity.”

Jeff Staker, Professional Golfers’ Association (PGA)
- 26 years of professional teaching experience
- 1996 Northern Ohio PGA “Junior Leader of the Year”.
- 1990 Cincinnati PGA “Junior Leader of the Year”
- Former instructor at Canterbury and Shaker Heights Golf Clubs
- “I urge my students to practice right, practice hard and have fun.”

Bruce Sherman, Ph.D.
- Ph.D. Exercise Physiology, Kent State University
- Advanced Certified Golf Fitness Instructor
- Director of Fitness of the JCC and JCC Golf Academy
- “My goal is to help golfers improve their performance, fitness and understanding of the science of the golf swing.”

2007 Private Lesson Rates

John Fiander $45/half hour, $80/hour with video analysis
(multiple lesson rate packages offered)

Tom Kochensparger $40/half hour, $70/hour with video analysis
(multiple lesson rate packages offered)

Jeff Staker $40/half hour, $80/hour with video analysis

Mike Raby $40/half hour