Overview
The Golf Academy at Orange County National is dedicated to growing the game of golf through player education and development. We take honor in coaching a wide range of junior talents, as well as introducing the game of golf to hundreds of new golfers every year. Our professionals teach each student at their own level and ability. We offer private and group lessons, golf schools and corporate clinics, and junior camps.
Our Mission
To provide professional and informative instruction and make sure that fun is always a part of the learning experience.
All lessons come with a detailed summary describing the changes that were made, and how to work on them. This eliminates the need to try and remember each word that was said during the lesson, and keeps you on track in your practice in the following weeks.
- Playing Lessons available upon request and pricing varies on the time of year.
- Private and Corporate Golf Clinics are available upon request.
Tony Keeton
Director of Instruction
tkeeton@ocngolf.com
(919) 333-9024
3 Lesson Package 5 Lesson Package
Originally from Hartlepool, England, Tony has over 20 years of teaching experience, working with players of all calibers, including PGA Tour winners, Champions Tour players, state champions and NCAA Division 1 nationally ranked players. Under the mentorship of Jim Hardy (current top 10 Golf Digest Instructor), the late Jim Flick (instructor to Jack Nicklaus) and Chris O’Connell (current instructor to Matt Kuchar and Golf Magazine top 100 member), Tony is a certified Master Golf Instructor and current World Golf Teacher’s Federation Top 100 instructor. With an accomplished junior golf career, Tony has competed against players such as Justin Rose, Sergio Garcia and Francesco Molinari. His extensive competitive play has armed him with a web of knowledge that he is passionate to share with his students as they strive to improve their golf games. Tony has taught out on the PGA Tour for the last five years at venues such as Augusta National, Pebble Beach, Bethpage Black and Shinnecock Hills but to name a few. “The golf swing is like a signature, no two are alike. Every student that I work with is unique, and I relish in the task of taking what they have and putting in the missing links.”
Flightscope Certified, Mitchell Golf Master-Clubfitter, USGTF Master Instructor Certified
Michael Brunson
Lead Instructor
mbrunson@ocngolf.com
407-756-6369
Schedule a lesson with Michael
Originally from Kansas City, Missouri, Michael has been teaching golf for 10 years and has been playing the game for 30. He has played at every level, from Junior golf all the way to Professional. With two professional wins and multiple top 5 finishes, Michael has extensive playing experience with some of the top players in the world such as Brian Davis, Chris Couch and Chase Koepka. He has worked with top Instructors such as Rick McCord, who was a PGA of America top 50 instructor, Greg Harrison, who has worked with tour players such as Bryson DeChambeau, Brendon Todd, and Lexi Thompson. Michael has also spent a lot of personal time learning directly from world-renowned short game specialist James Ridyard who works with top players such as Justin Rose and Franseco Molinari. Michael goes beyond teaching the basics of the golf swing and educates his students on the biomechanics. He also lends his expertise in course management with systems designed by Scott Fawcett such as Decade Golf and Aimpoint. Focusing greatly on the mental side of golf, he helps his students achieve lower scores with greater playing satisfaction. “If you can’t learn with the way I teach, then I will teach you the way you learn”
PGA of America Associate, Sportsbox 3D AI Certified, Flightscope Certified, ADM Certified, Fitness and Tournament Specialist
Earl Hawkins
OCN Certified Instructor
407-625-1550
Earl Hawkins has over 20 years of training under one of Golf Magazines’ Top 100 Instructors. Earl’s patience and dedication sets him apart from other instructors. His instruction approach focuses on the understanding of golfing fundamentals and etiquette, using a variety of mental and physical skill building techniques. In 2002, Earl Hawkins showcased these techniques teaching participants in the Tiger Woods’ Golf Clinic, in Orlando, Florida, one of the nations leading camps for juniors.
Stone Farquharson
OCN Certified Instructor
407-389-9205
Kathy Padgett
LPGA Class A Instructor
239-465-1761
Originally from Port Washington, WI Kathy has over 25 years of teaching experience at all
levels from juniors to adults and enjoys a very interesting story as to how she found her
passion for golf. While enjoying time in Hawaii she broke 80 for the first time in 1977. Decided
to see the Women’s NCAA women’s Collegiate Nationals while there to see if she could play
college golf, she decides to walk on at University of Arizona at age 26 in1978. Then qualifies
for her first US Women’s Open in 1979 in Fairfield CT. Qualifies for her 2nd US Women’s Open
in 1980 in Nashville TN, Qualifies for her 3rd US Women’s Open in 1982 in Sacramento ,CA.
Qualifies for her 4th US Women’s Open in 1986 in Dayton OH NCR CC.
Throughout the years she studied under the Rick Smith Golf Academy, PGA Tour Academy at
Tiburon Ritz Carlton Naples, Florida. Kathy then found her way out west to be with family. Golf
came calling again and her teaching skills came in demand again with Arizona Junior Golf
programs organized by Scottsdale Junior Guru. Dale Balvin. Also studied under Reid/West
Golf Academies
Kathy now finds her way back to Florida to be near her two sons Chase and Ross Padgett
with new Grandson Miles Carson Padgett.
Kathy’s specialty is Juniors. Kathy is a certified First Tee Coach. While in Naples, FL She was
instrumental in organizing Elementary, Middle School Golf Programming and 9 years as a High
School Naples Girls Golf Coach. Her students have made it to Division 1, Division 2, Drive chip
and putt to the finals at the Masters. Kathy is A Certified LPGA Class A Instructor
She is qualified to teach all levels beginners to advanced and has earned the label “swing
specialist” for diagnosing the swing but explaining the correction easily. She loves using “drills”, in other words, she gives “homework”!
Golf Schools
Golf Schools are booked on a case by case basis and can be catered to the needs of the students. We offer the following…
- One on one, multi-day instruction
- Multi-day group instruction
- Short game instruction
- Playing Lessons
- On site lodging
- Club fitting/adjustment
- Lunch
Golf Schools fully customizable based on number of attendees and time desired, please inquire with instructor for more information.
All golf schools are packaged to the specification of the students and can be tailored to offer the best experience possible!
Click on date to sign up for the Free Junior Golf Experience.
Requests to provide golf instruction from individuals or groups who are not current partners of Orange County National will not be permitted.
Dress Code
No denim allowed on the golf course or practice facilities. Collared shirts or golf attire is required.
Cancellation Policy
We reserve the right to charge a $75 fee for any lesson that is canceled without a minimum 24-hour notice.
Please use the form below to contact us. We will get back to you as soon as we can!