Myrtle Beach Golf Instructors

Mel Sole

Mel Sole has once again been named a “Top Teacher in the USA” by GOLF Magazine (February ’05 issue).

Former South African PGA Tour player Mel Sole is regarded by Phil Ritson as “possibly the best teacher I’ve ever come across”.

Mel has over 30 years of teaching experience gained internationally in South Africa, Canada and the USA. His unique approach to the mental side of golf has produced amazing results for golfers who have struggled for years. Mel’s diversified roster of clients includes stars in professional sports, CEO’s of Fortune 500 Companies, and many more golfers of all ages and skill levels.

GOLF Magazine consistently ranks Mel as one of the “Top Teachers in North America.” Mel is a teaching editor with GOLF TIPS Magazine and is the author of the recently published book, Golf Step-by-Step. Mel’s lessons have been featured in Golf Digest and GOLF Magazine.

Student Testimonials

“As someone who has been around athletic competition all my life, I can say, without reservation, that Mel Sole is the finest teacher I have come across in any sport.”
– Dave Hart, Director of Athletics at Florida State University

“Your golf school is the best thing that ever happened to my golf game. I won the City Championship only one month after my first golf school with Mel.”
– Sara Lowdermilk, Shreveport, LA

“Thanks to Mel and the excellent program I have significantly improved my game and, most importantly, I am loving golf! I strongly recommend this school to golfers of all levels.”
– Louis Adams, Arlington, VA

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Patrick Hofmann

A Distinguished Class A PGA Teaching Professional, Pat has nearly 25 years of combined golf experience as a playing professional and instructor of the game. He brings a vast knowledge of teaching and playing expertise to the Phil Ritson – Mel Sole Golf School. His simple, fundamental techniques have helped thousands of golfers at all levels. Several junior, collegiate and club champions are listed among those students who have had great success working with Pat.

Included among Pat’s special achievements:

• Low Pro winner in over a dozen Carolinas PGA Pro-ams
• Top 10 finisher in numerous Carolinas PGA events
• Nike Tour playing experience
• Author of golf instructional articles for Hilton Head Island and Myrtle Beach magazines
• Students achievements have ranged from Woman’s U.S. Open contestants to a 3 time club champion

We’re pleased to have this talented and enthusiastic instructor on our teaching staff.

Student Testimonials

“Pat was excellent as an instructor. Using Pat’s advice on my tee shots and also pitching and putting, I shot an 88 – which is EXCELLENT for me!”
– Tony Purrone, Plainview, NY

“A dynamic approach to teaching golf. Pat improved my game more in 3 days at the Ritson-Sole School than my local pros did in 10 years”.
– Michael Epstein, Swampscott, MA

“I’ve added 10-15 yards on my irons and my longest drive is over 300 yards! The more I play and “groove in” the new swing, the longer I get. My confidence has led me to set a goal of breaking 80 this year. Thanks for such a wonderful program!”
– Dr. Maurice Robinson, Talbott, TN

Tim Calcagno

Tim Calcagno is a Class A PGA Pro with 25 years of teaching experience. Tim enjoyed a stellar playing career as a junior and amateur at state and national level. Tim also played several Mini Tour and PGA events.

Teaching became a passion while he studied with Dr. Bob Rotella, David Leadbetter, Hank Haney, Jim Flick and other noted golf coaches and sports psychologists. Tim’s roster of students range from beginner golfers to PGA and LPGA players. Several of his junior and amateur students have become champions and some have attained college scholarships.

The enjoyment Tim feels when helping golfers make progress and reach their potential make him an outstanding instructor, and an asset to the Phil Ritson – Mel Sole Golf School.

Student Testimonials

“Tim has changed my life. I went from a 22 handicap from the white tees to a 12 from the Championship tees in one year.”
– John Lowder, Winston Salem, NC

“Tim has really helped us with our golf careers. He has a great eye for the swing and prescribes drills we can both understand and execute.”
– Eric & Brad Landis, Grand Blanc, MI

“Tim helped me when other professionals had given up on me. He corrected my problem in 15 minutes.”
– Ron Whitt, Lewisville, NC

Jennifer Shillington

Jennifer Shillington, born in Chatham, Ontario, Canada, began playing golf at the age of eight. During her playing days, Jennifer, was ranked # 1 in Ontario and # 2 in Canada before turning professional in 1994. With over 10 years of professional teaching experience, Jennifer is a member of the LPGA Teaching and Club Professional Division, and was staff instructor for the nationally acclaimed Phil Ritson – Mel Sole Golf School for 5 years. Jennifer works with each individual to personally evaluate and improve specific areas of each person’s game without forcing completely new methods. She teaches all skill levels, from beginners to several current LPGA Touring Professionals.

Student Testimonials

“Jennifer is an excellent teacher. She has an incredible ability to determine the student’s learning style and then has the knowledge of the game to instruct them accordingly. Her knowledge of the short game and full swing have been an enormous help to me. In 2000, I finished 4th in a major and 76th on the LPGA money list. By far my best year!!”
– Diana D’Alessio, LPGA Tour Player

“Jen is a great communicator and has been extremely effective in correcting my swing flaws. I like the fact that she won’t proceed to the next topic until she is sure her student has mastered the current correction”.
– Jeff Anderson, Chicago, IL

“As you know from my personality, I make my choices decisively, but with some care. I am congratulating myself on having chosen so wisely. Jen, you are an instinctive, supportive, and resourceful teacher. A gifted teacher.”
– Donald F. Stickles, Washington, CT