June 10, 2019
GOLF Magazine has released its list of America’s Top 100 Teachers in America for 2019, and to no surprise, the Pinehurst Golf Academy’s Eric Alpenfels is on it – again.
The Director of the acclaimed Pinehurst Golf Academy and a Master Golf Professional, Alpenfels has consistently been named among the game’s best instructors throughout his career in teaching and in research.
“It’s an honor and humbling to be included on GOLF Magazine’s Top 100 list,” Alpenfels said. “These are some of the finest and most respected instructors in the game today, and I’m proud to be associated with them.”
Alpenfels has been featured on the list since 2001. Only 13 other teachers have been on the list longer than Alpenfels.
“Since its inception in 1991, GOLF’s Top 100 Teachers in America franchise has established itself as the industry standard for recognizing excellence in coaching,” writes Luke Kerr-Dineen, GOLF Magazine’s Instruction Editor. “We hold ourselves to a rigorous process in a quest to highlight the most innovative, committed and accomplished teachers in the country.”
Alpenfels is devoted to continuing education in golf, and in partnership with Dr. Bob Christina, the Pinehurst Golf Academy continues to conduct research to pioneer the development of new practice techniques and innovative drills. Alpenfels has been a regular presenter at the World Scientific Congress of Golf at St. Andrews, and in addition to teaching at Pinehurst, he has served as an Adjunct Faculty member for the PGA of America Education Department. In 2013, Alpenfels attained Master Professional status in Teaching and Coaching, becoming one of the first two graduates of the program.
Alpenfels’ additional awards include the 2008 GOLF Magazine’s “Innovators of the Year” and the 2008 “OutstandingResearch Award” (shared with Dr. Christina) from the World Scientific Congress of Golf. In 2006, GOLF Magazine was awarded the “National Magazine Award” presented by the American Society of Magazine Editors based on Alpenfels’ research with Dr. Christina.
The Pinehurst Golf Academy offers a unique blend of situational practice and on-course instruction. Students enjoy a round of golf each day, so after working on skills on the practice range, players have the opportunity to transfer what they’ve learned to the golf course – with an instructor.
New members and the complete list will appear in the April print issue, and is online at Golf.com.