GOLF Magazine’s Top 100 Teachers 2026-27: Hall of Fame Inductees

Since 1991, GOLF’s Top 100 Teachers in America franchise has established itself as the preeminent list for recognizing excellence in golf instruction. Our rigorous selection process helps us identify the most talented, innovative and dedicated golf instructors in the United States, and every member shares our vision of providing the best golf instruction to players of all levels.

As GOLF continues its mission to educate, inspire and engage golfers around the world, we will work with our Top 100 teachers to lead the charge. Together we offer you everything you need to become a better and more complete golfer.

Below you will find the group of instructors who have been among the best of the best over the past thirty-plus years: our Top 100 Teacher Hall of Famers.

How we choose our Top 100 teachers

The biennial process is powered by the Top 100 Teachers Credentials Committee and is the only national golf instructor search that combines external academic and PGA peer review.

Applicants are screened against a series of criteria that evaluate their educational experience and achievements, student portfolio and peer ratings, along with their overall commitment to the growth of the game, both through volunteer work and their ability to use digital platforms.

Along with the public application, candidates are nominated by the PGA, LPGA and others. The committee assesses an average of 250 applications before selecting the new members.

MORE: Meet the top 100 teachers in America
MORE: Meet the Lifetime Achievement teachers
MORE: Meet the top 100 alumni teachers
MORE: Meet GOLF’s teachers to watch

GOLF’s Top 100 Teachers Hall of Fame 2026-27

Mike Adams
Bedminster Township, NJ

Chuck Cook
Austin, Texas

Hank Haney
McKinney, TX

Jim Hardy
Houston, Texas

Butch Harmon
Henderson, Nev.

Michael Hebron
Smithtown, NY

David Leadbetter
Orlando, FL.

Jack Lumpkin
St. Simons Island, Georgia.

Mike McGetrick
Gainesville, Va.

Jim McLean
Miami, FL.

Eddie Merrins
Los Angeles, California.

Dave Pelz
Austin, Texas

Dr. Jim Suttie
Naples, Fla.

Bob Tosky
Coconut Creek, Florida.

Gary Wire
West Palm Beach, Florida.