Jeff Sorkness
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Website: https://thrivesports.us/coaches/jeffrey-sorkness/
Jeff joins our Foxtail Instructional staff in May of 2024. Jeff was born and raised in Santa Rosa, CA where he attended both Santa Rosa High School and Santa Rosa Junior College. In 1990, he was awarded a track scholarship to attend Arizona State University. He stayed in Arizona to raise his two sons, and he continues to live there part of the year.
He was taught under the tutelage of Tim Mahoney of the Golf Digest Schools, Scott Sackett of the Jim McLean Golf Academy, Mike Malaska, a Golf Digest magazine's top 100 golf instructor, and Michael Lamanna currently at The Phoenician Golf Club. Jeff has been a class 'A' golf professional since 2001.
Jeff is a teaching professional committed to guiding all golfers, whether a beginner or one with years of experience, to a better understanding of their golf swing. He believes in focusing on the fundamentals of the game by relaying the information in its simplest form.
He is returning to Sonoma County after teaching in Arizona, specifically at the Phoenician for the past 4 years. If you are interested in learning more, please schedule a lesson with him.
Val Verhunce
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Phone: (707) 799-0712
Val Verhunce started playing golf at the age of 6 under the direction of PGA Professionals in the Chicago land area. His junior career expanded and led him to a college scholarship. Current Class A PGA Member, and Sonoma State Men's Head Golf Coach. Val has sought advice and direction from top teaching instructors across the country. Val has mentored under Tony Penna, Paul Runyan, Hank Haney, Dave Pelz, and Butch Harmon. Val's approach is to define a player's physical ability and stature in order to develop the most efficient way of producing a consistent swing, thus helping the player reach his / her goals.
As an instructor and coach, Val believes it is important to understand how a player learns and communicates. If this can be defined, the learning and developmental process is quick to obtain. Val was recently honored the Northern California PGA Club Fitter of the Year and was also nominated as Teacher of the Year. "I enjoy the challenge of working with golfers of all levels but find working with beginner and juniors a real opportunity to share my passion of the game. Their eagerness to learn the game along with creating a platform that each individual feels comfortable is the key to learning and achieving the student's goals."
Chandler Helmholz
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Phone: (925) 586-7592
Website: www.chandlerpga.com
Chandler is a Class "A" PGA Professional from the Northern California section who loves coaching and can't wait to get started helping you achieve your goals. A Bay Area resident for over 30 years, Chandler has 28 years of golf experience with 8 years teaching at the professional level beginning at Green Valley Country Club in Fairfield, CA. Chandler's teaching philosophy emphasizes the importance of a correct grip, posture, and setup while incorporating concepts and ideas regarding swing plane and impact position from the minds of Dave Pelz, Butch Harmon, Bob Toski, Jim Hardy, Martin Chuck, Tim Mahoney, Dave Stockton, and Harvey Penick.
Chandler teaches using TrackMan 4 technology offering dual camera angles with instant replay of your swing from face-on and down the line. Every shot from your session is saved in your TrackMan account along with all of your videos and TrackMan data. Shot dispersion charts, trajectory lines, and voice over screen cast reviews are also included with every session. Cause and effect is clearly explained using immediate visual feedback.
James Fish
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Phone: (707) 548-2664
Founder and CEO James Fish is a certified USGTF (United States Golf Teachers Federation) golf instructor and performance coach who has worked in the Golf Industry since 1999.
James is also a certified hypnotherapist from the Alchemy Institute of Hypnosis in Santa Rosa and holds a Master’s Degree in Transformative Arts from JFK University. He employs his knowledge of Buddhist and Shamanic thought in his teaching methodology. Addressing both the inner and outer game, James directs his students to develop their focus using his uniquely designed exercises and techniques.
James is currently a Club Fitting Specialist for World Wide Golf and teaches at the Foxtail Golf Club in Rohnert Park, California. In August of 2021 James passed his test to become certified as a Master Teaching Professional and is now in his 14th year of Instruction..
"Coach" Will Eoff
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Phone: (707) 584-7766
Will is a lifelong golfer who played competitively in high school and has competed at the professional level in tournaments more recently. His method as a golf coach is to build sound fundamentals and then cultivate the players' unique abilities and skills. Will believes each player has a "Winning Edge" that they can develop to play their best. Will takes a wholistic view that brings into account the approach game, driving, equipment, fitness, mental side, mobility, putting, and short game of his students. He loves talking golf, so feel free to reach out to him or just stop by the golf shop and say "Hello".
• Assistant Golf Professional – Foxtail Golf Club
• First Tee Certified Instructor
• Scott Cowx Certified Instructor
• US Kids Golf Certified Instructor