Blackthorn Golf Academy is proud to provide lessons and schooling with two highly trained and certified golf experts.
Mr. Randy Anderson has been teaching professionally in the area since 1995.
Mr. Matt Harrell has been teaching professionally since he graduated from Professional Golfers Career
College in Temecula, California, in 2001. An Indiana native, he recently returned home proud to have successfully turned his passion into his profession.
Ready to Improve Your Swing? Call Us at (574) 213 8227 or Reserve Here
Randy is a native of South Bend, Indiana and graduated from Lasalle High School in 1985 and then Indiana University – Bloomington in 1991.
He has been a Golf Teaching Professional in the area since 1993. He has held numerous positions in the golf industry, such as
Dick’s Sporting Goods, Head Professional at Elcona Country Club.
Randy has been in the customer service business for over 30 years, has given over 10,000 lessons and is proficient in all forms of club repair.
Also, Randy is a certified club fitter for every major golf manufacturer,
including being on staff with TaylorMade making us a
Certified TaylorMade Fitting Center.
As well as Director of Instruction for Blackthorn OperatingGroup.
Matt is an Indiana native, who worked at Blackthorn before
graduating from New Prairie High School in 1999.
He went on graduate from the Professional Golfers Career College in Southern California in 2001 and then to Valley College in Los Angeles. After College, Matt lived in Los Angeles for the last 19 years.
While living in Los Angeles, Matt worked for a
series of high profile celebrity clients when he was not teaching golf.
Now he returns home to Blackthorn, eager to share his
knowledge and experience with our local golf community.
From the mental aspects of the game, inspiration and motivation, to refining those critical techniques needed to master the short game, Matt has learned how to find what works for the individual, so students can discover how enjoyable it is to play well as they improve.
"Randy has a unique way of tying in both the mental and technical aspects of the game, turning them into a simple, but effetive way to improve your golf game. He knows how to raise a player's game and how to maintain that level. I learned more about my golf swing in one lesson than I have ever know, I would recommend getting lessons from Randy to any golfer of any age."
Matt has been a great help to getting my game to shooting in the 70s consistently. Just had my best round to date of a 74 and it is with the lessons that I have taken with Matt, specifically the short game of 80 yds. and in that got me to this point. Matt is very helpful and explains things very well and in a way in which you understand, tailoring his lessons to each individual. He also doesn't watch his watch while he is teaching. I have had lessons prior where their convictions will not allow them to go a minute over time but Matt will stick around a little longer when he can. I will be taking more lessons with Matt and recommend you do too!
"I had fun with Coach Randy, I can't wait for my next lesson!"
I'm a 55 year old who has been a mid teens handicap golfer my whole life. Earlier this year, my game completely fell apart. On a recommendation from a friend, I took a lesson with Matt. 5 minutes into the lesson, I knew Matt was going to help. He simplified the game like no one else ever has for me. He talked in terms that made sense rather than hyper technical terminology that I've heard from other instructors in the past. After a lesson, I was slightly better than where I had been years before. After a couple of lessons, I shot the best score I've posted in many years. By the end of this season, I'll post my best round ever. Most importantly, though, what Matt did was make the game fun for me, again. I couldn't recommend an instructor more highly than I do Matt. He's the best.
"Randy took ownership of my golf swing from the beginning. He doesn't focus on cookie cutter golf swings and completely developed my own swing. We completely broke down my swing and revamped it. Because of his attention to detail, the results came so much faster."
Matt Harrell has completely changed my game for the better. He explains things simply but thoroughly. I came in shooting in the mid-high 80s with the occasional 82. Now breaking 75 on a good day and rarely shoot over 82. If you need someone that helps to make the game easier, find Matt.
"Randy is the best teaching professional I have ever worked with. His knowledge of the game of golf showed at each lesson. Many times, he would stop by while I was working on my game outside of our lessons and check on me on his own time. If your game needs help in any area, no matter your age or gender, this guy can help you."
Matt is a great instructor! Only had 2 lessons but in those 2 lessons I've already learned so much. Any skill level that wants help improving their game, I suggest reaching out to Matt.
"Matt is an exceptional instructor! He is invested in the success of each of his clients and can work with any client regardless if they have been playing golf for a while or are new to the sport. Matt has helped me choose clubs and improve my swing. He's helped fix my swing using different golf tools and analyzers. Can't recommend him highly enough and he's got a great attitude."
"Randy has a very good golf brain. He knows everything about the game and has used his knowledge to help me and others become better players. He is a great person, very friendly and creates gooed relationships with everyone. That's important in a golf coach because you need someone who teaches well, but also is enjoyable to be around. Randy fits that mold."
"Matt does a wonderful job. He is very helpful, knowledgeable and definitely over extends himself.
He has been a great addition to the Blackthorn Family. Super nice guy and great instructor."
"Great lesson with Matt. Would definitely recommend."
Business Hours
Lessons Available by Appointment Only
Monday - Sunday