The Villages Golf Academy
BRAND NEW from the Academy.
Now you can reach out to your favorite TheVillages golf instructor directly via email!
The Villages Golf Academy - Instructors
- Trent Reeves
- Nicole Gerome
- Craig Griffin
- Joey Hidock
- Janet Coles
- Gibby Gilbert
- Wade Martin
- Meagan Rice
- Suellen Northrop
- Tom Talbott
- Mitch Adcock
- Artie McNickle
- Jimmy Marston
- David Sherman
Trent Reeves PGA
Senior Manager of Golf Academy
Trent Reeves, PGA member since 1994, including his time as Director of the Dave Pelz Scoring Game School in Boca Raton, Florida where he coached more
than 100 tour players. He also competed in various mini tours and PGA section events. Trents teaching style focuses on keeping golf simple, natural,
and athletic. He helps students understand the golf swing in an easy, relaxed way, making the game more enjoyable.
Nicole Gerome, US Kids Certified Coach
Golf Coach for 'Newbies'
Palmer Legends
Nicole Gerome is a playing professional who has competed on mini tours nationwide.
While she still enjoys competing, her true passion is coaching. With over five years of
experience, and U.S. Kids certification, Nicole teaches players of all ages and skill levels; from beginners to tour pros. Mentored by two Plane Truth instructors, she sees golf
as a puzzle and uses simple, effective methods to help students put the pieces together.
Craig Griffin, PGA
Sarasota Practice Center
Craig Griffin, PGA member since 1998, caddied on the PGA Tour for players Mark OMeara and David Gossett. He is
equally skilled at playing left and right-handed, which gives him insight to teach both. Craig tailors each lesson to the students needs while creating a relaxing learning environment.
He believes in teaching each student to use their individual ability to make improvements to their game.
Joey Hidock
U.S. Kids Certified Coach
Sarasota Golf Practice Center
Joey Hidock has been a PGA member since 1999. He received the Player Development Award in 2018 and 2024, the Presidents Award in 2001 from the North
Florida Section, and recently the 2026 Deacon Palmer Award. He was named among the Golf Digest Best Teachers in the State of Florida (2009-2013)
and is a U.S. Kids Top 50 Instructor. Known for his passion and ability to inspire, Joey motivates golfers to improve and reach their potential.
Janet Coles
Former LPGA Tour Player
Central Lake
Janet Coles, LPGA member since 1977 and UCLA scholar athlete, played on the LPGA Tour for 12 years with multiple tournament wins and 12 U.S. Open finishes.
She earned the spot as the #1 putter on tour for three consecutive years. Janet found her niche teaching golf and became a member of the Golf Digest Pro Panel
Staff. She develops players emphasizing the simplicity of fundamentals and teaching impact dynamics to all ages at every level of golf.
Gibby Gilbert
former Tour player
Central Lake
Gibby Gilbert, III, son of PGA Tour winner Gibby Gilbert, has been a PGA Tour member since 1990 with experience as a player and coach. A former University of
Tennessee golfer, he went on to compete on the Korn Ferry, Sunbelt Senior and Champions Tours, winning the 2019 Champions Tour Qualifying Tournament.
Gibby shares his expertise, helping golfers of all levels reach their potential.
Wade Martin, PGA, Youth Development Manager
U.S. Kids Certified Coach
Central Lake
Wade Martin, PGA member since 1990 and U.S. Kids Certified Coach, was named a Top 50 Master Kids Coach in 2018. He co-founded The Villages Junior Golf Academy, now with 100+ members, and has
earned the NFPGA ECC Youth Player Development Award three times. As coach of The Villages High School boys team, he has led them to multiple district
titles and state finals, tailoring his instruction to each golfers unique learning style.
Meagan Rice
Golf Coach for Newbies
Central Lake Golf Academy
Meagan leverages 10 years of tournament golf. She believes learning golf should be made simple within an individualized and
welcoming environment. Meagan combines experience with a passion for teaching the game in all facets. She aims to share a
full picture of the game to help golfers reach their best while having fun.
Suellen Northrop, LPGA
Palmer Legends
Suellen Northrop has been LPGA member since 1976 and is a Level Three Plane Truth Instructor. She has taught at top facilities, had her own
golf school and helped launch the Chautauqua Golf Learning Center in New York. Passionate about teaching, Suellen tailors her teaching approach to
each students physical abilities and learning style to help them improve and enjoy the game.
Tom Talbott, PGA
AimPoint Cerified Instructor
Sarasota Golf Practice Center
Tom Talbott, a PGA member since 1995, is a former Colorado PGA Teacher of the Year and was named to Golf Digests - Best Teacher in State - list for 10
consecutive years. He is also certified in AimPoint, a green reading technique used by many top professionals.
Tom combines technical expertise with a passion for helping golfers enjoy the game and achieve their personal goals.
Mitch Adcock
Former PGA & Champions Tour Player
Central Lake
Mitch Adcock, a PGA Tour member since 1978. He began his PGA Tour career after graduating from Mississippi State University with ALL SEC honors. Mitch brings
his vast knowledge and tour experience to enable students of all levels to achieve their potential with their golf game.
He looks forward to sharing his passion and expertise with his students.
Artie McNickle
Former PGA & Champions Tour Player
Palmer Legends
Artie McNickle, PGA member since 1976, a former PGA Tour professional with 15 years of competitive experience, including four runner-up finishes,
two Masters appearances and top 20 finishes in the PGA Championship and U.S. Open. He has over 20 years of experience as Director of Instruction
with Jim McLean & Jimmy Ballard. His teaching uses a simple building block approach to make learning enjoyable and effective,
helping golfers find the best path to improvement.
Jimmy Marston
PGA
Sarasota Golf Practice Center
Jimmy Marston, PGA member since 1994, which includes coaching, teaching and touring experience. He has competed on the Nike Tour, and won multiple PGA Section
events. Jimmy coached at Kennesaw State University, The Villages High School and country clubs across several states. He focuses on smarter on-course decision making and steady
skill improvement for all levels of players.
David
Sherman
PGA, U.S. Kids Certified Coach
4 Putting Elements Certified Instructor
Lopez Legacy
David Sherman, PGA member since 1988 and U.S. Kids Certified Coach. He has led junior and player development programs in Texas and served as Head Mens
& Womens Coach at Hardin Simmons University, where he guided teams to five National Championships and earned NCAA Coach of the Year honors twice.
David helps students of all ages and skill levels to reach their best for a more enjoyable game
Wade Martin, PGA, Youth Development ManagerU.S. Kids Certified Coach
Central Lake
Wade Martin, PGA member since 1990 and U.S. Kids Certified Coach, was named a Top 50 Master Kids Coach in 2018. He co-founded The Villages Junior Golf Academy, now with 100+ members, and has
earned the NFPGA ECC Youth Player Development Award three times. As coach of The Villages High School boys team, he has led them to multiple district
titles and state finals, tailoring his instruction to each golfers unique learning style.
Meagan Rice
Golf Coach for Newbies
Central Lake Golf Academy
Meagan leverages 10 years of tournament golf. She believes learning golf should be made simple within an individualized and
welcoming environment. Meagan combines experience with a passion for teaching the game in all facets. She aims to share a
full picture of the game to help golfers reach their best while having fun.
Suellen Northrop, LPGA
Palmer Legends
Suellen Northrop has been LPGA member since 1976 and is a Level Three Plane Truth Instructor. She has taught at top facilities, had her own
golf school and helped launch the Chautauqua Golf Learning Center in New York. Passionate about teaching, Suellen tailors her teaching approach to
each students physical abilities and learning style to help them improve and enjoy the game.
Tom Talbott, PGA
AimPoint Cerified Instructor
Sarasota Golf Practice Center
Tom Talbott, a PGA member since 1995, is a former Colorado PGA Teacher of the Year and was named to Golf Digests - Best Teacher in State - list for 10
consecutive years. He is also certified in AimPoint, a green reading technique used by many top professionals.
Tom combines technical expertise with a passion for helping golfers enjoy the game and achieve their personal goals.
Mitch Adcock
Former PGA & Champions Tour Player
Central Lake
Mitch Adcock, a PGA Tour member since 1978. He began his PGA Tour career after graduating from Mississippi State University with ALL SEC honors. Mitch brings
his vast knowledge and tour experience to enable students of all levels to achieve their potential with their golf game.
He looks forward to sharing his passion and expertise with his students.
Artie McNickle
Former PGA & Champions Tour Player
Palmer Legends
Artie McNickle, PGA member since 1976, a former PGA Tour professional with 15 years of competitive experience, including four runner-up finishes,
two Masters appearances and top 20 finishes in the PGA Championship and U.S. Open. He has over 20 years of experience as Director of Instruction
with Jim McLean & Jimmy Ballard. His teaching uses a simple building block approach to make learning enjoyable and effective,
helping golfers find the best path to improvement.
Jimmy Marston
PGA
Sarasota Golf Practice Center
Jimmy Marston, PGA member since 1994, which includes coaching, teaching and touring experience. He has competed on the Nike Tour, and won multiple PGA Section
events. Jimmy coached at Kennesaw State University, The Villages High School and country clubs across several states. He focuses on smarter on-course decision making and steady
skill improvement for all levels of players.
David
Sherman
PGA, U.S. Kids Certified Coach
4 Putting Elements Certified Instructor
Lopez Legacy
David Sherman, PGA member since 1988 and U.S. Kids Certified Coach. He has led junior and player development programs in Texas and served as Head Mens
& Womens Coach at Hardin Simmons University, where he guided teams to five National Championships and earned NCAA Coach of the Year honors twice.
David helps students of all ages and skill levels to reach their best for a more enjoyable game
