COLUMBUS, Ohio — It is with tremendous pride that the Southern Ohio PGA recognizes the twelve PGA of America Golf Professionals who have been named on Golf Digest’s Best Teachers in Every State list for 2026–2027. Recognized among the very finest golf instructors in Ohio, these professionals represent the depth of the Section’s teaching community, and their inclusion reflects both long-term excellence and ongoing contributions to the game.
- Pat Bernot, PGA — GOLFTEC Easton, Columbus
- Michael Deiters, PGA — GOLFTEC Blue Ash, Cincinnati
- Brian Jones, PGA — Kenwood Country Club, Cincinnati
- Tim Lambert, PGA – Tim Lambert Golf Academy, Lebanon
- Jimmy Logue, PGA — The Country Club at Muirfield Village, Dublin
- Chad Middaugh, PGA — Muirfield Village Golf Club, Dublin
- Gene Powell, PGA — Four Bridges Country Club, Liberty Township
- Brett Slater, PGA — Maketewah Country Club, Cincinnati
- Joe Stago, PGA — GOLFTEC Dublin
- Matt Starr, PGA — Meadow Links & Golf Academy, Cincinnati
- Ashley Thomas, PGA — Mark MacDonald Golf Academy, Fairfield
- Chase Wilson, PGA — Columbus Country Club, Columbus
This recognition is no small feat. It comes after rigorous selection by Golf Digest editors, who consider peer input, teaching reputation, methodology, and impact. The fact that the group of instructors from Southern Ohio run the gamut of golf teaching showcases the depth that exists in our Section.
Pat Bernot, a long-serving GOLFTEC instructor in Columbus, has been a fixture in Ohio instruction circles for years. Michael Deiters, also at GOLFTEC, brings advanced technology and teaching techniques into his coaching. Joe Stago’s presence at GOLFTEC Dublin adds further weight to the brand’s standing in Ohio instruction. The instructors based at private clubs–Brian Jones at Kenwood, Jimmy Logue at the Country Club of Muirfield Village, Chase Wilson at Columbus Country Club, Chad Middaugh at Muirfield Village Golf Club, Gene Powell at Four Bridges Country Club and Brett Slater at Maketewah Country Club — bring instruction within the walls of some of Ohio’s finest facilities. Their work and reputations are deeply embedded in their local club communities, where they’ve mentored members and players of all ability levels.
Ashley Thomas continues to make an impact with her coaching and instruction at the high school level and beyond, all in addition to her exceptional playing resume. Her students show up at the OHSAA state golf tournaments year after year and are huge reasons why she’s a mainstay on this ‘Best Teachers’ list. Matt Starr’s nationally renowned work with Veterans through PGA HOPE Southern Ohio sets an example of how golf instruction isn’t just about helping golfers play better, it’s also an chance to spread the therapeutic benefits of the game to those who need it. Tim Lambert, operating from his own academy in Lebanon, represents the entrepreneurial side of teaching in Southern Ohio, forging his own path and philosophy and now being recognized for it.
As these 12 professionals step into the 2026–2027 season, Ohio golfers — from beginners to elite amateurs — are in exceptional hands with being coached by some of the top minds in the nation. Their inclusion in Golf Digest’s list strengthens Ohio’s reputation as a state of serious golf instruction.