ABOUT MATT

PGA Award Winner

Alumni 1991

Member since 1996

Iraq Combat Veteran

Coaching & Teaching 2005

Congratulations to Matt for be nominated for the 2022 Kentucky PGA Teacher of the Year Award!

Matt O'Keefe is entering his 25th year as a teaching professional. He is 1 of 184 PGA Master Professional's in Coaching & Teaching in the country and the only one in Louisville, KY. He is a proud PGA award winner and member of the Kentucky PGA Section, along with the PGA of America.

Born and raised in Kentucky, he joined the United States Army after high school and spent the next six years on active duty with three overseas tours (Panama,Germany & Iraq). He attended the University of Tampa after being awarded a full-three year Army ROTC Scholarship and served an additional six years. He graduated with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Management. Matt turned professional in 1996 after passing the 36-hole PGA Playing Ability Test on his first attempt.

He joined the PGA of America in 1999 as a full Class "A" member. He earned his PGA Certified status in Instruction in 2004 and was awarded his PGA Master Professional status in Coaching & Teaching in 2005.

Matt has the ability to connect with his students both in an individual and group atmosphere. He focuses on each player's personal abilities and customizes his coaching accordingly.

Teaching Background

Owner of Matt O’Keefe GOLF / Director of Instruction 2001- 2022
FlightScope Certified Professional 2014
Golf Digest Schools Certified Instructor 2012
Arnold Palmer Golf Academy Certified Instructor 2000
Saddlebrook Preparatory Academy Golf Coach 2000
Instructor for the PGA Learning Center / Ryder Cup @ Valhalla Golf Club 2008
Level I Certified First Tee Coach 2018
Member of the KPGA Marketing Committee 2020-2022

Teaching Seminars / PGA Summits

2020 Completed PGA.Coach Certification (ADM)
2018 First Tee Level I Coaching Seminar / Augusta, GA
2015 PGA Teaching and Coaching Summit / Orlando, FL
2011 PGA Teaching and Coaching Summit / Port St. Lucie, FL
2009 PGA Teaching and Coaching Summit / Port St. Lucie, FL
Numerous Kentucky PGA Section Teaching Seminars 1999 - 2017
2020 Completed PGA.Coach Certification (ADM)

Honors

2021 Patriot Award Recipient from the Kentucky PGA Section
PGA Master Professional in Coaching & Teaching since 2005
The only Kentucky PGA Professional to ever be awarded the PGA Specialty Certification for Teaching during the 9-years of the program.
Only Kentucky PGA Professional to hold (8) different PGA Certifications
Ten-time nominee for 'PGA Teacher of the Year' in the Kentucky PGA Section
1st Kentucky Professional to be PGA Certified in both Instruction and Golf Operations 2004
Graduate of the Professional Golf Management Program (Scholarship Awardee) 1999
Qualified for and competed in the 2014 PGA Senior National Championship / Port St. Lucie, FL
Member of the Presidents Council since 2007
Class 'A' PGA member since 1999 / Twenty year member of Kentucky PGA Section
1 of 26 PGA Professionals world-wide to have earned all six original certifications
Former Army NCO & Officer: Graduate of Airborne, Air Assault, Rappel Master, Jungle Training and Army RANGER Schools / (4) combat tours with the 82nd Airborne Division