
Matt is entering his 20th year as a PGA Master Professional in Coaching and Teaching. He is 1 of 184 in the world and the only active MP coach in the Tampa Bay area. He is a proud PGA award winner, member of the North Florida PGA Section and the PGA of America.
Born and raised in Kentucky, he calls Largo, Florida his home now. He attended the University of Tampa on a full ROTC scholarship. He graduated in 1991 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, 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 and Director of Instruction for Matt O'Keefe GOLF 2001-2025
FlightScope Certified Professional 2014
Golf Digest Schools Certified Instructor 2012
Arnold Palmer Golf Academy Certified Instructor 2000-2001
Saddlebrook Preparatory Academy Golf Coach 2000-2001
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 2020-2021
PGA HOPE / Adaptive Golf Certified by PGA of America 2021-Currently
Honors
2021 Patriot Award Recipient from the Kentucky PGA Section
PGA Master Professional in Coaching & Teaching since 2005
Only KPGA Professional to ever be awarded the PGA Specialty Certification for Teaching for the entire 9-year program
Only Kentucky PGA Professional to hold (8) different PGA Certifications
1st Kentucky Professional to be PGA Certified in 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
Class 'A' PGA member since 1999 / Twenty-two year member of Kentucky PGA Section
1 of 26 PGA Professionals world-wide to have earned all six original certifications
Teaching Seminars / PGA Summits
2025 North Florida Coaching Summit / May 29th Tara Golf & CC
2025 PGA Teaching and Coaching Summitt / Orlando, FL
2023 PGA Teaching and Coaching Summitt / Orlando, FL
2020 Completed PGA.Coach Certification (ADM)
2018 First Tee Level I Coaching Seminar / Augusta, GA
2017 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 - 2023
2020 Completed PGA.Coach Certification (ADM)
Born and raised in Kentucky, he calls Largo, Florida his home now. He attended the University of Tampa on a full ROTC scholarship. He graduated in 1991 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, 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 and Director of Instruction for Matt O'Keefe GOLF 2001-2025
FlightScope Certified Professional 2014
Golf Digest Schools Certified Instructor 2012
Arnold Palmer Golf Academy Certified Instructor 2000-2001
Saddlebrook Preparatory Academy Golf Coach 2000-2001
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 2020-2021
PGA HOPE / Adaptive Golf Certified by PGA of America 2021-Currently
Honors
2021 Patriot Award Recipient from the Kentucky PGA Section
PGA Master Professional in Coaching & Teaching since 2005
Only KPGA Professional to ever be awarded the PGA Specialty Certification for Teaching for the entire 9-year program
Only Kentucky PGA Professional to hold (8) different PGA Certifications
1st Kentucky Professional to be PGA Certified in 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
Class 'A' PGA member since 1999 / Twenty-two year member of Kentucky PGA Section
1 of 26 PGA Professionals world-wide to have earned all six original certifications
Teaching Seminars / PGA Summits
2025 North Florida Coaching Summit / May 29th Tara Golf & CC
2025 PGA Teaching and Coaching Summitt / Orlando, FL
2023 PGA Teaching and Coaching Summitt / Orlando, FL
2020 Completed PGA.Coach Certification (ADM)
2018 First Tee Level I Coaching Seminar / Augusta, GA
2017 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 - 2023
2020 Completed PGA.Coach Certification (ADM)
Coaching & Teaching Division
(since 2005) |
Specialty Certified in Teaching Golf 2004
Instruction 2008 Golf Operations 2008 Executive Management 2008 General Management 2008 Retail Management 2008 Ownership & Leasing 2008 Player Development 2018 |