Meet Dave Kelley of Golf Teaching Professional in Dickinson

Today we’d like to introduce you to Dave Kelley.

Dave, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I started playing golf 61 years ago at the age of 13. I played left-handed because my dad was a lefty and that was the only clubs available. I played little league baseball and knew I needed to be on the other side of the ball. I purchased my first set of clubs from the Salvation Army for a dollar. That set was a 4-wood, 17-iron, 19-iron and a putter. I still have that putter to this day. I played a lot of golf over the years but really got into it when I retired in 1993.

In 2001, I moved from Richmond, Texas to the Clear Lake area. My wife met a lady here who’s family owned two golf courses and she asked if I would be interested in coming to work there. When I interviewed, I told them I would be interested in helping run tournaments, fitting golf clubs and teaching. During the three years stint there, I ran one tournament, gave 150 odd lessons and became a club fitter, on my own, by contacting a club manufacturer and became a certified fitter. I also became certified by the Golf Teaching Federation of America. The owners wanting me to stay in the pro-shop collecting money and gave me no encouragement in pursuing my interview requests. On the side, I was teaching for America’s Favorite Golf Schools. While that was interesting it was lucrative for them but not for me.

In January of 2007, I came to the Links at Green Caye and have been there ever since. I have given almost 7,700 lessons to almost 1,600 students. My kids have ranged from age 2 to 82. I have many students on intermediate school and high school golf teams in the area. I have had several go on to college with golf scholarships and one student that, in my opinion, will someday play on the L.P.G.A. tour if she doesn’t get side-tracked.

The Links a Green Caye is a fantastic place to learn to play golf. It is a par 3, lighted, 9-hole golf course. We have 19 covered golf tees providing shade from the summer heat and protection from modest rain. We also have a chipping area and nine practice putting greens. Green Caye encourages kids, under 18, by offering discounts on lessons. All lessons include range balls and/or access to the course for playing lessons. If you are thinking of starting golf, Green Caye is a great place to do so. The ‘F’ in golf should stand for fun, not frustration. Come see us and learn the fundamentals and you, too, can start to enjoy fastest rising sport in the world.

Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Dave Kelley, Golf Teaching Professional – what should we know?
I have lots a patience and a good eye for the flaws in the golf swing. I also provide video analysis.

Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
My mentor is Steve Williams. Not the ex-caddie for Tiger Woods but my examiner when I became certified by the U.S.F.T.F. He recommended me to America’s Favorite Golf Schools. Additionally, I attended an extended certification school at his Texas Golf Academy. I have personally taken a number of private lessons from him improving my game and learning how to teach. I have taken many golf lessons from a number of golf pros in the Houston area and he is the BEST.

Contact Info:

• Website: davekelleygolf@comcast.net
• Phone: 281-639-3438
• Email: www.golfgreencaye.com