Golf Channel Academy with Kelley Brooke

Providing elite coaching for all skill levels and ages.

Regardless of the location or instructor you choose, our goal is to provide consistent, high-quality golf lessons. We harness advanced technology to fine-tune your swing and meet your specific goals. With Trackman, we analyze detailed aspects of your swing like launch angles and spin rates. V1 video analysis offers insights on how to enhance your swing, while K-Vest biofeedback addresses physical challenges and teaches correct positioning. For putting improvements, we use Sam Putt Lab and Eye Line aids to ensure a smooth roll. Additionally, our range of teaching aids and drills are designed to solidify your technique and achieve a technically sound swing.

Services Offered

Adult Programs Junior Programs

Golf Channel Academy Coaches

Find A Coach For Your Game

James Hong

Director of Instruction
  • Featured in November, 2016 and June, 2020 GOLF DIGEST    
  • Featured in June, 2020 GOLF WORLD
  • National Awards:

            – 2021-now GOLF.com Top Teachers to Watch

            – 2017-now Golf Digest Top Teachers in NY
            – 2014-now GRAA Top 50 Teachers in America

            – 2012 US Kids Golf Top 50 Master Teacher 
            – 2009-11 U.S. Kids Golf Top 50 Teacher       

 

  • Certified in:

            – Aimpoint Express
            – Titleist Performance Institute Level 2 Coach
            – US Kids Golf Instructor
            – 4DMotion & KVest 3D Biomechanics           

  • Advisor to Foresight Sports, 4DMotion Sports, Ikonik Golf
  • Swing Catalyst Brand Ambassador
  • Callaway Golf Staff Professional
Email: Jhgolfinstruction@gmail.com
Phone: 516.767.4812
   
 
“He’s not just one of the best teachers in America.  He’s one of the best on the planet.”  – Mike Adams, Golf Digest #2 Ranked Teacher, Golf Hall of Fame member
Personal Teaching Philosophy: Ever wonder why you can’t improve, or do what you’ve been told to do?  It’s because you are trying to fit a mold or model. There is NO ONE WAY to swing a club; you have YOUR way to swing consistently, based on what YOUR body allows you to do, not what a Tour Pro does. Using the latest technology (V1 video, Boditrak pressure mat, KVest, Flightscope radar launch monitor) everyone, from BEGINNER to ELITE golfer, can learn to play well.  None of my students swing the same way, which is why they all succeed ON THE COURSE, not just the range. We will spend time in the practice area making you swing better.  And then we will take it out on the course – yes, the course – to see if you PLAY BETTER too.

Eric Rheem

Head Golf Professional

Eric Rheem is the Head Golf Professional at Harbor Links Golf Course, bringing over a decade of experience to his role. Eric’s passion for golf began in 7th grade, when he first picked up a club. His love for the sport led him to compete in junior golf and various junior tours, setting the stage for a career built on dedication and continuous improvement.

Eric further honed his skills by attending the Professional Golfer’s Career College, where he majored in Golf Management. During his studies, he gained a comprehensive understanding of all aspects of the golf industry, from course operations to teaching, and developed a deep knowledge of the game. His commitment to the sport fueled his success in both amateur and mini-tournaments, where he continually challenged himself on the competitive circuit.

After earning his PGA Class A status, Eric transitioned to professional golf, competing in numerous tournaments while sharpening his playing skills. One of his proudest accomplishments was winning his most recent Assistant Professional Tournament, further showcasing his ability to perform under pressure. In 2024, Eric achieved a major milestone in his career by qualifying for the final stage of the U.S. Open, a testament to his dedication and skill.

Having worked at Harbor Links for over 10 years, Eric has had the privilege of teaching golfers of all levels— from juniors to seniors, and beginners to advanced players. His teaching philosophy is deeply rooted in both his personal playing experiences and the insights he has gained from top tour pro coaches. He incorporates these lessons to help students improve their games, offering a unique perspective as both a competitor and instructor.

Eric’s expertise goes beyond the classroom, as he continues to stay active in competitive golf. His diverse background and wealth of experience make him a well-rounded professional who is committed to fostering a love for golf and helping others reach their full potential.

Highlights

  • PGA Class A member Professional
  • Taylormade Staff Professional
  • US Kids Golf Certified Coach
  • PEAK/ Foresight Sports Certified
  • Head Professional at Harbor Links GC
           
E-mail: eric@brookemanagementgroup.com

Tel.: 516-767-4815
   
 
 

FORREST HAMLIN

Teaching Professional
  • 15th season at Harbor Links
  • 25-year member of the PGA of America
  • Former first assistant at the Cedarbrook Club
  • Titleist certified Fittingworks fitter
  • Certified US Kids Golf Instructor
           
E-mail: forresthamlin1959@gmail.com
Tel.: 516-455-5402
   
 
Personal Teaching Philosophy: While there are numerous ideas on how to swing a golf club, I believe the most effective way is to swing the golf club by its design.  A major part of the golf club’s design is its LIE ANGLE.  It’s this angle that creates the plane angle of the swing, what the clubhead’s arc should prescribe.  When the student swings on the correct plane, the clubhead will swing correctly through the ball and turf resulting in the desired trajectory, accuracy and distance.

SONNY DEFEO

Teaching Professional
  • Honorable Mention for 2014, 2015, 2018, & 2019 U.S Kids Golf Top 50 Teachers 
  • 9th season as Teaching Professional
  • US Kids Golf Certified Instructor  
  • Future’s Club Golf Instructor
  • Callaway Golf Staff Player
         
E-mail: Sdefeogolf@gmail.com
Phone: 516-287-0491
   
 
Personal Teaching Philosophy:  

There are two key words that I will continue to use, “Trust” and “Patience”.  You must always TRUST what you are doing to accomplish a desired result.  There cannot be any doubt or lack of confidence as to what type of shot you want to pull off.  To understand this point you must have a tremendous amount of PATIENCE.  We all want to improve, but we must allow for some bumps along the way.  If a person is going through a swing change they must accept the fact it will not happen overnight.  But through PATIENCE and TRUST a player can improve significantly if hard work is put in.  

 

JOHN ROONEY

Teaching Professional
John has been involved in the golf industry for two decades and coaching since 2012. He has given thousands of lessons and has worked with players of all skill levels. He played collegiate golf and then competitive tournaments and coached many junior athletes to compete at the high school and collegiate levels. 
 
He has conducted clinics nationally in Arizona, Florida and California. John has also been a Lead Instructor for Florida Golf Schools and has developed the curriculum and execution of an entertaining and motivational learning experience for beginners and advanced golfers. 
 
John received Honorable Mention in 2024 for the US Kids Golf Top 50 Instructors nationally.  
 
The approach he uses is results-oriented with a focus on maximum enjoyment of the game and scoring. Every student receives custom instruction tailored to their individual goals and capabilities and is provided a roadmap of how to practice and incorporate change into their game.
           
E-mail: jrooneygolf@gmail.com
Tel.: 646.856.9844
   
 

Achievements & Certifications:

  • International PGA
  • Golf Digest Certified Instructor
  • TPI Certified Level 1
  • Leadbetter/GolfZon Level 2 Certified
  • USGTF Teaching Professional
  • US Kids Certified Coach
  • Positive Coaching Alliance Member
  • Skilled Coaching Alliance Member

Pam Boccaccio

Teaching Professional

Pam stands as a beacon of excellence in the realm of golf instruction, boasting a wealth of experience and a relentless dedication to fostering growth and development within the sport. Recently serving as the Director of Programs and Instruction at the esteemed First Tee-Jersey Shore, she holds the esteemed title of Class A Teaching Professional of the LPGA, marking her as a true luminary in her field.

With an impressive tenure spanning over two decades, Pam has cultivated a profound understanding of teaching methodologies and program design, with a keen focus on nurturing talent and facilitating holistic growth. Under her guidance, the golf program at the Jersey Shore has flourished, garnering acclaim for its innovative approach and unwavering commitment to excellence.

Pam’s expertise extends far beyond the confines of traditional instruction. As a Level 4 Nationally Recognized Coach of the First Tee/PGA Tour, Golf Digest Certified Instructor, Operation 36 Certified Coach, and Level 1 US Kids Golf Certified Coach, she stands at the forefront of coaching excellence, equipped with a diverse array of tools and techniques to propel her students toward success.

         
E-mail: Pamb.lpga@gmail.com
Phone: 732-456-4936